Salary Data

Electrician Salary in Raleigh

$64,000

median salary, 2% below the national average

According to Orbyt's 2026 salary analysis, the average Electrician salary in Raleigh is $64,000. Salaries range from $50,000 (25th percentile) to $87,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Raleigh's cost of living.

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Salary range

25th Percentile

$50,000

per year

Median

$64,000

per year

75th Percentile

$87,000

per year

How Raleigh compares

Raleigh, NC

$64,000

Cost of living: 1% below average

National Average

$65,000

Raleigh is $1,000 below

Electrician job market in Raleigh

Raleigh market overview

Raleigh sits at the heart of the Research Triangle, one of America's premier tech and life sciences corridors. Cisco, Red Hat, Epic Games, and numerous biotech firms drive strong demand for engineering, research, and product roles. The combination of top tier universities and moderate living costs creates an exceptionally favorable salary to expense ratio.

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 Raleigh

North Carolina's flat 4.5% income tax keeps the burden low. Raleigh has no city income tax, and the Triangle's affordable housing amplifies your take home purchasing power.

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 Raleigh

TechnologyBiotech & PharmaHigher EducationHealthcareGaming

Negotiating in Raleigh

Cite Research Triangle talent competition in your negotiation. Employers here compete directly with each other and with remote offers, creating favorable leverage for candidates.

Electrician salary FAQ

Union electricians typically earn 15 to 25% more in total compensation than non union peers when factoring in pension contributions, health benefits, and guaranteed wage scales. Union apprenticeship programs also provide structured pay increases. Non union electricians have more flexibility in choosing projects and clients.

Industrial electricians working on high voltage systems, manufacturing equipment, and power distribution earn the most, typically 15 to 25% above residential electricians. Renewable energy specialization (solar installation, EV charging infrastructure) is a fast growing niche with increasing demand and premium compensation.

Electricians in Raleigh earn between $50,000 and $87,000 in 2026. The median salary is $64,000. Compensation varies based on experience level, company size, specific skills, and whether the position includes equity, bonuses, or other benefits.

Start by understanding the market range: $50,000 to $87,000 for Electricians in Raleigh. Research the specific company, prepare data points about your experience, and consider total compensation including equity, bonuses, and benefits. Orbyt's Salary Playbook provides personalized negotiation strategies based on your specific offer.

Top paying employers for Electricians in Raleigh are typically large technology companies, financial institutions, and well funded startups. Company size, industry, and funding stage all influence compensation. Using Orbyt to track and compare multiple offers helps you identify the best total package.

Electrician salary in other cities

Other salaries in Raleigh

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