Electrician in Chesapeake, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Chesapeake Stands

As a local, I’ve watched the electrician trade closely here in Chesapeake. It’s a city built on logistics and military support, and that translates directly into steady, reliable work for skilled tradespeople. The numbers tell a clear story: median salary is $61,069/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.36/hour. This is just a hair below the national average of $61,550/year, but the real story is in the local demand. The metro area, which includes Virginia Beach and Norfolk, has 761 electrician jobs listed, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 11%. That’s solid, above-average growth, driven by ongoing residential expansion in Great Bridge and Greenbrier, plus constant commercial and military facility maintenance.

To understand where you fit in, here’s a realistic breakdown of salary by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry chatter, reflecting Chesapeake’s market.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Chesapeake Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2	$40,000 - $52,000	Starting pay for non-union apprentices. Union apprentices start higher but have initiation fees.
Mid-Level / Journeyman	2-7	$58,000 - $72,000	This is where most licensed electricians land. Specializing in commercial or industrial work pushes you to the top of this range.
Senior / Lead	7-15	$70,000 - $85,000	Requires crew leadership skills and often a Master Electrician license. Common in large commercial or industrial firms.
Expert / Master	15+	$85,000+	Running your own business or consulting. Top earners here are often business owners or niche specialists (e.g., high-voltage, data centers).

When you compare this to other Virginia cities, Chesapeake holds its own. It’s more affordable than Northern Virginia (D.C. area), where salaries are higher but cost of living is brutal. Compared to Richmond, Chesapeake’s median salary is slightly lower, but the job market is more stable due to the military presence and the Port of Virginia. You won’t find the explosive growth of a tech hub, but you’ll find consistent, year-round work that isn’t as susceptible to economic downturns.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. On a median salary of $61,069, your take-home pay after federal and state taxes (Virginia has a progressive income tax) will be roughly $48,000 to $50,000 per year, or about $4,000 per month. This is a conservative estimate that doesn’t include pre-tax deductions like health insurance or retirement.

The biggest variable is housing. The average rent for a 1BR apartment in Chesapeake is $1,287/month. However, the city’s Cost of Living Index is 97.4 (US average = 100), meaning it’s slightly cheaper than the national average. This gives you a bit of breathing room.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an electrician at the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,287	This is the citywide average. You can find cheaper in older neighborhoods or more expensive in new developments.
Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water)	$180	Slightly higher in summer due to A/C, lower in spring/fall.
Groceries	$350	Consistent with national averages.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Assumes a used car payment and insurance. Public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is essential.
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	$150	Varies widely, but this is a common out-of-pocket estimate.
Fuel	$120	Commutes can be long if you live in Greenbrier and work in South Norfolk.
Other (Phone, Internet, Misc.)	$200
Total Living Expenses	$2,737
Monthly Take-Home	~$4,000
Disposable Income / Savings	~$1,263

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires strategy. The median home price in Chesapeake is around $360,000. On a $61,069 salary, a $360,000 home is at the top of what lenders would approve (a 3.5% FHA loan would require a down payment of ~$12,600). Your mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,000/month, which is tight on this budget. However, if you’re a dual-income household or you move into a senior/lead role quickly, buying becomes very feasible. Many electricians I know buy in neighborhoods like Deep Creek or Western Branch, where prices are lower than the city average.

Where the Jobs Are: Chesapeake's Major Employers

Chesapeake’s economy is anchored by the military, logistics, and government. For electricians, this means a mix of construction (new homes and commercial buildings) and maintenance (facilities management).

1. The U.S. Navy (Naval Station Norfolk is adjacent): While the base itself is in Norfolk, thousands of civilian electricians work on Chesapeake’s side in support roles. Companies like Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News Shipyard) and contractors for the Navy often hire electricians for base housing, facilities, and shipyard work. This is stable, long-term employment with excellent benefits.
2. Port of Virginia (Virginia International Gateway): The massive container port in nearby Portsmouth creates constant demand for industrial electricians. Maintenance of cranes, cargo handling equipment, and power systems is a specialized, high-paying niche.
3. Sentara Healthcare: Sentara operates Sentara Leigh Hospital in nearby Norfolk and has numerous outpatient clinics and medical office buildings in Chesapeake. Healthcare facilities require electricians for new construction, renovation, and 24/7 maintenance of life-support systems.
4. Chesapeake Public Schools: The school system is a major employer, hiring electricians for facility maintenance across dozens of schools. It’s a government job with strong benefits and pensions, though pay may be slightly lower than private sector.
5. Commercial Construction Firms: Companies like M.C. Dean (national firm with local projects) and local outfits like Carter & Woodrow handle large commercial projects (data centers, warehouses, office parks). The Greenbrier area is a hotspot for this type of work.
6. Large-Residential Developers: Builders like D.R. Horton and Lennar are constantly developing subdivisions in Great Bridge and Deep Creek. They subcontract with electrical contractors who are always hiring apprentices and journeymen.
7. Local Electrical Contractors: The backbone of the trade. Firms like Mister Sparky (national franchise with local office) and Allied Electric handle residential service calls and small commercial jobs. They offer the most straightforward path to getting your license.

Hiring Trend: Right now, there’s a surge in commercial and industrial work. The data center boom in Northern Virginia is spilling over to Hampton Roads, with new facilities needing specialized electrical systems. Residential work is steady but may slow if interest rates remain high. Your best bet for immediate hiring is with a commercial contractor or a facility maintenance role.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia’s licensing is state-regulated and straightforward. You must be licensed by the Virginia Board for Contractors (VBC) to perform electrical work.

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 years): You can start working as an apprentice immediately. You need to register with the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). You’ll log 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and complete 150 hours of classroom instruction (often through a union apprenticeship or a community college like Tidewater Community College).
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Virginia Journeyman Electrician Exam (administered by PSI). The exam fee is $125. You must submit proof of your hours and training. This license allows you to work independently under a master electrician.
3. Master Electrician License: Requires 4 years of experience as a journeyman and passing the Master Electrician Exam ($125 fee). This is needed to pull permits and run your own business.
4. Costs: Beyond exam fees, expect to pay for study materials (~$200-$400) and any required code books (NFPA 70). Apprenticeship programs may have small tuition fees.
5. Timeline: To go from zero to a licensed journeyman is typically 4-5 years. The hands-on experience is the most critical part. Don’t rush it; quality employers will invest in your training.

Insider Tip: Virginia has reciprocity with several states. If you’re already licensed elsewhere (especially in the Southeast), check the VBC’s reciprocity agreements. You may be able to skip some steps.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Your neighborhood choice will impact your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. Great Bridge: This is the booming, family-friendly suburb. New subdivisions (like Somerset and Berkley) mean constant residential electrical work. Rent for a 1BR is around $1,300-$1,450. Commute to most commercial jobs is 15-25 minutes. Insider Tip: The schools are excellent, making it a top choice for families. You’ll find lots of work with builders like Ryan Homes here.
2. Greenbrier: The commercial heart of Chesapeake. High-end apartments (1BR $1,400-$1,600) and access to major employers like the corporate offices and retail centers. Commute to jobs in this area is minimal. Insider Tip: This is where you’ll find the highest concentration of commercial electrical jobs. Living here puts you in the thick of it.
3. Deep Creek: More affordable and blue-collar. Older housing stock means more service and renovation work. Rent for a 1BR is closer to $1,100-$1,250. Commute to the port or naval facilities is reasonable (20-30 mins). Insider Tip: A great place to buy your first home, with lower property taxes than Great Bridge.
4. Western Branch: Similar to Deep Creek but with a slightly more suburban feel. Close to the Great Bridge Lock and the North Carolina border. Rent is comparable to Deep Creek. Commute to the southern part of the city or North Carolina is easy. Insider Tip: This area is growing, with new commercial strips, so keep an eye on local contractors here.
5. South Norfolk: Historic, walkable, and right on the Elizabeth River. More older apartments and duplexes (1BR $1,000-$1,200). You’re minutes from the naval base and the port. Insider Tip: This is a hidden gem for electricians who work on military or port facilities. The commute is unbeatable for those jobs, and the food scene is great.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Chesapeake offers a clear path for advancement, but you need to be strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay bumps come from specialization.
  • Industrial/Military: Working on high-voltage systems, automation, or for the Navy can add $10,000-$20,000+ to your salary.
  • Low-Voltage/Life Safety: Certifications in fire alarm, security, and data systems are in high demand for commercial work.
  • Estimating/Project Management: Moving from the tools to the office with a contractor can lead to a salary over $80,000.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field to Office: Start as an apprentice, become a foreman, then a project manager.
  2. The Business Owner: After your Master License, start a small residential service company. The overhead is lower here than in major cities, and word-of-mouth is powerful in tight-knit communities like Great Bridge.
  3. Industrial Specialist: Get on with a port contractor or a military base maintainer. This is a niche with high barriers to entry (clearances) but excellent long-term stability.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is real. The drivers are the port’s expansion, the continued housing demand in the suburbs, and the military’s need for modernized infrastructure. The risk is a slowdown in residential construction if the national economy dips. To future-proof yourself, focus on commercial/industrial skills or add IT/networking certifications for smart buildings.

The Verdict: Is Chesapeake Right for You?

Chesapeake is not a flashy, high-growth city. It’s a steady, affordable, and practical place for an electrician to build a solid career and life.

Pros	Cons
Stable, diverse job market (military, port, healthcare, residential).	Limited public transit – you must own a reliable vehicle.
Affordable cost of living (Index 97.4, median 1BR rent $1,287).	Salaries are slightly below the national average.
Short commutes if you live near your work hub.	Can feel suburban/sprawling – not a vibrant urban core.
Excellent for families with good schools and safe neighborhoods.	Career growth requires specialization; general residential work has a lower ceiling.
Clear licensing path with strong local employer support.	Humidity and hurricane season can impact outdoor work schedules.

Final Recommendation: Chesapeake is an excellent choice if you value stability, affordability, and a family-friendly environment. It’s ideal for a journeyman electrician looking to buy a first home or a family person seeking a balance between work and life. For a young, single electrician seeking a high-energy nightlife scene or the maximum possible salary ceiling, a larger city like Richmond or Northern Virginia might be a better fit, but at a much higher cost of living.

FAQs

1. I’m moving from out of state. How long will it take to get licensed here?
It depends on your current license. If you have a journeyman or master license from a state with reciprocity (like NC, MD, or FL), you can apply for a Virginia license by endorsement, which is much faster. If not, you’ll need to document your work hours (8,000 for journeyman) and pass the Virginia exam, which can take 6-12 months.

2. Is union or non-union better in Chesapeake?
Both are viable. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 80 (based in Newport News) serves the area. Union pay is often higher, with excellent benefits, but there are initiation fees and you must join their apprenticeship. Non-union shops are plentiful and offer more flexibility. The best approach is to talk to working electricians at both types of companies.

3. What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship?
Contact the IBEW Local 80 for their apprenticeship program. Also, check with Tidewater Community College (they have an electrical program). The most direct route is to apply to local electrical contractors like Allied Electric or Mister Sparky and ask if they have apprenticeship openings. Be persistent; walk in with a resume.

4. How does the military presence affect civilian electricians?
Positively. It creates a massive, stable demand for facilities maintenance and construction. However, some jobs may require a security clearance (a background check). It’s a great long-term career path if you can get it. Many contractors who work on base are always looking for qualified, reliable electricians.

5. Is the hurricane season a problem for electricians?
Yes, but it’s also a busy season. After a storm, there’s a surge in service calls for damaged wiring and generators. Work may be paused for a few days during the storm itself, but the aftermath brings overtime and high-demand work. It’s a cyclical part of the job in coastal Virginia.