Electrician in Lorain, OH

The Salary Picture: Where Lorain Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you’re deciding if a move makes financial sense. For an electrician in Lorain, the median salary is $60,035/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.86/hour. This figure is direct from local labor data and reflects the median for all electricians in the area—meaning half earn more, half earn less. It’s slightly below the national average for electricians, which sits at $61,550/year. The difference isn’t massive, but it’s there, largely due to Lorain’s lower cost of living.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different career stages in the Lorain market. These estimates are based on local wage surveys, union agreements (like IBEW Local 647, which covers the area), and job postings from major employers.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Median Annual Salary (Lorain)	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level Helper/Apprentice	0-2	$38,000 - $45,000	$18.27 - $21.63
Mid-Level Journeyman	3-7	$58,000 - $68,000	$27.88 - $32.69
Senior (Lead) Electrician	8-15	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87
Expert (Foreman/Specialist)	15+	$88,000 - $105,000+	$42.31 - $50.48+

Insider Tip: The jump from Journeyman to Senior/Expert is where the real money is made, especially if you take on a foreman role on a major project. The 11% 10-year job growth for the metro area (Cleveland-Akron-Canton, which includes Lorain) is a strong indicator. This growth is driven by two things: the constant need to maintain aging infrastructure (Lorain has a lot of older homes and buildings) and new industrial and commercial projects, like expansions at the Ford Ohio Assembly Plant or the local healthcare facilities.

Compared to Other Ohio Cities:

• Cleveland: Salaries are 5-10% higher (median ~$63,000), but the cost of living and commute are significantly worse.
• Columbus: Similar median salaries (~$61,000), but a hotter, more competitive job market with higher rent.
• Toledo: Salaries are slightly lower (~$58,000), with a comparable cost of living.
• Cincinnati: Salaries are higher (~$62,500), but so are living costs.

Lorain strikes a sweet spot: you get a competitive wage without the intense pressure of a larger metro area.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $60,035 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let’s break it down with real numbers for Lorain.

First, the Tax Math (Estimates):
On a $60,035 annual salary, you’re looking at roughly 22-25% in total deductions for a single filer (federal, state, FICA). That’s about $13,200 - $15,000 per year, or $1,100 - $1,250/month in taxes. Your take-home pay will be approximately $3,750 - $3,900/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person, Renting):

• Take-Home Pay: $3,800 (Mid-point estimate)
• Rent (1BR Average): -$913
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): -$250 (Lorain’s old housing stock can mean higher heating/cooling costs)
• Car Payment/Insurance (Average): -$450 (A reliable vehicle is a must for job sites)
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): -$350 (Varies widely)
• Retirement/401(k) Savings (10%): -$500 (This is crucial for long-term stability)
• Discretionary Spending: -$537 (Food out, entertainment, hobbies)

Bottom Line: The budget is tight but manageable. The key is housing. With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (US avg=100), Lorain is about 8% cheaper than the national average, which helps offset the slightly lower-than-national wage.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Lorain is around $140,000 - $160,000 (as of late 2023). With a $60,035 salary, you’re in a decent position to qualify for a mortgage, especially if you have a partner with an income or have saved for a down payment.

Scenario:

• Home Price: $150,000
• Down Payment (10%): $15,000
• Loan Amount: $135,000
• Estimated Monthly Mortgage (30-yr, 6.5%): ~$850
• Plus Insurance & Taxes: ~$250
• Total Housing Cost: ~$1,100/month

This is very close to the average rent of $913, making homeownership a realistic goal. Neighborhoods like South Lorain or parts of the West Side offer more affordable entry points. Insider Tip: Many electricians in the area buy older homes and use their skills to renovate them over time, which builds equity and reduces living costs dramatically.

Where the Jobs Are: Lorain's Major Employers

Lorain’s job market for electricians is anchored by a mix of heavy industry, healthcare, and public infrastructure. The 195 jobs in the metro (BLS data) are concentrated with these key players:

1. Ford Ohio Assembly Plant (Avon Lake): Just on the border, this is a massive source of work. Electricians are needed for plant maintenance, robotics, and production line equipment. Hiring cycles align with vehicle launches. Insider Tip: Getting in here often requires union membership (IBEW) or a direct connection with a contractor that holds the Ford contract. Pay is top-tier, often exceeding the median.

2. University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center: A major regional healthcare provider. They have a full-time facilities team for electrical maintenance, plus frequent projects for clinic upgrades and new equipment installation. Stable, with good benefits. Hiring is steady but competitive.

3. Lorain County Public Utilities: The water and electric utility itself. They hire lineworkers and electricians for grid maintenance and substation work. Public sector jobs offer excellent job security and pensions. Check their website directly for postings.

4. Local Construction & Electrical Contractors: Companies like Cintas (uniform services) have large local facilities, and general contractors like Whiting-Turner or Swinerton (who work on industrial projects) often have electrician subcontracts. Building relationships with these firms is key for steady contract work.

5. The Port of Cleveland (Lorain Terminal): For industrial electricians with experience in high-voltage systems and marine equipment. Work is project-based but can be lucrative.

6. Lorain City Schools & Lorain County Community College (LCCC): Public institutions require constant electrical upkeep for campuses. LCCC also offers apprenticeship programs and may hire for their own facilities.

Hiring Trends: There’s a clear shift toward electricians with industrial controls and automation experience (PLC programming, VFDs). Residential electricians are always needed for service calls and new home builds, but the industrial and commercial sectors offer higher pay and more consistent hours.

Getting Licensed in Ohio

To work as a journeyman electrician in Ohio, you must be licensed. The process is standard but specific.

1. Become an Apprentice:

• Requirement: You don’t need a license to be an apprentice, but you must be registered with the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) or through a state-approved apprenticeship program (like the IBEW/NECA or a non-union program).
• Cost: Registration is typically $50-$100.

2. Apprentice to Journeyman:

• Hours Required: You need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician and 576 hours of classroom instruction over 4 years.
• Exam: After completing your hours, you must pass the Ohio Journeyman Electrician Exam (based on the NEC).
• Cost: Exam fee is $100. License application is $150.

3. Journeyman to Master Electrician:

• Hours Required: An additional 4,000 hours as a journeyman.
• Exam: Pass the Ohio Master Electrician Exam.
• Cost: Exam fee is $125; license is $200.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1: Register as an apprentice, start working and schooling.
• Years 2-4: Complete 8,000 hours and 576 classroom hours.
• Year 5: Apply for and take the Journeyman exam. Once licensed, you can work independently.
• Year 6-10: Gain experience to pursue a Master license, which allows you to pull permits and run your own business.

Insider Tip: The Lorain County Community College (LCCC) offers an excellent, affordable electrician apprenticeship program that’s recognized statewide. Their program is a direct pipeline to jobs with local contractors.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Living in Lorain means balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide to the best neighborhoods for someone in the trades:

Neighborhood	vibe & Commute	Typical Rent (1BR)	Why It's Good for Electricians
South Lorain	Quiet, residential, working-class. 10-15 mins to most industrial sites.	$800 - $950	Most affordable. Close to Ford, downtown shops, and easy highway access. Ideal for first-time renters or buyers.
West Side (Lakeside)	Family-oriented, good schools, near the lake. 15-20 mins to most jobs.	$950 - $1,150	Balanced lifestyle. Better amenities and schools. A bit pricier but great for long-term settling.
Downtown Lorain	Urban, revitalizing, walkable. 5-15 mins to jobs.	$900 - $1,200	For young professionals. Close to restaurants, bars, and the Black River. Parking can be a challenge.
Amherst (Suburb, 10 mins west)	Suburban, quiet, small-town feel. 15-25 mins commute to Lorain.	$950 - $1,100	Escape the city. Larger homes, yards, and a tight-knit community. Popular with tradespeople who want space.
Sheffield (Suburb, 15 mins south)	Upscale residential, very safe, top schools. 20-30 mins commute.	$1,200 - $1,500+	For established, senior electricians. Higher cost of living but excellent quality of life. Not ideal for apprentices starting out.

Insider Tip: If you’re renting, look for older multi-family homes in South Lorain or near the West Side. They’re often owned by local landlords who may be more flexible than big complexes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 11% 10-year job growth is your runway. To maximize your earnings, you need to specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• Industrial Controls & Automation: +$5-$10/hour on top of journeyman pay. This is the highest-growth area.
• High-Voltage/Power Systems: +$3-$7/hour. Essential for utility work.
• Solar & Renewable Energy: Growing, but the market is smaller in Lorain than in southern Ohio. Expect a $2-$4/hour premium.
• Fire Alarm & Security Systems: A stable niche with consistent demand, especially for commercial work.

Advancement Paths:

1. Residential/Commercial Service: Steady, client-focused. Can lead to starting your own small business.
2. Project Electrician (Industrial/Commercial): Team-based, project-driven. Pay is high, but work can be cyclical.
3. Maintenance Electrician (Plant/Institutional): Steady, salaried role with benefits (e.g., at Ford or a hospital). Less overtime, but stable.
4. Foreman/Project Manager: Leads a crew. Requires strong communication and organizational skills. Pay jumps to the $85,000+ range.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong. The key will be adapting to new technologies (smart homes, green energy codes). Electricians who get proficient with industrial automation will be the most sought-after. The local IBEW union offers ongoing training that’s invaluable for staying ahead.

The Verdict: Is Lorain Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are below national average.	Slightly Lower Wages: Median is $60,035 vs. national $61,550.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by industry, healthcare, and public utilities.	Weather: Harsh winters can affect outdoor work schedules.
Strong 11% Job Growth: Positive long-term outlook for the trade.	Limited Nightlife: Quieter than a major city like Cleveland.
Excellent Commute Times: 10-20 minutes to most jobs.	Dependence on Auto: You need a reliable vehicle.
Path to Homeownership: Realistic goal with your salary.	Industrial Focus: Less variety in high-tech residential work.

Final Recommendation: Lorain is an excellent choice for electricians who value stability, affordability, and a healthy work-life balance. It’s ideal for journeyman electricians looking to buy a home or senior specialists aiming for a foreman role. It may not be the best fit for apprentices seeking the fastest initial wage growth or those who thrive in a dense, fast-paced urban environment. For most, the numbers and quality of life add up.

FAQs

1. Do I need to join the union to find work in Lorain?
Not necessarily, but it helps. The IBEW Local 647 is active and represents many electricians at Ford and major contractors. Union jobs often come with higher wages, better benefits, and structured training. However, there’s a healthy non-union market, especially in residential service work. Many successful electricians are independent.

2. What’s the cost of living really like compared to Cleveland?
Significantly better. While Cleveland salaries are 5-10% higher, Lorain’s median 1BR rent ($913) is about 20-25% lower than Cleveland’s average. The Cost of Living Index (91.8) reflects this. You’ll save on housing and avoid downtown Cleveland traffic, which can be a major daily time-saver.

3. Is the work seasonal?
It can be. Outdoor work (like new construction or line work) slows in the winter, but service calls and indoor commercial/industrial work continue year-round. Many electricians use slower winter months for continuing education or side projects. Having a mix of skills (residential service + industrial) helps smooth out income.

4. How do I get my first job as an apprentice in Lorain?
Start with LCCC’s apprenticeship program or contact the IBEW Local 647 directly. Apply to local contractors like Cintas, Ford’s maintenance contractors, or smaller electrical firms listed in the Yellow Pages or on Indeed. Insider Tip: Walk into offices with a hard hat and resume. It’s an old-school trade that still values face-to-face initiative.

5. Are there good opportunities for starting my own business?
Yes, but it’s competitive. The market has many established small contractors. The best path is to become a Master Electrician (5+ years), build a reputation for reliable service work, and start small. Focus on a niche like smart home installations or electrical upgrades for older homes, which are plentiful in Lorain. The 11% job growth suggests there’s room for new businesses, especially if you fill a specific need.