Electrician Career Guide: McKinney, TX

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping job markets in North Texas, I’ve watched McKinney transform from a quiet Collin County suburb into one of the region’s most dynamic mid-sized cities. For electricians, this isn’t just about finding work—it’s about understanding a market where demand for skilled trades is outpacing supply, with a unique mix of new construction, aging infrastructure, and commercial growth. This guide cuts through the noise with hard data, local insights, and practical steps to help you decide if McKinney is the right move for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where McKinney Stands

McKinney’s electrician salaries sit slightly above the national average, a critical factor when weighing the cost of living. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for an electrician in McKinney is $62,159/year, with an hourly rate of $29.88/hour. This edges out the national average for electricians, which sits at $61,550/year. The metro area (which includes all of Collin County and parts of Denton and Fannin counties) supports approximately 640 electrician jobs, a number that has grown steadily. The 10-year job growth projection for the region is 11%, signaling strong, sustained demand.

To understand where you might fit in, let’s break down salaries by experience level. These figures are based on aggregated local job postings, union scale data from the Dallas chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and industry surveys.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range (McKinney)	Hourly Rate Range
Entry-Level	0-2	$45,000 - $55,000	$21.63 - $26.44
Mid-Level	3-7	$58,000 - $70,000	$27.88 - $33.65
Senior-Level	8-15	$70,000 - $90,000	$33.65 - $43.27
Expert / Master	15+	$85,000 - $115,000+	$40.87 - $55.29+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior often comes with a specialization. A mid-level residential electrician might earn $65,000, but a senior commercial electrician with experience in PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) systems could command $80,000 or more. The top-end salaries (Expert/Master) are most common for those running their own small business or in management roles with large electrical contractors.

How does McKinney compare to other Texas cities?

• Dallas: Higher median salary (approx. $65,000), but significantly higher cost of living and fiercer competition.
• Houston: Similar median salary ($62,500), but more volatile due to oil & gas industry cycles. Larger job market (thousands of electrician roles).
• Austin: Higher median salary (approx. $64,000), but the cost of living is drastically higher (rents are often 30-40% more than McKinney).
• Fort Worth: Very similar to McKinney in both salary ($62,000) and cost of living, but with a heavier industrial and rail-oriented job market.

For a mid-career electrician, McKinney offers a "sweet spot": a competitive wage against a lower-than-TX-major-city cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $62,159 sounds solid, but the real question is what’s left after taxes and life’s fixed costs. In McKinney, the average 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,291/month. The Cost of Living Index for McKinney is 103.3 (where the U.S. average is 100), meaning it's slightly more expensive than the national average but far cheaper than Texas's major metros.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single electrician earning the median salary. (Note: This uses the standard 2023 tax brackets for a single filer with no dependents, a simplified effective tax rate of ~22% for federal and FICA, plus an estimated 4% for Texas state income tax—though Texas has no state income tax, we account for property taxes via rent allocation. For accuracy, we use a net take-home calculator.)

Monthly Budget: Electrician Earning $62,159/Year

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,180	$62,159 / 12 months
Net Take-Home Pay	~$4,100	After federal, FICA, and local taxes (approx. 21% effective rate)
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$1,291	$1,291/month is the city average.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	McKinney’s climate leads to higher summer A/C costs.
Groceries	$350	Based on USDA low-cost food plan.
Transportation	$400	Assumes a car payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$250	Employer-sponsored plans often cover ~70%; this is employee share.
Retirement/ Savings	$400	10% of gross is standard.
Miscellaneous	$250	Eating out, personal care, entertainment.
Total Expenses	~$3,191
Remaining Discretionary	$909	Buffer for debt, hobbies, or additional savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in McKinney is approximately $435,000 (as of late 2023). With a $62,159 salary, a 20% down payment ($87,000) is a significant hurdle, and mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely exceed $2,800/month on a 30-year loan. This would consume over 50% of the net take-home pay, which is generally considered unaffordable. Therefore, a single electrician at the median salary would find homeownership challenging without a dual income, a large down payment, or significant career advancement. Renting is the more feasible short-to-medium-term option.

Where the Jobs Are: McKinney's Major Employers

McKinney’s job market for electricians is driven by three sectors: residential construction (new homes), commercial/industrial development, and infrastructure/maintenance. Unlike a single-industry city, McKinney offers a diversified portfolio of employers.

1. Independent Residential Builders: Companies like Highland Homes, Lennar, and HistoryMaker Homes have active communities in McKinney (e.g., in neighborhoods like Craig Ranch and Trinity Falls). They hire electricians for new construction. Hiring is steady but tied to the housing market. Insider Tip: The best time to apply is Q1-Q2, as builders ramp up for the spring/summer selling season.

2. Commercial Electrical Contractors: Firms like M.C. Dean (a major national player with a large DFW presence) and EGS Electrical Group serve McKinney's growing commercial corridors, particularly along US-75 and Highway 380. They work on data centers, medical offices, and retail. These jobs often require more specialized skills (fire alarm, low-voltage) and offer higher pay.

3. Industrial & Manufacturing: While not a heavy industrial city, McKinney has key employers like **** Frito-Lay (a major potato chip production facility) and **** PepsiCo (bottling plant). These facilities have in-house maintenance electricians for machinery and plant upkeep. These are stable, long-term roles with excellent benefits.

4. Institutional & Municipal: The City of McKinney itself employs electricians for public works, street lighting, and municipal buildings (like the library and city hall). Collin College (the local community college) and the McKinney Independent School District (MISD) also hire electricians for facility maintenance. These jobs offer government benefits and stability.

5. Healthcare Systems: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney is a major employer. While they have a facilities team, they also contract with local electrical firms for projects. The Medical City McKinney is another key facility. Healthcare facilities have strict codes and 24/7 operations, requiring electricians who can work in sensitive environments.

6. Renewable Energy & EV Infrastructure: A growing niche. Companies installing solar panels and EV charging stations are increasingly active in North Texas. While not yet a massive employer, this is a high-growth area. Insider Tip: Getting certified in solar or EV charger installation can set you apart for the next decade.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a statewide electrician license for journeymen (the state defers to local municipalities), but it does have a state-level Master Electrician License and requires Registered Apprenticeships. Here’s the path:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 Years): You must complete a state-registered apprenticeship program (4,000-8,000 hours, depending on the program) and 288-576 hours of classroom training. This is typically done through the IBEW Local 20 (Dallas) or non-union programs like Texas State Technical College (TSTC) or the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) of Texas. Apprentices earn while they learn, starting around $18-22/hour.

2. Journeyman License (Post-Apprenticeship): After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The exam fee is ~$100. Crucially, you must work under a licensed Master Electrician or Journeyman for the required hours.

3. Master Electrician License: This is the state-level license, requiring 12,000 hours of work as a journeyman and passing the Master Electrician Exam (also ~$100). A Master Electrician can pull permits and run their own business.

Timeline & Cost Summary:

• Total Time: 4-6 years from apprentice to Journeyman.
• Apprenticeship Cost: Often free or low-cost through union programs (covered by employer/union dues). Non-union programs may cost $5,000-$10,000.
• Exam Fees: ~$200 total for both exams.
• Local Requirement: McKinney, like most DFW cities, requires electricians to register with the city’s Building Inspection department. You must provide proof of your state license (or apprentice card) and may need to pass a local code exam (fee ~$150).

Insider Tip: Start your apprenticeship search before moving. The IBEW Local 20 apprenticeship is highly competitive and often has a waitlist. Contact them (in Dallas) to inquire about placement in the McKinney area.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods popular with trades professionals.

| Neighborhood | Vibe & Commute | Key Employers Nearby | Avg. 1BR Rent |
| :--- | :--- Craig Ranch | Upscale, master-planned. Close to US-75 for commute to Plano/Dallas. More car-dependent. | New construction builders, corporate offices in Plano. | $1,350/month |
| Historic Downtown | Walkable, charming, older homes. Great for local service calls. Older housing stock means more repair/renovation work. | City of McKinney, boutique shops, restaurants. | $1,450/month |
| Trinity Falls | Family-friendly, newer subdivision. Slightly further north. Good access to Highway 380 for east-west commutes. | Residential construction, nearby industrial parks. | $1,300/month |
| West McKinney (Near 380) | Growing, more affordable. Longer commute to Dallas but closer to emerging commercial zones. | New commercial development, retail centers. | $1,200/month |
| East McKinney (Near US-75) | High-growth, mix of apartments and single-family. Easy access to major employers in Plano and Allen. | Major contracting firms, corporate HQs (Plano). | $1,250/month |

Insider Tip: For an electrician who does side jobs, Historic Downtown is prime territory. The older homes (1920s-1950s) often need knob-and-tube replacement, panel upgrades, and rewiring. Being local means quick response times for service calls.

The Long Game: Career Growth

McKinney’s 10-year job growth of 11% is promising, but growth alone doesn’t guarantee advancement. Here’s how to navigate the long game.

Specialty Premiums:

• Low-Voltage & Smart Home: Adding certifications for structured cabling, home automation (Crestron, Control4), and security systems can add $5-10/hour to your rate.
• Industrial & Controls: PLC programming and motor control experience are in high demand at facilities like Frito-Lay and can push you toward the $90,000+ mark.
• Solar & EV Charging: As Texas pushes renewables, this will be a high-growth specialty. Expect a 10-15% premium over standard residential rates.
• Estimating/Project Management: Transitioning from the field to an office role (estimator, project manager) with a contractor can lead to salaries in the $80,000-$110,000 range.

Advancement Paths:

1. Path A (Corporate): Apprentice → Journeyman (Mid-Level) → Foreman → Superintendent (Senior/Expert). This is the standard path with larger contractors.
2. Path B (Specialist): Apprentice → Journeyman → Master Electrician → Specialize (e.g., data centers, healthcare) → Open your own niche firm.
3. Path C (Owner-Operator): After becoming a Master Electrician (5+ years), start a small residential service company. Profitability is high, but it involves business overhead and marketing.

10-Year Outlook:
McKinney’s population is projected to grow, fueling continued residential demand. The expansion of Highway 380 and the US-75 corridor will drive commercial and industrial development. The wildcard is the tech sector—McKinney is attracting data centers and tech manufacturing, which require highly skilled, specialized electricians. The electrician who invests in continuous education (codes, new tech) will be in the driver’s seat.

The Verdict: Is McKinney Right for You?

McKinney is an excellent choice for electricians at the mid-career stage (3-15 years experience) who value a balance of wage, cost of living, and quality of life. It’s less cutthroat than Dallas but offers more opportunity than a smaller rural town.

Pros	Cons
Strong, diversified job market (residential, commercial, industrial).	Homeownership is challenging on a single median income.
Median salary ($62,159**) exceeds national average.**	Summers are brutally hot, leading to high A/C use and utility bills.
Lower cost of living than Austin/Dallas.	Limited public transit; a reliable car is essential.
Growing city with new development.	Job competition can be high for the best positions (IBEW, major contractors).
Good quality of life (schools, parks, family-friendly).	Traffic congestion on US-75 and Highway 380 is worsening.

Final Recommendation:

• Move to McKinney if: You are a licensed journeyman or master electrician, seek a stable job market with growth potential, and prefer a suburban lifestyle with easy access to a major metro. It’s ideal for those looking to eventually buy a home (with a partner’s income) or raise a family.
• Reconsider if: You are an entry-level apprentice without a job offer, need to be in the heart of a downtown, or are solely chasing the highest possible salary (look to Dallas or Houston). Also, if you dislike hot weather, the Texas summer is a major factor.

FAQs

1. Is there a shortage of electricians in McKinney?
Yes, there is a skilled labor shortage, particularly for journeymen with commercial/industrial experience. The 11% projected growth means demand is outpacing the supply of newly licensed electricians. This gives qualified electricians strong negotiating power.

2. Do I need to unionize to work in McKinney?
No. The IBEW Local 20 (Dallas) is influential, especially on large commercial projects, but many electricians work for non-union residential and commercial contractors. Union vs. non-union is a personal choice based on benefits, wage scales, and job security preferences.

3. What’s the biggest challenge for new electricians in McKinney?
Securing a quality apprenticeship spot. The competition for IBEW and top non-union programs is fierce. Insider Tip: Network with local contractors at supply houses like CED (Consolidated