Electrician in Janesville, WI

The Salary Picture: Where Janesville Stands

As a local who’s watched the Rock County job market for years, I can tell you that Janesville’s electrician wages are a study in smart trade positioning. The median salary for an electrician here is $59,962/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.83. That’s about 95% of the national average of $61,550/year, which is a meaningful gap. It means you’re earning slightly less than your peers nationwide, but the trade-off is a significantly lower cost of living. When you factor in that rent and daily expenses, you often come out ahead.

The job market here is stable but not booming. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Janesville metropolitan area shows there are currently 198 jobs for electricians. The 10-year job growth is projected at 11%, which is solid—driven by the ongoing need for residential construction, commercial retrofits, and industrial maintenance. It’s not explosive growth like in some tech hubs, but it’s steady, reliable work for those who want predictability.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level in our local market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary (Janesville)	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level/Apprentice	0-2	$38,000 - $45,000	Heavily dependent on union vs. non-union shops. Starting pay at larger contractors is competitive.
Mid-Level Journeyman	3-10	$52,000 - $70,000	This is the core of the workforce. Specializing in controls, data, or commercial work pushes you to the higher end.
Senior Specialist	10-20	$70,000 - $85,000	Typically foremen, estimators, or licensed specialists in fire alarm systems, nursing homes, and industrial controls.
Expert/Owner-Operator	20+	$85,000+	Runs a small business, manages large projects, or holds a Master Electrician license for complex commercial work.

Insider Tip: The $10k+ gap between Janesville’s $59,962 median and the national $61,550 average isn’t a dealbreaker. It’s a local market reality. The real value is unlocked when you specialize. An electrician doing standard residential wiring earns near the median, but one trained in commercial HVAC controls or data center infrastructure can command a premium, often pushing past $75k even in this market.

Compared to other Wisconsin cities, Janesville is a middle-ground. It’s far more affordable than Milwaukee or Madison, where salaries are higher but costs are significantly steeper. Green Bay and Appleton are similar in cost and pay. Think of Janesville as a place to build a stable foundation without the financial pressure of a major metro.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the dollars and cents. The $59,962 median salary is your gross income. After estimated federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer with no dependents might take home approximately $47,000-$48,000 per year, or about $3,900 - $4,000 per month.

Now, let's layer in Janesville’s cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $841/month. The Cost of Living Index is 91.4, meaning Janesville is about 8.6% cheaper than the U.S. average. Here’s what a typical monthly budget looks like for a journeyman earning the median wage:

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Electrical Contractor, Single Filer)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$4,997	Based on $59,962 annual salary
Take-Home Pay (After Taxes)	$4,000	Estimated; varies by deductions
Rent (1-Bedroom Avg.)	$841	Can be higher in trendier areas, lower in older neighborhoods
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Janesville's winters mean higher heating costs (likely gas)
Groceries & Household	$450	Sticking to local chains like Woodman's or Pick 'n Save
Vehicle (Payment, Insurance, Gas)	$500	Essential in Janesville; public transit is limited
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$300	A significant cost if your employer doesn't cover it
Discretionary / Savings	$1,709	This is your real financial freedom

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. With $1,709 left over after core expenses, a down payment is achievable. The median home price in Janesville hovers around $180,000 - $200,000. A 10% down payment ($18k-$20k) could be saved in 10-12 months on this budget. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $1,200 - $1,400 range, which is comfortable on this income. This is a key advantage for tradespeople in Janesville: home ownership is a realistic goal, not a distant dream.

Where the Jobs Are: Janesville's Major Employers

Janesville’s economy is a mix of established manufacturing, healthcare, and public sector work. As an electrician, you’re not just looking for “jobs,” you’re looking for employers who maintain large facilities, run complex projects, or have steady service needs.

1. Ameren Wisconsin (Utility): The primary electric utility for the region. They hire linemen, but also electricians for substation maintenance, metering, and grid modernization projects. This is a stable, unionized employer with excellent benefits. They’re often hiring for apprenticeships and entry-level technician roles.

2. Johnson Creek (a Rock County Village): Don’t overlook this just because it’s a village. It’s a massive commercial and retail hub. The Johnson Creek Premium Outlets and surrounding strip malls require constant electrical work for store build-outs, renovations, and maintenance. Many local electrical contractors have standing service contracts with the property management companies here.

3. Janesville School District: Public schools require constant electrical updates—LED retrofits, panel upgrades, and new technology installations. The district’s maintenance department hires electricians directly, offering a 9-to-5 schedule, summers off (sometimes), and a public pension. It’s a highly sought-after position.

4. Mercy Hospital & SSM Health: Healthcare facilities are electrical powerhouses. They need electricians for 24/7 critical systems, emergency generator maintenance, and constant construction/renovation for new labs and patient wings. These jobs often pay a premium for the complexity and require reliability. They hire both direct staff and contractors.

5. General Motors (GM) Janesville Assembly Plant (Note: Plant is now closed, but the industrial complex remains): While the assembly plant is closed, the site is being redeveloped. The larger point is that the region still has a strong industrial base. Companies like Huf North America (auto parts) and Racine Federated (industrial pumps) in nearby Milton have facilities that require industrial electricians for maintenance and automation work.

6. City of Janesville: The city’s Public Works department and wastewater treatment plant employ electricians for city infrastructure—street lighting, traffic signals, and treatment facility controls. These are civil service jobs with strong benefits and pensions.

Hiring Trend Insight: The most consistent hiring is in service and maintenance rather than new construction. The big residential boom has cooled, but commercial retrofits (especially for energy efficiency) are steady. Your best bet is to get on the service list with 2-3 reputable local contractors.

Getting Licensed in WI

Wisconsin has a clear, structured path to licensure through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). The process is rigorous but well-defined.

• Pathway 1: Apprenticeship (4-5 years): This is the most common route. You must register as an apprentice with the DSPS. You’ll need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) under a licensed electrician and 728 hours of classroom instruction per year (typically at a local technical college like Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville).
• Pathway 2: Classroom-First (Trade School): Some opt for a 2-year technical diploma in electrical construction and maintenance before starting their OJT. This can shorten the apprenticeship time slightly.

Licensing Stages & Costs:

1. Apprentice Electrician Registration: Requires a sponsorship from a licensed contractor or union. Cost: ~$100 (application + exam fee).
2. Journeyman Electrician License: After completing 8,000 hours OJT and 728 hours of schooling, you must pass the Wisconsin State Electrical Exam (based on NFPA 70 - NEC). Cost: ~$150 (exam + license fee).
3. Master Electrician License: Requires an additional 2,000 hours as a journeyman and passing a more advanced exam. Needed to pull permits for work and run a business. Cost: ~$200.

Timeline: The full journeyman path typically takes 4-5 years from the start of your apprenticeship. You can start working as a registered apprentice immediately. Blackhawk Technical College has a strong, state-approved program that’s a key local resource.

Insider Tip: The most important first step is finding a sponsor. Your best move is to contact the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 159 (based in Janesville) or reach out to local non-union contractors like Hurd Electric or Marrs Electric to inquire about apprenticeship openings. The union path often has a more structured, formalized program.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Janesville affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods to consider, factoring in an electrician’s needs (garage for tools, easy highway access).

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1-BR)	Why It’s Good for an Electrician
Eastside / Towne Centre	Commercial hub, near I-90/39. Quick access to Johnson Creek, GM site, and many commercial jobs.	$800 - $950	You can get to most job sites in 10-15 minutes. Newer apartment complexes with garages/parking.
Westside / Oakhill	Residential, family-oriented, near the hospital and schools. Quieter, more established.	$750 - $900	Close to Mercy Hospital and school district jobs. Good for service calls on the west side of town.
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, older homes, character. Limited parking can be an issue for work trucks.	$700 - $850	Not ideal for storing a work van, but great for walking to shops/bars after a shift. More for lifestyle.
Northside / Sargeant Park	Affordable, mix of older and new homes. Easy access to the north side of town and Milton.	$650 - $800	Budget-friendly. Close to industrial areas in Milton and the airport. Good for someone starting out.

Insider Tip: If you have a work van or truck with ladders and tools, prioritize a rental with off-street parking or a garage. Street parking in dense areas can be a headache, especially in winter when snow removal limits space. The Eastside and areas near the interstate offer the best balance of access and parking.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Janesville, “growth” doesn’t always mean moving up a corporate ladder. It means specializing, expanding your toolset, and potentially starting your own business.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest wage jumps come from niches:
  • Data & Communications: Certified network cabling technicians (BICSI, etc.) are in demand for commercial builds and renovations.
  • Fire Alarm Systems: NFPA 72 certification allows you to work on critical life-safety systems in hospitals, schools, and large commercial buildings. This commands a significant premium.
  • Industrial Controls & Automation: With the remaining manufacturing base, electricians who can program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are highly valuable.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is Apprentice → Journeyman → Foreman → Project Manager/Estimator. Another lucrative path is Journeyman → Master Electrician → Business Owner. Many successful local contractors started as apprentices with a union or small shop.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is promising. The aging workforce of baby boomer electricians is creating openings. However, the biggest opportunity is in energy efficiency. With new building codes and incentives for solar and EV charging installations, electricians with these certifications will be busy. Janesville’s focus on community development and attracting new businesses (like the planned projects at the old GM site) will require electrical infrastructure work for the next decade.

Insider Tip: Don’t just be an electrician. Be a problem-solver. Learn the building codes inside and out. Become the person your boss calls when a project is behind schedule or a client is unhappy. That reputation is worth more than any single certification and is the fastest track to higher pay and your own business.

The Verdict: Is Janesville Right for You?

Janesville isn’t a flashy, high-growth city. It’s a solid, affordable, and practical place to build a trade career. The decision comes down to what you value most.

Pros	Cons
Very Affordable Cost of Living (Index 91.4). Your $59,962 salary goes far.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end wages are capped compared to major metros.
Stable, Predictable Job Market (198 jobs, 11% growth). Not volatile.	Limited Nightlife/Culture: It’s a quiet, family-oriented city.
Short, Manageable Commutes (most jobs <20 mins).	Weather: Wisconsin winters are long, cold, and can impact work.
Path to Home Ownership is realistic on a journeyman’s salary.	Fewer Large Projects: Fewer mega-construction projects than in Madison or Milwaukee.
Strong Local Network: A tight-knit trade community.	Less Diverse Specialties: Fewer niche, high-tech electrical fields.

Final Recommendation: Janesville is an excellent choice for a journeyman electrician who values stability, work-life balance, and financial security over the hustle of a major coastal city. It’s ideal for someone looking to start a family, buy a home, and build a long-term career with a reputable contractor or public utility. If you’re a highly ambitious, specialized electrician chasing the absolute highest income, you might find more opportunity in Madison or Milwaukee. But for the vast majority of electricians, Janesville offers a compelling and sustainable quality of life.

FAQs

1. What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship in Janesville?
Start by contacting the IBEW Local 159 union hall in Janesville. They run a formal apprenticeship program. Simultaneously, call or visit the websites of the largest local non-union contractors (e.g., Hurd Electric, Marrs Electric, JF Ahern Co.) and ask about their apprenticeship openings. Persistence is key.

2. How does the union vs. non-union debate play out here?
IBEW Local 159 is active in the area. Union work often comes with higher pay, structured training, and better benefits, but can be less flexible. Non-union shops can be more variable in pay and benefits but may offer quicker paths to foreman roles or business ownership. Both sectors are healthy in Janesville.

3. Is the trade slow during Wisconsin winters?
Service work (troubleshooting, repairs) is year-round and often increases during bad weather. New construction and major renovations can slow down due to cold, but commercial work in heated spaces continues. Having a diverse skill set (service and construction) helps balance your income.

4. What about the job at the old GM plant?
The Janesville Assembly Plant closed in 2008, but the site is being redeveloped for new industrial use. While not a source of current jobs, it symbolizes the region’s ongoing transformation. Future projects there will require electrical contractors, creating opportunities for local firms and electricians.

5. Do I need to know Spanish on the job in Janesville?
While not mandatory, it’s increasingly helpful. You’ll work on crews with diverse backgrounds, and knowing basic construction Spanish improves communication and safety on the job site. It’s a valuable skill that can set you apart.