Electrician in Provo, UT

The Salary Picture: Where Provo Stands

If you’re an electrician considering a move to Provo, the first question is simple: what will you earn? The data shows a stable, middle-of-the-road market compared to the broader state and national averages. As of the latest available data, the median salary for an electrician in the Provo metro area is $60,626 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.15. This is slightly below the national average of $61,550, but that gap is deceptive. When you factor in Utah's lower cost of living, your paycheck here stretches further than in many other states.

The job market, while not explosive, is healthy and consistent. There are approximately 340 electrician jobs in the metro Provo area. Over the last decade, the sector has seen an 11% job growth rate. This isn't a boomtown spike; it's a steady, reliable expansion driven by residential construction, commercial retrofitting, and the tech sector's hungry appetite for power and data infrastructure. For an electrician, this translates to opportunity without the frenetic competition found in larger markets like Salt Lake City.

To understand where you might land salary-wise, here’s a typical experience-level breakdown. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on regional trends and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Provo Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2 Years	$40,000 - $48,000	Assisting journeymen, basic installations, conduit bending, reading blueprints under supervision.
Mid-Level / Journeyman	2-6 Years	$55,000 - $68,000	Independent residential/commercial work, troubleshooting, code compliance, mentoring apprentices.
Senior / Lead	6-10 Years	$68,000 - $78,000+	Project estimation, crew management, complex commercial/industrial systems, client interaction.
Expert / Master / Specialist	10+ Years	$78,000 - $90,000+	Business ownership, master electrician license, specialized work (e.g., solar, data centers, controls), consulting.

Insider Tip: The jump from journeyman to senior electrician is where most see a significant pay increase. Specializing in high-demand areas like solar installation, EV charger setups, or building automation systems can push you toward the higher end of these ranges much faster. Provo's proximity to Brigham Young University and the "Silicon Slopes" tech corridor means there's consistent demand for electricians who can handle both new construction and tech-heavy retrofit projects.

Compared to other Utah cities, Provo holds a specific niche. Salt Lake City metro offers higher median salaries (closer to $65,000 - $70,000 for journeyman roles) but also a higher cost of living and more competition. St. George, in southern Utah, has seen a massive construction boom, with some journeyman electricians earning $65,000+, but the market can be more volatile. Ogden has similar pay to Provo but less tech-sector variability. For a stable, mid-sized market with a lower cost of living, Provo is a compelling choice, especially for those valuing community and outdoor access.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

With a median salary of $60,626, let's break down the monthly take-home for a single electrician in Provo. This is a practical look at what your budget can handle.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home (After Taxes):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $60,626 / 12 = $5,052
• Estimated Federal & State Taxes (Filing Single, Standard Deduction): ~$850 - $1,000 (approx. 17-20% effective rate)
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: $4,050 - $4,200/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Sample Scenario):

• Housing (1BR Apartment): $1,093 (Provo average)
• Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet, Water): $200 - $250
• Food & Groceries: $350 - $450
• Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance): $250 - $350
• Health Insurance/Out-of-Pocket: $150 - $250
• Retirement (IRA/401k, 10%): $505
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Clothing, etc.): $300 - $400
• Total Estimated Expenses: $2,898 - $3,348
• Remaining Monthly Cash: $700 - $1,300

This budget leaves a healthy buffer for savings, student loans, or unexpected expenses. The key factor is housing. The average 1BR rent of $1,093/month is manageable on this salary. However, the Cost of Living Index of 95.0 (US avg = 100) is what makes Provo appealing. You're paying 5% less for goods and services than the national average, which directly boosts your purchasing power.

Can you afford to buy a home? It's challenging but possible with planning. The median home price in Provo is around $450,000. A 20% down payment is $90,000. On a $60,626 salary, your maximum mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) should be around $1,400 - $1,600/month to stay within safe debt-to-income ratios. A $360,000 loan at ~6.5% interest would have a principal & interest payment of about $2,275/month—that's too high. Many electricians in Provo buy homes once they reach senior or expert levels ($70,000+) or with a dual-income household. It's a long-term goal, not an immediate one for a mid-level journeyman.

Insider Tip: Many electricians in the area pool resources to buy a duplex or a small home with a mother-in-law apartment. Renting out the other unit drastically reduces the mortgage burden. Also, look into local credit unions like America First Credit Union for better mortgage rates for members.

Where the Jobs Are: Provo's Major Employers

Provo's job market for electricians is a blend of large-scale construction firms, specialized contractors, and the unique needs of the tech and education sectors. Here’s where you should be looking:

1. Brigham Young University (BYU): As one of the largest employers in Utah, BYU has a massive, in-house facilities and maintenance department. They hire electricians for campus upkeep, new construction (dorms, labs), and specialized systems in historic buildings. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a preference for long-term employees. Benefits are excellent, and the work environment is stable.
2. Intermountain Power Service (IPS): A major contractor for the Intermountain Power Project and other large utilities. They do high-voltage transmission and distribution work. Hiring Trend: Project-based, often seeking experienced journeymen and linemen. Pay can be on the higher end for specialized utility work.
3. R&R Electrical Contractors: A prominent local commercial and industrial contractor. They handle projects for the tech sector (data centers, server farms) and large commercial builds. Hiring Trend: Actively hiring due to the Silicon Slopes expansion. They value commercial experience and OSHA certifications.
4. Wasatch Electric: Another key player in commercial and industrial electrical work, with a strong presence in the Provo-Orem metro. They work on everything from office buildings to manufacturing facilities. Hiring Trend: Consistent growth; looking for electricians with experience in complex systems and controls.
5. Bray Electric: A well-established residential and light commercial contractor. They're a great entry point for electricians starting out or focusing on home building and remodeling. Hiring Trend: Tied directly to the local housing market. As new subdivisions go up in Eagle Mountain and Lehi (just north), Bray and similar firms are busy.
6. Local Solar Companies (e.g., SunPower, Vivint Solar): The push for renewable energy is strong in Utah. Solar installation companies are always looking for certified electricians to handle panel and inverter connections, especially as net metering policies evolve. Hiring Trend: Growing. Specializing here can lead to premium pay and future-proofing your skills.
7. Hospitals (Utah Valley Hospital - Intermountain): Healthcare facilities require 24/7 reliable power and specialized systems. The hospital's facilities team employs electricians for ongoing maintenance and upgrades. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on electricians who understand critical power systems and backup generators.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs in Provo aren't advertised on big job boards. They're found through local trade associations like the Utah Electrical Contractors Association (UECA) or word-of-mouth. Attending a UECA meeting or a local trade show is a prime networking opportunity. The tech sector jobs (data centers, etc.) are often filled through specialized contractors like R&R or Wasatch Electric, so building a relationship with their project managers is key.

Getting Licensed in Utah

Utah has a clear, regulated path to becoming a licensed electrician, managed by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). Here’s the breakdown:

The Path:

1. Apprenticeship: You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This is typically a 4-year program with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction. You can join through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 354 (serving the Salt Lake Valley including Provo) or a non-union "open shop" program.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Utah Journeyman Electrician Exam (based on the National Electrical Code). The exam fee is approximately $100.
3. Master Electrician License: After working for at least 4 years as a licensed journeyman, you can take the Master Electrician exam. This allows you to pull permits and run your own business.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship School Tuition: Varies. Union programs (IBEW) are often free or have low costs due to union dues covering it. Non-union programs can cost $1,500 - $4,000 over the 4 years.
• Exam Fees: $100 for Journeyman, $150 for Master.
• License Fees: ~$120 every 2 years for Journeyman, ~$180 for Master.
• Total Time to Journeyman: 4 years (minimum).
• Total Time to Master Electrician: 8+ years (4 as apprentice + 4 as journeyman).

Moving to Utah with an Out-of-State License:
Utah has reciprocity agreements with several states (like Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado). If you hold a valid journeyman or master license from one of these states, the process is streamlined. You'll need to provide proof of your current license, work history, and may need to take the Utah-specific portion of the exam. Always check the latest reciprocity agreements on the Utah DOPL website.

Insider Tip: If you're already a journeyman in another state without reciprocity, your best bet is to contact the Utah DOPL directly. They may allow you to challenge the exam based on your documented work experience and training, which can save you from starting over.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians in Provo

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a guide to Provo-area neighborhoods, with rent estimates for a 1BR.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Proximity to Employers	Avg. 1BR Rent (Est.)
Central Provo (Downtown)	Urban, walkable, near BYU campus. Easy access to I-15.	Great for jobs at BYU, Intermountain Power, and downtown contractors.	$1,100 - $1,300
East Bay / North Park	Family-oriented, quiet, more suburban. Slightly longer commute.	Good for residential contractors. Easy access to Orem and Lehi tech corridor.	$1,000 - $1,200
River Grove / Sharon Park	Older, established neighborhood with character. Close to the Provo River Trail.	Centrally located; commute to most employers is under 15 minutes.	$950 - $1,150
Sunset View / West Provo	Affordable, newer construction. Can feel less connected to the core.	Longer commute to east-side employers but easier access to I-15 and Lehi.	$900 - $1,050
Orem (North Provo)	A separate city but part of the metro. Major retail, more apartments.	Home to many residential builders and large commercial contractors.	$1,050 - $1,250

Insider Tip: For an electrician, Central Provo or East Bay offer the best balance. You're close to job sites, supply houses (like Platt Electric), and the social scene of downtown Provo. If you want to save money, West Provo or Orem are excellent choices, but factor in the time spent on I-15 during rush hour (20 minutes extra each way is common).

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for electricians in Provo is solid. The 11% job growth rate is a testament to that. The region's growth isn't slowing down, and the electrician trade is becoming more specialized, which adds value.

Specialty Premiums:

• Solar & Renewable Energy: Can add $5 - $10/hour to your base rate. Certification (like NABCEP) is a huge plus.
• Data Center & Low-Voltage Systems: High demand in the Silicon Slopes. Experts in fiber optics, structured cabling, and power distribution for servers are scarce and can command $35 - $45/hour.
• Building Automation & Controls: Integrating HVAC, lighting, and security systems. This requires additional certification but moves you from a tradesperson to a tech-influencer, with pay to match.
• EV Charging Infrastructure: As more EVs hit Utah roads, certified installers for residential and commercial EV chargers are in high demand.

Advancement Paths:

1. Traditional: Apprentice → Journeyman → Senior Electrician → Project Manager → Business Owner.
2. Specialist: Journeyman → Certified Specialist (Solar/Controls) → Lead System Designer or Consultant.
3. In-House: Journeyman with a contractor → Facilities Electrician at a large employer (BYU, Hospital) for better benefits and work-life balance.

10-Year Outlook: Expect continued demand in residential construction (especially in nearby Lehi and Eagle Mountain) and commercial/tech projects. The move toward smart homes and decarbonization will create new niches. The biggest threat? A slowdown in the housing market, which would hit residential electricians first. However, the diversification into commercial and tech work provides a buffer. For a dedicated electrician, Provo offers a clear path to a six-figure income within a decade, especially with specialization and business acumen.

The Verdict: Is Provo Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Lower Cost of Living: Your $60,626 salary goes further here than in Salt Lake or nationally.	Higher Housing Costs (Relative): Rent is low nationally but rising fast in a growing metro.
Stable Job Market: 340 jobs and 11% growth means steady, reliable work.	Cultural Homogeneity: Provo is heavily influenced by the LDS Church, which can be a pro or con depending on your background.
Outdoor Access: World-class hiking, skiing, and lakes are 20-30 minutes away.	Traffic on I-15: Commuting between Provo and Orem/Lehi can be congested.
Community Feel: Safe, family-friendly, with a strong sense of local community.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer concert venues, museums, and diverse dining options compared to SLC.
Path to Advancement: Clear licensing path and opportunities to specialize in growing tech sectors.	Seasonal Economy: Some slowdowns possible in winter for residential construction, though commercial work is year-round.

Final Recommendation: Provo is an excellent choice for a journeyman electrician looking to build a stable, long-term career without the high costs and competition of a major coastal city. It's ideal for those who value quality of life, outdoor recreation, and a sense of community. It's less ideal for a master electrician looking to run a large commercial firm immediately, as the market size is more suited to small-to-mid-sized contracting. If you're willing to specialize and network locally, Provo offers a high quality of life and a solid financial future for an electrician.

FAQs

1. Electricians make good money in Utah, right?
Yes, absolutely. With a median salary of $60,626 and a low cost of living, electricians in Provo have strong purchasing power. Senior electricians and specialists