Electrician salary in San Diego, CA
Median pay, San Diego metro
$76,160/year
about $36.62 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $60,110 – $101,760
Half of electricians in the San Diego metro area earn more than $76,160 a year and half earn less. That's 21% higher than the national median of $63,190, and ranks #11 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $47,890 | $23.02 |
| 25th | $60,110 | $28.90 |
| Median (50th) | $76,160 | $36.62 |
| 75th | $101,760 | $48.92 |
| 90th (top earners) | $126,260 | $60.70 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a electrician job in the San Diego metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $60,110 ($28.90/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $60,110 to $101,760 ($28.90 to $48.92/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $101,760 ($48.92/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Pay usually rises with license level (apprentice, journeyman, master). Make sure the offer matches yours.
- Union and non-union roles can pay differently, especially once benefits and pensions are counted.
- Ask whether travel time, tools and overtime are paid.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, San Diego metro. Occupation: Electricians (SOC 47-2111). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.