Electrician in Laramie, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Laramie Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Laramie’s electrician wages are a bit of a paradox. On paper, the numbers look solid, especially for a college town with a lower cost of living. The median salary for an electrician here is $59,851/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.77/hour. That’s below the national average of $61,550/year, but given that Laramie's Cost of Living Index sits at 90.8 (US avg = 100), that money stretches further than it would in Denver or Cheyenne.

However, don’t expect to start at the median. Your earnings will hinge heavily on whether you’re working residential, commercial, or industrial. The 10-year job growth for electricians in the region is projected at 11%, which is promising. There are approximately 95 electrician jobs in the metro area, a tight-knit market where reputation is everything. Word gets around fast in Laramie; a good electrician is never out of work for long.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Laramie area:

Experience Level	Typical Yearly Salary	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (Apprentice)	$40,000 - $50,000	$19.23 - $24.04
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	$55,000 - $65,000	$26.44 - $31.25
Senior (Master Electrician)	$70,000 - $85,000+	$33.65 - $40.87+
Expert (Specialist/Contractor)	$90,000+ (Variable)	$43.27+

How do we stack up against other Wyoming cities?

• Cheyenne: Wages are slightly higher (median ~$62,000) due to state government and railroad work, but the cost of living is also higher. Commute from Laramie isn't practical.
• Casper: Industrial and oil/gas work drives wages higher (median ~$64,000), but the market is more volatile and tied to energy prices. Laramie offers more stability.
• Gillette: Similar to Casper, mining and power plant work can spike wages, but it's a much smaller, isolated community with a boom-bust cycle.

Laramie’s sweet spot is stability. The presence of the University of Wyoming (UW) and a growing healthcare sector provides consistent, non-cyclical demand for skilled electricians.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be real about what that $59,851 median salary means for your bank account. We’ll use a single filer with no dependents for this breakdown, but remember to adjust for your personal situation.

First, the federal take-home. After federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare (FICA), a $59,851 salary typically leaves you with about $47,880 annually, or roughly $3,990/month. Wyoming has no state income tax, which is a huge bonus, so that’s the full net amount.

Now, for rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Laramie rents for $917/month. That’s incredibly affordable for a professional. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for an electrician earning the median wage:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Pay	$3,990	After all taxes
Rent (1BR Average)	$917	23% of net pay – very manageable
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Higher in winter for gas heating
Groceries & Household	$400
Vehicle (Payment, Insurance, Fuel)	$550	Laramie is car-dependent; no real public transit
Health Insurance (if not employer-funded)	$300	Varies widely
Retirement Savings (10%)	$400	Critical for long-term stability
Miscellaneous (Food out, entertainment, etc.)	$300
TOTAL	$3,117
Remaining	$873	For savings, debt, or discretionary spending

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Laramie is around $325,000. With a 20% down payment ($65,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~7%) would be around $1,700/month, including property tax and insurance. That’s higher than rent, but with the $873/month surplus, a disciplined electrician could save that down payment in 5-7 years. It’s very achievable compared to markets like Boulder or Denver.

Where the Jobs Are: Laramie's Major Employers

Laramie’s job market for electricians is dominated by local, specialized firms. There are no massive national chains headquartered here, which means you’ll be working for companies with deep roots in the community. Here are the key players:

1. Laramie County School District #1 (LCSD1): While based in Cheyenne, they oversee schools in the Laramie area. They have a dedicated facilities and maintenance team for electrical work on schools. It’s a stable, union-adjacent job with great benefits and a pension. Hiring is slow but consistent; they often post on governmentjobs.com.

2. University of Wyoming (UW): The largest employer in the state. UW has a massive facilities management division that handles everything from historic building renovations to new science lab constructions. They hire electricians directly as state employees. The work is diverse, from troubleshooting dorm wiring to installing systems in the new Engineering Building. Check the UW HR job board.

3. Banner Health (Formerly Ivinson Medical Center): As the primary hospital in Laramie, Banner Health’s facilities team is always busy. Medical equipment requires reliable, redundant power systems. They have in-house electricians for maintenance and often hire contractors for expansions. This is a great niche for those interested in healthcare facility work.

4. Midwest Electric, Inc.: A major local contractor based in Laramie. They handle a mix of commercial, industrial, and residential projects. They’ve been involved in many of the city’s recent developments, including new apartment complexes and retail centers. They typically hire through word-of-mouth and local trade schools.

5. Laramie River Station (Near Wheatland): While a 45-minute drive, this coal-fired power plant is a major regional employer. They employ master electricians and industrial electricians for plant maintenance and upgrades. The pay is at the top of the scale, but it’s a industrial environment with shift work.

6. City of Laramie: The municipal government has a public works department that employs electricians for street lighting, traffic signals, and city-owned building maintenance. These are civil service positions with excellent job security and benefits.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward specialization. General residential electricians are always needed, but the most secure jobs (and highest pay) are in commercial/industrial maintenance and renewable energy. UW and local firms are increasingly integrating solar and EV charging infrastructure, creating a growing demand for electricians with those certifications.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming’s licensing is straightforward but mandatory. The Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (DFPES) oversees all electrical licensing. You cannot work as an electrician without at least a Journeyman license.

The Path:

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years): You must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician and 576 hours of classroom instruction. This is typically done through a union apprenticeship (IBEW Local 322, which covers Wyoming) or a non-union program approved by the state.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply to take the state exam. The exam is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC). The application fee is $100, and the exam fee is $150.
3. Master Electrician License: Requires two additional years of experience (16,000 total hours) as a journeyman and passing a more advanced exam. This is needed to pull permits and run your own business.

Timeline & Cost:

• Start to Licensed Journeyman: 4-5 years.
• Total Estimated Cost (Exams & Fees): $600 - $1,000 (not including tuition for trade school).
• Key Insight: Wyoming has reciprocity with Colorado, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Montana. If you’re licensed in one of those states, the process is simpler. Contact the Wyoming Electrical Board for specifics.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Laramie is divided by a railroad track, but the best neighborhoods for an electrician are those with good access to job sites and a reasonable commute. Parking is never an issue, and most homes have garages or driveways—a perk for storing work trucks and tools.

1. West Laramie (The "Best" Side): This is the traditional residential area west of the tracks, home to many UW faculty and professionals. It’s quiet, with older homes (good for residential electricians) and easy access to the hospital and downtown. The commute to most job sites is under 10 minutes. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
2. Downtown/Close to Campus: Ideal for an electrician who works for the university or owns a small contracting business. You’re close to everything, and the housing stock includes older apartments and condos. Parking can be tighter. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,300 for a 1BR.
3. East Laramie (The "Laradise" Area): More affordable and younger, with a mix of older homes and new developments. It’s a 5-10 minute drive to the industrial areas and the airport. Great for commuters heading to the Laramie River Station or even Cheyenne for the day. Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,000 for a 1BR.
4. Harney Street Corridor: A mix of residential and light commercial. You’ll find many local tradespeople living here. It’s central, affordable, and you’re never far from a hardware store (Laramie has a Menards, Home Depot, and a beloved local place, Laramie Lumber). Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,050 for a 1BR.
5. The "New" Developments (West of 287): New subdivisions are popping up west of the city. These are great if you work for a builder or contractor doing new home wiring. The commute to town is only 5-10 minutes, but you’re farther from the core services. Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for electricians in Laramie is stable with opportunities for specialization. The 11% job growth is driven by three factors: the aging workforce (many baby boomers are retiring), UW’s continued expansion, and the push for energy efficiency.

Specialty Premiums:

• Industrial/Commercial Maintenance: Adds 10-15% to your base salary. This is the most secure path, especially with UW and the hospital.
• Renewable Energy (Solar/Geothermal): A growing niche. UW is a leader in this field. Adding NABCEP solar certification can make you a standout candidate.
• Low-Voltage/Data/Security Systems: With UW’s IT growth and new commercial construction, this skill is increasingly valuable.

Advancement Paths:

1. The Company Man: Stay with a local contractor or UW, move into a lead or supervisory role. The pay increases, and you avoid the stress of running a business.
2. The Specialist: Get certified in a niche (fire alarms, controls, HV) and become the go-to expert in the region.
3. The Contractor: Get your Master Electrician’s license, start your own small business. Laramie is a great town for a local business; you’ll have a built-in network. The risk is higher, but the ceiling is much higher.

10-Year Outlook: Expect steady demand. The biggest threat is a major economic downturn at UW, but its constitutional funding provides a buffer. The move toward EV charging infrastructure and building electrification will create new, high-skill jobs.

The Verdict: Is Laramie Right for You?

Laramie is a fantastic place for an electrician who values stability, affordability, and a tight-knit community over the hustle of a big city. It’s not a place to get rich quickly, but it’s an excellent place to build a solid, comfortable life and a long-term career.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches much further.	Limited Market: Only ~95 jobs; you can’t job-hop easily.
Stable Employers: UW and healthcare provide non-cyclical demand.	Harsh Winters: Being outdoors for service calls can be brutal.
No State Income Tax: More money in your pocket.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle for everything.
Growing Niche Opportunities: Solar, EVs, and tech upgrades.	Isolated: 2 hours to the nearest major city (Cheyenne/Denver).
Strong Community: You’ll know your clients and colleagues.	College Town Dynamics: Rent can creep up near campus.

Final Recommendation: If you’re a licensed journeyman or master electrician looking for a stable career path without big-city costs, Laramie is a top-tier choice. It’s especially good for those interested in institutional work (like UW or hospitals) or who are entrepreneurial and want to start their own local shop. For a brand-new apprentice, the path is clear but requires patience. It’s not for someone who craves nightlife or a high-density social scene, but for a professional focused on work-life balance and financial security, Laramie is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. I’m an electrician from California. Is getting licensed in Wyoming difficult?
It’s a process, but not overly complex. Wyoming has reciprocity with several states, but not California. You will likely need to prove your work hours (8,000 for journeyman) and pass the Wyoming exam. Contact the Wyoming Electrical Board directly with your documentation. The good news: no state income tax will feel like a big raise.

2. What’s the best way to find a job in Laramie?
In Laramie, networking is key. Join the Wyoming Electrical Contractors Association (WECA). Attend local trade events. Many jobs, especially with contractors like Midwest Electric, are filled through referrals. Also, check the UW job board and City of Laramie’s postings regularly. Indeed and LinkedIn work, but local connections move faster.

3. How bad are the winters really for outdoor work?
They’re tough. Laramie is at 7,220 feet. It can be -20°F with wind. You’ll need high-quality, insulated gear and a reliable, 4WD vehicle. Most service work slows in peak winter, but new construction and industrial maintenance continue. The upside: summers are mild and dry, perfect for outdoor work.

4. Can I make a good living as a residential electrician in Laramie?
Yes, but it’s a different model than commercial. The residential market is smaller. You’ll need to build a strong reputation for quality and reliability. Many successful residential electricians here also handle small commercial jobs. The key is to be known as the person who answers the phone and shows up on time.

5. Is the University of Wyoming a good employer for electricians?
It’s one of the best in the state. UW offers competitive pay (often at or above the median for the area), excellent state benefits, a pension plan, and a stable work environment. The work is varied and often involves cutting-edge projects. The hiring process is formal and can be slow, but it’s worth the effort.