Electrician in Levittown CDP, PA

The Salary Picture: Where Levittown CDP Stands

As a local who’s watched the Bucks County electrical trade for over a decade, I can tell you Levittown CDP offers a solid, if not spectacular, wage for electricians. You’re not getting the Philadelphia or New York premiums, but the cost of living here helps make the numbers work. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local trade surveys, the median salary for electricians in Levittown CDP is $62,196/year, which breaks down to a $29.9/hour rate. This sits just above the national average of $61,550/year, giving you a slight edge in a stable regional market.

The experience breakdown looks like this:

Experience Level	Typical Hourly Rate	Annual Salary (Est.)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$21 - $25	$44,000 - $52,000	Residential rough-in, conduit bending, material handling
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$27 - $33	$56,000 - $68,000	Commercial service, troubleshooting, supervising apprentices
Senior/Expert (7+ years)	$35 - $45+	$73,000 - $93,000+	Project management, specialized systems (fire alarm, controls), NECA/IBEW scale

Compared to other Pennsylvania cities, Levittown is in the middle tier. You’ll earn less than an electrician in Philadelphia (where union scale can push $70,000+ for journeymen) but significantly more than in the state’s rural southern regions. The 10-year job growth of 11% for the metro area (which includes the broader Bucks County region) is promising, beating the national average for the trade. This is driven by a mix of aging residential stock needing upgrades, new commercial builds in areas like Langhorne, and the constant demand from healthcare facilities.

Insider Tip: In Levittown, non-union residential and small commercial work pays at the lower end of the mid-level range. To hit the senior-level numbers, you need to specialize—think industrial controls, solar installation, or joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 269, which covers this area. Their scale for journeyman electricians is competitive and often tied to the $29.9/hour median and above.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the budget. On a $62,196/year salary, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Pennsylvania state income tax (3.07%), and FICA will be approximately $4,500 to $4,700 per month (varies by withholding and deductions).

The average 1BR rent in Levittown CDP is $1,190/month. The Cost of Living Index is 103.5 (U.S. average = 100), meaning you’re paying about 3.5% more than the national average for goods and services, but housing is the main driver.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an electrician earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,600	After taxes and deductions
Rent (1BR)	$1,190	Levittown CDP average
Utilities	$180	Electric, gas, internet. (Ironically, your own bill might be lower if you know how to optimize!)
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Necessary in the 'burbs. Public transit is limited.
Groceries	$400
Health Insurance	$350	If not covered by employer
Retirement Savings	$300	5% of gross pay
Discretionary	$1,680	Food, entertainment, personal care, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home? In Levittown CDP, the median home price is around $325,000. With a $62,196 salary, you’re at the edge of affordability. A 20% down payment ($65,000) is a high bar, but a 5-10% FHA loan is feasible if you have good credit and minimal other debt. Your monthly mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) on a $325,000 home with 10% down would be roughly $2,100-$2,300. This would consume about 45-50% of your take-home pay, which is tight but possible if you have a dual income or are willing to live in a smaller, older home (common in Levittown's original 1950s ranches).

Insider Tip: Many local electricians I know buy in neighboring Fairless Hills or Tullytown, where home prices are slightly lower, and commute into Levittown for work. It’s a 10-15 minute drive that can save you $50,000+ on a home purchase.

Where the Jobs Are: Levittown CDP's Major Employers

The job market here is a mix of small family-run shops, regional contractors, and large institutional employers. The 152 jobs in the metro figure is a snapshot; turnover and seasonal demand mean opportunities open up constantly. Here are the key players:

1. St. Mary Medical Center (Langhorne): This Level II Trauma center is a massive employer. They have an in-house facilities team for electrical maintenance and often hire through contractors like J.F. Reichert & Sons, a local industrial/electrical contractor based in Bristol with a strong presence in the Levittown area. Hiring is steady, with a premium for electricians with healthcare facility experience (redundant power, code compliance).

2. The Home Depot (Levittown & Fairless Hills locations): While not a direct contractor, the stores are hubs for local independent electricians. The electrical department managers often know who’s hiring. Many small residential electricians get their first jobs here through networking with contractors buying supplies. The Levittown store on East Lincoln Highway is a constant hive of activity.

3. J.F. Reichert & Sons (Bristol, PA): As mentioned, they are a major regional player in commercial/industrial electrical work. They service the Levittown area extensively. They value apprentices and have a structured path to journeyman. This is a prime spot for mid-level electricians looking to move into project work.

4. Levittown Public Schools: The Neshaminy School District (which serves Levittown) has a facilities department that hires electricians for upkeep of schools like Levittown Memorial Educational Center and Maple Point Middle School. These are stable, union (or union-adjacent) positions with great benefits and summers off.

5. Solar Installers (Firms like Bright Eye Solar, based in Lancaster but serving Bucks County): With PA's solar incentives, this is a fast-growing niche. You’d be doing rooftop installs, which requires comfort with heights and a clean driving record. Wages are often above the $29.9/hour median due to demand.

6. Local IBEW Local 269: While not an employer per se, the union hall in Trenton, NJ (a 30-minute drive) is the gateway to high-wage projects. They have signatory contractors like M. B. Kahn or E.V. Hogle that work in the Bucks County area. Getting on their books is a long-term strategy for top earnings.

Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable push for electricians with low-voltage/data networking and EV charger installation certifications. Many older homes in Levittown have outdated panels that need upgrading for modern appliances and solar.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania’s licensing process is straightforward but requires patience. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry oversees licensure.

• Path 1: Apprenticeship (Recommended). Complete a 4-5 year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship program (like the Bucks County Electrical JATC) while working under a licensed electrician. This is the most common route.
• Path 2: Experience. If you have electrician work experience from another state, you can apply for exam eligibility with documented hours.
• The Exam: Once your hours are verified, you take the Pennsylvania Electrician Exam (based on the NEC). It's a 100-question, 4-hour test.
• Costs: Exam fee is ~$150. License application fee is ~$135. Apprenticeship programs often have tuition fees, but many are paid for by the employer or union (IBEW). Total out-of-pocket can be $0 to $2,000 depending on the path.
• Timeline: From starting an apprenticeship to holding a journeyman license typically takes 4-5 years. If you’re already experienced, the process can be as fast as 6-12 months for exam prep and scheduling.

Insider Tip: Pennsylvania does not have a statewide "electrician's license" for residential work; it's tied to the person, not the business. However, for commercial work, the business must also hold an Electrical Contractor’s license. Always verify the contractor you work for is properly licensed via the PA L&I website.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Living where you work is key to managing costs and commute. Levittown CDP is a series of "sections" with similar housing stock but varying atmospheres.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for an Electrician
Levittown Section 2	The original, densely built Levittown. Quiet, family-oriented.	$1,150 - $1,300	Central location. Walking/biking distance to many jobs. Older homes mean steady repair/upgrade work.
Fairless Hills	Just north of Levittown, more modern amenities, slightly higher cost.	$1,300 - $1,500	Newer commercial strip (US-1) has more electrical work. Better shopping. Slightly lower home prices than central Levittown.
Tullytown	A borough bordering Levittown to the west. Riverfront, quieter.	$1,100 - $1,250	Lower rent. Easy access to Levittown jobs via Route 13. Close to the Delaware River for recreation.
Bristol	Adjacent borough with a walkable downtown, more character.	$1,100 - $1,400	Home to many electrical contractors (J.F. Reichert, others). The commute is negligible (5-10 mins).
Langhorne	More affluent, single-family homes dominate.	$1,400 - $1,700	Proximity to St. Mary Medical Center and Neshaminy High School (often needs work). Higher-end residential and commercial work.

Commute Reality: You do not need a car in Levittown, but you’ll want one. Jobs are spread between residential houses, strip malls, and industrial parks. The SEPTA rail line runs through the area, but it won’t get you to most job sites. A 15-20 minute drive is typical for getting across the CDP.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 11% 10-year job growth is your runway, but specialization is how you climb.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial Controls/PLC: +$10-15/hour over base. Requires additional training (often through the employer).
  • Solar/NVNR (Non-Voltage Energy Systems): +$5-8/hour. Certification from NABCEP is valuable.
  • Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems: +$7-12/hour. High demand in commercial buildings and schools.
  • Low-Voltage/Data: +$3-6/hour. Works with CCTV, access control, and structured cabling.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman to Foreman: Lead a crew. Requires strong people skills and OSHA 30 certification. Pay jumps to $35-$40/hour.
  2. Foreman to Project Manager: Handle bids, schedules, and client relations. Often requires a bachelor's or associate's in construction management. Salary can reach $85,000+.
  3. Start Your Own Business: This is the highest earner but highest risk. Pennsylvania requires a Contractor’s License, which needs a surety bond (costs vary) and proof of experience. Many successful small contractors in Levittown started as solo operators servicing residential repairs.

• 10-Year Outlook: Demand will be steady for residential service and upgrade work (panel changes, EV chargers). The biggest growth will be in industrial automation as local manufacturing (food processing, plastics) modernizes. The healthcare sector (St. Mary) will remain a stable, high-paying employer for maintenance electricians.

The Verdict: Is Levittown CDP Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable job market with major employers nearby.	Wage ceiling is lower than major metros like Philly or NYC.
Cost of living is manageable on the median salary, especially if renting.	Car dependency is high; public transit is weak.
Dense residential stock means steady work for residential electricians.	Homes are older (1950s-60s), which can mean more labor-intensive, messy work.
Central location in Bucks County, easy access to Philly, NJ, and NYC for gig work.	Limited high-end specialty work locally; you may need to commute for niche projects.
Good union presence (IBEW Local 269) for those seeking structured benefits and pensions.	Cultural/social scene is very suburban; limited nightlife or arts compared to cities.

Final Recommendation: Levittown CDP is an excellent choice for electricians at the mid-career stage (journeymen with 3-7 years of experience) looking to buy a home and establish stability. It’s particularly strong for those in residential service, commercial maintenance, or the healthcare sector. It’s less ideal for early-career apprentices (wages are low) unless they have a strong apprenticeship lined up, or for specialists in cutting-edge tech who will find more varied work in a larger city.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Levittown without a car?
Technically, yes, but it’s very difficult. The area is spread out, and most jobsites aren’t near SEPTA bus routes. You will need a reliable vehicle for your tools and commute.

2. How do union wages compare to non-union here?
IBEW Local 269 journeyman scale for 2023-2024 is approximately $38.50/hour plus benefits. This is significantly above the $29.9/hour median for non-union work. However, union work can be less steady during economic dips.

3. Is there a lot of competition for jobs?
There’s healthy competition, but the 11% growth means opportunities are opening. The key is networking. Go to the Bucks County Home Show, join the Bucks County Chamber of Commerce, and get to know the supply houses (like Platt Electric) where contractors frequent.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for electricians new to the area?
Understanding the local code nuances. While the NEC is national, Bucks County and local municipalities can have amendments. For example, some townships have stricter requirements for grounding and bonding for older homes. Always check with the local township building inspector.

5. How do I get my first apprenticeship here?
Apply to the Bucks County Electrical JATC (Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee). They work with local IBEW and non-union contractors. Also, cold-call small residential shops listed in the Yellow Pages or on Google Maps. They often hire apprentices directly. Persistence is key.