Electrician in Lakewood, CA

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

As a local who's watched this market for years, I can tell you straight: Lakewood isn't the highest-paying city for electricians in Southern California, but it's a stable, solid middle ground. The median salary for electricians here is $64,412/year, which breaks down to $30.97/hour. That's about $600 more per year than the national average of $61,550, which is a meaningful bump given Lakewood's cost of living. With 234 jobs in the metro area and an 11% 10-year job growth forecast, the demand is real and projected to outpace most other trades.

Here’s how experience typically translates to pay in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Apprentice, Helper	$45,000 - $52,000	Material handling, conduit bending, basic wiring under supervision
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	Journeyman Electrician	$64,412 - $78,000	Independent service calls, residential/commercial rough-in, troubleshooting
Senior (8-15 yrs)	Lead Technician, Foreman	$85,000 - $105,000	Project management, crew supervision, complex commercial/industrial work
Expert (15+ yrs)	Master, Specialist, Contractor	$110,000+	Design, permitting, business ownership, niche specialties (EV, solar, data)

How Lakewood Compares to Other CA Cities:

• Los Angeles/Long Beach Metro: Higher average (~$69,000), but competitive and congested.
• Orange County (Anaheim/Santa Ana): Similar to Lakewood, with a slight premium for union shops (~$67,000).
• Riverside/San Bernardino: Lower (~$58,000 - $61,000), but with a lower cost of living.
• Bay Area (Oakland/San Jose): Significantly higher ($85,000+), but housing costs are prohibitive for most.

Lakewood's advantage is its central location in the South Bay. You can access higher-paying jobs in Torrance, Orange County, and the LA ports without the extreme commute or cost of living of those core hubs. It's a "Goldilocks" market—good pay, manageable competition, and strong local demand from aging infrastructure and new development.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. On a median salary of $64,412, your take-home pay in California (assuming single filer, no dependents, standard deduction, and including CA state tax) is roughly $48,500 - $50,000 per year, or about $4,000 - $4,150 per month. This is a simplified estimate; your actual take-home will depend on your specific tax situation, health insurance premiums, and 401k contributions.

With the average 1BR rent in Lakewood sitting at $2,252/month, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an electrician earning the median wage:

Category	Monthly Estimate	Notes
Gross Pay	$5,368	Based on $64,412/year / 12 months
Taxes & Deductions	-$1,200 - -$1,350	CA state/federal tax, FICA, possible insurance
Net Take-Home	$4,000	Approximate after-tax income
Rent (1BR)	-$2,252	Average Lakewood rent
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	-$150	Higher in summer for AC
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Essential for commuting to job sites
Gas/Fuel	-$200	Commuting to sites across the South Bay
Groceries	-$350	For one person
Misc. (Phone, Subs, etc.)	-$200
Remaining	~$398	Savings, emergency fund, or discretionary spending

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the biggest question. The median home price in Lakewood is approximately $800,000 - $850,000. With a 20% down payment ($160,000-$170,000), a mortgage, taxes, and insurance, your monthly housing payment would likely exceed $4,500/month. For a single electrician on a median salary, this is a heavy lift. It's more feasible with:

1. Dual income (a partner/spouse also working).
2. 10+ years of experience reaching the senior level ($90k+).
3. Starting a business as a licensed contractor, which can significantly increase income potential.

For most, renting in Lakewood and buying in a more affordable Inland Empire city (like Riverside or San Bernardino) where prices are $500,000 - $600,000 is a more realistic path to homeownership, albeit with a longer commute.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood is a residential-first city with sprawling 1950s homes (think Lakewood Mutuals) and significant commercial strips along Lakewood Blvd and the 605 Freeway. The job market is a mix of union and non-union, residential and commercial. Here are the key players:

1. Long Beach Municipal Utility (LBMU): While technically in Long Beach, they serve Lakewood. They hire electricians for municipal projects, street lighting, and park facilities. It's a stable, unionized public sector job with excellent benefits. Hiring is competitive but steady.
2. South Bay Electric (Local Union IBEW 11): The premier union shop in the region. They handle massive projects at the Port of Long Beach, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and major commercial developments. Pay is top-tier (well above the Lakewood median), but you need union membership. A journeyman here can easily clear $85,000 with overtime.
3. Lakewood School District: Maintains electrical systems for over 30 schools. A public sector job with a predictable schedule, great benefits, and a pension. It's a coveted position, often filled internally or by those with prior public sector experience.
4. Residential Service Companies: Companies like All-Pro Electric and A-Action Electric have a strong presence in Lakewood. They focus on panel upgrades, rewiring older homes, and troubleshooting. These are great for apprentices learning the trade side-by-side with seasoned pros. Pay is often closer to the median but offers consistent residential work.
5. Commercial & Industrial Contractors: Firms like McClure Engineering or Rosendin (headquartered in nearby Anaheim) often have projects in the South Bay, including schools, hospitals (like St. Francis Medical Center in nearby Lynwood), and retail centers. These offer the highest pay and most complex, resume-building work.
6. Kaiser Permanente (Bellflower Medical Center): Located just north of Lakewood, this massive facility requires a dedicated team of in-house electricians for 24/7 operations. It's a high-stakes environment (hospitals have complex code requirements) with very competitive pay and benefits.
7. Self-Employment/Small Contracting: Lakewood's housing stock is a goldmine for independent electricians. The average home here is 60+ years old, meaning constant demand for service upgrades, code compliance fixes, and EV charger installations. A licensed contractor can build a strong local clientele.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable push towards "green" electrical work. EV charger installations are booming in Lakewood's single-family neighborhoods. Solar panel integration is also growing, especially on larger homes. Electricians with NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification are in high demand and can command a premium.

Getting Licensed in CA

In California, you must be licensed to work as an electrician independently. The path is regulated by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR).

1. The Path: Become a Certified Electrician (for residential work) or a Certified Electrical C-10 Contractor (to run your own business).

   • Apprenticeship (4-5 years): You need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 720 hours of classroom instruction. Joining a union (IBEW) or non-union apprenticeship (like through the Electrical Training Institute of Southern California in nearby Cerritos) is the standard route.
   • Journeyman Exam: After completing your apprenticeship, you take the state exam to become a Certified Electrician. Cost: ~$300 for the application and exam.
   • Contractor License (C-10): Requires 4 years of journeyman-level experience, passing the state law exam and the technical exam, and posting a $25,000 bond. Total cost: $1,500 - $2,500 (including bond, exam fees, and application).

2. Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to being a licensed contractor is typically a 6-8 year journey (4-5 years as an apprentice/journeyman + 2-3 years of business experience before you can qualify for the C-10).

3. Insider Tip: The CSLB's website is your best friend. They have a "Check a License" tool—use it to verify any employer's credentials. Also, the DIR's prevailing wage information is critical for public works jobs (like school or park projects), as these jobs often pay 15-20% above the standard union rate.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live affects your commute, rent, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for an Electrician
North Lakewood (near Bellflower)	Quiet, established, closer to hospitals and commercial strips. 10-15 min to 605/91 freeways.	$2,100 - $2,400	Quick access to Kaiser Bellflower and commercial work on Bellflower Blvd.
South Lakewood (near Los Alamitos)	A bit pricier, great schools, more suburban feel. 15-20 min to Long Beach ports.	$2,300 - $2,600	Closer to union jobs at the Port of Long Beach and LB municipal work.
East Lakewood (near Cerritos)	Modern apartments, diverse food scene, central location. 10 min to 605, 5 min to 91.	$2,200 - $2,500	Prime spot for commuting to any job in LA, OC, or Long Beach. The "hub."
West Lakewood (adjacent to Long Beach)	Older, smaller homes, very close to the coast. 10 min to I-710 for port access.	$2,150 - $2,450	Ideal for those working at the Port, in Downtown Long Beach, or with LA County.
Near the 605 Corridor	High-density apartments and condos, mixed commercial. 5 min to the 605/91 interchange.	$2,000 - $2,350	The most affordable option, with the easiest freeway access to all directions.

Insider Tip: Parking can be tight in older Lakewood apartment complexes. Look for places with a dedicated parking spot if you have a work van or truck. Also, the "Hidden Village" area near the Lakewood Center mall offers decent rent for the location, but traffic on Lakewood Blvd can be brutal during rush hour.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 11% job growth over the next decade is your runway. How you climb depends on specialization:

• Residential Service Specialist: Master troubleshooting. This is the path to becoming a go-to local expert. You'll build a loyal client base. Income can be volatile but high.
• Commercial/Industrial Technician: Specialize in data centers, hospitals, or manufacturing. This requires learning complex systems (BACnet, PLCs) but leads to the highest pay. Major employers like SoCal Edison (in nearby areas) look for this skill set.
• Green Energy Specialist: Focus on EVs and solar. Lakewood is a prime market. Get certifications (NABCEP). This is the future-proof niche.
• Project Management: Move from the tools to the office. Manage bids, schedules, and crews for a contracting firm. Requires strong communication and organizational skills.
• Business Owner: The ultimate step. A licensed C-10 contractor can earn $150,000+ by building a team and taking on larger projects. The 10-year outlook for electricians who own their business is excellent, as the trade becomes more specialized and trusted.

10-Year Outlook: The rise of electric vehicles, renewable energy mandates, and the continued upgrade of Lakewood's aging housing stock will keep demand high. The electrician who embraces technology (smart home systems, advanced diagnostics) will have the most lucrative long-term career.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Growing Job Market with 234 local jobs and 11% growth.	High cost of living, especially rent ($2,252/month).
Central South Bay Location for accessing diverse job opportunities.	Homeownership is challenging on a median salary ($64,412).
Strong Mix of Work: Residential, commercial, public sector, and industrial.	Traffic congestion on the 605 and major boulevards can be intense.
Public Sector Jobs (schools, utilities) offer great benefits and stability.	Competition for union and public sector jobs can be fierce.
Aging Infrastructure = constant demand for service, repair, and upgrades.	Summer heat can make attic and outdoor work grueling.

Final Recommendation: Lakewood is an excellent choice for a mid-career electrician (5-10 years of experience) or a union apprentice/journeyman. It offers a balance of good wages, manageable costs (compared to LA/OC cores), and diverse work to build a robust resume. For an entry-level apprentice, it's a good start with many employers nearby, but you'll need to budget carefully. For a family seeking homeownership, it may be a better place to work and rent for a decade while saving aggressively, or to buy a starter home in a cheaper neighboring city (like Compton or Lynwood) while commuting into Lakewood's job market.

FAQs

1. What's the biggest challenge for an electrician moving to Lakewood?
The cost of living, primarily rent. Your budget will be tight on a median salary. The key is to either increase your income through overtime or specialization, or share housing costs.

2. Is it better to join the union (IBEW 11) or go non-union?
It depends on your goals. The union offers higher pay, excellent benefits, and pension, but has an apprenticeship waitlist and stricter rules. Non-union shops offer more immediate hiring flexibility and a wider variety of small residential work. Both are valid paths.

3. How do I find an apprenticeship in the Lakewood area?
Contact the IBEW Local 11 office directly or check the California Apprenticeship Council website for registered programs. Also, call local shops (both union and non-union) and express your interest in starting as a helper.

4. Are there opportunities for part-time or side work?
Yes, but be cautious. On residential side work, ensure you have proper insurance and that the work is permitted if required. The market for small repair jobs (replacing outlets, installing fans) is strong, especially on platforms like Nextdoor or local Facebook groups.

5. What's the best way to prepare for the state journeyman exam?
The California Electrical Code (CEC) is the bible. Take a prep course from a state-approved provider (like the Electrical Training Institute in Cerritos). Also, get hands-on experience with conduit bending, service calculations, and motor controls—these are heavy exam topics. The CSLB website has the official exam description and candidate bulletins.