Electrician in Aurora, CO

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Electricians considering a move to Aurora, Colorado.

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The Salary Picture: Where Aurora Stands

If you're an electrician looking at Aurora, you're looking at a market that pays slightly above the national average, with strong job availability. The median salary for electricians in Aurora is $62,565/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.08/hour. This is a robust figure when you consider the national average for electricians sits at $61,550/year. Aurora isn't just matching the national average; it's edging it out, which is a positive sign for skilled trades in the region.

When we look at the broader metro area, the outlook is even more encouraging. There are currently 1,184 jobs for electricians in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 11%. This growth is driven by Aurora's continuous expansion, both in residential housing and commercial/industrial sectors. Compared to other Colorado cities, Aurora offers a competitive salary without the premium price tag you'd find in Denver proper or Aspen. While Denver's median might be slightly higher, the cost of living differential often makes Aurora a more financially sustainable choice for tradespeople. Boulder, with its tech and research economy, may offer higher wages for specialized electrical work, but Aurora provides a more balanced market with diverse opportunities.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in the Aurora market. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards, reflecting the median as a baseline.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000	Residential wiring, conduit bending, basic installations under supervision.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$58,000 - $70,000	Commercial/industrial work, troubleshooting, code compliance, project management.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000+	Lead electrician, complex systems (HVAC, controls), mentoring, estimating.
Expert / Master	15+ years	$85,000 - $120,000+	Business ownership, consulting, large-scale project design, teaching.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior often hinges on obtaining your Journeyman then Master Electrician license. In Colorado, a Master Electrician can pull permits and run their own business, which is where the real earning potential unlocks.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A median salary of $62,565 is a solid foundation, but what does it mean for your day-to-day life in Aurora? Let's break down a monthly budget for a single electrician earning the median wage.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary: $62,565/year)

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,214
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA - ~25%): $1,304
• Net Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,910

Now, let's factor in Aurora's cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,835/month. The Cost of Living Index for Aurora is 105.5, meaning it's 5.5% more expensive than the national average, but this is largely driven by housing.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Single Electrician:

• Rent (1BR): $1,835
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet, Water): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Fuel (Aurora is car-dependent): $550
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $300
• Savings/Retirement (10% of gross): $520
• Discretionary Spending: $55

Total Expenses: $3,910
Remaining Buffer: $0

This budget is tight but manageable for a single person. It leaves little room for high dining-out or entertainment costs, but it covers the essentials. The key is that Aurora's rent, while high, is significantly lower than Denver's average (where 1BR rents often exceed $2,100), making it a more viable home base.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the bigger question. With a net take-home of ~$3,910, qualifying for a mortgage can be challenging without a significant down payment. In Aurora, the median home price is roughly $450,000. A 20% down payment ($90,000) is a high bar. However, using an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$15,750) is more feasible. A monthly mortgage payment, including taxes and insurance, could be around $2,200 - $2,500. This would consume over 60% of the net take-home pay, which is not sustainable on a single median income. The verdict: On a single median salary, buying a home alone in Aurora is a stretch. It becomes more realistic with dual income, a higher-than-median salary, or after several years of career advancement and savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Aurora's Major Employers

Aurora isn't just a bedroom community; it's an economic powerhouse in its own right. The job market for electricians is diverse, spanning residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

1. Aurora Public Schools (APS): As the state's third-largest district, APS has a constant need for in-house electricians for maintenance, renovations, and new school construction. This is a stable, union-backed job with excellent benefits and a predictable schedule. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on energy-efficiency upgrades to older buildings.

2. UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital: Located on the Anschutz Medical Campus (which straddles Aurora and Denver), this is one of the largest employers in the region. Hospital work requires specialized knowledge of critical power systems, backup generators, and medical gas systems. Hiring Trend: Strong growth. The campus is in a perpetual state of expansion, and the complex electrical needs of a Level I trauma center ensure steady demand for skilled commercial electricians.

3. City of Aurora: The municipal government employs electricians for public works, street lighting, traffic signal maintenance, and public facility upkeep. These are civil service jobs with strong pensions and job security. Hiring Trend: Consistent. New infrastructure projects, like the expansion of the light rail system and broadband initiatives, create ongoing opportunities.

4. Residential Builders & Developers: Companies like Palmer Homes, Thrive Home Builders, and KB Home have a significant presence in Aurora's growing suburbs (e.g., Singing Hills, Northwest Aurora). These builders contract with electrical subcontractors for new home wiring. Hiring Trend: Cyclical but strong. Aurora's population growth fuels a steady pipeline of new residential developments.

5. Industrial & Manufacturing: Aurora has a robust industrial corridor, especially along the I-70 and I-225 corridors. Companies like Mitsubishi Electric (in nearby suburbs) and various data centers require electricians for installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial machinery and power distribution systems. Hiring Trend: Growing, with a focus on automation and renewable energy integration.

6. Major Electrical Contractors: Don't overlook the big regional players. Companies like M.C. Dean (though headquartered elsewhere, they have a major presence on the Anschutz campus), Siemens, and local outfit A-1 Electric are always bidding on large commercial and institutional projects. Hiring Trend: Project-based, but the volume of large-scale construction in the metro area keeps these firms busy.

Insider Tip: The most lucrative and stable work is often in the commercial/industrial sector, particularly with hospitals and data centers. These jobs require more specialized training (e.g., NFPA 70E for Arc Flash safety) but pay a significant premium over residential work.

Getting Licensed in Colorado

Colorado's licensing process is straightforward but requires dedication. It's administered by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Professions and Occupations.

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years): This is the foundational step. You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, which requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction. You can join through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 68) for a union path or through non-union programs like the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Rocky Mountain Chapter.

   • Cost: Apprenticeship programs are often paid for by the employer or union. You'll pay for books and tools (~$1,000 - $2,000 over 4 years).

2. Journeyman Electrician License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Colorado Statewide Journeyman Electrician Exam (based on the 2020 NEC). The exam fee is approximately $150. You must also submit an application to DORA with proof of your apprenticeship completion.

   • Timeline: 4 years from start of apprenticeship to licensure.
   • Total Estimated Cost (Exam & Application): ~$250.

3. Master Electrician License: To become a Master Electrician, you need 2,000 hours of work as a Journeyman and must pass the Colorado Statewide Master Electrician Exam. This license allows you to pull permits and run your own business.

   • Exam Fee: ~$150.
   • Timeline: Typically 1-2 years after becoming a Journeyman.

Important Note: Colorado does not have statewide reciprocal licensing agreements with all states. If you're licensed in another state, you must contact DORA to determine if your experience and exam meet Colorado's requirements. You may need to take the state exam.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Aurora is vast—over 160 square miles. Your choice of neighborhood impacts your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here are 4-5 areas to consider:

1. Southeast Aurora (Singing Hills, Saddle Rock):

   • Vibe: Master-planned communities with new construction. Quiet, family-oriented, with great schools.
   • Electrician Fit: Ideal if you work in residential new construction. You're close to major builders' projects. Commute to the Anschutz campus is 20-25 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,800 - $2,000/month.
   • Insider Tip: New construction here means lots of conduit bending and rough-in work. It's physically demanding but a great way to build hours quickly.

2. Central Aurora (Near Havana St. & 6th Ave):

   • Vibe: Established, diverse, with a mix of older homes and commercial corridors. More affordable.
   • Electrician Fit: Great for service electricians. You're centrally located for quick response times to residential and small commercial call-outs. Close to I-70 and I-225 for easy access.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,600 - $1,800/month.
   • Insider Tip: Older homes here (1950s-70s) often need panel upgrades and re-wiring—steady, lucrative service work.

3. Northwest Aurora (Near I-70 & I-225):

   • Vibe: Rapidly redeveloping, with new apartment complexes and commercial centers. Close to Denver.
   • Electrician Fit: Perfect for commercial/industrial electricians. You're near the airport, major logistics hubs, and the Anschutz Medical Campus. Commute to downtown Denver is 15-20 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,850 - $2,100/month.
   • Insider Tip: The area is seeing a boom in data center and logistics warehouse construction—high-value projects for commercial electricians.

4. Hoffman Heights / Aurora Highlands:

   • Vibe: A mix of older, affordable single-family homes and townhomes. Strong community feel.
   • Electrician Fit: Good for all-around electricians. Close to the Aurora Medical Center and major shopping centers. Reasonable commute to most job sites.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,700 - $1,900/month.

5. Downtown Aurora (Near City Hall & the Aurora History Museum):

   • Vibe: Urban, walkable, with a growing arts and dining scene. Older, character-filled buildings.
   • Electrician Fit: Best for service electricians specializing in historic home restoration or commercial tenant improvements. Not ideal for those who need quick highway access for large job sites.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR - often in older buildings): $1,500 - $1,750/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An electrician's career in Aurora is not a dead-end job; it's a ladder. The 11% 10-year job growth indicates a healthy market, but your personal growth depends on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Low-Voltage / Data: With the tech boom, electricians certified in fiber optics, security systems, and structured cabling can command a 10-15% premium.
  • HVAC & Controls: The integration of HVAC systems with building automation is a high-demand skill. Experience with VAV boxes, Building Management Systems (BMS), and smart thermostats is valuable.
  • Renewables & EV Charging: Colorado's green energy incentives are fueling demand for solar installers and EV charging station technicians. This is a growing niche for forward-thinking electricians.
  • Industrial Maintenance: Specializing in PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and motor controls in manufacturing plants can lead to salaries well into the six figures.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field to Office: Move from a journeyman to an estimator, project manager, or safety coordinator for a large electrical contractor.
  2. Entrepreneurship: Become a Master Electrician and start your own residential service company or small commercial electrical business. Aurora's growth supports new entrants.
  3. Government & Institutional: Move into a supervisory role with the City of Aurora, Aurora Public Schools, or a hospital system for a stable, pension-backed career.

10-Year Outlook: The push for energy efficiency, grid modernization, and the electrification of everything (from cars to heating) will keep electricians in high demand. Aurora's position as a growing city with aging infrastructure and new construction ensures a robust market for the foreseeable future.

The Verdict: Is Aurora Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salary vs. Cost: The median wage of $62,565 stretches further in Aurora than in Denver.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is improving but not sufficient for a tradesperson's needs.
Diverse Job Market: Strong opportunities in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors.	Rental Market is Tight: The $1,835/month average rent is high for a single median earner; budgeting is essential.
Growth & Stability: 11% job growth and a population of 394,701 indicate a healthy, expanding market.	Homeownership is a Stretch: On a single median salary, buying a home is difficult without a large down payment or dual income.
High Quality of Life: Access to Denver's cultural amenities, world-class outdoor recreation (Rocky Mountains), and a diverse community.	Competition: While there are many jobs, there are also many electricians. Specializing is key to standing out.

Final Recommendation: Aurora is an excellent choice for electricians, particularly those in the early to mid-stages of their career. It offers a balanced market where your skills are valued, and the cost of living, while not cheap, is manageable with careful budgeting. It's ideal for someone who is willing to specialize, work hard, and potentially start their own business down the line. If you're a family looking to buy a home, a dual income will make Aurora much more accessible. For a single electrician aiming for a stable career with room to grow, Aurora provides a compelling blend of opportunity and affordability.

FAQs

1. Is it better to join the union (IBEW Local 68) or go non-union in Aurora?
Both paths are valid. The union offers structured pay scales, excellent benefits (healthcare, pension), and steady work through large contractors. Non-union (open shop) can offer more flexibility, the chance to start your own business sooner, and sometimes faster wage progression based on merit. The union is particularly strong for large commercial projects (hospitals, schools), while non-union is common in residential and smaller commercial.

2. How do I get my Colorado license if I'm already licensed in another state?
Colorado does not have universal reciprocity. You must apply to the Colorado DORA and provide proof of your work experience and license. They will evaluate if it meets Colorado's requirements. You may be required to take the Colorado state exam. Contact the DORA website for the specific application for out-of-state electricians.

3. What's the typical work schedule for an electrician in Aurora?
It varies by sector. Residential construction electricians typically work Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM. Commercial electricians