Electrician in Enid, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Enid Stands

Let’s cut straight to the numbers. If you’re an electrician looking at Enid, you’re entering a market that pays below the national average but offers a significantly lower cost of living. Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market analysis, the median salary for an electrician in the Enid metro area is $58,983/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.36/hour. It’s important to note that this figure is for the broader Enid metro, which includes surrounding communities. The national median for electricians is $61,550/year, so Enid sits about 4% below the U.S. average. However, this gap is more than compensated for by Enid’s cost of living index of 86.1 (where the U.S. average is 100).

The job market itself is stable but not explosive. The BLS reports 152 jobs in the Enid metro for electricians, with a projected 10-year job growth of 11%. This growth is slightly above the national average for the trade, driven by ongoing maintenance needs, new construction in the agricultural and energy sectors, and infrastructure updates.

Here’s how experience translates to pay in Enid:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Enid)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $52,000	Apprentice work, conduit bending, basic wiring under supervision, material handling.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Service calls, troubleshooting, residential/commercial rough-ins and finishes, NEC code compliance.
Senior (8-15 years)	$65,000 - $80,000	Lead technician, project management, complex industrial systems, mentoring apprentices, specialized systems (e.g., PLCs).
Expert (15+ years)	$75,000+	Master electrician, business owner, consultant, expert in niche areas like solar or instrumentation.

Insider Tip: The $58,983 median is a solid benchmark. If you have a journeyman license and 5+ years of experience, you should be negotiating for the upper end of the mid-level range. Employers in Enid often value reliability and a clean driving record as much as technical skill, given the amount of travel to job sites.

Comparison to Other Oklahoma Cities

To put Enid in perspective, here’s how it stacks up against other major Oklahoma metros for electricians:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	1-BR Avg. Rent	Key Local Industries
Enid	$58,983	86.1	$760	Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing
Oklahoma City	$62,100	92.5	$1,050	Government, Energy, Aerospace
Tulsa	$60,450	90.8	$975	Energy, Aerospace, Healthcare
Lawton	$56,200	84.2	$725	Military, Agriculture

As you can see, Enid offers a lower salary than the larger metros but with a notably lower rent and overall cost of living. It’s a trade-off that often favors Enid for those prioritizing affordability and a slower pace of life.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s crunch the numbers for a mid-level electrician earning the Enid median of $58,983/year. This is about $4,915/month before taxes. Oklahoma has a progressive income tax (ranging from 0.5% to 4.75%), and we’ll also consider federal taxes (FICA + federal income tax).

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (Single Filer, Standard Deduction):

• Gross Monthly: $4,915
• Federal Tax (est.): ~$600
• Oklahoma State Tax (est.): ~$200
• FICA (7.65%): ~$376
• Monthly Take-Home (Net): ~$3,739

Now, let’s build a monthly budget based on Enid’s average $760/month for a 1-bedroom apartment.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income	$3,739	Post-tax
Rent (1-BR)	$760	Assume average; can be lower/higher by neighborhood.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$220	Enid’s climate leads to higher heating/cooling costs.
Groceries & Household	$400	Based on USDA low-cost food plan.
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Ins.)	$500	Essential in Enid; no reliable public transit.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$150	Varies by employer; estimate for single coverage.
Student Loans/Other Debt	$200	Adjust based on personal situation.
Savings & Discretionary	$1,509	This is your "disposable" income.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home pay of over $3,700 and housing costs that are remarkably low, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Enid is around $150,000. A 20% down payment ($30,000) could be saved in 2-3 years with disciplined budgeting. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $120,000 loan might be around $900-$1,000, which is still very manageable on this salary.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially in the large industrial shops, offer profit-sharing or performance bonuses, which can add $2,000-$5,000 annually. Factor that in when evaluating job offers.

Where the Jobs Are: Enid's Major Employers

Enid’s economy is anchored by three pillars: agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. Electricians are critical to all three. Here are the major employers actively hiring, along with their unique hiring trends:

1. Champion Feeders (Beef Production): One of the largest cattle feedlots in the U.S. They have a massive, on-site maintenance department needing electricians for feed mill operations, irrigation systems, and facility power. Hiring Trend: Steady; they prioritize electricians with experience in industrial motor controls and 3-phase power.

2. Enid Energy (Power Generation): This natural gas-fired power plant requires electricians for routine maintenance, turbine control systems, and substation work. Hiring Trend: Project-based and cyclical. They hire for major overhauls (every 3-5 years) and have a core maintenance team. Having experience with high-voltage systems is a major advantage here.

3. Valen Energy (Oil & Gas): While not as large as in the past, the oil and gas sector still has support shops in Enid. Valen and similar companies need electricians for well sites, pump jacks, and metering stations. Hiring Trend: Volatile, tied to oil prices, but always in need of reliable contractors. This is a good path for self-employed electricians.

4. St. Mary's Regional Medical Center (now Integris Bass Baptist): The hospital requires facilities electricians for constant upkeep, emergency power systems, and new construction/renovation projects. Hiring Trend: Very stable. They value electricians with healthcare-specific knowledge (e.g., isolated power systems, code requirements for medical facilities).

5. Chisholm Trail Refining (Oklahoma Refining Company): A major industrial refinery south of Enid needs electricians for process control, instrumentation, and plant maintenance. Hiring Trend: Consistent. They have a large electrical/instrumentation (I&E) department and often hire from within through apprenticeships.

6. Local Electrical Contractors: Companies like K & K Electric, Inc., T & T Electric, and Pioneer Electric are the backbone of the residential and commercial service market. Hiring Trend: Always hiring for service electricians and apprentices. The work is a mix of new construction, remodels, and service calls. This is the best path for those who want variety and direct customer interaction.

7. Enid Public Schools: The district has its own maintenance team to handle wiring for schools, HVAC systems, and new construction projects. Hiring Trend: Stable, government-backed employment with good benefits. The pace is slower but very consistent.

Getting Licensed in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s licensing process is straightforward but requires dedication. The Oklahoma Construction Industries Board (CIB) oversees all trades.

Pathway to Journeyman Electrician:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a 4-year, 8,000-hour approved apprenticeship program. This is typically done through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1141 (which covers Enid) or a non-union program like the Oklahoma Electrical Training Center.
2. Classroom Hours: Complete 144 hours of classroom instruction per year (576 hours total).
3. Journeyman Exam: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Oklahoma-adopted National Electrical Code (NEC) exam (based on the 2017 edition as of this writing).
4. Apply for License: Submit your application, proof of hours, and exam score to the CIB. The license fee is approximately $150.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Tuition: Often free or low-cost ($1,000-$2,000 total) for union programs; non-union can be higher.
• Exam Fee: ~$150 (paid to the testing agency, PSI).
• Total Time: 4 years minimum from apprentice to journeyman.

Insider Tip: The IBEW Local 1141 in Enid is a powerful pathway. Their apprenticeship includes health insurance, a pension, and steady wage increases. The application waitlist can be long—apply as soon as you decide to enter the trade. For non-union, contact local contractors directly; many will sponsor apprentices.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Enid is a driving town, so your choice of neighborhood is about balancing commute time with lifestyle and cost.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Amenities	Avg. 1-BR Rent	Commute to Industrial Parks (South)
Edmond Area (North Enid)	Quiet, family-oriented, better schools. Close to parks like Government Springs.	$800 - $950	20-25 mins
Eastside (Near Meadow Lake)	Affordable, mix of older and newer homes. Close to shopping (Walmart, Lowe's).	$700 - $850	15-20 mins
Westside (Near Oakwood Mall)	Central location, older established neighborhoods, easy access to downtown.	$650 - $800	10-15 mins
Southside (Near Hospital)	Close to major employers like Integris Bass Baptist. Mix of apartments and homes.	$750 - $900	5-10 mins to South Enid jobs
Downtown Enid	Historic, walkable, growing arts scene. Mostly apartments and lofts.	$800 - $1,000	10-20 mins

Insider Tip: If you work at a plant south of Enid (like Chisholm Trail or Champion), living in the Southside or Eastside will drastically cut your commute, which is a major quality-of-life win. For a more social, active lifestyle, the Downtown area is seeing a revival with new restaurants and events, though parking can be a challenge.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Enid, career growth isn’t always about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about specializing to increase your value.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial/I&E (Instrumentation & Electronics): Electricians with PLC programming, VFD, and instrumentation skills can command $5-$10/hour more than generalists. This is the highest-paid path in Enid.
  • Solar & Renewables: While Enid isn’t a solar hotspot, state incentives and rural electrification projects are creating demand. Specializing here is a forward-looking move.
  • Fire Alarm/Low-Voltage Systems: Certifications in fire alarm (NICET) or security systems can open doors with contractors who serve hospitals and schools.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field to Office: Move from a service truck to an estimator or project manager role with a contractor.
  2. Specialist to Owner: Start a side business focusing on a niche (e.g., residential solar, generator installations).
  3. Master Electrician: After 4 years as a journeyman, you can test for a Master’s license, which allows you to pull permits and run your own business.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 11% growth is solid. The demand will be strongest in retrofitting older buildings (Enid has many pre-1970s structures) and in maintaining the existing industrial base. The biggest opportunity is in the ag-tech sector—automating feedlots and farms—which is a natural fit for Enid’s economy.

The Verdict: Is Enid Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living – Your salary goes far, especially for home ownership.	Lower National Salary – You will earn less than in OKC or Tulsa.
Stable, Diverse Job Market – Not reliant on a single industry (energy, ag, healthcare).	Limited Nightlife/Culture – Quiet compared to larger cities; options are family-focused.
Short Commutes – Traffic is virtually nonexistent; most jobs are within a 15-minute drive.	Car Dependent – Public transit is minimal; owning a reliable vehicle is a must.
Tight-Knit Trade Community – Easy to network with other electricians and contractors.	Fewer Niche Opportunities – Limited specialized roles compared to major metros.
High Quality of Life for Families – Good schools, safe neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community.	Weather – Hot summers, cold winters, and occasional severe storms (tornadoes).

Final Recommendation: Enid is an excellent choice for electricians who prioritize financial stability and a high quality of life over maximum earning potential. It’s ideal for those early in their career who want to buy a home quickly, or for experienced electricians looking to slow down, own a small business, and enjoy a community-oriented lifestyle. If you thrive on big-city energy, endless entertainment, and career competition, Enid may feel too small. But if you want your work to directly impact a community you can afford to call home, Enid is a pragmatic and rewarding destination.

FAQs

1. What’s the best way to find a job as an electrician in Enid?
Start by contacting the local contractors directly (K & K Electric, T & T, Pioneer). In-person visits or calls are more effective than online applications. For industrial jobs, check the websites of Champion Feeders and Enid Energy, and consider registering with local staffing agencies that specialize in industrial trades.

2. How does the union (IBEW Local 1141) compare to non-union work?
The union offers a structured apprenticeship, higher wages (often $30+/hour for journeyman), excellent benefits (pension, annuity), and steady work through their hiring hall. Non-union work offers more flexibility and the potential to start your own business sooner. Both are viable; it’s a personal choice.

3. Do I need to worry about tornadoes?
Yes, but don’t let it paralyze you. Enid is in Tornado Alley. Homes and buildings are built to codes that account for high winds. The key is having a safety plan (knowing your shelter location) and ensuring your work vehicles are stored securely during severe weather warnings.

4. Can I commute from larger cities like Oklahoma City or Tulsa?
It’s possible (1.5 to 2 hours one-way), but it’s not practical for daily work. The cost in fuel, vehicle wear, and time would negate Enid’s cost-of-living advantage. You’d need a remote or project-based role, which is rare for hands-on electricians.

5. Are there opportunities for side work?
Yes, very common. Many electricians in Enid do side jobs for residential electrical repairs, lighting installations, and troubleshooting. Just be sure to follow local regulations and have proper insurance. The community is small, so word-of-mouth is powerful—be reliable and professional to build a solid side business.