Electrician in Everett, WA

A career guide for Electricians considering a move to Everett, WA.

As a career analyst who’s spent years in the Pacific Northwest, I’m writing this guide with the assumption that you’re a practical, data-driven professional. You’re not looking for hype; you’re looking for facts, real-world costs, and a clear picture of what life and work in Everett look like. This guide is built on that foundation. We’ll use specific data points, local employer insights, and street-level knowledge to help you decide if Everett is the next right step in your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter most. The median salary for an Electrician in the Everett metro area is $63,950/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.75/hour. On the surface, this is slightly higher than the national average of $61,550/year, which is a good sign. However, you need to weigh this against Everett’s cost of living, which is roughly 13% higher than the national average. The job market is stable, with approximately 333 electrician positions in the metro and a 10-year projected job growth of 11%. This signals consistent demand, particularly in construction and maintenance.

To understand where you might fit, let’s break down salary by experience level. Note that these are estimated ranges for the Everett area, influenced by union presence (like IBEW Local 46) and specialized industrial work.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Everett)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $55,000
Mid-Level	2-7 years	$58,000 - $75,000
Senior	7-15 years	$72,000 - $95,000
Expert/Management	15+ years / Master	$90,000 - $120,000+

How does Everett compare to other WA cities?

• Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma: Higher cost of living, median salary often pushes $75,000+, but traffic and competition are fierce.
• Spokane: Lower cost of living, median salary closer to $58,000, with steady residential and commercial work.
• Olympia: Similar to Everett in cost and pay, with a focus on government and institutional work.

Everett offers a "middle ground" – better pay than many smaller cities, without the intense pressure of Seattle’s core.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $63,950 is your starting point. Let’s break down what that means monthly for a single person living in Everett.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $63,950 / 12 = $5,329
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, WA State, FICA): ~28% (WA has no state income tax but high sales tax)
• Take-Home Pay: ~$3,837/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,864	Average for Everett (source: local rental market data)
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250 - $350	Varies by season; electricians know well
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Public transit (Community Transit) is an option but less flexible for trades
Groceries & Food	$400 - $500	Based on USDA low-cost plan for one adult
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	Varies by employer; union plans are often better
Miscellaneous/Debt/Savings	$1,000+	Discretionary spending, retirement, emergency fund
Total Estimated Expenses	$3,114 - $3,914

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Everett is approximately $550,000. Using standard mortgage calculators (20% down, 30-year fixed at 7%):

• Down Payment: $110,000
• Monthly Mortgage (P&I): ~$2,930
• Total Housing Cost (Mortgage + Tax + Insurance): ~$3,500+

Insider Tip: For an electrician earning the median, buying alone is a stretch. The $3,500+ monthly housing cost would consume nearly all of your take-home pay after other essentials. This is why many electricians in Everett buy smaller homes in neighborhoods like Mill Creek or Mukilteo, or opt for duplexes. Homeownership is possible, but often requires dual income or a higher salary from specialization/management.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Everett’s economy is anchored by aerospace, healthcare, and construction. Electricians are critical in all three. Here’s who’s hiring:

1. Providence Regional Medical Center (Everett): A massive employer. They need in-house electricians for facility maintenance, operating room support, and new construction. Hiring trends show a need for journeymen with hospital experience (understanding backup power, low-voltage systems, and strict safety codes).
2. The Boeing Company (Everett Plant): While hiring can be cyclical, the Everett site is one of the largest aerospace manufacturing facilities in the world. They employ electricians for tooling, assembly line maintenance, and facility upgrades. Insider Tip: Boeing often hires through union halls (IBEW Local 46) or direct contractor relationships. Having an airframe license is a plus.
3. City of Everett: Public works departments hire electricians for street lighting, traffic signals, and municipal building maintenance. These are stable, union jobs with excellent benefits. The hiring process is competitive and often posts on government job boards.
4. Kaiser Permanente (Everett Medical Center): Similar to Providence, they need facility electricians. Their focus is on energy-efficient systems and modernizing older buildings. They often look for electricians with green building or LEED experience.
5. Local Electrical Contractors (e.g., Baugh, Stewart & Stevenson): The backbone of the job market. These firms handle residential, commercial, and industrial projects. The commercial sector is booming in areas like the Port of Everett and the new waterfront development. Hiring Trend: There’s a constant demand for journeymen and apprentices, especially those willing to work on industrial service calls.
6. Port of Everett: A key driver for industrial electrical work. They manage terminals, logistics, and ongoing infrastructure projects. Jobs here often involve heavy industrial wiring, crane systems, and marine-grade electrical work.
7. Snohomish County PUD: The local utility district employs electricians for grid maintenance, meter installation, and outage response. These are public-sector jobs with strong benefits and pensions.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has a clear licensing process administered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Here’s the breakdown:

Path to Journeyman Electrician:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a state-approved apprenticeship (typically 4 years, 8,000 hours of on-the-job training, plus 960 hours of classroom instruction).
2. Exam: Pass the Washington State Journeyman Electrician Exam (based on the NEC, with state amendments).
3. Application: Submit an application to L&I with proof of experience and exam results. Fee: ~$240 for initial license.

Costs:

• Apprenticeship Tuition: Varies; union programs are often free (paid by contractors), non-union may have costs.
• Exam Fee: $160 (paid to testing agency, PSI).
• License Fee: $240 (initial), then $210 every 2 years for renewal.
• Continuing Education: 4 hours every 2 years for journeyman, 8 hours for master, focusing on NEC updates.

Timeline:

• Years 1-4: Apprenticeship.
• Post-Apprenticeship: You can sit for the journeyman exam immediately after completing your hours.
• Master Electrician: Requires 4 years as a journeyman + 4,000 additional hours, then pass the master exam.

Insider Tip: Washington State is a "reciprocity" state for some others. If you’re licensed elsewhere, check L&I’s reciprocity agreements. The process can take 60-90 days, so plan ahead if moving.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Living in Everett means balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here are top picks:

1. North Everett (Delta/Everett Heights): Close to downtown, the port, and the hospital. Older homes mean frequent electrical upgrades. Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $1,900 for a 1BR. Commute to major employers is under 10 minutes.
2. Mill Creek (technically unincorporated Snohomish Co.): A popular, family-friendly area with good schools. A hub for residential work. Commute to Everett is 15-20 minutes via I-5. Rent Estimate: $2,000 - $2,300 for a 1BR.
3. Mukilteo: Waterfront living, quieter. Close to the ferry to Whidbey Island and Boeing's Mukilteo site. Good for electricians who want a peaceful home base. Rent Estimate: $2,100 - $2,400 for a 1BR.
4. Silver Lake: A mix of older and newer homes, great access to I-5 and Highway 525. Good for commercial work in the South Everett area. Rent Estimate: $1,800 - $2,100 for a 1BR.
5. Downtown Everett: Urban, walkable, with growing nightlife. Ideal for electricians who don’t want a car or have a work truck. Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,000 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Everett offers clear paths for advancement. The 11% job growth over 10 years is driven by two key areas: renewable energy/smart grid and industrial automation.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Low-Voltage/Systems Technician: +10-15% on base salary. Focus on fire alarms, security, and building automation.
  • Industrial Electrician: +15-20%. Working on complex machinery, PLCs, and process controls. Boeing and port jobs are prime targets.
  • Solar/Alternative Energy: Growing niche. Washington’s solar incentives (though modest) create demand for installers.
  • Project Manager: +25-40%. After 10+ years, moving into estimation, project management, or business ownership.

10-Year Outlook: The need to retrofit older buildings for energy efficiency and the ongoing aerospace maintenance will keep demand steady. Electricians who embrace smart home technology, EV charger installation, and industrial automation will be the most insulated from market swings.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with major employers in aerospace, healthcare, and public works.	High cost of living (113.0 index) vs. median salary, making homeownership challenging solo.
Slightly above-average pay compared to the national median.	Competitive housing market; affordable rent is disappearing.
Strong union presence (IBEW Local 46) offering good benefits and wage standards.	Traffic congestion on I-5, especially during rush hour.
Proximity to Seattle for bigger projects, but without the worst of Seattle's costs.	Weather: Long, gray, wet winters can affect morale and outdoor work schedules.
Access to diverse work – from residential to complex industrial.	Cultural scene is smaller than Seattle; it’s more of a "bedroom community."

Final Recommendation:
Everett is an excellent choice for a mid-to-senior level electrician who values stability over high-risk, high-reward opportunities. It’s ideal for those with a family or seeking a balance between urban access and suburban life. For a new apprentice or entry-level electrician, the cost of living may be a tight squeeze initially, but the apprenticeship opportunities are solid. If you’re willing to specialize (industrial, low-voltage) and are open to living slightly outside the core, Everett offers a sustainable, long-term career path.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Everett?
For most electricians, yes. While public transit exists (Community Transit, Everett Transit), job sites are scattered across industrial parks, construction zones, and private homes. A reliable vehicle or work truck is almost a necessity.

2. What’s the union situation here?
IBEW Local 46 is a powerful presence in the Seattle-Everett area, covering commercial and industrial work. Union wages and benefits are typically higher than non-union shops. Many major employers (Boeing, hospitals, the city) are union shops or work with union contractors. It’s worth investigating union apprenticeship programs if you’re starting out.

3. Is the 10-year job growth of 11% reliable?
This projection comes from the Washington State Employment Security Department and mirrors BLS national trends. It’s a conservative estimate. Growth is tied to construction cycles and aerospace health. Diversifying your skills (e.g., adding data cabling, EV charger install) will make you more resilient.

4. Can I get a job without a Washington license?
You can work under the supervision of a licensed electrician, but you cannot perform work independently. If you’re coming from another state, start the reciprocity process with L&I immediately. Employers often hire on the condition you obtain your WA license within a set timeframe.

5. What’s the best way to find a job here?

• Union: Contact IBEW Local 46.
• Job Boards: Check Washington Job Search (state site), Indeed, and LinkedIn.
• Networking: Join the Everett Community College Electrical Program alumni network or attend meetings of the Everett Chamber of Commerce. Many jobs are found through contractor relationships, not online postings.

Sources:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics.
• Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) Licensing.
• Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD) Projections.
• Local rental market data from Zillow, RentCafe.
• Employer information from company websites and local business directories.