Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Scranton, PA: $43,105 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Scranton, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $43,105 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scranton's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $46,074 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,014) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, individuals entering the electrician field in Scranton, Pennsylvania, can expect a starting salary of approximately $43,105, which is a considerable gap from the median annual salary of $71,014 for seasoned electricians in the area. For new graduates, this initial earning potential can gradually improve as they accumulate experience—significantly rising to around $51,948 within the first few years. The growth trajectory within the Scranton market is favorable, with anticipated annual advancements that can set new electricians on a path toward reaching the median salary as they develop their skills and gain on-the-job training. Scranton presents a competitive landscape for emerging electricians, offering a solid foundation for recent graduates to build their careers in an economically viable city.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scranton
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 Scranton
Entry-level electricians in Scranton, PA typically start between $43,105 and $51,948 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $77,580 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,014 — 10.05% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Pennsylvania of $17,000 represents just 39.44% of the starting electrician pay ($43,105/year) in Scranton. 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 Scranton
- 1Research the Scranton market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $43,105 to $51,948, 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 PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scranton, 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 Scranton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scranton'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 Scranton is $77,580 ( 179.98%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $43,105, experienced hygienists can earn up to $120,685.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,600
2025 BLS Actual
$42,210
2026 Current Est.
$43,105
2019–2027 Growth
+27.2%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,600 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,600 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,440 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,270 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,000 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,210 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,105 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44,019 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Scranton, PA grew 22.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,600 in 2019 to $42,210 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $44,019. New graduates entering the Scranton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton 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 Scranton
Employer engagement in Scranton centers around both union and non-union opportunities. The IBEW/NECA's Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee is a popular choice for many new graduates, providing a structured pathway through a 4-5 year apprenticeship that enhances skills in a supportive environment. Non-union contractors also recruit apprentices, often featuring a hands-on training approach that allows for immediate integration into their teams. To elevate starting pay, credentials such as a journeyman electrician license can be pursued after completing the necessary training, with potential higher earnings available for those who achieve a master electrician license or specialize in lucrative areas such as industrial controls and solar energy systems. In this thriving market, realistic salary growth can be observed within the first few years, especially for electricians positioned in union markets, which may pay upwards of 30-50% more compared to their non-union counterparts while offering additional benefits and pension plans.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Scranton in 2026?
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Is electrical school worth it in Scranton?
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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 Scranton. 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