Electrician in Pueblo, CO

The Salary Picture: Where Pueblo Stands

As someone who’s watched the local job market for years, I can tell you that electrician work in Pueblo is stable but not flashy. Your earnings will depend heavily on your license status, specialization, and whether you’re working for a large contractor or going out on your own. The median salary for electricians in Pueblo is $60,146/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.92/hour. It’s worth noting that this is slightly below the national average for electricians, which sits at $61,550/year. However, the cost of living in Pueblo is significantly lower than both the national average and other Colorado cities, so your dollar stretches further here.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary (Pueblo)	Notes
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2	$40,000 - $52,000	Starts on non-licensed work, often under a Journeyman. Expect to be learning conduit bending, residential wiring, and safety codes.
Journeyman Electrician	2-5 (after apprenticeship)	$55,000 - $68,000	Licensed to work independently. This is the core of the workforce. Most residential and commercial work falls here.
Master Electrician	5+ (requires state exam)	$70,000 - $95,000	Can pull permits, design systems, and run crews. Top earners often start their own small businesses or become project managers.
Specialist / Contractor	10+	$85,000 - $120,000+	This is where the money is. Industrial controls, solar installation, and data center work command premiums. Running a successful business is the real key here.

How does Pueblo compare to other Colorado cities? Not favorably in raw numbers, but in purchasing power, it holds its own. In Denver, a journeyman might make $75,000, but the average 1BR rent is over $1,800/month. In Colorado Springs, salaries are closer ($68,000 median) but rent is still around $1,400/month. Pueblo’s lower housing costs are the great equalizer. Insider Tip: Many experienced electricians from the Front Range retire to Pueblo or commute from here to Colorado Springs for higher wages while benefiting from Pueblo's lower mortgage payments.

Jobs in Metro: 333 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The 10-year job growth for electricians in the Pueblo Metro area is projected at 11%, which is steady. This growth is driven by ongoing residential development on the city's west side, infrastructure upgrades for the Pueblo Water Works, and steady maintenance work at the region's industrial facilities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. If you’re earning the median salary of $60,146, you’re bringing home roughly $3,600/month after federal taxes, FICA, and a modest state tax (Colorado has a flat 4.4% income tax). That’s your net pay.

Your biggest expense will be housing. The average 1BR rent in Pueblo is $881/month. If you rent a 1BR, you’re spending about 24% of your take-home pay on rent—a very manageable level. For a more spacious 2BR (averaging around $1,150/month), you’re still under 32%.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single electrician earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (Pueblo)	% of Take-Home Pay
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$881	24%
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Trash)	$180	5%
Groceries	$400	11%
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	12%
Fuel & Maintenance	$200	6%
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$300	8%
Retirement Savings (401k)	$300	8%
Miscellaneous (Food, Fun, etc.)	$500	14%
Total	$3,211	89%
Remaining for Goals/Savings	~$389	11%

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. Pueblo’s median home price is around $265,000. With a 10% down payment ($26,500), a 30-year mortgage at current rates (~7%) would be about $1,800/month (including taxes and insurance). This is about 50% of your take-home pay, which is on the high side but feasible with a dual income or a larger down payment. Many electricians I know buy homes in the Bessemer or Fountain areas for under $200,000, keeping their monthly costs very low. Insider Tip: Look for homes built before 1980. They often have solid construction and are cheaper. As an electrician, you can easily handle any essential rewiring or panel upgrades yourself, saving thousands in labor costs.

Where the Jobs Are: Pueblo's Major Employers

The job market for electricians in Pueblo is anchored by a few key sectors: industrial manufacturing, municipal services, healthcare, and construction. Here are the major players:

1. Evraz Rocky Mountain Steel: This is the largest employer in the region. The steel mill on the east side is a massive facility that requires a constant team of electricians for millwrighting, controls, and maintenance. They hire directly and through contractors like Burns & McDonnell. Work here is industrial and often involves shift work, but the pay and benefits are excellent.

2. Pueblo Water Works: A municipal utility that is always hiring for apprentices and licensed electricians to maintain and upgrade the city’s vast water and wastewater infrastructure. These are stable, government jobs with great pensions and lower stress. Check the City of Pueblo jobs portal regularly.

3. Parkview Medical Center & St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center: Healthcare facilities run 24/7 and require in-house electricians for facility maintenance, ensuring backup power systems (generators) are operational, and managing specialized medical equipment wiring. These jobs are less about construction and more about critical systems maintenance.

4. Xcel Energy: As the primary utility provider, Xcel hires electricians for line work, substation maintenance, and smart grid projects. This is a specialized field requiring additional training and certifications, but it offers some of the highest wages in the trade.

5. Local Construction Firms (Residential & Commercial): Companies like Hoffman Construction and Pueblo Constructors are consistently busy. The west side of Pueblo, near the Pueblo West subdivision, is seeing significant residential growth, creating steady demand for electricians for new home wiring and remodels.

6. Pueblo Community College (PCC): While not a direct employer for field work, PCC’s Energy Technology and Electrical Trades program is a critical pipeline. They often have connections for apprenticeships and job placements. Many local contractors recruit directly from their graduate pool.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift towards renewable energy. Companies like AmeriCorps NCCC and local solar installers (e.g., SunRenu Solar) are gaining traction. Also, Pueblo’s aging electrical grid means municipal and utility work is becoming more project-based, so being willing to work on contracts is a plus.

Getting Licensed in CO

Colorado’s licensing process is straightforward but requires dedication. The state does not license electricians at the state level; it’s managed through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS). However, the Colorado Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA) manages the apprenticeship standards.

Path to a Journeyman Electrician License:

1. Complete an Apprenticeship: You need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) over 4-5 years, plus 288 hours of classroom instruction (usually through a union or non-union JATC program).
2. Apply for the Exam: Once you meet the hours, you can apply to take the journeyman electrician exam. The exam is based on the 2020 NEC (National Electrical Code).
3. Pass the Exam: The exam is administered by PSI Exams. The fee is approximately $150.
4. Costs: Apprenticeship programs often have low tuition (sometimes free for union apprentices, or a few hundred dollars per semester for non-union). Exam and license fees typically total $250-$400.

Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: 4-5 years.
• From Apprentice to Licensed Journeyman: 1-2 months after completing hours and passing the exam.
• To Master Electrician: Requires 2,000 additional hours as a journeyman and passing a Master exam (more complex, focused on codes and business). Total time from start to Master: 6-8 years.

Insider Tip: The Pueblo Electrical JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) is a great local resource. They partner with the IBEW Local 282. Even if you don’t join the union, their training standards are the benchmark. Do not skip the classroom hours. The code changes every three years, and the exam is 100% NEC-based.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Pueblo’s neighborhoods offer different vibes and commute times. As an electrician, you’ll be driving to job sites across the city, so location matters.

1. Bessemer: The historic heart of Pueblo. Close to downtown, Evraz, and the hospital. It’s an older area with a mix of working-class families and professionals. Homes here are often pre-1950s, with great character but likely needing your skills for updates. Rent for a 2BR: $900-$1,100/month. Commute: 5-15 minutes to most major employers.

2. Pueblo West: A sprawling, master-planned community about 15 minutes west of downtown. It’s where most of the new residential construction is happening. You’re closer to the jobs on the west side and in the mountains for recreational work. It’s quieter, with bigger lots. Rent for a 2BR: $1,200-$1,400/month. Commute: 15-25 minutes to downtown/industrial east side.

3. Fountain: Technically in El Paso County but just south of Pueblo’s city limit. It has a lower cost of living than Pueblo West and is popular with military families from Fort Carson. It’s a solid base if you’re also looking for work in Colorado Springs. Rent for a 2BR: $1,000-$1,250/month. Commute: 10-20 minutes to Pueblo’s southern jobs, 30-40 minutes to Colorado Springs.

4. El Pueblo District/Northside: Near PCC and the northern industrial zone. It’s a mix of older homes and some new developments. Good for those who want to be near the college for night classes. Rent for a 2BR: $850-$1,000/month. Commute: 10-15 minutes to most locations.

Insider Tip: If you’re a union apprentice or journeyman, look for housing near the IBEW Local 282 hall in the Northside. You’ll be close to the union hub and training center.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Pueblo is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about specializing and potentially starting your own business.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial/Controls: +15-25% over standard journeyman wages. Critical for Evraz and manufacturing.
  • Solar/Residential Renewable: +10-20%. Growing field, especially for installers who can also handle permitting.
  • Data Center/High-Voltage: +30-50%+. Pueblo isn’t a major data hub, but nearby Colorado Springs is. Some electricians commute for this high-skill work.
  • Low-Voltage/Security Systems: +5-10%. A good side specialty.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Foreman: Manage a crew for a construction company. Requires strong organizational skills.
  2. Estimator: Move from the field to the office, bidding on jobs. Requires knowledge of codes, materials, and labor.
  3. Business Owner: The ultimate goal for many. Starting a small residential service company in Pueblo can be lucrative. The market is competitive but not saturated. You’ll need to master marketing, customer service, and business management.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is promising. However, the rise of modular construction and smart home technology means electricians must adapt. The electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure boom is a massive opportunity. Pueblo’s charging network is still developing, creating a need for certified EV charger installers. Insider Tip: Get certified in EV charger installation now. The local dealerships (Ford, Chevrolet) are starting to see more EV sales and will need local partners for home installations.

The Verdict: Is Pueblo Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, especially in housing.	Lower Ceiling: Top-tier salaries are found in Denver/Colorado Springs.
Steady, Stable Job Market: Anchored by steel, water, and healthcare.	Limited High-End Specialties: Fewer opportunities for ultra-specialized fields like broadcast or aviation.
Manageable Commutes: 15 minutes can get you across town.	Fewer "Big City" Amenities: Limited nightlife, boutique shopping, and dining options.
Gateway to Outdoors: Close to Lake Pueblo State Park, Wet Mountains, and skiing (2-3 hrs).	Economic Sensitivity: Tied to Evraz. Mill slowdowns can ripple through the local economy.
Tight-Knit Trade Community: Small enough to build a strong reputation.	Licensing is Local: Moving to a different county can mean navigating different permit offices.

Final Recommendation: Pueblo is an excellent choice for electricians who are practical, value financial stability over flashy wages, and enjoy a slower pace of life. It’s ideal for: a journeyman looking to buy a home without a 30-year mortgage, a family that wants outdoor access with a short commute, or a business-minded electrician ready to launch a local service company. It’s not for someone chasing the absolute highest peak earnings in the state or who thrives on the energy of a major metropolis.

FAQs

1. I’m a licensed electrician from another state. Can I work in Pueblo?
Yes, but you need to get a Colorado license. Colorado has reciprocity agreements with some states (like Utah, Arizona, and others). You’ll need to contact the Colorado DORA to apply for licensure by endorsement. If there’s no reciprocity, you may need to take the Colorado state exam.

2. How competitive is the apprenticeship market in Pueblo?
Moderately competitive. The Pueblo Electrical JATC (union) and Pueblo Community College’s programs are the main pipelines. You’ll need a high school diploma/GED, algebra completion, and a solid interview. Being persistent and having some basic hand-tool experience helps. Apply early.

3. What’s the weather like for outdoor work?
Pueblo has a high-desert climate: 300+ sunny days, low humidity. Summers are hot (90s), but not as humid as the Southeast. Winters are cold with occasional snow (10-15 inches per year). Most work is year-round. Pro Tip: Invest in a good sun hat and hydration pack for summer. Winter work requires insulated gear and planning for icy conditions.

4. Is there a strong union presence in Pueblo?
Yes. IBEW Local 282 covers Pueblo and Southern Colorado. Union membership isn’t mandatory, but it’s common in industrial and large commercial jobs, especially at Evraz and on municipal projects. Union wages are generally at or above the median, with strong benefits. Non-union contractors also thrive, especially in residential and small commercial.

5. What’s the best way to get my first job in Pueblo if I’m new to the area?
Start with the City of Pueblo jobs website (for Water Works), then contact the Pueblo Electrical JATC for apprenticeship leads, and finally, walk into the offices of Hoffman Construction and other local firms with a resume. As an outsider, showing up in person with a clean driving record and good references can set you apart in this tight-knit community.