Electrician in Jackson, TN

As a career analyst who’s lived in West Tennessee for over a decade, I’ve watched Jackson’s economy evolve from a manufacturing hub into a more diversified city with a strong healthcare and logistics backbone. For electricians, this means steady demand, but also a market where knowing the local landscape is just as important as knowing your conduit bending. Jackson isn’t Nashville or Memphis—it’s a mid-sized city with a lower cost of living and a tight-knit job market where reputation travels fast. If you’re considering a move here, this guide breaks down the real numbers, the real employers, and the day-to-day realities of being an electrician in Madison County.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

Jackson’s electrician salaries are competitive for its size and cost of living, but they sit slightly below the national average. The key is understanding how experience and specialty shape your earning potential. The median salary for electricians in the Jackson metro is $59,204/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.46/hour. For context, the national average for electricians is $61,550/year, meaning Jackson is about 4% lower—which is more than offset by the city’s lower living costs.

The job market here is small but stable, with approximately 204 electrician jobs in the metro area. Over the past decade, the sector has seen a 11% growth rate, driven by new residential developments in north Jackson and ongoing industrial maintenance needs at the local Kennametal and Bemis plants.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in Jackson:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Hourly Rate	Common Roles
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $50,000	$20 - $24	Apprentice, Residential Wireman, Helper
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $65,000	$26 - $31	Journeyman Electrician, Commercial Technician
Senior (8-15 years)	$68,000 - $78,000	$33 - $37	Service Electrician, Foreman, Project Manager
Expert (15+ years)	$75,000+	$36+	Master Electrician, Specialty Contractor, Business Owner

Insider Insight: The jump from mid to senior level in Jackson often comes from specializing. A commercial journeyman who gets certified in fire alarm systems or motor controls can command a premium, especially with the hospitals and industrial facilities in the area.

Comparison to Other Tennessee Cities:

• Nashville: Median ~$64,000 (but cost of living is 30% higher than Jackson).
• Memphis: Median ~$61,000 (similar cost of living, but larger job market with more industrial work).
• Chattanooga: Median ~$58,000 (very similar to Jackson, with a strong automotive sector).
• Knoxville: Median ~$60,000 (slightly higher, with more university and federal contracting work).

Jackson’s advantage is the combination of a median salary of $59,204 and a cost of living index of 87.3 (US avg = 100). That means your paycheck stretches further here than in Tennessee’s major metros.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $59,204, your take-home pay after taxes (assuming single filer, standard deduction, and ~22% effective federal + state tax rate) will be approximately $46,000-$48,000 annually, or about $3,800-$4,000 per month. This is a rough estimate; your actual take-home depends on benefits, retirement contributions, and insurance.

The average rent for a 1BR apartment in Jackson is $866/month. That leaves you with roughly $2,900-$3,100 monthly for utilities, groceries, transportation, savings, and discretionary spending. For a single person, this is very manageable. A household with a partner or children will need dual incomes to comfortably cover expenses and save.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Jackson is around $180,000-$200,000. With a 20% down payment ($36,000-$40,000), a mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) would be roughly $900-$1,100/month. This is comparable to or even cheaper than many 1BR rent prices. Many electricians in their mid-30s and up own homes here, often in the Madison or North Jackson areas. The key is building savings for the down payment. With $59,204 as your base, saving $1,000-$1,500/month is feasible if you manage your budget well.

Monthly Budget Example (Single Electrician, Median Salary):

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,933
• Estimated Net (Take-Home): $3,850
• Rent (1BR Average): -$866
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$200
• Groceries: -$350
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): -$500
• Health Insurance/Out-of-Pocket: -$200
• Debt/Student Loans: -$300
• Savings/Retirement (IRA, 401k): -$500
• Discretionary (Entertainment, Eating Out): -$400
• Remaining Buffer: $334

This budget allows for homeownership on a single income, especially if you can reduce transportation costs (e.g., live closer to work) or have a partner contributing.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson’s job market for electricians is diverse, spanning healthcare, manufacturing, and public infrastructure. Unlike larger cities, you won’t see dozens of postings from a single contractor. Instead, a handful of key employers drive most hiring, often relying on word-of-mouth and local trade schools. Here are the major players:

1. Jackson Energy Authority (JEA): The municipal electric utility. They hire electricians for line work, substation maintenance, and metering. It’s a stable, union-adjacent job with excellent benefits. Hiring is less frequent but happens as retirements occur. They value local candidates and often partner with Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) for apprentices.

2. Northwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center (NMMRC): This hospital in nearby Clarksdale, MS (about 45 mins south), is a major employer for specialty electricians. They need techs for medical gas systems, backup power (generators), and critical care electrical systems. The work is niche and pays a premium. Many Jackson electricians commute this route.

3. Madison County Schools & Jackson-Madison County School System: Public institutions need in-house electricians for facility maintenance. These are union jobs (IBEW Local 175 has a presence) with strong pensions. Hiring is periodic, tied to budget cycles. Check the county’s HR website directly.

4. Industrial Plants (Kennametal, Bemis): These manufacturing facilities require industrial maintenance electricians for PLCs, motor controls, and high-voltage systems. The work is shift-based and can be demanding, but pay is often above the $59,204 median. Kennametal, a metalworking tools manufacturer, frequently posts for automation technicians.

5. Jackson General Hospital: The local hospital system (now part of HCA Healthcare) often hires for facility maintenance and new construction projects. With ongoing expansions, there’s steady contract work through electrical contractors like Cox Electric and M & M Electric (both based in Jackson).

6. City of Jackson Public Works: The city maintains its own electrical infrastructure for streetlights, traffic signals, and municipal buildings. Jobs here are posted on the city’s civil service portal. It’s a slower-paced, government job with great benefits but competitive to get into.

7. Logistics & Warehouse Facilities: Jackson is a logistics hub for FedEx and Amazon distribution centers. While these facilities often use large national contractors for initial build-outs, there’s a growing need for maintenance electricians post-construction. Companies like FedEx Supply Chain and Amazon in nearby Memphis sometimes post for skilled trades.

Hiring Trend Insight: The most consistent hiring happens in the commercial/residential contractor space. Firms like Cox Electric and M & M Electric are always looking for licensed journeyman. The best way to find these jobs isn’t Indeed—it’s the IBEW Local 175 dispatch in Jackson or word-of-mouth at supply houses like WESCO or Graybar on Vann Drive.

Getting Licensed in TN

Tennessee’s licensing is managed by the State Board for Licensing Contractors. The process is straightforward but requires patience. There’s no statewide journeyman license, but you must work under a licensed contractor. For independent work, you need a Master Electrician license.

Steps & Costs:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 years): Complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician and 576 hours of classroom instruction. Cost: $500-$1,500 (depending on the apprenticeship program). The NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center in Memphis (2 hours away) is a top choice, but Jackson’s TCAT offers a 2-year program.
2. Journeyman Exam: After finishing your apprenticeship, you can take the journeyman exam if your contractor sponsors you. There’s no state-wide journeyman license, but you’ll need it to work independently in many jurisdictions. Exam fee: $150.
3. Master Electrician License: Requires 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience, plus passing the Master exam. Exam fee: $300. License fee: $200 every 2 years. Total estimated cost to become a Master: $2,500-$4,000 (including exam prep).
4. Contractor License: If you want to start your own business, you need a Contractor License (which requires a Master license). Exam fee: $300; license fee: $200.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you’re already an apprentice elsewhere: Your hours may transfer. Contact TCAT or the state board to verify.
• If you’re starting from scratch: 4-5 years to Master. You can work as an apprentice immediately after enrolling in a program.
• Insider Tip: Jackson has a local electrical inspection department (run by the city/county). They’re strict but fair. Always call them for project questions at (731) 423-4000. They maintain a list of licensed contractors and often know who’s hiring.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Jackson’s geography is spread out, with clear divides between residential, commercial, and industrial zones. Choosing a neighborhood depends on your commute preference and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR)	Why It’s Good for Electricians
North Jackson	Family-friendly, newer subdivisions. 10-15 min commute to industrial parks.	$900-$1,100	Close to Kennametal, FedEx, and new construction. Quiet for family life.
Downtown/Midtown	Walkable, historic. 5-10 min to most offices & hospitals.	$750-$950	Central to everything. Great for contractors who work downtown or at Jackson General.
South Jackson	Affordable, older homes. 15-20 min to most job sites.	$700-$850	Cheapest rent, close to TCAT campus where many apprentices train.
Madison/NE Jackson	Upscale, near shopping (The Columns). 10-20 min commute.	$950-$1,200	Higher rent, but close to schools and healthcare facilities. Good for senior techs.
Lavergne/Riverwood	Suburban, near the Hatchie River. 15-25 min commute.	$800-$950	Quieter, with easy access to I-40 and Highway 45. Popular with younger tradespeople.

Insider Tip: If you’re working for a contractor that services the whole city, North Jackson or Midtown offer the best balance of commute times to job sites. Avoid living too far south unless you’re working exclusively in the industrial zone near the airport.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Jackson isn’t a place for rapid, explosive career growth, but it’s excellent for building a stable, high-value career. The 11% job growth over 10 years indicates steady demand, especially as the city’s population slowly grows and existing infrastructure ages.

Specialty Premiums:

• Motor Controls & PLCs: +$5-$8/hour over base. Critical for industrial work.
• Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems: +$4-$6/hour. Required for hospitals and schools.
• Solar/Residential Renewables: Growing niche. With TVA’s energy programs, solar installation is picking up. Premium is still emerging but will rise.
• Project Management: Moving from field work to management can push salary to $75,000+. Requires strong organizational skills and knowledge of local permitting.

Advancement Paths:

1. Apprentice → Journeyman (2-4 years): Focus on getting your hours and passing exams.
2. Journeyman → Foreman/Specialist (3-5 years): Take on lead roles or specialize. This is where you hit the $65,000-$78,000 range.
3. Foreman → Master/Contractor (5+ years): Start your own business or become a senior project manager. $75,000+ is achievable here, especially if you contract with the state or local government.

10-Year Outlook: Jackson’s growth will be tied to its proximity to Memphis and Nashville. Expect more logistics and light manufacturing. Electricians with automation and green energy skills will be in high demand. The aging workforce (large Boomer generation retiring) will open up positions in the public sector and utilities. The key is staying certified and connected. Join IBEW Local 175 (they have a hall in Jackson) and attend the annual West Tennessee Home Builders Association events to network.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $59,204 median salary goes much further than in Nashville or Memphis.	Limited Job Market: Only 204 jobs total. Less variety than a major metro.
Stable Demand: 11% growth in a non-boom city is solid. Hospitals, schools, and utilities provide steady work.	Slower Pace: Fewer cutting-edge projects. If you crave skyscrapers, look elsewhere.
Strong Community: In Jackson, you build a reputation. Good work gets around quickly.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are capped unless you start a business.
Lower Stress: Commutes are short (10-20 mins), traffic is minimal, and work-life balance is respected.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: For young, single electricians, the social scene is quieter.
Path to Homeownership: With the $866/month average rent, buying a home is realistic on a single income.	Weather: Humid summers and occasional tornado risk. HVAC work is seasonal.

Final Recommendation: Jackson is an excellent choice for electricians who are past their apprenticeship, value stability over high-risk/high-reward, and want to build a life where they can afford a home and family on a single income. It’s not the place for a 25-year-old seeking a fast-paced, urban career. It’s ideal for a journeyman in their 30s-50s who wants to plant roots, join a church or local sports league, and retire comfortably. If you’re willing to specialize and network locally, you can carve out a very profitable niche here.

FAQs

1. How do I find an apprenticeship in Jackson?
Contact the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) in Jackson directly. They have a 2-year electrical program that includes apprenticeship placement. Also, reach out to the IBEW Local 175 office in Jackson for union apprenticeship openings. Local contractors like M & M Electric sometimes hire helpers directly.

2. Is the job market as competitive as in Nashville?
No, it’s less competitive but also smaller. You won’t see hundreds of postings. The key is persistence and local networking. Many jobs are filled through referrals. Walk into supply houses, introduce yourself, and ask about contractors who need help.

3. What’s the weather like for outdoor work?
Summers are hot and humid (90°F+ with high humidity), which can make attic and outdoor work challenging. Winters are mild but can have ice storms. Most residential work slows in the deep winter, but commercial/industrial work continues year-round.

4. Can I work in Jackson with a license from another state?
You must work under a Tennessee-licensed contractor. Your out-of-state hours may count toward Tennessee’s experience requirement, but you’ll need to apply to the state board for verification. The process is straightforward but can take 2-3 months.

5. What’s the best way to get a contractor’s license in Jackson?
First