Electrician in Evanston, WY

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Electricians considering a move to Evanston, WY.

The Salary Picture: Where Evanston Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the electrical trade in Evanston, Wyoming, is a stable, middle-class career path, but it doesn’t pay as well as it does in the booming metros down in the Front Range of Colorado. You have to understand the local economy: it’s driven by rail, healthcare, and a bit of agriculture. It’s not a high-tech hub, so wages reflect the local cost of living.

The median salary for an Electrician in Evanston is $60,996/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.32/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $61,550/year, but given that Evanston’s cost of living index is 97.0 (US avg = 100), your purchasing power here is actually quite comparable to the national average. You’re not getting rich, but you’re also not getting crushed by housing costs like you would in Denver or Salt Lake City.

Here’s how that salary breaks down by experience level. These are estimates based on regional data and local job postings, adhering to the standard progression in the trade.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2	$22.00 - $25.00	$45,760 - $52,000
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	2-8	$26.00 - $32.00	$54,080 - $66,560
Senior/Lead Electrician	8-15	$33.00 - $38.00	$68,640 - $79,040
Expert/Foreman/Specialist	15+	$38.00 - $45.00+	$79,040 - $93,600+

Insider Tip: The jump from Apprentice to Journeyman is the most significant pay increase you’ll see. Once you have your Journeyman license, you become a skilled asset. The "Expert" level pay is often found in foreman roles on larger projects or for those with specialized certifications (like industrial controls or fire alarm systems).

Comparison to Other WY Cities:

• Cheyenne/Laramie: Salaries are similar, roughly $61,000 - $62,000, but the housing market is more competitive.
• Casper: Slightly higher at $62,500+, driven by the oil and gas service sector, but more volatile.
• Jackson/Hole: Significantly higher ($70,000+), but the cost of living (especially housing) is astronomical. Evanston offers a much better balance.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A salary of $60,996/year gross is about $5,083/month before deductions.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home (After Taxes & Benefits):

• Federal & State Taxes (WY has no state income tax): ~$950
• FICA (7.65%): ~$389
• Health Insurance (Avg. Employer Contribution): ~$250
• Retirement (401k/IRA, 5%): ~$254
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,240/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (Avg. 1BR Rent): $921
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): ~$250
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): $600
• Miscellaneous (Clothing, Entertainment, Savings): $1,069

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of Evanston’s biggest draws. The median home price in Evanston hovers around $250,000 - $280,000. With a $60,996 salary, a 20% down payment would be $50,000-$56,000, which is a significant but achievable goal for a journeyman electrician saving over a few years. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely fall between $1,200 and $1,400, which is well within the 30% rule of thumb for your take-home pay. In contrast, buying a home in Cheyenne or Casper would be more challenging on this salary.

Where the Jobs Are: Evanston's Major Employers

Evanston isn't a sprawling metro with 35 jobs listed at any given moment, but the jobs that exist are steady. The market is tight; you need to know where to look.

1. Union Pacific Railroad: This is the economic heartbeat of Evanston. UP has a major yard and maintenance facility here. They hire electricians (both in-house and contractors) for track signals, communications, and facility power. These are often union jobs with excellent benefits and pensions.
2. Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County: A key employer in the region. They have a facilities maintenance team that includes electricians for hospital systems, backup generators, and daily repairs. Hospitals require specialized knowledge of codes and systems.
3. Local Municipalities & School District: The City of Evanston and Uinta County School District #1 both have maintenance departments. These are stable, government jobs with good hours and benefits, though the pay might be on the lower end of the journeyman scale.
4. Rocky Mountain Power: While not based solely in Evanston, this utility services the area. They hire linemen and meter technicians, which is a different track but related. They also contract with local electrical firms for grid maintenance.
5. Local Construction Firms (Residential & Commercial): Companies like High Country Electric or Uinta Electric (or similar local contractors) handle residential builds, small commercial projects, and service calls. This is where most of the entry-level and journeyman work is, especially for new construction in growing subdivisions.
6. Industrial/Manufacturing: While not as prevalent as in larger cities, there are opportunities in local manufacturing plants (e.g., food processing, light manufacturing) for in-house maintenance electricians.
7. Self-Employment: With a low population density (11,803), there's room for a solo electrician or a small shop to serve the residential market, especially for remodels and service calls. This is a long-term goal for many.

Hiring Trends: Jobs are not posted daily. You often need to apply directly to company websites or, more commonly, network. Being known in the local trade community is key. The 11% 10-year job growth is promising, but it's spread out over many small employers rather than one massive hiring spree.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming has a straightforward but mandatory licensing process through the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (DFPES). You cannot work legally without a license.

Requirements & Timeline:

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years, 8,000 Hours): You must complete an approved apprenticeship program. This can be through the Wyoming Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) or a non-union program. You’ll work under a licensed electrician and attend classroom hours.
2. Education: You’ll need to document your on-the-job hours and complete the required classroom hours.
3. Journeyman Exam: After completing your apprenticeship, you apply to take the journeyman exam. It’s based on the National Electrical Code (NEC).
4. Master Electrician: After working as a journeyman for 2 years, you can take the master electrician exam, which allows you to pull permits and run your own business.

Costs:

• Apprenticeship Tuition: Can be free or low-cost if sponsored by a union or contractor. Non-union programs may have fees (~$500-$1,500 for the 4-year program).
• Exam Fees: ~$100-$150.
• License Fee: ~$150 (Journeyman), ~$200 (Master).
• Total to get started: $150 - $1,800 depending on your path.

Timeline: A realistic timeline from day one to licensed journeyman is 4-5 years.

Insider Tip: The Wyoming JATC is highly respected. If you can get into their program, do it. It provides the best training and a clear path to union wages, which can be higher than non-union shops in the region.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Evanston is small and manageable. Commute times are negligible (10-15 minutes max). The choice comes down to lifestyle and rent.

1. Downtown Evanston:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, close to restaurants and the historic downtown district. Older homes, some with charm, some needing work.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,000
   • Best For: Young professionals, those who want to be in the heart of the action, and anyone who wants to walk to work (if you work for the city or a downtown business).

2. North Evanston / Near the Hospital:

   • Vibe: Quieter, more residential. Mix of older ranch-style homes and some newer developments. Close to Memorial Hospital.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,100
   • Best For: Healthcare workers, families, those who want a quiet neighborhood with easy access to parks.

3. West Evanston / Near the Railroad:

   • Vibe: Working-class, industrial adjacency. Close to the Union Pacific yard. Housing is more affordable, but you might hear trains.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $950
   • Best For: Railroad employees, apprentices looking to save money, those who don’t mind a bit of industrial noise.

4. East Evanston / Near I-80:

   • Vibe: More modern subdivisions, single-family homes, newer builds. A bit more spread out.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,200
   • Best For: Those with a car, families looking for newer homes, and people who want quick access to the interstate for travel.

5. Uinta County (Outskirts):

   • Vibe: Rural, wide-open spaces. 10-15 minute drive to town. More land, privacy.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): Hard to find; typically houses for $1,200+.
   • Best For: Those who want country living, own pets/horses, and don’t mind the commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Evanston, the "long game" is about specialization and moving into management or ownership, as the market is too small for massive corporate advancement.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial/Maintenance: Working for a plant or railroad in a maintenance role can add a $5,000-$10,000 premium to your base salary due to the on-call nature and specialized knowledge.
  • Fire Alarm/Low Voltage: Certification in these areas makes you valuable for commercial and institutional work (hospitals, schools).
  • Solar/Alternative Energy: While not a huge market in WY, there is growing demand for solar installs. This could be a niche for future growth.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman -> Foreman: Overseeing crews on larger projects. Pay jumps to the $70,000+ range.
  2. Journeyman -> Estimator/Project Manager: For those with strong math and computer skills. This is a path out of manual labor.
  3. Journeyman -> Master Electrician -> Business Owner: The ultimate goal. With only 35 jobs in the metro, starting your own shop to serve the local residential and small commercial market is a viable, though competitive, path.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is solid. It means steady work, not explosive boom. The key will be adapting to new technologies (smart home systems, EV charger installations) and building a reputation. Your networking skills will matter more than your resume here.

The Verdict: Is Evanston Right for You?

Evanston is a niche choice. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s a fantastic place to build a career and a life.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Housing: You can buy a home on an electrician's salary.	Limited Job Market: Only 35 jobs in the metro; you can't job-hop easily.
Low Cost of Living (97.0 index): Your paycheck goes further.	Isolation: 1.5 hours from Salt Lake City; 4 hours from Denver. Limited amenities.
Job Stability: Core employers like UP and the hospital provide steady work.	Harsh Winters: Cold, snowy winters can affect outdoor work schedules.
Outdoor Access: Incredible access to the Uinta Mountains and Flaming Gorge.	Small-Town Politics: Everyone knows everyone; can be good or bad.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more money in your pocket.	Slower Pace: Not much nightlife or cultural scene.

Final Recommendation:
Evanston is an excellent choice for a journeyman electrician who:

• Prioritizes homeownership and financial stability over rapid career advancement.
• Loves the outdoors and a quiet, small-town lifestyle.
• Is willing to network and be proactive to find work.
• Is considering starting their own business in the long term.

It is not recommended for:

• A new apprentice looking for a high volume of different job opportunities.
• Someone who craves city amenities, nightlife, and a large social scene.
• Anyone who is unwilling to drive in snow for 6 months of the year.

FAQs

1. Can I get a job in Evanston without a license?
No. Wyoming law requires a license for all electrical work. You must be enrolled in an apprenticeship or working under a licensed electrician in a trainee capacity. Your first step should be to apply to an apprenticeship program.

2. How does the cost of living really compare?
It’s slightly below the national average. The biggest savings are in housing. A $921 rent for a 1BR is unheard of in most metro areas. However, groceries and utilities can be slightly higher due to transportation costs to the region.

3. Is there a union presence?
Yes, but it’s not as large as in bigger cities. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 702 covers parts of Wyoming, including Evanston. Union wages can be higher, especially for large commercial and industrial projects. It’s worth contacting them.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for electricians new to Evanston?
Networking. With so few employers, you can’t just apply online. You need to visit local supply houses (like Home Electric Supply), attend community events, and get your name out there. The local trade community is tight-knit.

5. How is the job security with the railroad?
Union Pacific is a cornerstone. While railroads have cycles, they are essential infrastructure. It’s as secure as any industrial job. Diversifying with residential service work can add an extra layer of security.

Data Sources: Salary data is based on the provided figures. Cost of living and housing data are sourced from local market analyses and national indices. Licensing information is from the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (DFPES). Job growth data is provided.