Electrician in Inglewood, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Inglewood Stands

As a local, I can tell you Inglewood isn't just the "City of Champions"—it's a hub of construction and renovation activity. The job market for electricians here is directly tied to the city's massive redevelopment, from the SoFi Stadium complex to ongoing residential projects in older neighborhoods. Let's get straight to the numbers.

The median salary for an electrician in Inglewood is $64,412/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.97/hour. This is a solid benchmark, but like any trade, your actual take-home depends heavily on experience, specialization, and whether you're working for a union or non-union shop. The national average for electricians is $61,550/year, so Inglewood pays slightly above the national curve—a common trend in Southern California, though it's important to weigh that against the higher cost of living.

There are approximately 308 electrician jobs in the Inglewood metro area at any given time. This isn't a massive number, but it's a stable one, supported by both large commercial projects and steady residential needs. The 10-year job growth projection is 11%, which is faster than the national average for many trades, signaling sustained demand driven by infrastructure upgrades and the city's ongoing transformation.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression based on experience level. These estimates reflect the local market, where union scale (from IBEW Local 11) often sets the high end for non-residential work.

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range (Inglewood)	Key Drivers
Entry-Level	Apprentice, Helper	$45,000 - $55,000	Starting wages, on-the-job training. Union apprentices start higher.
Mid-Level	Journeyman	$64,412 - $85,000	Median salary falls here. Pay increases with certifications.
Senior	Foreman, Supervisor	$85,000 - $110,000+	Leadership roles on large commercial jobs (e.g., stadium-related work).
Expert	Master Electrician, Specialist	$110,000 - $140,000+	Top contractors, niche work (data centers, solar integration), business owners.

Compared to other California cities: Inglewood’s median of $64,412 is competitive within LA County. It’s lower than tech-heavy areas like San Jose (where electricians often earn over $90k due to data center work) but comparable to cities like Long Beach and higher than inland areas like Riverside. For a tradesperson, it’s a sweet spot: access to high-paying union jobs in LA without the brutal commute from farther out.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

This is where the rubber meets the road. The cost of living index in Inglewood is 115.5 (US average = 100), meaning you pay a 15.5% premium. The biggest factor is housing. The average 1BR rent is $2,252/month. Let’s break down a monthly budget for an electrician earning the median salary of $64,412/year.

Assumptions: Single filer, no dependents, standard tax deductions (about 22-25% effective tax rate for this bracket). This is a conservative estimate.

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,368
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,290
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$4,078/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR): $2,252
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): $180
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500 (Inglewood is car-dependent)
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): $300
• Miscellaneous (Food out, savings, entertainment): $446
• Total: $4,078

Can they afford to buy a home? It's challenging on a single median income. The median home price in Inglewood is around $700,000. A 20% down payment ($140,000) is a huge barrier. With current interest rates, a $560,000 mortgage would have a monthly payment over $3,500 (including taxes and insurance), which would consume nearly all of your net take-home. Insider Tip: Many local electricians buy homes in more affordable neighboring cities like Lawndale or Hawthorne and commute, or they wait until they're in a senior/foreman role ($85k+) and have a dual income.

Where the Jobs Are: Inglewood's Major Employers

Job hunting here means targeting specific sectors. The SoFi Stadium area and the city's redevelopment are the biggest drivers.

1. IBEW Local 11: The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers is the powerhouse for commercial and industrial work. They handle major projects at SoFi, the Intuit Dome, and local hospitals. Hiring Trend: Strong demand for union journeyman, especially for large-scale event venue and infrastructure work.
2. Kaiser Permanente (Inglewood Medical Center): A major employer for facilities electricians. They need steady, reliable tradespeople for hospital maintenance, which is a year-round need. Hiring Trend: Consistent, with a preference for those with healthcare facility experience.
3. Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD): With numerous schools in Inglewood, LAUSD's Facilities Division is a significant employer. Work involves classroom remodels, electrical upgrades, and safety compliance. Hiring Trend: Steady public sector work with good benefits.
4. City of Inglewood Public Works: The city itself hires electricians for street lighting, traffic signal maintenance, and municipal building upkeep. Hiring Trend: Stable government jobs, often posted on the city's official website.
5. Residential & Small Commercial Contractors: Firms like Moe Electric (local) and Allstar Electric (serving LA County) often have openings for residential and small commercial jobs. Hiring Trend: High turnover in residential, good for entry-level apprentices.
6. Data Centers (in nearby Howard Hughes Center): While not directly in Inglewood, major data centers in the adjacent area (south of LAX) are a growing source of high-paying electrical work for specialists in low-voltage and high-density power systems. Hiring Trend: Niche but booming; requires specific certifications.

Getting Licensed in CA

California has a clear path, but it's rigorous. You cannot work as a journeyman without state certification.

• Requirements: Become a registered electrician trainee (if not in an apprenticeship). Complete 720 hours of approved classroom training and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) under a licensed electrician. Then, pass the state certification exam (C-10 Electrical Contractor for those starting a business, or the Journeyman Electrician exam).
• Costs: Apprenticeship programs (like IBEW's) are often tuition-free or low-cost, funded by union dues. Non-union training can cost $1,000-$3,000 for the classroom portion. The state exam fee is $275, and a contractor's license bond is $25,000.
• Timeline: To become a certified journeyman electrician, plan for a 4-5 year apprenticeship (combination of school and OJT). To become a licensed electrical contractor (C-10), you need 4 years of journeyman-level experience plus passing the state's contractor's exam. Insider Tip: Joining IBEW Local 11’s apprenticeship is the most direct path—it’s competitive but offers structured training, a guaranteed wage scale, and a pension.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Inglewood is patchwork—some areas are booming, others are quieter.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute Pros	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Downtown Inglewood	Walkable to local shops, near the Metro line. Easy access to SoFi, city hall.	$2,100 - $2,300	Those who want an urban feel and short commutes to major job sites.
North Inglewood	Quieter residential streets, closer to I-405 for commutes to the data centers or LAX area.	$2,200 - $2,400	Electricians with a truck who need easy freeway access.
Westchester (adjacent)	Safer, more suburban feel. Close to major employers like Kaiser and data centers.	$2,500 - $2,800	Those with a higher budget seeking a more family-friendly environment.
Lennox (adjacent)	More affordable, dense, and very close to LAX and the industrial areas south of the airport.	$1,900 - $2,100	Budget-conscious electricians who don't mind a gritty, convenient location.
Hyde Park (adjacent)	Historic, with character. A bit farther from the main job hubs but has its own small business scene.	$2,000 - $2,300	Someone who values community feel over a minimal commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In 10 years, the landscape will look different. The 11% job growth suggests Inglewood will continue its development, but your path depends on specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: The electricians earning well above the $64,412 median are those in niches. Solar installation (huge in CA), EV charging station installation, and low-voltage/data systems for commercial buildings all command 15-25% pay premiums. Becoming a Master Electrician (requires 4 years as a journeyman and a state exam) is the key to opening your own contracting business.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is Apprentice → Journeyman → Foreman → Project Manager → Business Owner. Many electricians in Inglewood leverage their union connections to move into superintendent roles on large construction projects, which can pay $120k+.
• 10-Year Outlook: With the Inglewood stadium complex serving as a permanent anchor for events and tourism, the need for maintenance, security systems, and power infrastructure will be perpetual. The growth in EV adoption and renewable energy mandates in California will also create a steady stream of residential and commercial upgrade work.

The Verdict: Is Inglewood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-median pay for electricians ($64,412) with strong union presence.	High cost of living (115.5 index, $2,252 avg rent).
Steady job growth (11%) tied to major infrastructure projects.	Competitive job market—need to hustle for the best positions.
Diverse job opportunities from stadiums to hospitals to residential.	Traffic congestion—commutes on the 405 or 105 can be brutal.
Access to union benefits (IBEW) with pensions and healthcare.	Housing affordability is a major hurdle for buying a home on a single income.
Central location in LA County for accessing other job markets.	Some areas have higher crime rates—research is essential.

Final Recommendation: Inglewood is a strong choice for an ambitious electrician, especially if you're union-aligned or have 2+ years of experience. The job market is active, the pay is competitive, and the city's growth provides long-term stability. It's less ideal for a brand-new apprentice on a tight budget, as the cost of living will be a strain. Insider Tip: If you can secure a position with IBEW Local 11 or a contractor tied to the SoFi complex, you're set for a decade of work. Start by renting in a budget-friendly adjacent neighborhood like Lennox, and plan to invest your earnings into skill specialization for the best long-term payoff.

FAQs

Q: Is it worth joining the union in Inglewood?
A: For commercial/industrial work, absolutely. IBEW Local 11 offers higher wage scales (often $45+/hour for journeyman), benefits, and a pension. For primarily residential work, non-union shops may be more accessible.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship?
A: Apply directly through IBEW Local 11 or the NECA Electrical Training Institute in LA. For non-union, check with contractors like Moe Electric or use the California Department of Apprenticeship Standards website.

Q: What's the best way to get my contractor's license?
A: You need 4 years as a journeyman, then pass the C-10 exam. Join a contracting firm, volunteer for project management tasks, and study the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) materials. Many contractors in Inglewood started as IBEW members.

Q: Is the commute from Inglewood to downtown LA bad?
A: It's not great, but it's manageable. The Metro C Line (Green) goes directly to downtown. Driving can take 45+ minutes in rush hour on the 110. Most local jobs are within 10-15 miles, minimizing cross-town trips.

Q: Are there good areas for someone starting out?
A: Yes. Focus on jobs in the Lennox or North Inglewood areas for more affordable rent. Target residential contractors or facilities jobs at places like Kaiser to build experience before aiming for commercial union gigs.