A Career Guide for Electricians in Edmond, Oklahoma

As a career analyst who knows Edmond like the back of my hand, I’ll give you the straight facts: Edmond isn’t the flashiest market, but it’s a stable, growing suburb with a lower cost of living than many places. For an electrician, this means predictable work, a manageable commute, and a chance to build a solid life without the chaos of a massive metro. This guide uses the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Oklahoma Department of Labor, and local market observations. Let’s dive in.

The Salary Picture: Where Edmond Stands

Edmond’s electrical job market is a classic mid-size metro story. It’s not exploding like Austin or Nashville, but it’s growing steadily, anchored by residential expansion and commercial maintenance.

The median salary for an electrician in Edmond is $59,888/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $28.79/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $61,550/year, but when you factor in Edmond’s cost of living, your purchasing power is often stronger. The metro area supports 294 jobs for electricians, with a projected 10-year job growth of 11%—a healthy, sustainable rate driven by new housing developments and aging infrastructure needing updates.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level. Remember, these are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data for similar markets:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Typical Hourly Rate	What to Expect
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $50,000	$20 - $24	Apprentice roles, residential wiring. Many start with local trade unions or non-union shops.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	$26 - $33	Journeyman electricians handling service calls, commercial rough-ins. This is where the median falls.
Senior (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	$34 - $41	Leads crews, specialized work (low-voltage, generators), or commercial project management.
Expert (15+ years)	$85,000+	$41+	Master electricians, business owners, or specialists in industrial controls. Top earners in Edmond run their own shops.

Insider Tip: In Edmond, union electricians (via IBEW Local 1141) often see pay at the higher end of these ranges, especially for commercial projects. Non-union residential shops might start lower but can offer faster path to lead roles.

How Edmond Compares to Other Oklahoma Cities:

• Edmond: $59,888 median. Lower cost of living, stable residential market.
• Oklahoma City Metro: $61,200 median. More jobs (1,850), higher competition, but more commercial/industrial opportunities.
• Tulsa: $60,500 median. Similar to OKC, with a strong industrial base (energy, manufacturing).
• Lawton: $54,000 median. Fewer jobs (120), lower pay, but very low cost of living.

Edmond strikes a balance: higher pay than Lawton but with a lower COL than OKC or Tulsa.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. With a median salary of $59,888, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Oklahoma state tax (4.5%), and FICA is roughly $4,100/month. (This is an estimate; use a paycheck calculator for your specific situation.)

The average 1-bedroom rent in Edmond is $773/month. This is a game-changer compared to national averages.

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

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$773	Find a decent place in a safe neighborhood (see below).
Utilities	$150	Electricity, water, gas, internet. High usage in summer for A/C.
Groceries	$350	Shopping at local chains like Homeland or Crest Foods.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Edmond is car-dependent; insurance is moderate.
Gas/Transport	$200	Commutes are short (15-20 mins), but trucks aren’t fuel-efficient.
Healthcare	$200	Premiums vary; union plans are often better.
Retirement/Savings	$500	Highly recommended—start a Roth IRA.
Miscellaneous	$527	Eating out, entertainment, tools, etc.
Total	$3,100	Leaves $1,000 buffer or savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Edmond is around $280,000. With a $59,888 salary, a 20% down payment ($56,000) is a stretch for a new apprentice, but a mid-level electrician with savings can realistically target a home in the $200,000-$250,000 range after 3-5 years. Monthly mortgage payments (with taxes and insurance) would be comparable to renting a nicer place.

Insider Tip: Many Edmond homeowners are tradespeople. The neighborhood of Sutton Place is full of electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs who bought in early. It’s a pro move.

Where the Jobs Are: Edmond's Major Employers

Edmond’s job market is a mix of residential, commercial, and a bit of light industrial. The steady 11% growth is visible in new subdivisions like Chisholm Creek and commercial projects along the I-35 corridor.

Here are the key local employers hiring electricians:

1. Edmond Public Schools: Maintenance departments are always hiring. Good benefits, union-like protections, and a predictable schedule. They need electricians for school renovations and new builds (e.g., the new Memorial High School project).
2. Mercy Hospital (Edmond): Part of the massive Mercy health system. They have a dedicated facilities team for electrical maintenance and upgrades. Stable, with top-tier benefits.
3. Chisholm Creek Development: This isn’t one employer, but a hub. The massive mixed-use development has contractors like Brasfield & Gorrie (commercial) and Hogan Construction (residential) constantly hiring for electrical work on restaurants, offices, and apartments.
4. Local Union (IBEW Local 1141): Based in Oklahoma City but serving Edmond. They dispatch for major projects like the new OU Health Edmond hospital expansion and commercial work in the metro. Signatory contractors include McClure Engineering and Cromwell Architects Engineers.
5. Residential Builders: Companies like Ideal Homes, HistoryMaker Homes, and Brighton Homes are constantly framing and wiring new homes in suburbs like The Ranches and Brockton. This is where many apprentices start.
6. Oklahoma Gas & Electric (OG&E): While their main office is in OKC, they maintain a local service center. Jobs here are more utility-focused (meter installations, outage response) and offer strong benefits and pensions.
7. Local Service Companies: Firms like Baker Home Services and Edmond Electric (residential/commercial service) are always looking for licensed journeymen for repair calls and install work. These are great for those who prefer varied daily work.

Hiring Trends: The biggest wave is in smart home integration and EV charger installation. Shops that specialize in these services are growing fast. Commercial work is steady due to office park expansions along I-35.

Getting Licensed in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has a straightforward licensing system managed by the Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL). You must be licensed to work as a journeyman or master electrician.

Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician.
2. Classroom Hours: 144 hours of classroom instruction per year (often provided by trade schools or union apprenticeships).
3. Exams: Pass the journeyman electrician exam (administered by PSI Exams for ODOL). The exam is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC).
4. Master Electrician: Requires 2 years as a licensed journeyman and passing a separate master exam. Needed to pull permits for your own business.

Timeline & Costs:

• To Journeyman: 4 years total. Apprenticeship programs (like IBEW 1141’s) are free or low-cost; non-union apprentices may have tuition ($1,000-$3,000 total).
• Exam & License Fee: $150 for the journeyman exam, $200 for the initial license (renewed every 2 years for $150).
• Continuing Education: 8 hours every 2 years to renew.

Insider Tip: Oklahoma has reciprocity with several states (including Texas, but not all). If you’re licensed elsewhere, check the ODOL website for specifics. The process is handled by the Construction Industries Division.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Living in Edmond means short commutes and access to amenities. Here’s a breakdown of top neighborhoods, balancing lifestyle and cost.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Why It’s Good for Electricians
Central Edmond (Downtown)	Walkable, historic. 10-15 mins to most jobs.	$850 - $1,000	Close to tools shops, supply houses (like Crescent Electric). Older homes mean steady repair work.
The Ranches	Family-oriented, newer builds. 15-20 mins to I-35.	$750 - $900	New construction everywhere. Perfect for apprentices in residential. Quiet, safe.
Sutton Place	Established, mid-century homes. 10 mins to downtown.	$700 - $850	Many tradespeople live here. Older wiring needs updating—good side hustle potential.
Chisholm Creek Area	Modern, mixed-use. 10 mins to most commercial jobs.	$800 - $1,100	Close to the big construction sites. Trendy, but pricier.
East Edmond (near Arcadia Lake)	Suburban, spacious lots. 20 mins to OKC.	$650 - $800	Lower rent, more space for a workshop. Commute is easy via I-35.

Insider Tip: If you’re buying tools and need storage, East Edmond or The Ranches offer garages or shops. Avoid the Downtown area if you need a large workshop space.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Edmond isn’t a “get rich quick” market, but it’s excellent for building a stable, high-income career over 10+ years.

Specialty Premiums:

• Low-Voltage/Smart Homes: +10-15% premium. High demand in new builds.
• Industrial Controls: +20% premium. Found in the OKC metro, but some Edmond-based companies service industrial clients.
• Solar/Alternative Energy: Growing, but still niche. Oklahoma’s net metering rules are evolving.
• Generators & Backup Systems: Steady demand due to Oklahoma’s storm season.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field to Management: Move from electrician to project manager at a contractor like Brasfield & Gorrie.
2. Specialist to Owner: Master electrician with a niche (e.g., EV chargers) opens a solo shop. Low overhead in Edmond.
3. Union Leadership: Become a business manager or instructor for IBEW 1141.

10-Year Outlook: With 11% job growth, Edmond will add roughly 30-35 new electrician jobs over the next decade. The focus will be on retrofitting older homes (1970s-80s builds) for safety and energy efficiency, plus commercial maintenance. The rise of data centers and EV infrastructure in the OKC metro will spill over into Edmond.

The Verdict: Is Edmond Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living (Index 91.0): Your salary goes far.	Limited High-End Specialization: Few industrial or ultra-high-end residential projects.
Stable Job Market: 294 jobs with 11% growth is reliable.	Car-Dependent: You’ll need a reliable truck/van. Public transit is minimal.
Excellent Schools & Safety: Great for families.	Slower Pace: If you thrive on constant novelty, OKC/Tulsa may be better.
Short Commutes: Most jobs are within 15-20 minutes.	Union vs. Non-Union Divide: Know which sector you want to be in.
Strong Trade Community: Good networks for side work.	Weather: Tornadoes and ice storms can disrupt work.

Final Recommendation: Edmond is ideal for electricians seeking work-life balance and homeownership. It’s perfect for mid-career journeyman who want to buy a house, raise a family, and build a solid client base for side work. It’s less ideal for apprentices wanting the fastest climb in a high-velocity commercial market—head to OKC for that. If you value stability over flash, Edmond is a winner.

FAQs

Q: Can I make a six-figure salary as an electrician in Edmond?
A: Yes, but it requires specialization or business ownership. A master electrician running a small shop can hit $100,000+. Most salaried roles top out around $85,000 unless you move into management.

Q: How competitive is the job market for apprentices?
A: Moderately competitive. The IBEW apprenticeship is selective (testing/aptitude). Non-union shops are easier to get into but may offer less training. Apply to multiple places.

Q: Is Edmond a good place to start my own electrical business?
A: Yes, with caution. The low cost of living helps with overhead, but you’ll need to build a client base. Focus on residential service calls and smart home installations. Competition from established shops is real, but the growing population helps.

Q: What’s the best way to network in Edmond?
A: Join local trade groups like the Edmond Chamber of Commerce, attend IBEW 1141 events (even if non-union), and frequent supply houses like Crescent Electric or Winsupply. Word-of-mouth is huge here.

Q: How do tornadoes affect an electrician’s work?
A: It’s a mixed bag. Storms cause outages and damage, leading to surge repair and generator installs (good business). However, work can be halted during severe weather. Always have a plan for safety and delays.