Electrician in Beaverton, OR

As a career analyst who’s lived in the Portland metro area for years, I can tell you that Beaverton offers a unique blend of suburban convenience and urban access for electricians. It's not the gritty industrial hub of North Portland, but rather a community built on tech, healthcare, and family life—all of which require steady, skilled electrical work. This guide breaks down the reality of being an electrician here, using hard data and local insight. We’ll cover the money, the neighborhoods, the employers, and the licensing hurdles. Let’s get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Beaverton Stands

Electricians in Beaverton earn a solid, middle-class wage that’s competitive both locally and nationally. The median salary here is $62,768/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.18/hour. When you compare that to the national average of $61,550/year, you’re coming out slightly ahead. However, the real story is in the experience breakdown. The local market rewards specialized skills and journeyman status, while apprentices and entry-level workers face a tighter squeeze, especially with the area's cost of living.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in Beaverton:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Annual)	Key Factors
Entry-Level / Apprentice	$42,000 - $52,000	Starting pay for 1st/2nd year apprentices. Heavily dependent on union vs. non-union shops.
Mid-Level / Journeyman	$62,000 - $78,000	This is where the median salary sits. Licensed, self-sufficient electricians.
Senior / Master Electrician	$78,000 - $95,000	Typically involves project management, design, and running crews.
Expert / Specialty Contractor	$95,000+	Owners of small shops, specialists in data centers, renewables, or high-end residential.

Compared to other Oregon cities, Beaverton sits in a sweet spot. Portland proper has higher median salaries ($64,500), but also higher density and competition. Salem’s median is closer to $58,000, with a less dynamic job market. Bend, a booming tech and tourism hub, has salaries that rival Portland ($63,000), but the cost of living is significantly higher. For electricians, Beaverton offers a balance of opportunity and affordability within the dynamic Willamette Valley.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A median salary of $62,768 is a great benchmark, but your take-home pay and what you can afford is what matters. Oregon has a progressive income tax system, and with federal taxes, you’re looking at an effective tax rate of roughly 22-25% for this bracket. That means your gross monthly pay of about $5,230 becomes roughly $3,900 - $4,100 in net monthly income.

The biggest variable in your budget is housing. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Beaverton rents for $1,545/month. Let’s build a sample monthly budget for a single electrician earning the median wage:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income	$3,950	After taxes and deductions.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,545	Can be lower or higher depending on neighborhood.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, gas, internet. PGE is the primary electric utility.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Beaverton is car-dependent; public transit (TriMet) is secondary.
Groceries	$400	Average for one person.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies wildly; often provided by the employer for full-time journeyman.
Miscellaneous	$500	Fuel, dining out, entertainment, savings.
Total Expenses	$3,345
Remaining for Savings/Debt	~$605

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the million-dollar question. The median home price in Beaverton is approximately $525,000. With a $62,768 salary, your maximum mortgage payment (at standard 28% debt-to-income ratio) is about $1,464/month. A 20% down payment on a $525,000 home is $105,000. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would have a principal and interest payment of ~$2,600/month, even before taxes and insurance. This is not affordable on a single median income. Buying a home typically requires a dual-income household, a significant down payment, or looking at lower-priced condos/townhomes in the $350,000 - $400,000 range, which are harder to find in Beaverton itself but more common in neighboring Tigard or Aloha.

Where the Jobs Are: Beaverton's Major Employers

Beaverton’s job market is driven by a mix of large-scale construction, tech infrastructure, and healthcare. There are an estimated 290 electrician jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 11%, which is strong, driven by new construction and the ongoing need to upgrade aging residential and commercial systems.

Here are the major local employers and hiring trends:

1. Porter Construction / Andersen Construction: These large, regional general contractors are always bidding on projects around Beaverton, from the new Beaverton Central district to school expansions. They hire electricians as subcontractors through electrical firms. Hiring Trend: Steady for journeyman electricians, especially those with commercial/industrial experience.
2. Beaverton School District: The district is one of the largest in Oregon, constantly maintaining and upgrading its 50+ schools. They have an in-house facilities team. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings for maintenance electricians. Benefits are excellent, but pay may be slightly below union scale.
3. Providence Health & Services (Providence St. Vincent Medical Center): While the main hospital is in Portland, the Beaverton area has numerous outpatient clinics, imaging centers, and the new Tuality HealthCare campus. These facilities require specialized, low-voltage, and backup power systems. Hiring Trend: Growing demand for electricians with healthcare facility experience.
4. Intel Corporation (Ronler Acres Campus): The massive Intel campus in Hillsboro (a 15-minute drive from most of Beaverton) is a colossal user of electricity. While many electricians work for Intel’s in-house team, the bulk of the work is done by approved subcontractors like M.C. Dean and Rosendin. Hiring Trend: High demand for electricians with data center, high-voltage, and clean-room experience. This is a premium-paying sector.
5. Portland General Electric (PGE): As the primary electric utility, PGE employs electricians for grid maintenance, substation work, and new service installations. Hiring Trend: Competitive, unionized positions with excellent pay and benefits, but hiring is cyclical and based on retirements and grid expansion projects.
6. Local Electrical Contractors: The backbone of the job market. Firms like Sun Electric, Crawford Electric, and Baker Electric serve the residential and commercial markets. Hiring Trend: Consistent need for apprentices, journeymen, and foremen. The residential market is strong due to ongoing housing demand.

Getting Licensed in OR

Oregon has a clear but rigorous path to licensure, managed by the Oregon Building Codes Division (BCD). The process is structured and can’t be rushed.

• Apprenticeship (4-5 Years): You must complete an approved apprenticeship program, which combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 576 hours of classroom instruction. In Oregon, this is typically done through the Oregon Statewide Apprenticeship Program or a union (IBEW Local 48). Cost: Apprentices earn a wage that increases annually. There are minimal costs for books and fees, often reimbursed by the employer.
• Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship and passing the state exam, you become a Journeyman Electrician. This license allows you to work independently. Cost: Exam fee is ~$150. License fee is ~$150. Timeline: Minimum of 4 years from day one as an apprentice.
• Supervising Electrician (Master Electrician): To pull permits and run your own business, you need a Supervising Electrician license. This requires an additional 4,000 hours of work as a journeyman and passing another exam. Cost: Exam fee is ~$150. License fee is ~$150.

Insider Tip: The Oregon electrical code is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) but has state-specific amendments. The exams are notoriously detailed. Most successful candidates use a prep course from a provider like Mike Holt Enterprises or IEC of Oregon. The total cost from apprentice to independent journeyman is minimal in fees, but the time investment is a full-time commitment for 4+ years.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Beaverton is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different vibe and commute pattern. As an electrician, you’ll likely be driving to job sites all over the metro area, so location matters for quality of life.

1. Central Beaverton: This is the urban core, home to the new Beaverton Central district, the MAX light rail line, and a mix of apartments and older homes. Vibe: Walkable, modern, transit-oriented. Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900/month for a 1BR. Commute: Easy access to downtown Portland via MAX (30 mins). Ideal for electricians who want a car-free option to the city or work downtown. Insider Tip: Parking can be a challenge for residents in the newer apartments.
2. Aloha (West Beaverton): A sprawling, residential area with a more suburban feel, larger lots, and a strong sense of community. It’s close to the Tualatin Hills Nature Park. Vibe: Family-friendly, quiet, car-dependent. Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700/month for a 1BR. Commute: 20-30 minutes to the Intel campus or downtown Beaverton. A great choice for electricians who value space and don't mind a drive.
3. South Beaverton (near Tualatin Valley Hwy): This area is more commercial and industrial, with easy access to Highway 217, a major commuter artery. Vibe: Practical, convenient, less residential charm. Rent Estimate: $1,350 - $1,600/month for a 1BR. Commute: Excellent for reaching Tigard, Tualatin, or the I-5 corridor. Insider Tip: Look for older apartment complexes here for more square footage for your money.
4. Raleigh Hills: Technically an unincorporated area, but a common address for Beaverton residents. It’s a mix of mid-century homes and strip malls, with easy access to both Beaverton and Portland. Vibe: Established, quiet, centrally located. Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,850/month for a 1BR. Commute: Central to everything. A 15-minute drive gets you to most job sites in the metro area. Insider Tip: A great "home base" if you work for a contractor that serves the entire region.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A median salary of $62,768 is just the starting point for a motivated electrician. The 10-year outlook in Beaverton is positive, with the 11% job growth outpacing many other trades. Here’s how to maximize your earnings:

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay jumps come from specialization.
  • Data Centers: Intel’s presence means a massive demand for electricians who understand high-voltage distribution, cooling systems, and clean-room protocols. This can add a 15-25% premium to base pay.
  • Renewables & Solar: Oregon is a green energy state. Solar installers and electricians certified in EV charger installation are in growing demand, especially for residential and commercial projects.
  • Voice/Data/Video (Low Voltage): With the tech industry, low-voltage electricians for security, fire alarm, and structured cabling systems are highly sought after.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is from apprentice to journeyman to foreman to project manager or business owner. Another route is to move into a specialized role like a field inspector for the BCD or an estimator for a large firm. Insider Tip: The real financial upside in Oregon often comes from starting your own small contracting business once you have your Supervising Electrician license and a network of clients. The overhead is manageable, and the profit margin is yours.
• 10-Year Outlook: The core drivers—tech expansion at Intel, healthcare facility upgrades, and residential construction—will remain strong. While there may be cyclical downturns in construction, the need for maintenance, upgrades, and green energy transitions will provide a stable floor. Electricians with a journeyman license and a clean driving record will always be in demand.

The Verdict: Is Beaverton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Steady Job Market: Strong demand from tech, healthcare, and residential sectors.	High Housing Costs: The median home price is a significant barrier for single-income buyers.
Competitive Wages: Salaries slightly above the national average.	Traffic Congestion: Highway 217 and I-5 can be brutal during rush hour.
Proximity to Portland: Access to a major city’s amenities without the dense urban cost of living.	Car Dependency: Most neighborhoods require a car for daily life and work commutes.
Path to Licensure: A clear, structured apprenticeship system.	Competitive Apprenticeship Slots: Getting into a top apprenticeship program can be competitive.
Quality of Life: Good schools, parks, and a safe, suburban environment.	Rental Market Pressure: High demand keeps rents elevated.

Final Recommendation:
Beaverton is an excellent choice for electricians who are either early in their career (apprentices) looking for a structured path, or journeyman electricians seeking a stable job market with a good work-life balance. It’s particularly well-suited for those with an interest in the tech sector (Intel) or healthcare. However, it is not the place for a single electrician on a median salary to expect to buy a home quickly. It’s a long-term play: build your skills, earn your license, and potentially combine incomes with a partner to make homeownership a reality. For the money and opportunity, it’s a solid, practical bet.

FAQs

1. Do I need a union (IBEW) card to get a good job in Beaverton?
No, but it helps. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 48) is strong in the Portland metro area and offers excellent benefits and wage scales, especially for large commercial and industrial projects. However, many non-union shops (like those serving the residential market) also pay competitively and offer good work. Your choice depends on the type of work you prefer.

2. How is the work-life balance for electricians in Beaverton?
It varies by employer. Residential electricians often have more regular hours (e.g., 7 am - 4 pm). Commercial and industrial electricians, especially those working on large projects, may face overtime, night shifts, or weekend work. Union contractors typically have stricter overtime rules. Overall, the 40-hour work week is common, but be prepared for flexibility in this trade.

3. What are the top skills employers are looking for right now?
Beyond the core electrical skills, employers in Beaverton are prioritizing electricians with:

• OSHA 30-Hour Certification: A must for most commercial/industrial jobs.
• Knowledge of the Oregon Electrical Specialty Code: More specific than the national NEC.
• Experience with Low-Voltage Systems: Fire alarm, security, and data cabling.
• A Valid Driver's License and Clean Record: You’ll be driving a company vehicle to job sites.

4. Is the job growth of 11% reliable?
This projection from the Oregon Employment Department is based on historical data and current economic indicators (tech growth, housing demand). It’s a strong indicator, but the construction industry is cyclical. A recession could slow new construction, but the need for maintenance, electrical upgrades, and renewable energy installation provides a buffer. The 290 current jobs in the metro are the base; the growth is the opportunity.

5. Can I get my apprenticeship started right away?
Yes, but you need to be proactive. The first step is to apply directly to the Oregon Statewide Apprenticeship Program or contact the local IBEW union hall. You’ll need to meet basic requirements (18+ years old, high school diploma/GED, pass a basic aptitude test). There can be a waitlist, so applying to multiple programs increases your chances. Some non-union contractors also sponsor apprentices directly. Start the process early, as interviews and testing can take several months.