The Electrician's Guide to Lenexa, KS

If you're an electrician considering a move to the Kansas City metro, Lenexa is a city you should have on your radar. It's not the flashiest spot on the map, but it's a practical, growing community with a strong base of residential and commercial work. I've spent years watching the trade here, and I can tell you it's a solid bet for a steady career. This guide is built on real data and local insights, not fluff. We'll break down the numbers, the neighborhoods, and what it actually takes to build a life and career here.

Let's get to the facts.

The Salary Picture: Where Lenexa Stands

The first thing you need to know is that electricians in Lenexa earn a respectable wage, though it sits slightly below the national average. The median salary for an electrician in the Lenexa area is $60,312 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.0. For context, the national average for electricians is $61,550 per year. That's a gap of about $1,238 annually, or roughly 2%. It’s not a massive difference, and it’s often offset by a lower cost of living.

The job market is specific, with an estimated 173 active jobs in the metro area. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 11%. This growth is driven by new residential developments in western Lenexa and ongoing commercial projects along the I-35 and I-435 corridors.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential in Lenexa climbs significantly with experience and licensure. The table below outlines typical salary progression. Note that these are estimates based on local data and industry standards.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range (Est.)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$40,000 - $52,000	Residential rough-in, basic wiring, assisting journeymen, safety protocols.
Mid-Level	3-7	$55,000 - $75,000	Commercial service calls, residential remodels, troubleshooting, reading blueprints.
Senior/Journeyman	8-15	$70,000 - $90,000+	Project management, complex commercial systems (HVAC, controls), mentoring apprentices.
Expert/Master	15+	$90,000 - $120,000+	Business ownership, large-scale industrial projects, code consulting, design.

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities

Lenexa's salary is competitive within the state but follows a clear pattern: bigger metro areas offer higher pay, but also a higher cost of living.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index*	Notes
Lenexa	$60,312	93.3	Balanced market, strong residential growth.
Kansas City, MO	$64,200	89.5	Larger metro, more union opportunities, higher competition.
Wichita	$58,100	84.5	Higher demand in aviation/industrial sectors, lower cost of living.
Manhattan	$57,500	91.0	College town, steady work with KSU and hospital projects.
US Avg: 100

*Cost of Living Index is a comparative measure (100 = National Average). Lenexa's 93.3 means it's 6.7% cheaper to live than the U.S. average.

Insider Tip: The biggest salary jump in Lenexa comes from obtaining your journeyman license. While an apprentice might start at $18-$22/hour, a licensed journeyman can command $30-$38/hour, especially for commercial or industrial specialties.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $60,312 salary sounds good on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's break it down for a single filer with no dependents.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Electrician earning $60,312/year):

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,026	Based on 12 pay periods.
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	~$1,100	Varies by withholdings. KS has a 3.1% flat tax.
Net Take-Home	~$3,926	This is your "real" monthly income.
Rent (1BR Average)	$839	Citywide average. See neighborhood specifics below.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$200	Kansas summers (AC) and winters (heat) can spike costs.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in the suburbs.
Groceries & Living	$600	Reasonable for a single person.
Health Insurance	$300	If not covered by employer.
Savings/Retirement (10%)	$390	Critical for long-term career growth.
Remaining	$147	Discretionary spending.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Lenexa is around $380,000. Using standard mortgage calculators, a 20% down payment ($76,000) on a 30-year fixed loan at current rates (6.5%) would lead to a monthly mortgage payment of **$1,920**. This is over 48% of the estimated net take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

Verdict: A single electrician earning the median salary can comfortably rent a nice apartment or 1BR, but buying a home would require a dual income, a large down payment, or targeting more affordable homes in the $250,000-$300,000 range (likely smaller homes or condos). For a family with a second income, homeownership is very achievable.

Where the Jobs Are: Lenexa's Major Employers

Lenexa's job market for electricians is a mix of large contractors, growing specialty firms, and in-house positions with local manufacturers and healthcare systems. The work is predominantly in commercial and residential construction, with a growing need for service and maintenance electricians.

Here are the key players you should know about:

1. Emery & Sons Electric: A regional powerhouse based in Lenexa itself. They are heavily involved in new residential subdivisions (like the massive Lakeview Village development) and commercial projects. They are a key employer for both apprentices and journeymen, often offering structured training programs.
2. Walsh & Wieland Electrical Contractors: Located in nearby Olathe, this is a premier commercial and industrial contractor. They handle complex projects for data centers, healthcare facilities, and large retail. Hiring trends here favor experienced journeymen with OSHA 30 and commercial experience.
3. Johnson County Community College (JCCC) Facilities: JCCC, located just south of Lenexa in Overland Park, maintains its own in-house electrician team. These are stable, union (IBEW Local 124) positions with excellent benefits, focusing on campus maintenance, upgrades, and new construction. It's a competitive but desirable role.
4. AdventHealth Shawnee Mission & Olathe: The two major hospital systems serving Lenexa. Their facilities teams require electricians for 24/7 operations, specializing in critical power, backup generators, and medical equipment installations. These roles often require additional certifications and pay a premium.
5. Black & Veatch: This global engineering firm has a major office in Lenexa. While many roles are for engineers, they frequently hire electrical contractors and project managers for large-scale infrastructure, water/wastewater, and energy projects. This is a path into project management for seasoned electricians.
6. Local Residential Builders: Companies like D.R. Horton and Lennar have significant operations in western Lenexa and the surrounding Johnson County area. They contract with electrical subcontractors, creating a steady pipeline of new construction wiring work.

Insider Tip: The most reliable way to find work is through the IBEW Local 124 union hall, which covers Kansas City, KS, and MO, including Lenexa. They maintain a dispatch list for both union and non-union contractors. Even if you're not in the union, building a relationship with the hall can lead to job leads.

Getting Licensed in Kansas

Kansas has a straightforward licensing process managed by the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions (KSTBP). You cannot work as a journeyman or master electrician without a state license.

Requirements & Timeline:

1. Registered Apprentice: You must be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program (like through the IBEW or ABC). You can start working immediately under a licensed electrician. This phase lasts 4 years (8,000 hours).
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Kansas Journeyman Electrician Exam. The exam is based on the 2020 NEC (National Electrical Code). The application fee is $125, and the exam fee is $200. Total upfront cost is ~$325. Processing can take 4-6 weeks.
3. Master License: Requires 2 years of experience as a journeyman and passing the Master Electrician Exam. This is essential if you plan to pull permits for your own business.

Cost Breakdown:

• Exam Prep Course: $300 - $800 (highly recommended)
• Application & Exam Fees: ~$325
• Books (NEC Code Book, Ugly's): $150 - $200
• Total Initial Licensing Cost (Journeyman): $775 - $1,325

Timeline to Get Started: You can begin an apprenticeship in Lenexa immediately. The path to a journeyman license takes a minimum of 4 years. For a Master license, add another 2-3 years.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Lenexa impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is divided by I-435, with older neighborhoods to the east and newer, suburban developments to the west.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Pros for Electricians	1BR Rent Estimate	Insider Tip
Old Town Lenexa	Historic, walkable, central. 10-15 min commute to most job sites.	Close to downtown contractors, restaurants, and the community center.	$900 - $1,100	Street parking can be tight. Look for complexes with off-street parking for your work van.
Sunset Hills / Braemar	Established, quiet, residential. 15-20 min commute to western job sites.	More affordable older homes and apartments. Good for families.	$800 - $950	This area has older housing stock, meaning more residential service and upgrade work.
Lakeview Village / Lexington Lakes	New, master-planned, upscale. 20-25 min commute.	High-end new construction work is abundant here.	$1,200+	Ideal if you work for a high-end residential builder like Emery & Sons.
Cedar Creek / Timberridge	Suburban, family-oriented. 15 min commute.	Great schools, safe, and close to major shopping (Lenexa City Center).	$950 - $1,100	Commute to the Lenexa industrial park is very short from here.
Near Johnson County Community College (Overland Park)	College-town feel, diverse. 10-15 min commute.	Access to union jobs at JCCC, younger demographic, more amenities.	$850 - $1,000	The area is technically Overland Park but is a 5-minute drive from Lenexa.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career as an electrician in Lenexa can evolve in several directions. The 11% job growth over the next decade means opportunities for advancement will be strong.

Specialty Premiums: To move above the median salary, you need a specialty. In the Lenexa area, these are in high demand:

• Industrial Automation & Controls: Companies like Black & Veatch and local manufacturers pay a 15-25% premium for PLC programming and VFD expertise.
• Solar & Renewable Energy: While not as booming as coastal markets, the demand is growing for certified solar installers, especially for residential and small commercial projects.
• Fire Alarm & Life Safety: Hospitals and commercial buildings require certified technicians, which can add $5-10/hour to your wage.
• Low-Voltage: Data cabling, security systems, and home automation (smart homes) are a growing niche in new residential and commercial builds.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field Leadership: Move from journeyman to foreman, then project superintendent. This requires leadership skills and OSHA certifications.
2. Business Ownership: Obtain your Master Electrical License, start a small residential service company. Lenexa's growing housing stock is perfect for this.
3. Estimating & Project Management: Transition from the field to the office, working with contractors like Walsh & Wieland or Emery & Sons.
4. Inspection & Code Enforcement: Become a licensed electrical inspector for the city of Lenexa or Johnson County. This is a stable, government job with excellent benefits.

Insider Tip: Join the American Council of Electrical Contractors (ABC) Kansas City chapter. Their networking events are goldmines for learning about upcoming projects and meeting hiring managers.

The Verdict: Is Lenexa Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost of living is 6.7% below the national average.	Median salary is slightly below the national average.
Strong, 11% 10-year job growth in construction and service.	The job market is smaller (173 jobs) than in a major metro.
Central location in the KC metro, easy access to suburbs.	Car-dependent city; you need a reliable vehicle for commuting and work.
Growing residential and commercial development.	Winters can be harsh (ice, snow) affecting outdoor work.
Stable industry with a clear path to licensure and advancement.	Union presence is strong but competitive; non-union work is plentiful.

Final Recommendation:

Lenexa is an excellent choice for electricians at the mid-career stage (journeyman level) and those looking for a stable, suburban lifestyle. It's particularly well-suited for:

• Residential specialists who want to get in on new construction growth.
• Service electricians who can build a clientele in the growing suburban neighborhoods.
• Commercial electricians with experience who want a less cutthroat market than downtown Kansas City.

It may not be the best fit for a brand-new apprentice seeking the highest possible starting wage, or for someone looking for the cutting-edge industrial work found in Wichita. For most, the balance of good wages, low cost of living, and steady growth makes Lenexa a smart, practical move.

FAQs

1. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes. While $839/month for a 1BR is an average, you can find quality apartments for under $800. The 93.3 Cost of Living Index means your groceries, utilities, and healthcare will also be cheaper than in most of the country. The biggest expense is transportation, as you'll need a car.

2. Do I need to be union to find work?
No. While the IBEW Local 124 is active and provides great benefits, there is a large, healthy non-union sector in Lenexa. Contractors like Emery & Sons, many residential builders, and smaller service companies are all non-union. Your license and experience are what matter most.

3. What's the winter work like?
Kansas winters can be brutal, with ice and snow. Outdoor new construction work often slows down or pauses from December through February. This is when service electricians are busiest, troubleshooting heating systems and outages. It's a season for planning indoor work and training.

4. How long does it take to get a journeyman license?
A minimum of 4 years (8,000 hours) of documented work under a licensed electrician, plus passing the state exam. If you start an apprenticeship program today, you can expect to be licensed by around 2028.

5. What's the best way to network in a new city?
Attend meetings at the IBEW Local 124 hall (even as a guest), join the ABC Kansas City chapter, and visit parts stores like Crescent Electric or Graybar. Talk to the counter staff and managers—they know everyone who's hiring. Also, check the City of Lenexa's permit portal for active projects and contact the electrical contractors listed.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Kansas State Board of Technical Professions, City-Data.com, Zillow, Rent.com, Numbeo Cost of Living Database. Salary data is based on BLS metropolitan area estimates for the Kansas City, MO-KS area and adjusted for local industry trends.