Electrician in Glendale, AZ

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the Arizona job market, I can tell you that Glendale offers a solid, no-nonsense path for electricians. It’s not the explosive growth of Phoenix proper, but it’s a steady market with real opportunities and a cost of living that’s manageable if you know the ropes. This guide is for the electrician who wants the facts, not the fluff. We’ll break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the local employers, so you can decide if Glendale is where your next circuit should be wired.

The Salary Picture: Where Glendale Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter. The median salary for an electrician in Glendale is $62,565/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.08. This is slightly above the national average of $61,550/year, which is a good sign for your earning power in this specific market. The metro area supports 761 jobs for electricians, and with a 10-year job growth projection of 11%, the outlook is stable and positive, driven by both residential expansion and commercial maintenance.

To understand where you fit in, consider this experience-level breakdown. These are estimates based on local market trends and BLS data, but they give you a realistic ladder to climb.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2 years	$42,000 - $48,000	Starting out, you'll likely be on a residential or commercial crew. Focus on safety and mastering the fundamentals. This is your earning-your-stripes period.
Mid-Level / Journeyman	3-7 years	$56,000 - $68,000	You're licensed, working independently on complex jobs. The median $62,565 sits squarely in this range. You have leverage and can specialize.
Senior / Master	8-15 years	$70,000 - $90,000+	Master electricians, site supervisors, or those with a specialty (like controls or data cabling). Project management roles open up.
Expert / Specialist	15+ years	$95,000+	This could be a niche consultant, a high-level estimator for a major firm, or an owner of a specialized electrical contracting business.

Compared to other Arizona cities, Glendale holds its own. It’s not Phoenix, where scale and density can push higher-end salaries, but it also lacks the extreme cost of living of a Scottsdale. Tucson often hovers around the national average, while Glendale edges it out slightly. Your leverage here comes from the 11% growth; demand is consistent, and with the right company, you can command a premium.

Insider Tip: The $30.08/hour median is your benchmark. If you're offered significantly less as a journeyman, ask why. If it's higher, it's likely for a specialty or a role with on-call responsibilities. Always clarify overtime policies; in construction, it can add 20% to your annual take-home.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $62,565 salary sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Glendale? Let's run a realistic budget. Arizona has a flat income tax rate, but we'll factor in FICA (Social Security and Medicare) for a clear picture.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single Electrician (Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,213	$62,565 / 12
Net Pay (After Taxes/FICA)	~$4,200	This is an estimate. Use a Glendale-specific paycheck calculator for precise numbers.
Average 1BR Rent	$1,424	The city-wide average. This can be higher or lower by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200 - $300	Your own bill will vary, but Arizona summers will spike your AC costs.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400 - $600	Glendale is car-dependent. Insurance rates are moderate but can be higher if you're young.
Groceries & Essentials	$400	A conservative estimate for one person.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200 - $400	Varies wildly by employer. A good shop will cover 70%+ of the premium.
Miscellaneous / Savings	~$1,200	This is your buffer for savings, entertainment, tools, and unexpected costs.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a Cost of Living Index of 105.5 (5.5% above the U.S. average), Glendale is more expensive than the national norm but remains one of the more affordable major suburbs. The median home price in Glendale is around $375,000. With the median salary of $62,565, a 20% down payment ($75,000) is a stretch, but not impossible for a dual-income household. A more realistic path for a single earner is a 5-10% down payment FHA loan, which would require significant savings upfront and a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) of around $2,200 - $2,500. This is tight on a single $62,565 salary, but doable if you budget aggressively and have a partner. Your best bet is to build equity in a condo or townhome first.

The Where the Jobs Are: Glendale's Major Employers

Glendale’s job market for electricians is tied to its identity: a hub for sports, healthcare, and growing residential communities. The 761 jobs in the metro are spread across these key sectors.

1. Sundt Construction: A national giant with a massive presence in Arizona, Sundt’s Southwest Division is headquartered in Phoenix and has many projects in the West Valley, including Glendale. They handle large commercial, industrial, and healthcare projects. Hiring trends show a steady need for licensed journeymen and foremen for their electrical teams.

2. DPR Construction: Another top-tier national contractor with a strong Phoenix footprint. DPR specializes in complex projects like hospitals and data centers. They’re known for a collaborative culture and often hire for specialized electrical roles in healthcare and technology facilities.

3. Banner Health: With multiple facilities in the West Valley, including Banner Thunderbird Medical Center (in Glendale) and Banner Estrella (just south), Banner is a consistent employer. They need in-house electricians for facility maintenance, medical equipment power, and ongoing renovations. These are stable, benefits-heavy jobs.

4. Valleywise Health (formerly Maricopa County Health System): Their main hospital is at 19th Ave & McDowell, on the eastern edge of Glendale. As a public health system, they have constant electrical needs for their aging infrastructure and new builds. They often post jobs for skilled tradespeople, including electricians.

5. The City of Glendale: Municipal government is a major employer. The city hires electricians for its Public Works department (streetlights, traffic signals) and for facilities maintenance at places like the Glendale Civic Center and the Gila River Arena (now Desert Diamond Arena). These jobs offer excellent benefits and pensions but can be competitive.

6. Local Electrical Contractors: The backbone of the industry. Companies like WESCO, Elliott Electric Supply (who often hire for their own needs, not just as a distributor), and mid-sized contractors like Coleman Electric or M.C. Dean have regional offices. These firms handle the bulk of residential wiring and smaller commercial jobs. Hiring is often direct and driven by project load.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs never hit a public job board. The electrical trade in the Valley runs on relationships. Join the Local 640 IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) if you’re union-inclined, or at least network with foremen at job sites. Show up at local supply houses like Elliott or Graybar—the counter staff knows who's hiring.

Getting Licensed in AZ

Arizona’s licensing is straightforward but strict. You can’t just hang a shingle; you need the state’s blessing.

• Journeyman Electrician License: Requires 8,000 hours of documented work under a licensed electrician (typically 4 years) and passing the National Electrical Code (NEC) exam. The exam is administered by PSI. There are no formal apprenticeship program requirements from the state, but most electricians complete a registered apprenticeship through the IBEW/NECA or a non-union program like those offered by the Arizona Builders’ Alliance.
• Master Electrician License: Requires 12,000 hours of work as a journeyman and passing a more advanced exam. Master electricians can pull permits and own contracting businesses.
• Costs: Exam fees are around $200-$300. Licensing fees are separate, roughly $100-$200 annually. The real cost is time and effort in study and work hours.
• Timeline: If you’re starting as an apprentice, plan on 4-5 years to achieve journeyman status. If you’re already licensed in another state, Arizona has reciprocity with many states (like California, Colorado, and New Mexico), but you’ll still need to apply and may need to take the state-specific portion of the exam.

Action Step: Start at the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) website. It’s your single source of truth for application forms, exam schedules, and the current NEC edition they test on.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Living where you work saves time and money. Glendale is spread out, so choosing the right neighborhood is key.

• Arrowhead Ranch: This is a master-planned community in northwest Glendale, popular with young families and professionals. It’s near major healthcare employers and has a mix of newer homes and apartment complexes. A 1BR here might run $1,500 - $1,650. Commute to the Arrowhead area is minimal if you work there, but getting to the east side can be 30+ minutes.
• Downtown Glendale (Historic District): Charming, walkable, and full of character. You’re close to the Civic Center, restaurants, and the antique district. Commutes are easy to most of Glendale and Phoenix. Rent is moderate, with 1BR apartments around $1,300 - $1,450. The vibe is more urban and less suburban.
• The Foothills (North Glendale): This area, north of Bell Road, offers stunning mountain views and a quieter, more upscale feel. Housing is primarily single-family homes, so apartment rentals are limited. If you find a 1BR, expect $1,550+. It’s ideal if you work for a contractor based in the north or West Valley and want a scenic, peaceful home base.
• South Glendale (Near 59th Ave & Camelback): This area is more affordable and densely populated. It’s close to the freeway (I-10) for an easier commute to Phoenix. You’ll find older apartments and more budget-friendly options, with 1BR rents often $1,200 - $1,350. It’s a practical choice for saving money, though amenities are less polished.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-17 and Loop 101 can be brutal during rush hour. If your job site changes weekly, living near the freeway (like in South Glendale or Arrowhead) is a huge advantage over being stuck in a more isolated neighborhood.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career in electrical work in Glendale is not a dead-end. The 11% growth projection is your runway.

• Specialty Premiums: General residential wiring is the baseline. To accelerate your income, specialize:
  • LV / Data Cabling: With the explosion of smart homes and corporate IT, low-voltage specialists can command a premium.
  • HVAC & Controls: As buildings get smarter, electricians who understand HVAC systems and building automation are in high demand.
  • Industrial & Maintenance: Working in manufacturing or large facilities offers steady, often higher-paying work than pure construction.
• Advancement Paths: The classic ladder is Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Foreman -> Project Manager. Another path is to become a Service Electrician, specializing in troubleshooting and repair for homeowners and businesses—this often leads to starting your own one-person business. The Master Electrician license is the key to owning your own contracting company in Arizona.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 11% growth will likely be fueled by several factors: Glendale’s continued residential expansion, the ongoing need to maintain and upgrade aging infrastructure (like the city’s electrical grid), and the push for energy-efficient and smart buildings. Electricians who stay current with code changes and new technologies (like solar and EV charging installations) will be the most valuable. The danger is stagnation; if you stop learning, your skills and earning power will plateau.

The Verdict: Is Glendale Right for You?

Glendale is a pragmatic choice for an electrician. It’s a working-class city with a strong trade base, a manageable cost of living, and steady demand. It’s not a glamorous tech hub, but it’s a place where you can build a solid career and a comfortable life.

Pros	Cons
Above-average median salary ($62,565) for the region.	Car-dependent city; you will need a reliable vehicle.
Stable job market with 11% 10-year growth.	Competition from the larger Phoenix metro area for high-end specialty roles.
Manageable cost of living compared to many U.S. cities.	Summers are extreme; outdoor work can be grueling, and AC bills are high.
Diverse employer base (healthcare, construction, municipal).	The nightlife and cultural scene is less dense than central Phoenix.
Good access to the wider Phoenix metro for opportunities.	Housing prices are rising, though still more affordable than Scottsdale.

Final Recommendation: Glendale is an excellent choice for a journeyman electrician looking for stable work, a decent salary, and a community feel without the stress of a major downtown. It’s particularly good if you have a family. For a brand-new apprentice, the experience is solid, but the networking opportunities are slightly better in the denser core of Phoenix. For an expert or business owner, Glendale is a fantastic base to serve the entire West Valley, but you may need to look at Phoenix or Scottsdale for the most lucrative high-end projects.

FAQs

Q: Is the IBEW union strong in Glendale?
A: Yes. Local 640 covers the entire Phoenix metro area, including Glendale. Union scale pay is competitive and often exceeds the median, especially with benefits. Many large commercial contractors (like Sundt) are signatory to the union. It’s worth investigating if you value pension and structured benefits.

Q: How do I get my first apprenticeship job?
A: Apply directly to contractor offices, check the Arizona Builders’ Alliance website, and walk into supply houses. Be persistent. Having a clean driving record and a reliable vehicle is almost as important as your technical aptitude for an entry-level role.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for electricians in Glendale?
A: The summer heat. Working in attics or on rooftops in July and August is physically demanding. Hydration, proper clothing, and a company that respects safety protocols are critical. Also, managing the commute if your job site is constantly moving.

Q: Are there opportunities for side work?
A: Absolutely. Once you’re licensed, side jobs (small residential repairs, fixture installations, etc.) are common. Crucially, you must have your Master Electrician license and a contractor’s license from the ROC to do any electrical work for hire, even on the side. Doing unlicensed work is illegal and carries heavy fines.

Q: How does the licensing reciprocity from California work?
A: Arizona has reciprocity for journeyman and master licenses with California. You’ll need to submit your application to the Arizona ROC, provide proof of your current California license, and likely pay the application and licensing fees. You may not need to take the exam, but verify directly with the ROC, as rules can change.