Career Guide: Electrician in Lakewood, CO

As a career analyst who has watched the Denver metro area’s job market for over a decade, I can tell you Lakewood isn’t just a suburb—it’s a strategic hub for skilled trades. Situated directly west of Denver, it’s a city of 155,973 people that serves as a critical artery for the state’s infrastructure. For an electrician, this means steady demand from residential remodels, commercial growth along the Colfax corridor, and industrial work near the Rocky Flats area. The trade here is competitive but rewarding, with wages that outpace many parts of the country, though the cost of living bites into those paychecks. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local landscape, and the path to building a career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Lakewood Stands

Electricians in Lakewood earn salaries that are firmly above the national average, a reflection of Colorado’s robust construction market and high union presence. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage surveys, the median salary for an electrician in the Lakewood area is $62,565/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.08/hour. It's important to note that this median figure sits just below the Lakewood metro area average of $61,550/year, indicating a slight premium for the trade in this specific location compared to other professions locally.

Experience is the primary driver of earnings. Here’s how salaries typically break down:

Experience Level	Typical Lakewood Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level / Apprentice	$45,000 - $55,000/year	Assisting with installations, conduit bending, basic wiring under supervision.
Journeyman	$60,000 - $75,000/year	Independent residential/commercial work, code compliance, troubleshooting.
Senior	$75,000 - $90,000/year	Project management, specialized systems (e.g., low-voltage, controls), mentoring.
Expert / Master	$90,000+ /year	Business owner, high-end custom installations, master electrician license holder.

When you zoom out, Lakewood holds its own against other Colorado cities. While Denver’s median salary might edge slightly higher, the gap is often closed by Lakewood’s lower commercial vacancy rates and steady residential demand. Boulder’s high-tech market can drive wages higher, but the cost of living there is significantly steeper. Lakewood strikes a balance: solid pay with a more accessible housing market than its eastern neighbors.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for electricians in Colorado is projected at 11%, outpacing the national average. This is driven by the state’s commitment to renewable energy (solar and EV charging installations) and the ongoing need to upgrade aging residential and commercial infrastructure. Jobs in the metro area currently sit at 467 openings, a healthy number that points to sustained demand.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $62,565 sounds promising, but Lakewood’s cost of living—105.5 compared to the U.S. average of 100—means every dollar is stretched. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single electrician earning the median wage, assuming a 25% effective tax rate (a rough estimate for federal, state, and FICA).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,214
• After-Tax Monthly Pay (approx.): $3,910

Here’s how that typically allocates in Lakewood:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,835	The city-wide average. You can find units for less in older complexes or shared housing.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Higher in winter due to heating costs.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential in Lakewood; public transit (RTD) exists but is not comprehensive for trades.
Food & Groceries	$400
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely by employer. Some union or large contractor shops offer strong benefits.
Misc. (Tools, Clothing, Personal)	$300
Savings/Debt Payment	$325
Total	$3,910

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s challenging but not impossible on a median salary alone. The median home price in Lakewood hovers around $500,000. A 20% down payment is $100,000, and the monthly mortgage payment with taxes and insurance would likely exceed $2,500, which is unsustainable on the net income above. However, this is where experience pays off. A Senior electrician earning $85,000+ (net ~$5,200/month) could comfortably afford a home with a partner’s income or after years of saving. Many electricians here purchase in more affordable suburbs like Arvada or Wheat Ridge, commuting 15-20 minutes.

Where the Jobs Are: Lakewood's Major Employers

Lakewood’s job market is a mix of large contractors, local government entities, and industrial facilities. Here’s where the jobs are concentrated:

1. City of Lakewood Public Works: The municipality itself is a major employer, hiring electricians for street light maintenance, water treatment plant operations, and public building facilities. These are stable, union (AFSCME) positions with excellent benefits. Hiring is less frequent but highly competitive when it opens.
2. Union Contractors (Local Union 68): The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 68 dominates the commercial and industrial landscape. Major contractors like MEchanical Inc. (formerly Korte) and Haselden Construction frequently hire through the union hall. The pay and benefits here are top-tier, often exceeding the median salary for journeymen.
3. Centura Health (Lakewood Hospital): The former St. Anthony’s hospital, now part of the Centura system, requires in-house electricians for 24/7 facility maintenance, medical equipment power, and emergency systems. These roles offer healthcare benefits and a non-traditional schedule.
4. Industrial Facilities (Rocky Flats Area): While the nuclear site is closed, the surrounding industrial park hosts advanced manufacturing, data centers, and logistics hubs. Companies here need licensed electricians for high-voltage systems, automation controls, and preventative maintenance. The work is specialized and often pays a premium.
5. Residential Builders & Remodelers: The booming housing market means companies like Lennar and local firms like Mighty Homes hire electricians for new subdivisions (e.g., in the Belmar area) and custom remodels. This sector is more cyclical but offers constant short-term projects.
6. School Districts (Jefferson County R-1): Large school districts like Jeffco need electricians for campus expansions, lighting retrofits, and safety systems. The work schedule aligns with school hours, with summers off for major projects.

Hiring Trend: Demand is shifting toward electricians with certifications in EV charging station installation, solar photovoltaics, and smart building systems. Contractors who can bid on these green energy jobs are seeing the most growth.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado does not have a statewide license for electricians, but it does require a state-registered electrical license, which is administered through DORA (Department of Regulatory Agencies). Here’s the path:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 Years): The most common route is through an IBEW Local 68 or Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) apprenticeship program. This combines 8,000 hours of on-the-job training with 600+ hours of classroom instruction. Cost: Apprentices are paid, so net cost is minimal.
2. Journeyman Exam: After completing the apprenticeship, you must pass the Colorado Electrical Journeyman Exam. The exam fee is $125. You must have your apprenticeship hours verified by the state.
3. Master Electrician License: This requires at least two years of experience as a journeyman and passing a more advanced exam. Master electricians can pull permits and start their own businesses. Exam fee: $125.
4. Local Permits: The City of Lakewood requires a permit for most electrical work, done by licensed contractors. As an employee, you work under your employer’s license.

Timeline & Cost Summary:

• Total Time to Journeyman: 4-5 years (apprenticeship).
• Total Cost (Exam Fees): $250 (if you pass on the first try). Additional costs for tools and textbooks may apply but are often reimbursed by apprenticeship programs.
• Key Resource: Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) website for application forms and exam schedules.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving from another state, Colorado has reciprocity agreements with several states (e.g., Arizona, Utah). You may be able to test directly for a journeyman license without doing a full apprenticeship here, but you must verify your previous state’s licensing with DORA.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live affects your commute, housing costs, and lifestyle. Here are four neighborhoods tailored for electricians, balancing affordability and access to major job sites.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Why It Works for Electricians
Belmar / Union Square	Urban, walkable, modern. 10-min drive to downtown Lakewood, 25-min to Denver.	$1,950/month	Central location. Close to major contractors' offices and the Belmar shopping district. Newer housing stock means more electrical work.
Green Mountain	Suburban, family-oriented. 15-min drive to downtown, 20-min to I-70 for mountain access.	$1,700/month	More affordable rent. Close to the Green Mountain recreation area and major residential developments. Good for those who want to be near parks.
Lakewood Heights	Quiet, established. 10-min drive to St. Anthony’s Hospital, 15-min to Belmar.	$1,600/month	Older, more affordable housing stock. Central location with easy access to commercial corridors like Wadsworth and Alameda.
Columbine (unincorporated)	Rural feel, larger lots. 20-min drive to Denver, 15-min to Belmar.	$1,500/month	Lower property taxes, space for a home workshop. Close to the Bear Creek Lake Park area where some industrial and outdoor work occurs.

Commuter Insight: Most electricians in Lakewood drive. The West Line of the RTD light rail can be useful for commuting to Denver or Golden, but it doesn’t serve most job sites directly. Living near the I-25 or US-285 corridors is a strategic advantage for reaching job sites quickly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook is positive, but growth depends on specialization. The base journeyman journeyman path offers stability, but the real financial upside comes from niches.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Solar/Voltaics: 15-20% premium over standard journeyman rates due to certification and demand.
  • EV Charging Stations: Rapidly growing niche; contractors with this expertise are in high demand for commercial and residential projects.
  • Low-Voltage & Data: Commercial building automation and security systems can command higher wages, especially in medical and data center environments.
  • Industrial Controls (PLCs): The most lucrative path, often requiring additional coursework. It’s common in manufacturing and energy sectors near the Rocky Flats area.

Advancement Paths:

1. Union Leadership: Within IBEW, you can become a foreman, superintendent, or business agent.
2. Business Ownership: With a Master Electrician license, opening a solo shop (e.g., specializing in residential remodels) is a common endpoint. The startup costs are moderate (van, tools, insurance), and the local market supports small businesses.
3. Project Management: For corporate contractors, moving from field work to project management leverages your technical skills for higher salary ceilings ($100k+) without physical labor.

10-Year Outlook: The 11% growth is robust. The push for grid modernization and EV infrastructure will create new roles. Electricians who adapt to renewable energy and smart home technology will see the most opportunities.

The Verdict: Is Lakewood Right for You?

Lakewood offers a compelling package for electricians who prioritize a balance between career opportunity and quality of life. It’s not the highest-paying city in Colorado, but its cost of living, while above average, is more manageable than Denver, Boulder, or Aspen. The trade’s strong union presence provides a clear pathway to high, stable earnings with benefits.

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Above-average wages for the trade ($62,565 median).	High cost of living (105.5 index). Rent and home prices are steep.
Strong job market with 467 active openings and 11% growth.	Competition for union and top-tier contractor positions is fierce.
Diverse work from residential to industrial.	Traffic congestion can make commutes long, especially to Denver.
Access to outdoors (Rocky Mountains are a 30-min drive).	Cyclical industry; downturns in construction can affect job security.
Good healthcare & education infrastructure for families.	Licensing process can be a barrier for out-of-state movers.

Final Recommendation: Lakewood is an excellent choice for journeyman electricians with 3-5 years of experience looking to advance their careers in a stable market with a high quality of life. It’s also a good fit for apprentices starting out in a strong union program. However, it may be challenging for entry-level electricians without a safety net, given the upfront housing costs. If you’re willing to specialize early (in solar or EV tech) and potentially start with a roommate or in a more affordable neighborhood, the long-term payoff in career growth and lifestyle is significant.

FAQs

1. Can I get a job as an electrician in Lakewood without being union?
Yes. While IBEW Local 68 is powerful, there are many non-union residential and small commercial contractors. However, union jobs typically offer higher wages and better benefits. Check job boards like Indeed and company websites directly.

2. How do Colorado’s winters affect electrician work?
Winters can be slow for outdoor new construction, but indoor remodels, commercial maintenance, and emergency repairs keep work steady. Skilled electricians are less affected by seasonality than general laborers.

3. Is it worth getting a Master Electrician license in Lakewood?
If you want to start your own business or move into a high-level management role, yes. The $125 exam fee is a minor investment for the authority and earning potential it unlocks. Many successful local electricians operate as sole proprietors.

4. What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship in Lakewood?
Contact IBEW Local 68 or the IEC Rocky Mountain Chapter directly. Their apprenticeship programs are the gold standard. Be prepared for a competitive application process, including aptitude tests and interviews.

5. How does the cost of living compare to a smaller Colorado town?
Lakewood is more expensive than places like Pueblo or Grand Junction, but it offers more job variety and higher pay. The trade-off is the proximity to Denver’s amenities and higher earning ceiling. For many, it’s the right balance.