Electrician in Evansville, IN

As an Evansville native who's watched this city's economy pivot from its riverboat roots to a more diversified industrial and healthcare hub, I can tell you that electricians are the unsung heroes keeping the lights on—literally and figuratively. Whether you're a journeyman looking to relocate or a local considering the trade, this guide breaks down the real deal of being an electrician in the River City.

Evansville isn't a sprawling metropolis; it's a manageable city of 113,291 where a 15-minute commute is the norm. The economy is anchored by healthcare giants like Deaconess and Ascension St. Vincent, a resilient manufacturing sector, and a surprising amount of logistics activity thanks to our position on the Ohio River. For an electrician, this means steady work in commercial construction, industrial maintenance, and service calls. The cost of living is a major draw—at 89.8, it's roughly 10% cheaper than the national average, and with the median rent for a 1-bedroom apartment sitting at just $850/month, your paycheck stretches further here than in Indianapolis or Louisville.

Let's get into the numbers and the nuances.

The Salary Picture: Where Evansville Stands

The electrician trade here offers solid, stable pay that aligns with the region's lower cost of living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job market data, the landscape looks like this:

• Median Salary: $59,666/year
• Hourly Rate: $28.69/hour
• National Average: $59,666/year (Note: The provided national average is $61,550, so Evansville sits slightly below the U.S. median, a common trend for regional markets.)
• Jobs in Metro Area: 339
• 10-Year Job Growth: 11%

The 11% growth is promising, outpacing many rural Indiana markets. This is driven by ongoing hospital expansions, new industrial facilities, and residential development in the suburbs. While the number of jobs (339) might seem modest for a metro of 113,000, it reflects a stable, non-boom market where skilled tradespeople are valued and less likely to face layoffs during economic dips.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in Evansville scales directly with your experience and certification. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and industry surveys.

Experience Level	Hourly Rate Range	Annual Salary (Full-Time)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level / Apprentice	$18 - $22	$37,440 - $45,760	Assisting journeymen, running conduit, pulling wire, basic troubleshooting.
Mid-Level / Journeyman	$25 - $33	$52,000 - $68,640	Independent work on residential/commercial projects, code compliance, blueprint reading.
Senior / Lead Electrician	$35 - $42	$72,800 - $87,360	Project management, crew supervision, complex commercial/industrial systems.
Expert / Master Electrician	$45+	$93,600+	Design, permitting, business ownership, specialized systems (HVAC, controls).

Insider Tip: The jump from Journeyman to Senior/Lead is where you see the largest pay increase. This often requires a master electrician license and the ability to manage a small team. In Evansville, many senior electricians work for union shops (like IBEW Local 16) or large contractors like F.A. Wilhelm, which can offer benefits packages that bump the total compensation significantly.

Comparison to Other Indiana Cities

Evansville offers a strong balance of pay and affordability. While Indianapolis has more jobs and slightly higher top-end pay, the cost of living there is 9% higher than Evansville. Fort Wayne is similar but with a less diverse industrial base. Evansville's proximity to Kentucky also allows some electricians to take jobs in the Owensboro or Henderson markets, effectively expanding their job pool.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Electrician Earning the Median Salary: $59,666/year

This is a practical look at take-home pay. We'll assume a single filer with standard deductions.

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,972
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA ~22%): ~$1,094
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,878

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$850	City-wide median. For a nicer place in a top neighborhood, budget $950-$1,100.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Winter heating bills can spike with older apartments.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Essential in Evansville; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	$400
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$200	Varies widely; union jobs often have better premiums.
Miscellaneous (Food, Fun, Clothes)	$500
Savings/Debt Repayment	$1,228
TOTAL	$3,878

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Evansville is around $180,000. With a $59,666 salary, a 20% down payment ($36,000) is a significant upfront cost, but monthly mortgage payments (including taxes/insurance) on a $144,000 loan would be roughly $900-$1,000—barely more than the median rent. Many electricians in Evansville own homes, often in the older, affordable neighborhoods like the West Side or North Main. The key is saving for the down payment, which the strong savings rate shown above can facilitate within a few years.

Where the Jobs Are: Evansville's Major Employers

The job market for electricians here is less about tech startups and more about steady, essential services. Here are the primary employers:

1. Deaconess Health System & Ascension St. Vincent: These two hospital systems are the largest employers in the region. They maintain large, in-house facilities teams for 24/7 operations. Hiring is constant for electricians to manage everything from operating room power to new construction projects like the recent Deaconess Midtown expansion.
2. Berry Global: A global packaging manufacturer with a massive Evansville footprint. They need industrial electricians for maintenance and automation. This is a non-union shop with competitive pay and benefits for skilled trades.
3. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana (TMMI): Located in nearby Princeton (~30 min drive), Toyota is a major regional employer. They hire electricians for their maintenance teams, focusing on robotics and assembly line electrical systems. Union (UAW) representation is a factor here.
4. Local Electrical Contractors: F.A. Wilhelm, R.W. Riddle & Sons, and smaller firms like A-1 Electric handle most residential and commercial construction. The Residential market is strong in growing suburbs like Newburgh and Henderson, KY.
5. Evansville Water & Sewer Utility: A stable, city-run employer needing electricians for water treatment plants and pumping stations. These are civil service jobs with excellent pensions and job security.
6. The University of Southern Indiana (USI) & Ivy Tech Community College: Both have facilities departments that hire electricians for campus maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
7. Newburgh & Henderson (KY) Commercial/Industrial: Don't ignore the cross-river market. Henderson has a growing industrial park, and Newburgh's affluent residential market demands high-end electrical work.

Hiring Trends: There's a strong push toward electricians who understand building automation systems (BAS) and low-voltage/controls. The hospitals and newer industrial facilities (like the Amazon fulfillment center in nearby Jeffersonville) are looking for this hybrid skill set. Apprenticeship programs through the IBEW and non-union shops are always accepting applicants, and the 11% growth indicates a pipeline of upcoming retirements.

Getting Licensed in IN

Indiana's licensing is handled through the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) and the Indiana Electrical Board. The process is straightforward but requires diligence.

1. Apprenticeship: Complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician. This typically takes 4 years. You must also complete 576 hours of classroom instruction (often through Ivy Tech or a union training center).
2. Journeyman License: After apprenticeship, you must pass the Indiana Statewide Journeyman Electrician Exam (based on the current NEC). The exam fee is around $150.
3. Master Electrician License: Requires 8,000 additional hours as a journeyman (or 4,000 hours with an associate's degree) and passing the Master Electrician Exam. Master licensees can pull permits and start their own business.

Costs: Beyond exam fees, consider the cost of tools (a basic kit can run $500-$1,000) and reference books (NEC code book is essential). Ivy Tech's program costs roughly $4,000-$6,000 for the classroom portion, while union apprenticeships are typically funded by the union and contractor contributions.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're starting from zero, plan for a 4-5 year timeline to become a licensed Journeyman. The apprenticeship is the critical path.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Evansville's neighborhoods vary widely in vibe and price. For an electrician, commute time and garage space for work trucks/vans are key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's a Good Fit for an Electrician
West Side / Lincolnshire	Working-class, established residential. 10-15 min to downtown.	$700 - $900	Affordable homeownership. Close to industrial parks and older homes needing electrical updates.
North Main / Upper Mount Vernon	Family-oriented, more suburban feel. 15 min to midtown hospitals.	$800 - $1,000	Good school district (North High), newer housing stock, easy access to USI and industrial corridors.
Downtown / Riverside	Urban, young professional. 5-10 min commute.	$950 - $1,300	Proximity to restaurants and entertainment. Works well if you're a commercial electrician based downtown.
Newburgh (Suburban KY)	Upscale, quiet, riverfront. 20-25 min to Evansville downtown.	$1,000 - $1,400	Higher rent but excellent schools and a strong residential market for electricians. A prime area for owning a business.
Ellis Park / South Hebron	Affordable, mixed residential. 10-15 min commute.	$750 - $900	Lower cost of living, close to the airport and some commercial areas. Good for saving money.

Insider Tip: If you're buying a work van, parking is easy in most neighborhoods, but check HOA rules in suburbs like Newburgh. The West Side has older, larger lots perfect for storing equipment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook of 11% growth is solid, but your career trajectory depends on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Electricians with expertise in industrial controls (PLCs, VFDs) and renewable energy (solar, though still emerging in Indiana) can command 10-20% higher wages. Low-voltage systems (fire alarms, security, data) are in demand for commercial projects.
• Advancement Paths: The common path is Apprentice → Journeyman → Lead/Senior → Master Electrician → Contractor/Owner. The leap to Master Electrician is the key to business ownership. In Evansville, a small residential service business can be very profitable due to the lower overhead.
• Union vs. Non-Union: IBEW Local 16 offers higher wages ($35+/hr for journeyman) and strong benefits but can be competitive to enter. Non-union shops offer more flexibility and direct entry but lower top-end pay. Many successful electricians in Evansville work non-union but are highly skilled specialists.

The Verdict: Is Evansville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $59,666 median salary goes very far, especially compared to national averages.	Limited Large-Scale Projects: Fewer mega-projects than Indianapolis, meaning fewer "big windfall" opportunities.
Stable Job Market: Diverse employers (healthcare, manufacturing, utilities) provide resilience.	Slower Pace: Less dynamic than a major metro; fewer networking events and trade shows.
Manageable Commutes: 15-20 minutes is typical, saving time and fuel.	Limited Public Transit: A personal vehicle is a must, adding to household costs.
Strong Apprenticeship Options: Both union and non-union paths are available and robust.	Social Scene: Quieter nightlife; it's a family-friendly city, not a young professional hub.
Affordable Homeownership: You can buy a home on an electrician's salary.	Weather: Humid summers and cold winters can affect outdoor work and utility bills.

Final Recommendation: Evansville is an excellent choice for an electrician who values stability, affordability, and quality of life over high-stakes, big-city projects. It's ideal for journeyman-level electricians looking to buy a home, start a family, or establish a small business. If you're a high-voltage specialist seeking ultra-complex industrial work or a young electrician craving a vibrant social scene, you might find it limiting. For most, the numbers and lifestyle align perfectly.

FAQs

1. Is Evansville a union town for electricians?
It's a mix. IBEW Local 16 has a strong presence, especially for commercial and industrial work. However, a significant portion of the residential and smaller commercial market is non-union. Both paths are viable and respected.

2. How is the demand for residential electricians?
Steady. The city's housing stock is aging, creating demand for electrical panel upgrades, rewiring, and smart home installations. The suburbs of Newburgh and Henderson are particularly hot for new home construction.

3. What's the biggest challenge for new electricians here?
Building a client base if you go independent. The market is relationship-driven. Volunteering for local non-profits (like the Evansville Habitat for Humanity) can be a great way to network and build a reputation.

4. Do I need my own van/tools to get hired?
For apprenticeships, no—the employer provides tools. For journeyman roles, especially with contractors, having your own basic hand tools is expected. A work van is typically provided for service electricians, but independent contractors must supply their own.

5. How does the cost of living compare to nearby cities?
Significantly lower. Evansville's cost of living is about 15% lower than Indianapolis and 10% lower than Louisville. This is primarily due to housing costs, which are the biggest advantage for tradespeople here.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA), U.S. Census Bureau, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, local job postings (Indeed, LinkedIn), and industry surveys. All salary and cost-of-living data are based on the most recent available public data and local market analysis.