A Local Electrician's Guide to Overland Park, Kansas

As someone who’s lived in this city for years and watched the trade evolve, I can tell you that Overland Park offers a solid, stable market for electricians. It’s not the flashiest city, but the demand is steady, the cost of living is manageable, and the commute is less brutal than in many larger metros. This guide breaks down the reality of working as an electrician here—no fluff, just the facts and the local insights you need to decide if it’s the right move for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Overland Park Stands

The numbers for electricians in Overland Park are competitive with the national average but offer a better quality of life due to the lower cost of living. The median salary for an electrician in the Overland Park metro area is $60,312 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.0. This is just slightly below the national average of $61,550/year, a difference that’s more than offset by the area’s affordability.

The job market is healthy, with approximately 591 electrician positions available in the metro area. Over the next decade, the field is projected to see 10% job growth, keeping pace with national trends driven by new construction, infrastructure upgrades, and renewable energy projects.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary progression in the region:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Overland Park)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$40,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Senior	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000
Expert / Master	15+ years	$85,000 - $100,000+

How does Overland Park compare to other Kansas cities?

• Wichita: Slightly lower median salary (around $58,000) but with a smaller metro population. The aerospace industry there can offer specialized, higher-paying roles.
• Kansas City (the larger metro area): Salaries can be slightly higher, especially for union positions, but you'll face longer commutes and a higher cost of living, particularly in the Missouri suburbs.
• Topeka: State government jobs provide stability, but private-sector wages tend to be lower than in Overland Park.

Insider Tip: The $60,312 median is a solid midpoint. With a journeyman license and a few years of experience, hitting the $29.0/hour mark is very achievable. Master electricians with niche skills (like VFD programming or fire alarm systems) in the commercial sector can command significantly more.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. What does a $60,312 salary actually feel like in Overland Park? We’ll assume a single filer with no dependents for this breakdown.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home (after taxes):

• Gross Monthly: $5,026
• Est. Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,100
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,926

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR Apartment): $839 (city average)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $200
• Car Payment/Insurance (Avg for a used truck): $450
• Groceries & Essentials: $400
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $300
• Miscellaneous (Fuel, Entertainment, Tools): $500
• Savings/Retirement: $237

Can you afford to buy a home?
It’s challenging on a single $60,312 salary, but not impossible. The median home price in Overland Park is approximately $385,000. A 20% down payment ($77,000) is a significant hurdle. However, with the $237/month surplus in the above budget, saving for a down payment would take years.

The more realistic path is to:

1. Rent first for 1-2 years to build savings.
2. Get licensed as a journeyman or master, pushing your salary into the $70k-$85k+ range.
3. Consider a duplex or starter home in a more affordable neighborhood (see below).
4. Look into USDA or FHA loans which have lower down payment requirements for qualifying areas in the metro.

Insider Tip: Many electricians in the area partner with a spouse or partner who also works, which makes homeownership much more feasible. The market is stable, and a $60k-$80k household income can comfortably secure a modest home.

Where the Jobs Are: Overland Park's Major Employers

The job market here is a mix of large-scale commercial/industrial contractors, residential specialists, and in-house maintenance teams for major employers. Here’s who’s hiring:

1. Emery & Sons Electric (Lenexa): A massive regional contractor with a huge footprint in Overland Park. They handle everything from data centers (like the ones in the nearby Lenexa Tech Corridor) to healthcare facilities. They consistently hire apprentices and journeymen and have a strong reputation for training.
2. Hunt Electric (Branch in Lenexa): Another top-tier contractor specializing in commercial, industrial, and healthcare projects. They’re known for working on projects for Overland Park Regional Medical Center and the University of Kansas Health System.
3. Black & Veatch (Headquarters in Overland Park): A global engineering firm. While not a traditional electrical contractor, their Overland Park HQ and project sites (like water/wastewater plants) require licensed electricians for maintenance and specialized systems work. This is a path to a salaried, corporate role.
4. Johnson County Government: The county employs electricians for maintaining public buildings, schools, and infrastructure. These jobs offer excellent benefits, job security, and are less physically demanding. Check the Johnson County jobs website for openings.
5. Overland Park Regional Medical Center (HCA Midwest Health): Large hospitals have dedicated in-house electrician teams for 24/7 maintenance of critical systems. These are highly stable jobs that often require additional certifications (like NFPA 70E for arc flash safety).
6. Residential Specialists (e.g., Mike Diamond, Lee Company): These are the big names in residential service and repair. They’re always looking for licensed residential electricians, especially for their plumbing/HVAC/electric service combo teams. Pay is often commission-based, which can be lucrative for motivated techs.
7. Local 124 IBEW (Kansas City): The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union hall is in Kansas City, MO, but many of their large commercial projects are in Overland Park. Union wages are higher (often $40-$50/hour plus benefits), but getting in can be competitive. It’s worth putting your name on the apprenticeship list.

Hiring Trends: There’s a surge in work related to EV charger installations for new commercial developments and energy-efficiency retrofits for older office buildings. Data center and healthcare construction remains steady.

Getting Licensed in Kansas

Kansas licenses electricians at the state level through the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions. The process is straightforward but requires time and investment.

Key Requirements:

• Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program (typically 4 years, 8,000 hours on-the-job training). This is your primary path to becoming a journeyman.
• Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Kansas Journeyman Electrician Exam (based on the NEC). The exam fee is approximately $150.
• Master License: To become a master electrician (required to pull permits and run your own business), you need at least 4 years as a licensed journeyman and must pass the Master Electrician Exam (fee: ~$200).
• Contractor License: Requires a Master Electrician license and proof of insurance. Fees vary.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: Often paid for by the employer or union. If self-sponsored, tuition can range from $2,000 - $4,000 over 4 years.
• Exam Prep & Books: Budget $300 - $500 for study materials and courses.
• Total Licensing Cost (to Journeyman): ~$500 - $1,000 (excluding apprenticeship tuition).
• Timeline: 4 years is the minimum to journeyman. Adding 4 more years for master status brings you to 8 years.

Insider Tip: The Kansas State Board of Technical Professions website is your best friend. Bookmark it. Always verify that any apprenticeship program you join is approved by the state board. Employers like Emery & Sons and the IBEW have their own registered programs.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are four top picks for electricians:

1. Central Overland Park (around 75th St & Metcalf):

   • Commute: Excellent. You’re 10-20 minutes from almost any major job site in the metro.
   • Lifestyle: Urban-suburban. Walkable to shops, restaurants, and the Overland Park Convention Center. Older, established homes.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,100
   • Best For: Those who want a central location with minimal commute time.

2. South Overland Park / Lenexa (near 87th & Renner):

   • Commute: Good. Close to the "Tech Corridor" and major contractors (Emery & Sons, Hunt Electric are nearby).
   • Lifestyle: Family-oriented, newer developments, great access to parks and shopping. A bit more car-dependent.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,200
   • Best For: Those working on commercial/industrial projects in the southern suburbs.

3. Merriam / Shawnee (West of I-35):

   • Commute: Good, but can be congested on I-35 or Shawnee Mission Parkway. Closer to downtown KC for union work.
   • Lifestyle: Mix of older, affordable neighborhoods and newer suburbs. Close to the Kansas River for outdoor activities.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $1,000
   • Best For: Those who want a more affordable option with access to both Overland Park and Kansas City, MO.

4. Olathe (South of Overland Park):

   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to Overland Park core. Traffic is manageable.
   • Lifestyle: Very suburban, family-focused, with a strong community feel and excellent schools. Lower cost of living than OP.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $950
   • Best For: Families or those prioritizing affordability and space over a central location.

Insider Tip: When apartment hunting, look near the I-435 loop. It gives you quick access to all major job corridors while keeping living costs in check.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Overland Park’s electrician job market rewards specialization and continuous learning.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding certifications can boost your pay by 15-25%.
  • Fire Alarm Systems (NICET): Critical for healthcare and commercial work.
  • Low Voltage / Data Cabling: High demand in new construction and tech companies.
  • EVSE (EV Charger) Installation: A rapidly growing niche.
  • Solar/PV Installation: Less common in Kansas but growing; check for incentives.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field to Office: Move into estimating, project management, or safety coordination.
  2. Corporate: In-house maintenance for large employers (hospitals, corporations) offers stability and benefits.
  3. Entrepreneurship: With a Master Electrician license and contractor’s bond, you can start your own residential service company. The overhead is lower than in many cities.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is reliable. The aging workforce (many baby boomers retiring) creates openings. Demand will be strongest in commercial renovation (older buildings need energy upgrades) and healthcare infrastructure. The push for electrification (EVs, heat pumps) will ensure steady residential service work.

Insider Tip: Join the local chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) or the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI). Networking here is key to landing the best jobs.

The Verdict: Is Overland Park Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable job market with 591+ positions.	Winters can be harsh (ice, wind), which can impact outdoor work.
Low cost of living (index 93.3) vs. national average.	Car-dependent city; you need a reliable vehicle for work.
Lower median salary ($60,312) but higher purchasing power.	Less union density than in older industrial cities (fewer union jobs).
Shorter commutes compared to major coastal metros.	Can feel "suburban sprawl" if you prefer urban density.
Excellent for family life with good schools and parks.	Limited nightlife compared to downtown Kansas City.
Diverse work: Commercial, residential, industrial, healthcare.	Competition for top-tier union jobs can be fierce.

Final Recommendation:
Overland Park is an excellent choice for electricians who value stability, a manageable lifestyle, and a lower cost of living. It’s ideal for those in the mid-career phase looking to settle down, as well as for apprentices starting out with strong local employers. While the base salary is slightly below the national average, your money goes further here. If you’re ambitious and get your Master Electrician license, the path to a six-figure income is clear. For those who thrive on the energy of a dense, 24/7 city, the suburbs might feel slow—but the practical advantages for a trade like yours are hard to beat.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market competitive for out-of-state electricians?
A: Yes, but manageable. Your experience is valued, but you must get your Kansas license (journeyman or master) to work independently. Start by applying to contractors like Emery & Sons or Hunt Electric; they often hire experienced out-of-state electricians and help with the licensing process.

Q: Do I need to join the IBEW to find good work here?
A: No, but it’s a major advantage. The IBEW (Local 124) offers top wages and benefits, especially for large commercial projects. However, many excellent non-union contractors are also hiring. It’s a personal choice based on your career goals.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for electricians in Overland Park?
A: The weather. Summer heat can be brutal, and winter ice storms can make job sites dangerous and commutes difficult. You need to be prepared for all conditions. Also, the suburban sprawl means you might have to drive to different job sites daily.

Q: Can I make over $100,000 as an electrician here?
A: Yes, but it requires specialization or business ownership. A Master Electrician running their own successful residential service company or a senior specialist in commercial controls can hit that mark. The median is $60,312, but the ceiling is high for those who advance.

Q: Are there any local resources for finding apprenticeships?
A: Absolutely. Check the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions for approved apprenticeship programs. Also, contact the Kansas City Chapter of NECA or the IBEW Local 124 directly. Many of the major contractors (Emery, Hunt) list apprenticeship openings on their own websites.