Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Albany, OR: $62,671 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Albany, OR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,671 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Albany's local price level (BEA RPP 102.1 — 2% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,382 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($102,355) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Albany, the landscape for new electricians in 2026 reflects promising salary potential, particularly for recent graduates. The starting salaries for entry-level electricians are projected at $62,671, considerably lower than the city’s median annual salary of $102,355. New grads can expect a gradual increase in pay as they build experience, moving from entry-level earnings towards the 25th percentile at $87,159 within their first few years. Given the competitive nature of Albany's job market, along with a 2.12% growth rate, there are plenty of opportunities for aspiring electricians to establish a rewarding career in the electrical trades. Overall, Albany is a favorable market for newcomers, offering a well-defined salary trajectory that can appeal to those entering the profession.
Career Earnings Timeline in Albany
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 Albany
Entry-level electricians in Albany, OR typically start between $62,671 and $87,159 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,447 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $102,355 — 58.62% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Oregon of $17,000 represents just 27.13% of the starting electrician pay ($62,671/year) in Albany. 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 Albany
- 1Research the Albany market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $62,671 to $87,159, 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 OR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Albany, 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 Albany for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Albany's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrician Compensation Range
The electrician wage spread in Albany is $63,447 ( 101.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,671, experienced hygienists can earn up to $126,118.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$47,820
2025 BLS Actual
$61,370
2026 Current Est.
$62,671
2019–2027 Growth
+33.8%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,820 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,060 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,110 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,370 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,671 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,000 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Albany, OR grew 28.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $47,820 in 2019 to $61,370 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,000. New graduates entering the Albany job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Albany 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 Albany
Employers in Albany actively recruit recent graduates through a variety of pathways that enhance starting pay for electricians. Union-focused opportunities exist via the IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, which accepts apprentices into a structured 4-5 year training program. Non-union contractors, on the other hand, often provide apprenticeship roles through the ABC apprenticeship model, focusing on hands-on training. Additionally, sectors like industrial maintenance, utilities, and renewable energy are on the lookout for skilled workers, which can lead to elevated entry-level wages. Acquiring a journeyman electrician license and continuing education, such as OSHA safety certifications and specialized training in areas like PLC control or solar PV systems, can further boost earnings. In the first three years, electricians can expect steady salary growth, especially in specialized areas, with union market positions offering significantly higher compensation compared to non-union roles. This environment supports a strong start for those pursuing a career as an electrician in Albany, OR.
More salary data for Albany, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Albany in 2026?
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Is electrical school worth it in Albany?
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Related Pages
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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 Albany. 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