Electrician in Manhattan, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Manhattan Stands

Manhattan, Kansas, offers electricians a stable and competitive salary, especially when you weigh it against the city's low cost of living. The median salary for an electrician in the Manhattan metro is $59,758 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.73. This is slightly below the national average of $61,550, but that small difference becomes significant when you consider Manhattan's affordability.

The local job market for electricians is solid but not massive, with an estimated 161 jobs in the metro area. More importantly, the 10-year job growth is projected at 11%, which signals steady demand. This growth is fueled by ongoing residential development in areas like the West Loop and the constant maintenance needs of key institutions like Kansas State University.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our area:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Manhattan, KS)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $50,000	Apprentice tasks, basic wiring, conduit bending, assisting journeymen.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $70,000	Residential/commercial service calls, troubleshooting, project leadership.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Complex commercial projects, system design, crew management, NEC code expert.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years)	$85,000+	Master electrician roles, industrial controls, estimates, business development.

Insider Tip: The highest pay in Manhattan isn't always with the biggest electrical contractor. Often, the most lucrative opportunities are in the industrial sector (like at the university's power plant or local manufacturing) or with specialized firms handling healthcare facilities, such as those servicing the University of Kansas Health System - Geary Community Hospital.

When comparing to other Kansas cities, Manhattan holds its own:

• Wichita: Slightly higher median salary ($62,100), but cost of living is also higher, narrowing the gap.
• Topeka: Very similar median salary ($59,500), with a comparable cost of living.
• Kansas City: Significantly higher median salary ($64,800), but the cost of living, especially housing, is dramatically steeper. A Manhattan electrician's paycheck goes much further here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what earning $59,758 means for your bottom line in Manhattan. We'll use a single filer with standard deductions for a realistic post-tax scenario.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Electrician Earning $59,758 (Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Salary	$4,979.83	$59,758 / 12 months
Estimated Taxes (Fed & State)	~$950	Varies by withholdings; this is a conservative estimate for KS.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$4,030	This is your "real" money each month.
Average 1BR Rent	$817	Manhattan's city-wide average; can be lower in certain neighborhoods.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$180	Essential, especially with Kansas summers & winters.
Groceries	$300	Single person, cooking at home.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Assuming a modest used car payment and full coverage.
Gas/Transportation	$150	Manhattan is car-dependent; commute is short but necessary.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$250	Varies widely; this is an estimate for an individual plan.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$400	Strongly recommended for long-term stability.
Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Clothing, etc.)	$300	Living in Manhattan means BBQs, K-State games, and local events.
Remaining Buffer	~$233	Your safety net for unexpected costs.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With a net monthly income of ~$4,030 and rent at $817, you have a strong savings potential. Let's say you save your entire rent budget plus some—aiming for $1,200/month towards a home. In a year, you'd save $14,400, a solid down payment for a starter home.

The median home price in Manhattan is approximately $225,000. A 5% down payment would be $11,250, making homeownership very attainable on this salary. Your mortgage (P&I) on a $213,750 loan (assuming 5% down) at 6.5% interest would be around $1,350/month. With your estimated net income, this is well within the recommended 30% of take-home pay. Property taxes and insurance would add to this, but it's still a feasible path to building equity.

Insider Tip: Many local electricians buy homes in the Milford Lake area or south of town where lots are larger and prices can be even more affordable, while still having a manageable 15-20 minute commute to the city center.

Where the Jobs Are: Manhattan's Major Employers

Manhattan's job market for electricians is anchored by a handful of major institutions and a thriving network of local contractors. Here are the key players:

1. Kansas State University: As a massive employer, K-State's facilities department is constantly hiring electricians for campus maintenance, new construction (like the new College of Business), and the university's own power plant. They offer excellent benefits and union-scale wages, often above the city median.
2. Manhattan-Ogden Unified School District 383: Public schools require constant electrical system upkeep, lighting upgrades for energy efficiency, and new wiring for technology. These are stable, government-benefit jobs with regular hours.
3. City of Manhattan: The municipal government employs electricians for street lighting, traffic signal maintenance, and city-owned facility upkeep. These positions come with strong benefits and pension plans.
4. Major Contractors: Local firms like Hodgson Industrial Contracting, KanEquip (which has a Manhattan location), and Harker’s Electric are always looking for licensed journeymen and apprentices. They handle most of the commercial and industrial work in the region.
5. Healthcare: University of Kansas Health System - Geary Community Hospital and the associated medical clinics require specialized, often 24/7, electrical maintenance. This work comes with premium rates due to the critical nature of the systems.
6. Manufacturing & Agriculture: Companies like Bimbo Bakeries USA (hosting the Sara Lee plant) and various agri-tech firms around the K-State Innovation Center need industrial electricians for machine maintenance and automation systems.
7. Residential Builders: With steady growth in neighborhoods like Anderson Avenue, Woodland Hills, and the West Loop, custom home builders and large-scale developers like Huff Homes subcontract electrical work to local journeymen and small shops.

Hiring Trends: There is a clear push towards energy efficiency and smart home integration. Electricians with certifications in solar PV, EV charger installation, and building automation systems are in high demand. Rural broadband expansion projects are also creating a niche for electricians skilled in fiber-optic and communication line work.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas has a clear path to becoming a licensed electrician, managed by the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions.

Licensing Tiers & Requirements:

1. Registered Apprentice: No license required, but you must be enrolled in an approved apprenticeship program (like through the NECA-IBEW Electrical Training Center in Kansas City, which serves the region) or be working under a licensed electrician.
2. Journeyman Electrician: Requires 8,000 hours of documented work experience over at least 4 years and completion of approved classroom training (typically 576 hours). You must pass the state journeyman exam (based on the NEC 2020 code for KS as of this guide).
3. Master Electrician: Requires a minimum of 12,000 hours of journeyman-level work and passing the master electrician exam. This is needed for pulling permits and running your own business.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship School: Tuition can range from $2,000 to $5,000 over the 4-year program, but many are employer-sponsored.
• Exam Fees: The journeyman exam fee is approximately $150, and the master exam is $200.
• Licensing Fees: Initial journeyman license is $125, with renewal every two years at $75.
• Total Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to becoming a licensed journeyman is 4 years minimum. Many take it longer while balancing work and family.

Insider Tip: The most efficient route in our area is to get hired on as an apprentice with a local contractor who will sponsor your training. The K-State apprenticeship program is highly respected. Also, the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions website is your bible—bookmark it.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Manhattan affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of top areas for working electricians:

1. South Manhattan / Poyntz Avenue Corridor:

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, close to K-State campus and downtown. Mix of older homes and new apartments.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to most job sites downtown or at K-State.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $950/month.
   • Best For: Electricians who want to be in the heart of the action, near bars, restaurants, and campus events.

2. West Loop / Westview:

   • Vibe: Modern, family-oriented, with newer subdivisions and larger homes. Close to major shopping (Downtown Manhattan, West Loop Marketplace).
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown, 15-20 minutes to K-State.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,100/month (often in newer complexes).
   • Best For: Those looking to buy a home, with easy access to highways for jobs in rural areas or other cities.

3. Northview / North Manhattan:

   • Vibe: Quiet, residential, with established neighborhoods and good schools. More affordable housing stock.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most central areas.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $850/month.
   • Best For: Electricians prioritizing affordability, a quieter lifestyle, and a shorter commute to industrial jobs north of town (like manufacturing plants).

4. Meadowbrook / East Side:

   • Vibe: Suburban, with a mix of older and newer homes, close to the Manhattan Regional Airport and Fort Riley (a major employer for contractors).
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $900/month.
   • Best For: Those working for base contractors or with families, offering a peaceful environment.

5. Aggieville:

   • Vibe: Ultra-vibrant student district. Mostly apartments and shared housing.
   • Commute: 0-5 minutes to campus, 10 minutes to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $600 - $800/month (but often shared).
   • Best For: Young apprentices or journeymen who want a lively social scene and minimal commute costs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Manhattan’s electrician career path isn’t just about punching a clock; it’s about strategic specialization for long-term growth.

Specialty Premiums:

• Industrial/Controls: Electricians with skills in PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and motor controls can command 10-20% above the median salary. This is crucial for K-State's engineering labs and local manufacturing.
• Low-Voltage Systems: Expertise in fire alarms, security systems, and data cabling is a growing niche, especially with new commercial construction.
• Renewables/EV: Installing solar panels and EV charging stations is becoming a standard request. This certification can open doors to commercial projects and residential side work.

Advancement Paths:

1. Path A (Corporate/Institutional): Apprentice → Journeyman → Master Electrician → Facilities Manager (K-State, School District) or Electrical Superintendent (large contractor).
2. Path B (Entrepreneurial): Apprentice → Journeyman → Start Your Own LLC → Focus on residential service calls or small commercial projects. Manhattan's size allows for strong word-of-mouth reputation.
3. Path C (Instructor): With a Master's license and teaching experience, opportunities arise at Flint Hills Technical College in Emporia (45 mins away) or through K-State's continuing education.

10-Year Outlook:
The 11% job growth is robust. The aging workforce of baby boomer electricians retiring will create a significant gap. Electricians who adapt to green technology (solar, EV), smart home integration, and industrial automation will be the most in-demand and highest-paid. The expansion of Fort Riley and K-State's research facilities will provide a steady stream of technical projects.

The Verdict: Is Manhattan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living: Your $59,758 salary goes much further than in coastal cities or even larger metros like KC.	Limited Job Market: Only 161 jobs means less variety; you might need to commute to Topeka or Junction City for specific roles.
Stable Employers: K-State, the School District, and the City offer long-term, benefit-rich employment.	Small-Town Feel: Nightlife and cultural amenities are limited compared to a major city.
Short Commutes: Most job sites are within a 15-minute drive, saving time and gas.	Weather: Kansas summers are hot and humid; winters can be icy. Outdoor work is year-round and can be tough.
Strong Community: Easy to build a network with other tradespeople; word-of-mouth is powerful for side jobs.	Reliance on Truck/Tools: As an independent contractor, your capital investment is high.
Accessibility: Close to Fort Riley for base work, and within 2 hours of Kansas City for bigger opportunities.

Final Recommendation:
Manhattan, KS, is an excellent choice for electricians who prioritize financial stability, homeownership, and a balanced lifestyle over the hustle of a major coastal city. It's ideal for journeymen electricians who are ready to settle down, buy a home, and integrate into a community. It's also a great starting point for apprentices who can get sponsored by a local firm. If you're a specialist seeking the absolute highest salary or constant high-energy city life, you might look elsewhere. But if you value a quality of life where your skills are respected and your paycheck has real purchasing power, Manhattan is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. How do I find an apprenticeship in Manhattan?
Start by contacting local contractors directly (Harker’s, KanEquip, etc.). Also, check the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions website for approved programs. The NECA-IBEW training center in Kansas City is the premier regional option and serves Manhattan apprentices.

2. Is the job market competitive?
It's competitive in the sense that there are fewer openings than in a large city, but demand is steady due to retirements and growth. Having a clean driving record, OSHA 10 certification, and a good attitude will set you apart. Networking at local trade events is key.

3. Can I do side work as a licensed electrician in Manhattan?
Yes, but you must be a licensed journeyman or master electrician. You are required to have your own business license and liability insurance. Always pull permits for any work requiring one. The local building department is strict but fair.

4. What's the biggest challenge for electricians in Manhattan?
The main challenge is the seasonal weather. Work slows down in extreme cold or heat, and driving to rural job sites in winter can be hazardous. The second challenge is the small size of the market—you need to be versatile to stay busy year-round.

5. How does Fort Riley impact the electrician job market?
Fort Riley is a massive economic driver. Contractors working on base need electricians with security clearances. It creates a niche for electricians interested in government contracting or large-scale institutional work. The steady presence of military families also fuels residential construction and service work.

Sources: Data synthesized from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Kansas State Board of Technical Professions, Zillow rental data for Manhattan, KS, and local market analysis.