Electrician in Kennewick, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Kennewick Stands

As a local, I’ve seen the electrician trade evolve in Kennewick from a handful of shops servicing farmland to a robust industry supporting the Tri-Cities' growth. The numbers back this up. The median salary for an electrician in Kennewick is $61,365/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.5/hour. This is virtually identical to the national average of $61,550/year, which is a strong indicator of a stable, competitive market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are approximately 255 jobs in the metro area for electricians, with a 10-year job growth projection of 11%. This growth is driven by ongoing residential construction in new subdivisions and the steady maintenance needs of the region's industrial and agricultural sectors.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a solid benchmark, your earning potential will scale with experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local market trends and BLS data for the region.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Senior	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000
Expert/Foreman	15+ years	$85,000 - $110,000+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior often comes with earning your journeyman license and taking on complex commercial or industrial jobs. Foremen roles, especially with larger companies like those servicing the Hanford site, can push well into the six-figure range.

Comparison to Other WA Cities

Kennewick offers a compelling balance compared to Western Washington's high-cost, high-salary markets.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Rent (1BR Avg)
Kennewick	$61,365	99.0	$1,206
Seattle	$80,200	172.3	$2,100
Spokane	$60,500	96.2	$1,150
Yakima	$58,200	92.5	$1,050

While Seattle offers higher nominal pay, the cost of living and rent erase that advantage. Kennewick sits in a sweet spot: salaries are competitive, and your dollar stretches further.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $61,365, what does your budget actually look like in Kennewick?

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filers, Pre-Tax)

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,113.75
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$1,200
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,913
• Rent (1BR Avg): $1,206
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Car, Savings: $2,707

This is a manageable budget. After rent, you have over two thousand dollars for other expenses and savings. A key advantage here is the lower state income tax compared to states like California, though Washington has a high sales tax (7-9% in the Tri-Cities).

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, and this is one of Kennewick's strongest selling points. The median home price in Kennewick is approximately $375,000. With a 20% down payment ($75,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would result in a monthly payment of about $1,900 (including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). For a dual-income household or a senior electrician earning $75,000+, this is very achievable. For a single mid-level electrician at $61,365, it's tight but possible with disciplined saving. The lower-than-national-average rent allows for more aggressive saving toward a down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Kennewick's Major Employers

Kennewick's job market is a mix of local contractors, regional utilities, and industrial giants. Here are the key players:

1. Bonneville Power Administration (BPA): While headquartered in Portland, BPA has a significant presence in the Tri-Cities, managing the regional power grid. They hire electricians for maintenance and substation work. Salaries are often above median, with excellent federal benefits. Hiring is steady but competitive.
2. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL): Located in nearby Richland, PNNL is a major employer of skilled trades. They need electricians for lab maintenance, facility upgrades, and specialized equipment. This is a path to working with cutting-edge technology.
3. Local Contractors (Residential & Commercial): Companies like Hoffman Construction (a regional powerhouse), Graham Electric, and Benson Electric are always hiring journeymen. The residential boom in areas like Canyon Lakes and West Kennewick drives consistent demand.
4. Industrial & Agricultural Support: The Tri-Cities' role as an agricultural hub means electricians are needed for processing plants (e.g., J.R. Simplot Company), irrigation systems, and grain elevators. This work is often seasonal but provides crucial experience.
5. Retail & Property Management: Large property management firms overseeing complexes in the Queensgate and Southridge areas need in-house electricians for maintenance. Retail chains like Target or Walmart also require licensed electricians for store upkeep.
6. Hanford Site (Department of Energy): The cleanup project at the Hanford Site is a massive, long-term employer. Contractors like Mission Support and Test Services (MSTS) hire electricians for nuclear facility maintenance. This work requires additional security clearances but offers premium pay and stability.

Hiring Trend: There's a growing need for electricians with skills in energy efficiency, solar installation, and EV charger setup. Companies are seeking tech-savvy tradespeople for new construction.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State has a clear, structured path to licensure through the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 Years): This is the primary route. You'll need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician and 96 hours of classroom training per year. Apprenticeship programs are offered through the Washington Electrical Training Center (JATC) in Spokane (serves the region) and local community colleges like Columbia Basin College (CBC) in Pasco.
   • Cost: Apprenticeship programs are often union-sponsored (IBEW) or company-sponsored, meaning you earn while you learn. Unpaid tuition is rare. Expect to pay for books and tools (~$500-$1,000 initially).
2. Journeyman Electrician License: After completing your apprenticeship and passing the state exam, you become a journeyman.
   • Exam Fee: ~$235 (as of 2023).
3. Electrical Contractor License: To start your own business, you need this license, which requires being a journeyman for four years and passing another exam.
   • Cost: ~$235 for the exam, plus business bonding and insurance.

Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to becoming a licensed journeyman takes 4 to 5 years. You can start working as an apprentice immediately upon acceptance into a program.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Kennewick is spread out, so proximity to job sites matters.

• Central Kennewick (East & West): The heart of the city. You're close to the historic downtown, cable bridge, and many contractors' offices. Commute to any job site is under 15 minutes. Older homes here often need electrical upgrades, offering side-job opportunities.
  • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300
• Queensgate: A major retail and commercial hub. Perfect if you work in property management or for a large commercial contractor. The commute to industrial areas is short. It's busy but convenient.
  • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,150 - $1,350
• Southridge: A newer, master-planned community with parks and modern amenities. It's further south, so a commute to the Hanford site or PNNL is direct. Popular with younger families and professionals.
  • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,200 - $1,450
• Canyon Lakes: North Kennewick, adjacent to the popular bike paths and lakes. A quieter, suburban feel. Good for those who value outdoor access after work. Commute to the core is still reasonable.
  • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,250
• West Kennewick (near Hwy 395): This area is seeing significant new residential construction. If you work for a residential builder, this could be your backyard, minimizing your commute.
  • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,050 - $1,200

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career as an electrician in Kennewick has a clear trajectory with financial incentives for specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • High-Voltage/Industrial: Working on substations or at Hanford can add a 15-20% premium to your base salary.
  • Low-Voltage & Data: Expertise in fire alarms, security systems, and structured cabling is in high demand for new commercial builds.
  • Renewables & Efficiency: With Washington's clean energy goals, solar and EV charger installation certifications (like NABCEP) can set you apart and command higher rates.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Journeyman to Foreman/Project Manager: This path involves less hands-on work and more supervision, scheduling, and client interaction. Requires strong organizational skills.
  2. Specialist to Contractor: Start your own small business focusing on a niche (e.g., residential solar, smart home integration). This carries higher risk but the highest reward.
  3. Industrial to Management: Move into a facilities manager role at a large plant or lab, overseeing entire maintenance departments.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is promising. As the Tri-Cities population grows (currently 85,155 in the metro area) and the Hanford cleanup continues, demand will remain strong. The key to long-term growth will be adapting to new technologies and codes.

The Verdict: Is Kennewick Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary of $61,365 goes much further here than in Seattle or the national average.	Limited Nightlife & Culture: It's a family-friendly, outdoors-oriented city. If you seek a bustling arts scene or 24/7 amenities, you'll be disappointed.
Stable Job Market: Backed by federal projects (Hanford, PNNL, BPA) and a growing population.	Isolation: You're hours from a major international airport (Seattle/Portland) and the coast. Travel requires planning.
Outdoor Access: World-class hiking, fishing (Columbia River), and wine country are minutes away.	Summer Heat: July and August can see temperatures over 100°F, which can be tough for outdoor work.
Tight-Knit Trade Community: It's easy to network with other electricians and find mentorship.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is limited. You'll need a reliable vehicle for work and life.

Final Recommendation: Kennewick is an excellent choice for electricians who value work-life balance, financial stability, and the outdoors. It's ideal for those in the mid-career stage looking to buy a home, raise a family, or start their own business. It may be less appealing for younger singles seeking a vibrant, urban nightlife or for those who want to be at the forefront of tech innovation (outside of the Hanford lab work). If you're a practical, self-motivated tradesperson who wants a solid career without the financial pressure of a major metro, Kennewick deserves serious consideration.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed to work as an electrician in Kennewick?
Yes. Washington State requires a license for all electrical work beyond minor repairs. You must be a registered apprentice, a licensed journeyman, or a licensed electrical contractor. Working without a license can result in steep fines for both you and your employer.

2. How do I find an apprenticeship program in the Kennewick area?
Your best starting point is the Washington Electrical Training Center (JATC) in Spokane, which serves Eastern Washington. Contact them directly. Also, check with local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Local 73) and non-union contractors. Columbia Basin College in Pasco also offers related training courses.

3. Is the work seasonal in Kennewick?
The core job market (construction, utilities, maintenance) is year-round. However, there is some seasonal fluctuation in agricultural support and outdoor residential work, which can slow during the winter months. Most companies offer steady, full-year employment.

4. What's the biggest challenge for electricians new to Kennewick?
Understanding the local network. The trade community is strong but can feel insular. Building relationships with contractors, suppliers (like Graybar or Crescent Electric), and local inspectors is crucial. Also, navigating the specific codes required for Hanford or PNNL work is a learning curve.

5. Can I make a good living as a residential electrician here?
Absolutely. With the median salary at $61,365 and strong residential growth, a skilled residential electrician can do very well. The key is to work for a reputable company or build a reliable client base for side jobs. Specializing in high-efficiency homes or smart home installations can further increase your earnings.