Electrician in Marysville, WA

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Electricians considering a move to Marysville, Washington.

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The Salary Picture: Where Marysville Stands

As a local who’s watched Marysville’s job market evolve with the Boeing and aerospace boom, I can tell you the trade is solid here. We’re not Seattle prices, but we’re not rural Eastern Washington either. The demand is real, especially with the new data centers and housing developments popping up along the 526 and 529 corridors.

Let’s cut right to the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state wage data, the median annual salary for an electrician in the Marysville metro area is $63,950/year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.75/hour. This is noticeably higher than the national average for electricians, which sits at $61,550/year. You’re earning a premium of about 4% just for working in this region.

The job market isn't massive, but it's stable. There are currently 218 electrician jobs listed in the metro area. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 11%, driven largely by infrastructure upgrades and the push for energy efficiency in commercial buildings.

To give you a clearer picture of what you can expect at different stages of your career, here’s a realistic breakdown based on local union scale data and prevailing wage projects:

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Apprentice)	$42,000 - $52,000	Assisting journeymen, material handling, conduit bending, basic wiring under supervision.
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	$60,000 - $75,000	Installing systems, reading blueprints, troubleshooting, leading small crews.
Senior (Lead/Foreman)	$78,000 - $95,000	Project management, client interaction, complex system design, crew supervision.
Expert (Master/Contractor)	$95,000+	Business ownership, specialized design (e.g., data centers, industrial controls), permitting.

How Marysville Compares to Other WA Cities

While we’re competitive, we’re not in the top tier. Here’s how the median pay stacks up against other major WA hubs:

• Seattle-Bellevue-Everett: Higher cost of living drives salaries closer to $75,000+. The density of high-rise construction and tech HQs keeps demand and rates high.
• Bellingham: Similar in scale to Marysville, with median salaries around $62,000 - $65,000. Heavily reliant on residential and light commercial work.
• Spokane: Slightly lower at a median of $58,000, but the cost of living is also significantly lower. A trade hub for the Inland Northwest.
• Vancouver, WA: Very close to Marysville’s numbers, typically $63,000 - $66,000. A lot of crossover work with the Portland metro area.

Insider Tip: If you have experience with high-voltage industrial systems (like those in shipyards or manufacturing plants), your starting pay in Marysville can jump $5-$8/hour above the median. The local union, IBEW Local 191, is prominent here and negotiates strong wages for industrial and commercial projects.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. The salary looks good on paper, but how does it actually feel to live on it in Marysville?

Assumptions for a Single Earner:

• Gross Annual Salary: $63,950
• Estimated Tax Deductions (Federal, State, FICA): ~25% (This is a rough estimate; use a WA paycheck calculator for precision).
• Take-Home Pay (Monthly): Approximately $3,997.
• Average Rent (1BR): $1,864/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimate)

Based on the $3,997 take-home pay:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,864	You'll find this in the core of Marysville or nearby Smokey Point.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Washington has no state income tax, but utilities are about average.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$350	Varies widely; this is a common employee contribution.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$550	Essential in Marysville. Commutes to Everett or Arlington are common.
Groceries & Household	$450	Shopping at WinCo or the Marysville Farmers Market helps.
Misc. & Savings	$533	This is your buffer for savings, entertainment, and debt.

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the big question. The median home price in Marysville hovers around $525,000. With a $63,950 salary, a 20% down payment ($105,000) is a massive hurdle. Most electricians in this wage bracket buy homes in the $400,000 - $450,000 range, which requires looking at condos in Smokey Point or older single-family homes in the "Old Town" area (south of 88th St). It’s challenging but possible, especially if you have a dual income household or progress to a senior role ($80,000+) within a few years.

Where the Jobs Are: Marysville's Major Employers

The job hunt here isn't just about Craigslist or Indeed. It's about who's building what. The employers are a mix of industrial giants, local contractors, and public institutions.

1. The Everett Boeing Complex (Everett, 15-20 min commute): While not in Marysville proper, this is the region's economic engine. Boeing and its massive network of subcontractors (like Spirit AeroSystems and Precision Castparts Corp.) constantly need electricians for facility maintenance and assembly line support. Union jobs here pay well above the median.

2. Franciscan Health (St. Joseph Medical Center): A major hospital system in Marysville requiring specialized, licensed electricians for 24/7 facility maintenance. These are stable, long-term positions with excellent benefits, though the starting pay might be closer to the mid-range of the median.

3. Jansen Aircraft Systems (Aerojet Rocketdyne - Redmond, 30 min): While a commute, this aerospace defense contractor has a significant local presence in the supply chain. They need electricians for clean-room environments and test equipment wiring—highly specialized and lucrative work.

4. Marysville School District: The district employs in-house electricians for maintaining over 20 schools, from Jefferson Elementary to Marysville Pilchuck High School. These positions offer a standard work week, summers off (or reduced hours), and a public sector benefits package.

5. Local & Regional Contractors: The bread and butter for most journeymen. Key players include:

   • Baugh Construction: Heavy commercial and industrial work in the Marysville/Tulalip area.
   • Coulter & Associates: A prominent local electrical contractor specializing in residential and small commercial projects.
   • Swinomish Casino & Lodge: While technically in Anacortes, it's a major 40-minute employer for electricians working on casino, hotel, and tribal facility maintenance.

Hiring Trend: The biggest recent push is for electricians skilled in EV Charging Station installation and solar integration. The Tulalip Tribes' investment in green energy and the city’s push for public charging stations along the 529 corridor means this is a growing specialty.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington is a mandatory licensure state. You can’t work as an electrician without proper credentials. The path is clear but requires dedication.

Path 1: Become a Journeyman Electrician

• Training: 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship through an approved program (like the IBEW-NECA Electrical Training Institute in Everett or a non-union program).
• Exams: Pass the state-administered journeyman electrician exam.
• Cost: Apprenticeship is often tuition-free or low-cost (covered by union dues or employer sponsorship). Exam fees are approximately $250.
• Timeline: 4-5 years from start to full licensure.

Path 2: Become a Master Electrician

• Requirement: 2 years as a licensed journeyman + 4,000 additional hours of work.
• Exam: Pass the master electrician exam.
• Cost: Exam fees around $300.
• Timeline: Typically 6+ years of total experience.

Insider Tip: The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is the governing body. Their website has a searchable database of approved apprenticeship programs. If you’re moving from another state, you’ll need to apply for reciprocity. Washington has reciprocity with many states, but not all—check the L&I website directly.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Your commute and lifestyle will depend heavily on where you live. Marysville is diverse, from the historic core to sprawling newer subdivisions.

1. Smokey Point (North Marysville): The fastest-growing area. Modern apartment complexes, newer condos, and single-family homes. Proximity to I-5 makes commuting to Everett or Arlington a breeze. You’ll find 1BR apartments here for $1,850-$2,000/month. Best for young professionals who want modern amenities and a quick commute.

2. Downtown Marysville / "Old Town": The historic heart. Older, more character-filled homes (some with workshops!). Rent is slightly lower, with 1BR apartments or suites in older buildings for $1,600-$1,800/month. You’re walkable to local cafes and the city center. Ideal for those who prefer a tighter-knit community and don’t mind a 10-minute drive to the highway.

3. Getchell / West Marysville: Established residential neighborhoods with good schools. Mostly single-family homes, but there are some rental opportunities. Commute to local employers is easy. Rent for a 1BR here is scarce but can be found for $1,700-$1,900 in accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Great for families or those wanting a quieter, suburban feel.

4. Tulalip Reservation (Adjacent): Not technically Marysville, but a major part of the local economy. Rent on tribal land can vary but is generally competitive. 1BR apartments on the reservation often run $1,750-$1,950/month. You’re close to the casino, outlet mall, and major employers. A unique option if you value proximity to high-wage industrial jobs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An electrician in Marysville isn’t a dead-end job; it’s a platform. The 11% growth projection is your runway.

Specialty Premiums:

• Industrial/Instrumentation: +$10-$15/hour over base. Critical for aerospace and manufacturing.
• Low-Voltage / Data / Fire Alarm: +$5-$8/hour. High demand in new construction and commercial retrofits.
• Renewables (Solar/Wind): +$5-$12/hour. Growing niche, especially with state incentives.

Advancement Paths:

1. Foreman → Project Manager: Move from on-the-tools to office-based management. Requires strong communication and organizational skills.
2. Estimator: Use your field experience to bid on jobs. Often a stepping stone to ownership.
3. Own Your Own Business: The ultimate goal. As a licensed master electrician, you can pull permits and hire your own team. The overhead is low if you start with service and small residential projects. The local market supports small contractors.

10-Year Outlook: The rise of green energy projects, data center construction (Amazon/Google are expanding in the region), and the ongoing need for infrastructure maintenance will keep demand high. Specializing in a niche will be key to maximizing your earnings well beyond the median.

The Verdict: Is Marysville Right for You?

Marysville is a practical choice for an electrician. It offers a balance of opportunity and affordability that’s harder to find in Seattle proper. You can build a solid career without being priced out of the region entirely.

Pros	Cons
Higher-than-average pay relative to cost of living.	Commute to top-tier pay (Boeing, etc.) requires driving 15-30 minutes.
Stable job growth in industrial and infrastructure sectors.	Rental market is tight; competition for affordable 1BR apartments is real.
No state income tax boosts your take-home pay.	Car dependency is high; public transit is limited.
Access to major employers (Boeing, Aerospace) without Seattle prices.	Cultural/nightlife scene is quieter than major metro areas.

Final Recommendation:
Marysville is an excellent fit for a mid-career journeyman electrician (3-10 years experience) looking to stabilize their finances and potentially buy a home. It’s also a smart move for an apprentice willing to commit to a local program. If you’re a master electrician looking to start your own business, the market is supportive and the competition isn’t as fierce as in Seattle.

It’s less ideal for a brand-new apprentice with no local ties, as the apprenticeship spots are competitive. It’s also not the best for someone seeking a vibrant, walkable urban core—Marysville is a classic suburban community.

FAQs

Q: Is the cost of living really 13% above the national average?
A: Yes, the Cost of Living Index is 113.0 (US avg = 100). This is primarily driven by housing (rents are ~15% above national average) and groceries. However, thanks to no state income tax and a median salary that beats the national average, the financial math still works out favorably for skilled tradespeople compared to many other US cities.

Q: How competitive are the electrical apprenticeships in the area?
A: Very. The IBEW Local 191 program in Everett is highly sought-after. You’ll need a good aptitude test score, a clean driving record, and often some related experience (like construction labor) to be a strong candidate. Non-union programs can be slightly less competitive but still require commitment.

Q: Do I need a car in Marysville?
A: Absolutely. While the city has some bus routes (Community Transit), they are designed for commuters heading south to Everett/Seattle. Getting around Marysville itself, or to nearby Arlington for work, requires a personal vehicle. Factor car payments, insurance, and gas into your budget.

Q: What’s the climate like for an electrician who works outdoors?
A: Washington is wet. You’ll work in the rain for much of the year (October - June). Good waterproof gear is an essential investment. Summers (July-September) are typically dry and pleasant, but can get hot (80-90°F). Indoor work is common in commercial and industrial settings, providing a break from the weather.

Q: Are there union vs. non-union opportunities?
A: Yes, both are strong. The IBEW Local 191 covers the area and offers excellent benefits and wage scales, especially for large commercial and industrial projects. Non-union contractors (like Coulter & Associates) dominate the residential and small commercial market. The choice often comes down to personal preference—union offers structured training and collective bargaining, while non-union can offer more flexibility and sometimes faster path to owning your own business.