Electrician in Clarksville, TN

The Salary Picture: Where Clarksville Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Clarksville’s job market for electricians is stable and growing, but it’s not a place where you’ll see six-figure salaries without significant specialization or business ownership. The numbers tell a clear story. The median annual salary for an electrician in the Clarksville metro area is $60,091. That translates to an hourly rate of $28.89. For context, the national average for electricians sits at $61,550, putting Clarksville just slightly below the U.S. norm. However, the lower cost of living here (more on that later) means that $60,091 goes much further in Montgomery County than it would in a larger metro like Nashville or Knoxville.

The job market is robust, with approximately 542 jobs for electricians currently listed in the Clarksville metro area. Over the next decade, the field is projected to see an 11% growth rate, which is solid and reflects the ongoing development in the area. This isn’t a boomtown like some Austin suburbs, but it’s a reliable, steady market for skilled tradespeople.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary expectations based on experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry conversations, reflecting the broader regional data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Role
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $50,000	Apprentice, Residential Helper
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$60,091 (Median)	Journeyman Electrician, Commercial Tech
Senior (8-15 years)	$68,000 - $78,000	Foreman, Project Manager, Specialist
Expert (15+ years)	$80,000 - $95,000+	Master Electrician, Business Owner, Inspector

When comparing to other Tennessee cities, Clarksville sits in a comfortable middle ground. It doesn’t command the higher wages of Nashville’s booming construction sector (where a median salary might be $65,000+), but it also avoids the lower pay scales of more rural East Tennessee markets. Cities like Knoxville or Chattanooga are similar, but Clarksville’s unique position near the Fort Campbell military base creates a consistent demand for both residential and commercial work that isn’t as volatile as markets solely dependent on tourism or specific industries.

Insider Tip: The $60,091 median is a solid benchmark, but your actual take-home will depend heavily on overtime. Many local contractors, especially those servicing the base or large commercial projects, offer significant overtime opportunities that can push total compensation well above the median.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. What does earning $60,091 actually feel like in Clarksville? First, let’s break down the monthly take-home pay.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $60,091 / 12 = $5,008
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% = $1,102
• Net Monthly Take-Home: $3,906

Now, let’s layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Clarksville is $970/month. This is a key advantage. The Clarksville cost of living index is 92.1 (U.S. average = 100), meaning it’s about 8% cheaper to live here than the national average.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single electrician earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$970	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities	$200	Electric, water, gas, internet
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential in a car-dependent city
Groceries & Food	$450
Health Insurance	$250	If not fully covered by employer
Retirement/ Savings	$400	8% of gross pay
Miscellaneous	$336	Gas, entertainment, etc.
Total Expenses	$3,106
Remaining	$800	Buffer for incidentals or fun

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is one of Clarksville’s biggest draws. The median home price in the Clarksville metro area is approximately $275,000. With an $800/month surplus and a decent credit score, a single electrician earning $60,091 could comfortably afford a mortgage on a starter home. A 20% down payment ($55,000) is a significant hurdle, but FHA loans with lower down payments are common here. Many local tradespeople I know bought their first home within 3-5 years of starting their journeyman career.

Where the Jobs Are: Clarksville's Major Employers

The job market here is diverse, with a strong mix of residential, commercial, and industrial opportunities. Fort Campbell, the massive U.S. Army base just across the state line, is a huge economic driver, creating steady demand for contractors who can service government facilities.

Here are the key players and where to look:

1. Fort Campbell (via Prime Contractors): While you can't be directly hired by the base as a civilian electrician without specific contracts, many local electrical contractors are "prime" or subcontractors for military construction (MILCON) and facility maintenance jobs. Companies like EMJ Corporation, Birmingham Electric, and Graybar frequently have projects on base. These are often the most stable, long-term jobs with excellent benefits.

2. HCA Healthcare / TriStar Health: Clarksville is growing, and so is its healthcare infrastructure. The two main hospitals—TriStar Montgomery Memorial and the new TriStar NorthCrest Medical Center—require skilled electricians for facility maintenance, lighting upgrades, and new wing installations. These are union or union-adjacent shops with strong pay and benefits.

3. KCI Technologies / Large Civil Engineering Firms: Major infrastructure projects, like the ongoing road expansions and new commercial developments along Highway 41A and Fort Campbell Boulevard, are handled by large engineering and construction firms. KCI is a major player here, and they hire electricians for traffic signal work, street lighting, and utility coordination.

4. Local Residential Builders (McCurdy Homes, Ross Downing): The Clarksville housing market is consistently active. Working directly for a production home builder like McCurdy or a custom builder like Ross Downing provides a predictable workflow. The pay might be at the median, but the overtime and steady work are reliable.

5. Industrial Manufacturing (Leggett & Platt, Trane): Clarksville has a solid industrial base. Companies like Leggett & Platt (a major bed spring and machinery manufacturer) and Trane (heating and cooling systems) have large facilities requiring in-house maintenance electricians. These jobs often offer the highest base pay for non-management roles and are a great path for those who enjoy industrial troubleshooting.

6. Local Electrical Contractors (S&D Electric, A&K Electrical): Don't overlook the smaller, local shops. Companies like S&D Electric and A&K Electrical are the backbone of the residential and light commercial market. They are often the first to hire apprentices and can offer a more family-like shop culture. Check them directly on their websites or through the local trade groups.

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a noticeable shortage of licensed journeymen and master electricians in Clarksville. While apprentices and helpers are plentiful, shops are competing for experienced techs. This gives licensed professionals significant leverage in salary and benefit negotiations.

Getting Licensed in TN

Tennessee’s licensing process is straightforward but requires dedication. The state does not have a separate statewide journeyman license; it’s all handled through the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. However, you must work under a licensed Master Electrician.

Here’s the path:

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years): You must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician and 576 hours of classroom instruction. You can start as an apprentice without a license, but you must register your apprenticeship with the state board.
2. Journeyman Exam: After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply to take the journeyman exam. The exam fee is around $100, and you’ll need to submit proof of your hours and training.
3. Master Electrician Exam: To become a Master Electrician, you need two additional years of experience (14,000 total hours) and must pass the Master Electrician exam. This allows you to pull permits and run your own business.
4. Contractor’s License: If you want to start your own electrical contracting business, you need a Contractor’s License, which requires passing the Business and Law exam in addition to the Master exam.

Timeline & Cost to Get Started:

• Total Time to Journeyman: ~4-5 years.
• Total Cost (Apprenticeship): Classes at Austin Peay State University (APSU) or the local IBEW/JATC program can cost $1,500-$3,000 total over four years. Union apprenticeships are often free but are highly competitive.
• Insider Tip: The local IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) Local 429 has a strong presence in Clarksville. Their apprenticeship program is renowned, offers excellent training, and leads directly to union jobs on large commercial and industrial projects. It’s a competitive entry point but worth the effort.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Clarksville will affect your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide to the best areas for electricians:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Sango	Established, family-friendly, close to I-24. 10-15 min to most jobs.	$1,000 - $1,200	Those wanting a quiet, suburban feel with easy access to highways.
St. Bethlehem	Commercial hub with newer apartments and shopping. Central to everything.	$950 - $1,100	Convenience. You're never more than 10 minutes from a job site or grocery store.
Harrison Street Corridor	Historic, walkable, near downtown and APSU. Older buildings, some grit.	$800 - $1,000	Younger electricians who want character and don't mind an older apartment.
Fort Campbell Blvd Area	Constant action, lots of traffic, big-box stores. Very convenient.	$900 - $1,150	If you're working on base or commercial projects along the main artery.
New Providence (South Clarksville)	More suburban, newer developments, further from the core.	$850 - $1,050	Those who want more space and don't mind a 20-minute commute.

Personal Insight: If you’re working residential service calls, living in Sango or New Providence puts you in the heart of the growing suburbs where most new homes are built. For commercial and industrial work, St. Bethlehem or the Fort Campbell Blvd area offers the shortest commutes to job sites and warehouses.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying at the median salary of $60,091 is fine, but the real money is in specialization and advancement. Here’s where the premiums are:

• Industrial Maintenance: Already mentioned, but worth repeating. Troubleshooting complex machinery in a factory like Leggett & Platt can command a $70,000-$85,000 salary due to the specialized skills required.
• Low-Voltage / Data & Security: With the growth of smart homes and commercial security systems, electricians who are certified in systems like Bosch, Lenel, or BACnet can add $5-$10/hour to their rate. Find a niche installer in Clarksville—there are a few—and learn from them.
• Project Management / Estimation: Moving from the field to the office is a natural progression. A Project Manager for a mid-sized contractor might earn $75,000-$90,000. This path requires strong organizational skills and a deep understanding of the trade.
• Business Ownership: This is the top tier. As a licensed Master Electrician and business owner, your income potential is uncapped. A small residential service company can clear $100,000+ in owner’s salary, but it comes with the stress of running a business, managing employees, and handling marketing.

10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is promising. The continued expansion of Fort Campbell, the influx of families from Nashville seeking affordability, and the industrial base should keep electricians in demand. The key will be adapting to new technologies—solar installations, EV chargers, and smart building integrations are becoming standard in new construction and renovations.

The Verdict: Is Clarksville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $60,091 salary feels like $70,000+ in a larger city.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: No major sports teams, limited high-end dining, and a quieter nightlife.
Stable Job Market: Diverse employers (military, healthcare, industry) provide resilience.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is minimal.
Housing Affordability: Homeownership is a realistic goal for a single tradesperson.	Cultural & Social Scene: It’s a family-oriented town. Young, single professionals may find it less dynamic.
Good Work-Life Balance: Less traffic and hustle than major metros.	Wage Ceiling: Without specialization or business ownership, salary growth can plateau.
Strong Community: It’s a "big small town." People know each other in the trades.	Summers: Hot and humid. Not a dealbreaker, but a factor for outdoor work.

Final Recommendation:
Clarksville is an excellent choice for electricians who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and a balanced lifestyle. It’s a fantastic place to start a career, build equity in a home, and raise a family without the overwhelming cost and competition of a larger metro. If you’re a professional electrician with a journeyman or master license, you’ll be in high demand and can negotiate a strong starting position.

Who should think twice? If you’re under 30, single, and crave a vibrant, 24/7 urban culture with endless nightlife and dining options, you might find Clarksville too slow. Your career and bank account will thrive here, but your social life might require more effort.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for a journeyman electrician?
It’s competitive, but in your favor. There’s a shortage of licensed journeymen and master electricians. If you have a clean record, a solid work history, and your Tennessee journeyman card, you’ll likely have multiple job offers to choose from. Your leverage is highest in the spring and summer when construction peaks.

2. Do I need to join the union (IBEW) to get a good job in Clarksville?
No, but it’s a strong option. Many excellent non-union shops exist (S&D, A&K, etc.) and pay competitively. The union offers structured training, excellent benefits, and access to large-scale commercial projects. It’s a personal choice based on your long-term career goals. Union wages are typically higher, but you pay dues and work under union contracts.

3. What’s the process for transferring my out-of-state license?
Tennessee has reciprocity with many states, but not all. You’ll need to contact the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors directly. If your home state has a similar or more rigorous licensing process, you may be able to apply for a Tennessee license by examination or reciprocity. Expect to pay application and exam fees (approx. $200-$300). If you don’t have a license, you’ll need to start the Tennessee apprentice process from scratch.

4. How does Fort Campbell affect the local electrical job market?
It’s a massive stabilizer. While military budgets can fluctuate, Fort Campbell’s constant need for facility maintenance, family housing upgrades, and new construction provides a steady stream of work for local contractors. It also brings in a constant flow of new residents, fueling the residential housing market. Knowing how to navigate government contracts or working for a prime contractor is a huge plus.

5. Is it worth it to get a Master Electrician license if I don’t want to start a business?
Yes, absolutely. A Master license significantly increases your value and salary potential, even if you stay as an employee. Many large commercial and industrial facilities (like hospitals or factories) prefer to hire Master Electricians for their in-house maintenance teams because it allows them to handle all their own permitting and major work without subcontracting. It’s a credential that signals the highest level of expertise and can easily push your salary into the $70,000-$80,000 range as an employee.