Salary Data
Electrician Salary in Portland
$72,000
median salary, 11% above the national average
According to Orbyt's 2026 salary analysis, the average Electrician salary in Portland is $72,000. Salaries range from $55,000 (25th percentile) to $97,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Portland's cost of living.
Salary range
How Portland compares
Portland, OR
$72,000
Cost of living: 10% above average
National Average
$65,000
Portland is $7,000 above
Electrician job market in Portland
Portland market overview
Portland's tech scene is anchored by Intel's semiconductor campus and a strong cluster of sportswear and creative companies including Nike and Adidas. The city attracts professionals who value work life balance and sustainability. Salaries are moderate compared to Seattle, but the lower cost of living makes Portland a solid value proposition.
What drives Electrician salaries
License level (journeyman vs. master), union membership, and specialization are the primary factors. Industrial electricians and those working on high voltage systems earn significantly more than residential wirers. Overtime availability, geographic demand, and experience with renewable energy systems (solar, EV charging) also drive compensation upward.
Beyond base salary
Total compensation
Union electricians receive substantial benefits including pension contributions, health insurance, annuity, and apprenticeship funds that add 30 to 40% on top of hourly wages. Overtime at 1.5x to 2x the base rate is common. Non union electricians negotiate benefits individually, with more variation in total package value.
Tax considerations in Portland
Oregon has no sales tax, but state income tax rates climb to 9.9%. Portland adds a local arts tax and metro supportive housing tax. Factor these into your net pay calculations.
Career progression
Apprentice electricians earn $35,000 to $48,000 during their four to five year training. Journeyman electricians earn $55,000 to $80,000. Master electricians command $75,000 to $105,000. Electrical contractors who start their own business or move into project management can earn $100,000 to $150,000+.
Top industries in Portland
Negotiating in Portland
Highlight your willingness to work hybrid in Portland's tech campuses. Intel, Nike, and other major employers reward in person collaboration with higher compensation bands.