Trades & Labor San Diego, CA Pop. 1,386,932

Electrician Salary in San Diego, California

The median electrician salary in San Diego, CA is $88,553 per year, which is 47.0% above the national median and 2.8% above the California state average.

City Median
$88,553
vs State Avg
+$2,410
vs National
+$28,313
Cost of Living
142%

Electrician Pay in San Diego: What to Expect (2026)

San Diego offers a median electrician salary of $88,553, which is $2,410 above the California state average of $86,143. Compared to the national median of $60,240, San Diego pays above average for this role.

However, San Diego's cost of living index is 142%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $88,553 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $62,361. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Diego should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for electricians in San Diego spans from $54,978 at the 10th percentile to $147,294 at the 90th percentile — a $92,316 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,450, while senior electricians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $139,650. As a major metro area with a population of 1,386,932, San Diego typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Electrician Salary in San Diego by Experience

In San Diego, an entry-level electrician earns around $51,450, while experienced professionals earn up to $139,650 per year. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,450
+$16,450 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$91,140
+$29,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$139,650
+$44,650 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Diego, CA

Percentile San Diego
10th Percentile $54,978
25th Percentile $68,502
Median (50th) $88,553
75th Percentile $116,718
90th Percentile $147,294

Electrician Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Electrician in San Diego

Education

Most electrician positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. San Diego and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Electrical SystemsBlueprint ReadingNEC CodeTroubleshootingSafety ProtocolsPower Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, electrician employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in San Diego may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Electrician Jobs in San Diego

Browse open electrician positions in San Diego, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Electrician Salary in San Diego

How much does a Electrician make in San Diego, CA? ▼
The median electrician salary in San Diego, California is $88,553 per year, which is 47.0% above the national median of $60,240. Salaries range from $54,978 (10th percentile) to $147,294 (90th percentile).
How much does a Electrician make per hour in San Diego? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $88,553, a electrician in San Diego earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Diego compare to the California state average for electrician pay? ▼
San Diego's median electrician salary of $88,553 is 2.8% above the California state average of $86,143. The local cost of living index is 142% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Diego, CA? ▼
San Diego has a cost of living index of 142% compared to the national average. This means a electrician salary of $88,553 in San Diego has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a electrician in San Diego? ▼
Most electrician positions in San Diego require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Electrical Systems, Blueprint Reading, NEC Code, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.