Electrician in Pasco, WA

The Salary Picture: Where Pasco Stands

As a local, I’ve watched Pasco’s electrical trade evolve from supporting the agricultural backbone of the Tri-Cities to fueling the tech and energy boom. The salary data reflects this shift. The median salary for an electrician in Pasco is $61,365/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.5/hour. This is virtually identical to the national average of $61,550/year, meaning Pasco isn't a high-cost coastal market where salaries are inflated, nor is it a low-wage rural area. It offers a stable, competitive wage for the trade.

Breaking it down by experience level, here’s what you can realistically expect in the Pasco market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities in Pasco
Entry-Level	$45,000 - $54,000	Apprentice work, installing basic outlets and lighting, assisting on commercial job sites like new retail builds in the Road 68 corridor.
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	$58,000 - $70,000	Full-scale residential wiring (new homes in Southridge), troubleshooting commercial systems, reading blueprints for light industrial projects.
Senior (Master/Lead)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Leading crews, designing electrical systems for new facilities (like adata center or a new hospital wing), specialized low-voltage work.
Expert/Specialist	$85,000 - $100,000+	High-voltage industrial work at the Hanford Site (a major employer across the river in Richland), solar installation, or managing large-scale projects.

Insider Tip: Salaries are slightly higher in the Benton-Franklin County area than in more rural parts of eastern WA, due to competition from the Tri-Cities' larger economy. The 10-year job growth of 11% is a crucial data point—this outpaces many rural trades and signals steady demand, largely driven by ongoing residential construction in Pasco and the need to maintain aging infrastructure.

When comparing to other WA cities, Pasco sits in a sweet spot. It's far more affordable than Seattle (where the COL index is ~190) and even Tacoma, but it offers more job density and higher wages than smaller eastern WA towns like Ephrata or Othello. For an electrician seeking a balance between urban opportunity and reasonable living costs, Pasco is strategically positioned.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. Earning the Pasco median of $61,365/year is one thing; living on it is another. Pasco’s cost of living index is 99.0 (US avg = 100), which is excellent. It’s below the national average, meaning your dollar has slightly more purchasing power here than in most places.

A single electrician earning the median can live comfortably, but not lavishly. Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a journeyman electrician in Pasco:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Monthly Gross Pay	$5,114	Based on $61,365/year / 12 months.
Taxes (Est. ~25%)	-$1,278	Includes federal, state (WA has no income tax), and FICA. Net is lower.
Net Monthly Pay	$3,836	Approximate take-home after taxes.
Average 1BR Rent	-$1,633	Pasco’s average is very reasonable for a city.
Utilities (Elec/Heat)	-$450	Includes PSE (Puget Sound Energy) and water/garbage.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$450	Essential in Pasco; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Food	-$400
Health Insurance	-$300	(Varies by employer; often subsidized).
Discretionary/ Savings	$603	For tools, entertainment, and savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, it’s feasible. The median home price in Pasco hovers around $400,000-$450,000. With a $61,365 salary, a 20% down payment ($80k-$90k) is a significant hurdle, but not impossible for a mid-career professional with savings. FHA loans or first-time homebuyer programs (like those from Washington State Housing Finance Commission) are common routes. Many local electricians buy in more affordable neighborhoods like Hillcrest or Marlon Park to start. The key is the 11% job growth—this stability helps secure a mortgage.

Where the Jobs Are: Pasco's Major Employers

Job density is driven by a mix of public, private, and residential sectors. The jobs in the Pasco metro are 244, per BLS data, which is a solid number for a city of this size (pop. 81,415). Here’s where the work is:

1. Hospitals & Healthcare Systems: Trios Health (formerly Kadlec) is the primary employer, with constant needs for electricians in their main campus, urgent care centers, and new clinics. Providence Sacred Heart and Lourdes also have facilities in the broader Tri-Cities area, offering hospital-scale projects with high safety standards.
2. Public & Municipal Work: City of Pasco Public Works and the Pasco School District are steady employers. They maintain streetlights, traffic signals, school facilities, and city buildings. Work is stable, with good benefits, but hiring can be cyclical based on the budget cycle.
3. Residential Construction & Developers: With the 10-year job growth, new housing is a major driver. Employers include D.R. Horton, Lennar, and Taylor Homes, who need electricians for entire subdivisions. This is often the fastest path to work for new arrivals.
4. Agricultural & Food Processing: Pasco is the agricultural hub. Companies like Lamb Weston (headquartered nearby) and Columbia Basin Processing need industrial electricians to maintain processing lines and cold storage facilities. This work is rigorous and often requires specialized knowledge.
5. Commercial & Retail Development: The Road 68 corridor is a hotspot for new retail, restaurants, and office parks. General contractors like PCL Construction and Absher Construction (based in the Tri-Cities) frequently bid on these projects, subbing out electrical work to local contractors.
6. Specialized Industrial (Hanford Site): While the Hanford Site is in Richland, its economic impact radiates. Companies like Mission Support Alliance and Central Plateau Cleanup Company hire electricians for nuclear site maintenance. Insider Tip: This work requires stringent security clearances and often pays a premium, but it’s a major career pathway.
7. Renewable Energy & Solar: The sunny climate makes solar installation viable. Companies like A&R Solar and local contractors are expanding. This is an emerging specialty with growth potential.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for licensed journeyman and master electricians. There’s a shortage of qualified apprentices, making it a good time to enter the trade with an apprenticeship program. Commercial and industrial work is picking up as Pasco diversifies beyond agriculture.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington’s licensing is managed through the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The process is rigorous but straightforward.

• Requirements: To become a licensed electrician, you must complete an approved electrical apprenticeship (typically 4 years/8,000 hours) or provide proof of equivalent experience. You then pass the state-approved journeyman electrician exam (based on the National Electrical Code).
• Costs:
  • Apprenticeship: Often funded by employers; you earn while you learn. If self-funded, expect thousands in tuition.
  • Exam Fee: ~$150.
  • License Fee: ~$240 for initial journeyman license.
  • Total to start: If you have no experience, plan for the time investment of an apprenticeship (4 years). If you're already licensed in another state, you may qualify for reciprocity (check with L&I).
• Timeline: From starting as a green apprentice to holding a journeyman license is a 4-5 year process. Once you have your journeyman card, you can work anywhere in WA. To become a Master Electrician (required to pull permits and run your own business), you need additional experience (4 more years) and must pass a master exam.

Insider Tip: Apply for apprenticeships through the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Tri-Cities Chapter or the IBEW Local 77 (which covers eastern WA). They have robust programs and direct pathways into local jobs. Starting your application before you move here can give you a head start.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Living in Pasco is about balancing commute, lifestyle, and cost. Here are top picks for electricians:

1. Southridge (South Pasco): Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,000/month. This is the newest, most affluent area. Close to Trios Health, new schools, and shopping. Commute to job sites (Road 68, Hanford) is easy via Highway 395. Ideal for senior electricians or families. Upscale living.
2. Road 68 Corridor: Rent Estimate: $1,550 - $1,800/month. Mixed use, very convenient. You’re in the heart of retail and dining. Commute is minimal if you work commercial projects here. Younger, energetic vibe. Can be noisy.
3. Central Pasco (Hillcrest/Marlon Park): Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,650/month. Historic, tree-lined streets. Close to downtown Pasco and the Columbia River. More affordable, older homes. Commute is central to all job sites. Offers a classic neighborhood feel.
4. West Pasco (Near the River): Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,750/month. Quiet, established neighborhoods. Closer to the Columbia River for recreation. Slightly longer commute to the southern industrial areas but worth it for the serenity. Good for those who value outdoor space.
5. Benton City (10 mins east): Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500/month. Not in Pasco proper, but a common choice for electricians working at the Hanford Site or in orchards. Lower rent, small-town feel, but a 15-20 minute commute. A strategic budget move.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Pasco’s electrical trade isn’t just about wiring homes. The 10-year job growth of 11% points to specialization. Here’s where the premium pay is:

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Industrial & High-Voltage: Electricians with Hanford experience or data center certifications can command $35-$45+/hour.
  • Solar & Renewable Energy: Certified solar installer electricians are in high demand; premiums of $5-$10/hour over standard residential rates.
  • Low-Voltage & Fire Alarm: Specialists in security, data, and fire systems (NFPA 72) are needed in new commercial builds.
  • Estimating & Project Management: Moving into a project manager role can push salaries to $80,000-$90,000+, especially with a Master Electrician license.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Master Electrician -> Business Owner or Project Manager. Many electricians in Pasco start with a residential contractor, gain experience, and move into commercial or industrial later. Starting your own one-person truck (after 4 years as a journeyman) is very common and can be lucrative, given the constant residential construction.
• 10-Year Outlook: The growth is sustainable. Hanford cleanup will continue for decades, the Tri-Cities area is expanding, and Pasco’s population is growing steadily. The electrician who specializes in smart home tech, EV charger installation, or energy efficiency will be in the best position for the next decade.

The Verdict: Is Pasco Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, growing job market (11% growth) with diverse sectors.	Limited public transit—you need a reliable vehicle.
Very affordable cost of living (99.0 index) vs. national average.	Hot summers (often over 100°F) can make outdoor work challenging.
Median salary ($61,365) is competitive and matches national average.	Less cultural variety than Seattle; a quieter, family-friendly vibe.
Easy access to nature (Columbia River, mountains, desert).	Housing market is rising, though still affordable compared to west side.
Strong community for trade professionals; networking is key.	Remote work options in the trade are limited; this is a hands-on market.

Final Recommendation: Pasco is an excellent choice for electricians seeking a stable, affordable career with clear growth paths. It’s ideal for journeyman-level professionals ready to buy a home, or for apprentices looking for a high-quality training program without the high cost of living. If you’re a specialist in industrial or solar work, your earning potential skyrockets. For those seeking nightlife or a major metro cultural scene, it may feel too quiet. But for the practical, skilled electrician, Pasco offers a fulfilling life and a solid paycheck.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for new electricians in Pasco?
It’s competitive for apprenticeships but open for licensed journeyman. The local IEC and IBEW chapters are the gatekeepers for apprenticeships—they have waiting lists. Once licensed, finding work is easier due to the 11% growth. A strong work ethic and reliable transport are your biggest assets.

2. Do I need my own tools as an apprentice?
Yes. You’ll need a basic set (pliers, screwdrivers, wire strippers, etc.). Many contractors provide major power tools, but a journeyman is expected to have a full kit. Budget $500-$1,000 for initial tools. Bring them from your previous city if possible.

3. What’s the union vs. non-union landscape like here?
Both are active. IBEW Local 77 offers excellent benefits and pension, with work on large commercial/industrial projects (Hanford, schools). Non-union (open shop) is common in residential and small commercial, often with more flexibility but fewer benefits. Many electricians start non-union and join later.

4. How do Pasco’s summers affect electrical work?
It’s a real factor. Temperatures routinely exceed 100°F from July-September. Commercial/industrial sites often have early start times (5-6 AM) and mandatory breaks. Residential work can be brutal in attics. Being prepared with cooling gear, hydration, and a reliable vehicle with good A/C is non-negotiable.

5. Is there a demand for electricians in nearby Richland or Kennewick?
Absolutely. The Tri-Cities job market is interconnected. Many electricians live in Pasco (for affordability) but work in Richland (at Hanford, hospitals) or Kennewick (retail, industrial). Commutes are short (20-30 minutes). The 244 jobs in the metro are spread across all three cities.