Electrician in High Point, NC

The Salary Picture: Where High Point Stands

As a career analyst who’s lived in the Piedmont Triad for years, I can tell you that High Point offers a stable, middle-class living for skilled tradespeople, but it’s not a boomtown. The numbers reflect a market that’s solid, not spectacular. For electricians, this means predictable work and a cost of living that’s manageable, especially compared to larger metros.

Let’s break down the compensation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry data, the median salary for an electrician in High Point is $60,202 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $28.94. This is slightly below the national average of $61,550, which makes sense given High Point’s cost of living. The metro area, which includes all of Guilford County and parts of Randolph and Rockingham counties, employs approximately 348 electricians, indicating a steady but not saturated job market. Over the last decade, the profession has seen an 11% job growth in the region, a healthy sign driven by ongoing construction, renovation projects, and the maintenance of the area’s large stock of older homes and manufacturing facilities.

To give you a clearer picture of earning potential, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings, union (IBEW Local 85) rates, and conversations with local contractors.

Experience Level & Pay Scale (High Point Metro Area)

Experience Level	Years in Field	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$42,000 - $52,000	Apprentice tasks, conduit bending, wire pulling, basic residential troubleshooting under supervision.
Mid-Level	2-5	$55,000 - $68,000	Residential & light commercial installs, service calls, interpreting blueprints, minor project management.
Senior	5-10	$65,000 - $82,000	Commercial/industrial work, complex troubleshooting, mentoring apprentices, leading small crews.
Expert/Specialist	10+	$75,000+	Specialized in data centers, healthcare facilities (like those at Cone Health), or high-voltage industrial work.

Insider Tip: If you’re aiming for the higher end of these ranges, your best bet is to specialize early. The Triad’s biggest pay premiums are in industrial controls (serving facilities like those at the Greensboro-High Point Airport industrial park) and healthcare systems, where compliance and precision are non-negotiable. Union membership with IBEW Local 85 can also secure stronger benefits and wage floors.

Comparison to Other NC Cities:
High Point sits in the middle of the pack for electrician salaries in North Carolina. It’s more affordable than Raleigh or Charlotte, where salaries might be higher but are completely offset by housing costs. You’ll earn less here than in Asheville or the Triangle, but your dollar goes further. Compared to nearby Greensboro and Winston-Salem, salaries are comparable—within a few thousand dollars—making the choice more about commute and lifestyle than pure pay.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $60,202 salary sounds decent, but what does it actually mean for your monthly budget in High Point? Let’s run the numbers with some realistic assumptions. For this exercise, we’ll assume a single filer with no dependents, using standard deductions and estimating an effective tax rate of roughly 22% (accounting for federal, state, and FICA).

Annual Salary: $60,202
Estimated Monthly Gross: $5,017
Estimated Taxes (22%): $1,104
Monthly Take-Home Pay: **$3,913**

Now, let’s factor in the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in High Point, which is $1,042/month. This is a crucial data point. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single electrician living in High Point:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,042	Slightly above the city average; newer complexes in areas like Oak Hollow may be higher.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$220	Higher in summer due to A/C costs in the Piedmont humidity.
Groceries	$350	Shopping at local stores like the High Point Farmers Market for seasonal produce can save money.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Assuming a modest car payment; insurance rates are reasonable in NC.
Gas/Maintenance	$150	Commuting to nearby Greensboro or Winston-Salem adds up.
Health Insurance	$150	If provided by employer, your premium may be lower.
Miscellaneous (Clothing, Entertainment, Diet)	$300	High Point has affordable local diners and free events at the High Point Market for entertainment.
Savings/Debt Paydown	$1,251	The remainder. This is a healthy 25% of gross income dedicated to savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? In short, yes—but with caveats. The median home price in High Point is around $300,000. With a 10% down payment ($30,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would have a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,900. This is less than the average 1BR rent, which is counterintuitive but true in many markets. However, saving for a down payment on a $60,202 salary requires discipline. With the $1,251/month surplus from the budget above, it would take about two years to save $30,000. This is feasible, especially if you live with a roommate initially to lower the rent expense and boost your savings rate.

Insider Tip: Look in neighborhoods like Jamestown or the west side of High Point, where home prices are often below the city median. Avoid the immediate downtown area if you’re on a budget, as renovation costs can skyrocket.

Where the Jobs Are: High Point's Major Employers

The job market for electricians in High Point is anchored by a mix of large institutions, construction firms, and industrial facilities. It’s a stable market, not one driven by frantic tech growth, which means employers value reliability and long-term tenure.

1. Cone Health – High Point Medical Center: This is a major healthcare employer with a constant need for electricians specializing in critical systems. They require licensed professionals for new builds, maintenance, and emergency power systems. Hiring is steady, and union benefits are often available for facilities roles.

2. High Point Furniture Manufacturers: While the industry has contracted, major players like Hooker Furniture and Surya still maintain large production facilities. These plants require industrial electricians for machinery maintenance, control panel work, and line voltage systems. Pay can be higher than residential due to the complexity.

3. Caldwell County & Guilford County Public Schools: School districts are massive employers for electricians. Projects include new school construction (ongoing due to population growth) and daily maintenance. These jobs offer excellent benefits, pensions, and stable hours—often 7-3 with summers off.

4. General Contractors (Residential & Commercial): Firms like D.L. & Co. and R.L. Phillips Construction are consistently hiring journeymen for subdivisions and commercial projects. This is where most entry-level and mid-level apprentices find their first long-term gigs. The work is cyclical but reliable.

5. Industrial Facilities (Airport & I-40 Corridor): The Guilford County Industrial Park and facilities near the Piedmont Triad International Airport house manufacturers and logistics companies. Employers like PepsiCo (bottling) and various distribution centers need in-house maintenance electricians. These roles often pay a premium for shift work.

6. Local Utility Companies (Duke Energy Progress): Duke Energy has a significant presence in the region. While their in-house electrician roles are competitive and require specific utility training, they are a career destination with superior benefits and job security.

Hiring Trends: Post-2023, there’s a noticeable uptick in retrofit and energy-efficiency projects. Older buildings in downtown High Point are being upgraded with new electrical systems, LED lighting, and EV charging stations. This trend favors electricians with certifications in energy management or green building practices. The move toward data centers in the region (driven by the Research Triangle’s spillover) is also creating demand for electricians with fiber optic and low-voltage expertise.

Getting Licensed in NC

North Carolina has a clear but rigorous path to becoming a licensed electrician. The state protects the public through mandatory licensing, which is good for professionals—it ensures higher standards and better pay. You cannot legally perform electrical work for hire without a license.

The Process:

1. Apprenticeship (Typically 4 Years): You must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician. This is almost always done through an apprenticeship program. The best route in the Triad is the IBEW Local 85 / Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) Apprenticeship Program. It’s a union program but accepts non-union applicants.
2. Classroom Hours: You must also complete 144 classroom hours per year (576 total). GTCC in Jamestown offers these courses.
3. Licensing Exams: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass:
   • NC Electrical Contractor Exam (for the business entity).
   • NC Electrical Exam (based on the National Electrical Code, with state modifications).
   • You’ll also need to pass a business and law exam.
4. Costs:
   • Exams: ~$100-$200 per exam.
   • Application Fees: ~$100-$300 for the license.
   • Bond & Insurance: To operate a contracting business, you’ll need a surety bond (varies, often $5,000-$10,000) and liability insurance.

Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to becoming a fully licensed journeyman electrician, plan for a 4-5 year journey. Once you have your journeyman license, you can work for a contractor. To run your own business, you need the full contractor’s license.

Insider Tip: Even if you don’t plan to run a business, getting your contractor’s license is the ultimate career security. Many senior electricians in High Point work as licensed contractors on the side, taking on small residential projects, which can significantly boost your income.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Choosing where to live in High Point depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide to the best areas for tradespeople.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown/High Point Market District	Walkable, historic, near restaurants and the Market. A short commute to most jobs in the city.	$1,200 - $1,600	Younger electricians who want nightlife and a quick commute. Can be pricey on a single income.
Oak Hollow/Jamestown	Quiet, suburban, near the airport and major employers (PepsiCo, industrial parks). Easy access to I-40.	$1,000 - $1,300	Professionals working in industrial jobs or who want a short, predictable commute. Family-friendly.
West High Point (near Jamestown)	A mix of older homes and new subdivisions. More affordable housing, both to buy and rent.	$850 - $1,100	Electricians looking to buy a starter home. A longer but manageable commute to downtown.
South High Point (near the University of NC-Greensboro)	College-town feel, with newer apartment complexes. Close to Greensboro’s amenities.	$950 - $1,250	Those who work in Greensboro but want a slightly cheaper rent. Social scene is mixed with students.
Jamestown (Technically a separate town)	Classic small-town feel, excellent school district, very safe. Commute to High Point is 10-15 minutes.	$900 - $1,200	Electricians with families or those who prioritize quiet and community.

Insider Tip: If you’re commuting to the Cone Health High Point Medical Center or downtown jobs, Oak Hollow is your sweet spot. It’s less than 15 minutes to either, and the rents are more manageable. Avoid the immediate area around High Point University if you’re on a tight budget; the student housing demand keeps rents artificially high.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In High Point, career growth for an electrician isn’t about rapid title changes; it’s about diversifying your skills and building a reputation. The 11% 10-year job growth is promising, but you must be strategic to capture the higher-paying opportunities.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial Controls/VFDs: Electricians who can program and maintain Variable Frequency Drives and PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are in high demand at manufacturing plants. This can add $5-$10/hour to your base rate.
  • Healthcare & Critical Systems: Working in hospitals like Cone Health requires knowledge of NEC Article 517 (Health Care Facilities). This certification makes you a premium candidate and is often accompanied by a $5-$15/hour premium.
  • Solar & Energy Storage: With North Carolina’s solar boom, electricians with NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification are sought for commercial and residential solar installations. This is a growing niche.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Service Technician: Move from new construction to service and repair. This often comes with a take-home vehicle and higher hourly rates, as you’re solving urgent problems.
  • Project Manager/Foreman: After 7-10 years, you can move into a supervisory role, overseeing crews and budgets. This path requires strong organizational skills and often leads to six-figure incomes.
  • Business Owner: Starting your own small electrical contracting firm is the highest-earning path but also the riskiest. High Point has a steady stream of residential work (panel upgrades, rewiring old houses) that can sustain a one- or two-person shop.

• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for electricians will remain strong, driven by the need to maintain and upgrade the region’s aging infrastructure. The biggest change will be the integration of smart home technology, EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy systems. Electricians who adapt to these technologies will be the most secure and highest-paid.

The Verdict: Is High Point Right for You?

High Point is a pragmatic choice for electricians. It’s not the most exciting city in North Carolina, but it offers a solid, sustainable career with a manageable cost of living.

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are reasonable compared to the national average.	Slower Wage Growth: Salaries lag behind national averages and major metros.
Stable Job Market: Diverse employers from healthcare to manufacturing provide stability.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: The social scene is quieter than in Raleigh or Charlotte.
Central Location: Easy 30-minute drive to Greensboro or Winston-Salem for more opportunities.	Car Dependency: Excellent public transit is lacking; you need a reliable vehicle.
Strong Apprenticeship Pathway: GTCC and IBEW 85 provide a clear, structured entry into the field.	Limited Specialization Depth: Fewer opportunities for cutting-edge tech compared to the Triangle.
Good Work-Life Balance: Typical schedules are standard 40-hour weeks; overtime is available but not constant.	Air Quality & Allergies: The Piedmont is known for high pollen counts in spring.

Final Recommendation: High Point is an excellent choice for electricians who value stability, affordability, and a clear path to homeownership. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals or those starting a family. If you’re a young, single electrician seeking a dynamic, fast-paced urban environment, you might find it limiting. But for the majority of skilled tradespeople, High Point offers a fantastic balance of work and life, grounded in the practical realities of the electrical trade.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be union to find good electrical work in High Point?
No, but it helps. The IBEW Local 85 has a strong presence and offers excellent benefits and wage guarantees. Many non-union contractors also pay competitively, especially for specialized skills. Weigh the benefits package (pension, health insurance) against the union dues.

2. How is the job market for apprentices?
It’s competitive but healthy. The GTCC apprenticeship program has a waiting list. The best way to get your foot in the door is to apply directly to electrical contractors in the area and express a willingness to enroll in their apprenticeship program. Persistence is key.

3. Is High Point safe for electricians working residential jobs?
High Point is generally safe, but like any city, it has areas with higher crime rates. Working in residential neighborhoods during daylight hours is typically safe. Always communicate with the homeowner, use the “buddy system” for isolated jobs, and be aware of your surroundings. Most contractors have safety protocols in place.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for electricians new to High Point?
Building a client base if you’re going out on your own. The market is relationship-driven