Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Elizabethtown, KY: $38,397 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Elizabethtown, KY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $38,397 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Elizabethtown's local price level (BEA RPP 90.6 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,394 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($55,615) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting an electrical career in Elizabethtown, KY can yield promising initial compensation for new graduates. Those entering the field can expect a starting electrician salary in Elizabethtown to be around $38,397, which is notably lower than the city's median annual salary of $55,615. This creates a gap that entry-level electricians will strive to bridge as they gain experience. Within the first several years, electricians can anticipate earning around $46,444 at the 25th percentile, potentially reaching the median salary as they accumulate skills and knowledge in the trade. With a growth rate of 2.12% projected over the next few years, Elizabethtown presents a solid market for entry-level electricians, especially with ongoing infrastructure and utility projects in Kentucky driving demand for skilled labor.
Career Earnings Timeline in Elizabethtown
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabethtown
Entry-level electricians in Elizabethtown, KY typically start between $38,397 and $46,444 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $35,477 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $55,615 — 13.82% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Kentucky of $8,000 represents just 20.83% of the starting electrician pay ($38,397/year) in Elizabethtown. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect registered apprenticeship training through NECA/IBEW JATCs or independent electrical contractors. Costs cover union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction. Non-union trade school pathways cost more but are shorter.
ELEC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Elizabethtown
- 1Research the Elizabethtown market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $38,397 to $46,444, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical field — employers in KY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Elizabethtown, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Elizabethtown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Elizabethtown's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrician Compensation Range
The electrician wage spread in Elizabethtown is $35,477 ( 92.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $38,397, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,874.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,120
2025 BLS Actual
$37,600
2026 Current Est.
$38,397
2019–2027 Growth
+8.6%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Elizabethtown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $33,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $37,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38,397 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39,211 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Elizabethtown, KY grew 4.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,120 in 2019 to $37,600 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $39,211. New graduates entering the Elizabethtown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabethtown metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.12% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical Career in Elizabethtown
At the local level, various employers in Elizabethtown actively recruit new graduates to meet their workforce needs. Union programs like the IBEW's Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) provide structured training that encourages fresh talent, while non-union contractors typically participate in the ABC apprenticeship programs, focusing on practical experience. For those looking to enhance their starting electrician pay in KY, obtaining credentials such as a journeyman's license, or obtaining specialized OSHA safety training can significantly boost opportunities. In the early years, electricians who continue their education remain competitive; specialties in industrial controls or renewable energy will command top pay rates. Realistically, those beginning their careers may see their earnings increase as they gain visibility in growing sectors, such as solar and EV infrastructure, paving the way for advancement in this vibrant local market.
More salary data for Elizabethtown, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical graduates. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Elizabethtown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.12%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electricians (SOC 47-2111).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov