Electrician in Bennington CDP, VT

The Salary Picture: Where Bennington CDP Stands

As a local who’s watched the electrician trade evolve here over two decades, I can tell you Bennington offers a solid, if not spectacular, earning potential for skilled tradespeople. The key is understanding the local market, which is smaller than Vermont’s major hubs but has steady demand due to its aging housing stock and light industrial base.

The median salary for an electrician in Bennington CDP is $62,934/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.26/hour. This sits slightly above the national average of $61,550/year, a testament to Vermont’s strong union presence and the premium placed on licensed professionals in a rural setting. However, it’s crucial to contextualize this figure against Vermont’s cost of living and the state’s limited number of jobs in the metro area, which sits at just 26 for the broader Bennington County region. The 10-year job growth projection of 11% is promising, indicating a stable and growing demand for electrical services, far outpacing the national average for many traditional trades.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Bennington CDP)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	Often starts as an apprentice or helper. Requires a state-issued apprentice license.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$55,000 - $68,000	Licensed journeyman. This is where most local electricians operate.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$68,000 - $80,000+	Often leads small crews, handles complex projects, and may have a specialty.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$75,000 - $90,000+	Licensed master electrician, business owner, or highly specialized consultant.

To put this in perspective, let’s compare Bennington CDP to other Vermont cities. While $62,934 is healthy for Bennington, it trails the higher earning potential in the Burlington-South Burlington metro area, where median salaries can reach the high $60,000s due to a denser population and more commercial work. However, Bennington’s cost of living is lower, making your paycheck stretch further than it would in Chittenden County. It’s a classic trade-off: higher nominal salary in a bigger city vs. better purchasing power in a smaller community.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding your net income is where the rubber meets the road. A median salary of $62,934 provides a solid foundation, but local costs—especially rent—shape your daily reality. Let’s break down a sample monthly budget for a single electrician earning the median wage.

Assuming a filing status of single with no dependents and standard deductions, your estimated monthly take-home pay (after federal and state taxes, FICA) would be approximately $3,950. This is a conservative estimate; your actual take-home will vary based on 401(k) contributions, health insurance premiums, and other deductions.

Here’s a typical monthly budget breakdown for a Bennington electrician:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Insider Tips
Gross Salary	$5,244	$62,934 / 12
Take-Home Pay	~$3,950	After taxes & standard deductions.
Rent (1BR)	$1,343	Average for Bennington CDP.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$200	Varies seasonally; Vermont winters are costly.
Groceries	$400	Shop at Price Chopper or local markets.
Vehicle (Payment, Ins, Gas)	$550	Essential in our rural area. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$300	If employer doesn’t cover full premium.
Phone/Internet	$100	Consolidate with a local provider like Comcast.
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$500	Eating out, entertainment, savings.
Remaining	~$557	Buffer for savings, emergencies, or retirement.

This budget shows that while you can live comfortably, discretionary spending is moderate. The $30.26/hour rate allows for a stable life, but saving aggressively requires careful planning.

Now, can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Bennington County is approximately $275,000. With a 20% down payment ($55,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (around 7%) would have a monthly payment of roughly $1,500, including taxes and insurance. This is a tight fit on the median salary, especially after accounting for other debt. Many local electricians start with a smaller starter home or a multi-family property to offset costs. Insider Tip: Look for homes in the North Bennington area, where prices can be slightly lower, and consider homes that need electrical updates—you can leverage your skills for sweat equity.

Where the Jobs Are: Bennington CDP's Major Employers

Bennington’s job market for electricians is anchored in residential service, small-to-medium commercial projects, and light industrial maintenance. The 26 jobs in the metro area reflect a tight-knit network where reputation is everything. Here are the primary employers and trends:

1. Bennington Electric: A long-standing local contractor specializing in residential and light commercial work. They are a primary employer for journeymen and are known for steady work on local housing developments and renovations. Hiring tends to be consistent, with a preference for licensed professionals.
2. Southwestern Vermont Medical Center (SVMC): The region’s largest employer. SVMC has a continuous need for in-house electricians for facility maintenance, emergency repairs, and new construction projects (like their recent expansions). These are stable, benefit-heavy positions that are highly competitive.
3. Mack Molding Company: Located in nearby Arlington, this large plastic injection molding manufacturer requires skilled electricians for plant maintenance and machinery troubleshooting. Pay is often above the median due to the industrial setting and shift differentials. This is a key employer for electricians with an industrial background.
4. The Vermont Country Store (Rockingham): While not in Bennington proper, this major retailer and its distribution center employs electricians for facility upkeep and seasonal event lighting. It’s a unique niche that blends retail and maintenance.
5. Local Solar Installers: With Vermont’s strong push for renewable energy, companies like Solar Works and SunCommon have crews operating in Bennington. This is a growing specialty, offering project-based work that can be lucrative during the summer months. Hiring Trend: Demand for electricians with NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) solar certification is rising sharply.
6. Bennington County Regional Commission (BCRC): This public entity manages infrastructure projects and can be a source of contract work for electricians on public buildings, schools, and municipal facilities. It’s a path to government-contracted work.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often not advertised. The local electrical community is small. Join the Vermont Electrical Contractors Association (VECA) and attend regional meetings. Most journeyman-level hiring happens through word-of-mouth and referrals from suppliers like Crescent Electric Supply in Rutland.

Getting Licensed in VT

Vermont has a clear, structured path to licensure, governed by the Vermont Electricians Licensing Board (part of the Department of Public Safety). The process is rigorous but straightforward.

1. Apprenticeship: You must work as a registered apprentice under a licensed master electrician for a minimum of 8,000 hours (roughly 4 years of full-time work). You’ll also need 576 hours of classroom instruction from an approved program, such as the one offered by the Vermont State Colleges System.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply to take the journeyman electrician exam. The exam is based on the latest National Electrical Code (NEC). The application fee is approximately $200, and the exam fee is around $150.
3. Master License: To become a master electrician, you need at least 4 years of experience as a journeyman and must pass a more comprehensive exam. This license allows you to pull permits and run your own business. Fees are similar to the journeyman exam.
4. Specialty Licenses: For work in areas like solar, fire alarms, or low-voltage systems, additional certifications may be required. For example, solar installation often requires a separate electrical contractor’s license for the business itself.

Timeline to Get Started: From day one as an apprentice to holding a journeyman license, expect a 4-5 year timeline. The key is finding a sponsor who is willing to take on an apprentice. Contact local contractors like Bennington Electric directly to inquire about apprenticeship opportunities. The Vermont Department of Labor also has apprenticeship programs that can help match you with employers.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Bennington affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of areas popular with tradespeople:

1. Bennington CDP (Central): The heart of the action. You’re close to shops, SVMC, and most contractors. Commute times to job sites are minimal (often under 10 minutes). Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500 for a 1BR. The downside is higher parking challenges and less space.
2. North Bennington: A quieter, more residential area with a mix of historic homes and newer developments. Slightly more affordable than central Bennington. It’s a 5-10 minute drive to downtown. Great for families. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
3. Sunderland (Just North): A rural village with a strong sense of community. Many electricians and tradespeople live here for the larger lots and lower property taxes. Commute to Bennington is 10-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: Harder to find rentals; consider a shared house or a small apartment for $1,000 - $1,200.
4. Pownal (South): Bordering Massachusetts, Pownal offers lower-cost housing and a rural feel. It’s a 15-20 minute commute to Bennington jobs, but you get more bang for your buck. Ideal for those who don’t mind a slightly longer drive. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
5. Arlington (North, adjacent to Bennington): A vibrant town with a strong arts scene and a growing economy. Home to Mack Molding and other businesses. Commute is 10-12 minutes. Offers a great balance of community and proximity to work. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400 for a 1BR.

Insider Tip: If you’re working for a contractor that services the entire county, living in a central location like North Bennington or Sunderland minimizes your fuel costs and time on the road, which is a hidden benefit.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Bennington, career growth for electricians is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specializing and expanding your expertise. The 11% 10-year job growth is your runway.

• Specialty Premiums: Electricians with certifications in renewable energy (solar), low-voltage/data cabling, or fire alarm systems can command premiums of 15-25% above the base journeyman rate. With Vermont’s goal of 90% renewable energy by 2050, solar expertise is the most lucrative long-term bet.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from apprentice to journeyman to master electrician. Master electricians can start their own business, which is where the highest earnings lie. However, it comes with the added stress of marketing, insurance, and management. Alternatively, one can move into a project management role with a larger contractor or a facilities manager position at a large employer like SVMC or Mack Molding.
• 10-Year Outlook: The market will remain strong due to the aging infrastructure (both buildings and the grid) and the state’s green energy transition. Insider Tip: The real growth will be in the “smart home” and energy efficiency sectors. Electricians who can integrate systems like solar, storage batteries, and home automation will be in high demand. Consider taking courses at Community College of Vermont to get ahead of this curve.

The Verdict: Is Bennington CDP Right for You?

Bennington CDP offers a solid, stable career for electricians who value a close-knit community, a reasonable cost of living, and a direct connection to their work. It’s for those who prefer a smaller-scale environment over the hustle of a big city.

Pros	Cons
Salary above national average with a lower cost of living than major VT cities.	Limited job market (only 26 positions in the metro), making job hunting more competitive.
Steady demand (11% growth) due to housing stock and green energy initiatives.	Fewer large-scale commercial projects compared to Burlington or Rutland.
Strong sense of community; easy to build a professional reputation.	Winters are long and harsh, which can affect outdoor work and increase heating costs.
Access to outdoor recreation (Green Mountains, skiing, hiking) right outside your door.	Public transportation is virtually nonexistent; a reliable vehicle is a must.
Pathway to business ownership is clear and achievable.	Social scene is quieter; Vermont is not for those seeking a bustling nightlife.

Final Recommendation: Bennington CDP is an excellent choice for electricians who are journeyman-level or higher and are seeking a stable, community-focused environment where their skills are valued. It’s a particularly strong fit if you have an interest in solar or residential renovation work. For apprentices, it’s a good place to start, but be prepared to be persistent in finding a sponsor. For those seeking high-volume commercial work or a more dynamic urban lifestyle, Rutland or Burlington might be better options. For the electrician who wants to plant roots, own a home, and become a respected part of the local fabric, Bennington is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for electricians in Bennington?
The market is tight but steady. With only 26 jobs in the metro area, you can’t afford to be passive. The key is networking. Join local trade groups, connect with suppliers, and make your name known for reliable work. Many positions are filled through referrals before they’re ever posted online.

2. Is the cost of living really manageable on a $62,934 salary?
Yes, but it requires budgeting. The biggest hurdle is housing. At $1,343/month for an average 1BR, you’ll spend about 34% of your take-home pay on rent, which is high but manageable. Sharing a house or renting in a neighboring town like Pownal can free up significant cash. Overall, Vermont’s lack of sales tax helps your budget.

3. What’s the best way to start an apprenticeship locally?
First, get your OSHA 10-hour construction card—it’s often a prerequisite. Then, directly contact licensed master electricians in Bennington and surrounding towns. Bennington Electric and Mack Molding are good starting points. Also, register with the Vermont Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Program. Persistence is key; it may take several months to find a sponsor.

4. Do I need to know French to work in Vermont?
Absolutely not. English is the primary language in all business and trade settings. While you might see French on some older signage in historic areas, it’s a cultural quirk, not a requirement for your job.

5. What’s the winter work situation like?
It slows down but doesn’t stop. Residential service calls (troubleshooting, repairs) continue year-round. Commercial and industrial maintenance also provide steady indoor work. The slowdown in new construction from December to March can be offset by focusing on service work. Many electricians use the slower period for continuing education and certification training.