In San Diego, CA, Electricians earn a median of $72,680 a year — about 7% above the U.S. median of $67,810. Among the 50 metros tracked here for this role, that ranks #14.
What that pay is worth in San Diego
Local prices run 112 on the BEA cost-of-living index (U.S. = 100), so a $77,410 salary buys less than it looks — about $69,186 in national-average buying power.
Can Electricians afford a home in San Diego?
A typical San Diego home runs about $848,500 — 11.0 times the average Electrician salary, a stretch against the classic 3x rule of thumb. Median rent near $2,223/mo takes roughly 34% of gross pay — above the 30% comfort line.
The Electrician pay ladder in San Diego
Entry-level (10th percentile) Electricians earn about $46,010; the top 10% reach $116,330 — a $70,320 spread, wide for this field. Most of that gap comes down to experience, employer, and how hard you negotiate.
The Electrician job market in San Diego
San Diego employs roughly 7,600 Electricians. It’s a sizable local market to build a career in.
Compare San Diego with other cities
See the full Electrician salary by city ranking to weigh San Diego against the other metros on both pay and cost-adjusted value, or use the cost-of-living calculator to compare any two cities directly.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Electricians make in San Diego?
The average Electrician in San Diego, CA earns about $77,410 per year, 14.2% above the national average of $67,810.
What is the take-home pay for Electricians in San Diego after taxes?
After federal and CA taxes, this $77,410 salary is worth about $60,154 a year - roughly $5,012 a month in take-home pay, an effective tax rate near 22%.
What do the highest-paid Electricians earn in San Diego?
The top 10% of Electricians in San Diego earn about $116,330 a year, versus about $46,010 for the bottom 10%.
Can Electricians afford a home in San Diego?
A typical San Diego home runs about $848,500 - roughly 11.0x this salary, a stretch by the 3x rule, so budgeting discipline matters.