Electrician in Quincy, MA

The Salary Picture: Where Quincy Stands

As a local who’s watched the Quincy electrical trade evolve, I can tell you the numbers tell a promising story. The median salary for an Electrician in Quincy is $63,691 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.62/hour. This is notably higher than the national average of $61,550 per year, positioning Quincy as a competitive market for skilled trades. The metro area, which includes Quincy and surrounding communities, supports 304 electrician jobs, indicating a stable, mid-sized demand. Over the next decade, the trade is projected to see an 11% job growth, outpacing many other professions due to new construction and the push for energy-efficient upgrades.

To understand where you might fall on this scale, here’s a realistic breakdown by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local union and non-union wage surveys, reflecting Quincy's proximity to Boston's union scale.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Factors in Quincy
Entry-Level	$45,000 - $55,000	Typically apprentices (0-2 years). Pay increases with union apprenticeship hours.
Mid-Level	$58,000 - $72,000	Licensed Journeyman (2-5 years). Strong demand for residential/commercial work.
Senior	$75,000 - $90,000	Master Electrician or foreman. Involves project management and inspections.
Expert	$90,000+	Specialized roles (e.g., industrial controls, solar) or business owners.

Compared to other Massachusetts cities, Quincy holds its own. While Boston proper offers higher wages (median around $70,000+), the cost of living there is astronomical. Cities like Worcester or Springfield have lower median salaries (often $58,000-$60,000), but Quincy provides a sweet spot: strong wages with better access to affordable housing than downtown Boston. The $63,691 median is a solid benchmark for a licensed journeyman working at a mid-sized firm.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally honest about your budget. On a $63,691 median salary, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes is roughly $4,500-$4,700 per month, depending on deductions. Now, factor in Quincy’s housing market. The average 1BR rent is $2,377/month. That means housing alone could eat up 50-53% of your take-home pay, which is above the recommended 30% threshold. This is the reality for many single-income tradespeople in the area.

Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for an electrician earning the median wage:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR)	$2,377	Based on Quincy average.
Utilities (Electric/Gas/Internet)	$220	Essential for an energy-conscious trade.
Food & Groceries	$450	Eating out in Quincy is pricey.
Transportation	$350	MBTA pass or car payment/insurance.
Health Insurance	$300	Often employer-subsidized, but variable.
Taxes (Remaining)	$450	State/local taxes, property tax if a homeowner.
Savings/Discretionary	$353	Tight, but possible with roommates or a partner.

Can they afford to buy a home? It’s challenging but not impossible. The median home price in Quincy is approximately $550,000. With a 20% down payment ($110,000), a $440,000 mortgage at current rates (6.5%) would have a monthly payment of ~$2,780 (including taxes and insurance). This is unaffordable on a single $63,691 income. However, with a dual-income household, a $100,000+ down payment saved over years, or by moving to a more affordable neighborhood (see below), homeownership becomes a realistic long-term goal. Many local electricians I know buy in neighboring Weymouth or Braintree for more space.

Where the Jobs Are: Quincy's Major Employers

Quincy’s electrical job market is diverse, spanning residential, commercial, and institutional work. The city is a hub for healthcare, education, and construction, creating steady demand. Here are the key employers you should target:

1. Quincy Medical Group / South Shore Health: While the main hospital is in nearby Weymouth, Quincy’s aging population and numerous clinics drive constant demand for electricians for medical equipment, lighting, and safety systems. Hiring is steady for licensed journeymen with hospital experience (clean power, code compliance).
2. Local 103 IBEW (Boston & Quincy): The Quincy area falls under the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 103 jurisdiction. They are the largest electrical union in New England. Their Quincy training center is a major hub. Union wages are higher (often $70+/hour with benefits), but entry is competitive. Their job board is the first place to look for high-paying commercial/industrial jobs.
3. Quincy Public Schools: With over a dozen schools, the district employs in-house electricians for maintenance, renovations (like the new Quincy High School), and technology infrastructure. These are stable, union-protected jobs with great benefits.
4. A&L Electric, Inc.: A prominent Quincy-based contracting firm specializing in residential and commercial projects. They frequently hire for journeyman and apprentice electricians. They’re a great example of a local, family-owned business that values local hires.
5. Northeast Electrical (Adams Office): A major regional distributor with a location in the nearby Adams business park. While not a direct employer for field electricians, their sales and warehouse staff often come from the trade. They also host training events and are a key networking spot.
6. City of Quincy Public Works: The city’s Department of Public Works hires electricians for street lighting, traffic signals, and municipal building maintenance. These jobs are posted on the City of Quincy careers page and offer exceptional job security.
7. Bay State Milling / Local Industrial Plants: Quincy’s remaining industrial zones, particularly along the Fore River, employ electricians for plant maintenance, PLC troubleshooting, and automation. These roles often pay a premium ($35-$45/hour) for specialized skills.

Hiring Trend: There’s a significant push for electricians skilled in EV charger installation, solar, and smart home systems. Firms like A&L Electric and many union contractors are actively seeking electricians with these certifications due to state incentives and local building trends.

Getting Licensed in MA

Massachusetts has a clear but rigorous path to licensure. It’s managed by the Board of State Examiners of Electricians. Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years): You must complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician. The most common route is through the IBEW Local 103 apprenticeship (highly competitive, pays as you learn) or a non-union program registered with the state.
2. Education: You must also complete 600 hours of classroom instruction at an approved school. The Quincy Public Schools Adult Education program or the IBEW Quincy training center are primary providers.
3. Exam & License: After completing your hours, you apply for the Journeyman License exam. The exam fee is $100. Once you pass, you pay another $100 for the license. A Journeyman license allows you to work independently. To become a Master Electrician (required to pull permits and run a business), you need 1,000 additional hours of work and 300 additional classroom hours, plus a separate exam.
4. Cost: Total cost for Journeyman licensing is roughly $200 plus exam prep materials. The real cost is your time and the apprenticeship tuition (often covered by union dues or employer-sponsored).

Insider Tip: The IBEW Local 103 application period is annual and highly competitive. If you don’t get in, look for registered apprenticeships at firms like A&L Electric. Always verify an apprenticeship program is approved by the state to ensure your hours count.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Choosing where to live in Quincy depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here are the top neighborhoods for tradespeople:

1. West Quincy: The most affordable and central. Close to the MBTA Red Line (Quincy Center) and many contractors' offices. Rent for a 1BR is closer to $2,000. It’s a commuter’s dream, with easy access to Route 128 and I-93. The vibe is working-class and no-frills.
2. Quincy Point: More residential and family-oriented, with a mix of older single-family homes and apartments. Close to the Fore River and Wollaston Beach. Commute is easy via bus or car. Rent is similar to West Quincy ($2,000-$2,300). Good for electricians who want a quieter home base.
3. South Quincy: Trendier, with newer apartment complexes and a walkable downtown feel (though smaller than West Quincy). Rent is higher ($2,400-$2,800). Ideal for younger, single electricians who want nightlife options and a shorter commute to Boston via the Red Line.
4. Marina Bay: A unique waterfront community with a mix of condos and apartments. Offers beautiful views but comes with a premium price ($2,500+ for a 1BR). Commute is excellent via bus or car. Best for those with roommates or a dual income.
5. North Quincy: A bustling area with a large Asian community, great food, and the Wollaston Beach MBTA stop. Rent is moderate ($2,200-$2,600). It’s a great balance of amenities and affordability, with a strong sense of community.

Insider Tip: Look for apartments in older triple-deckers in West or South Quincy. Landlords are often more negotiable, and you can find better deals than in new luxury buildings. Always ask if utilities are included—this can save you $100-$150/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An electrician’s career in Quincy isn’t just about wiring outlets. It’s about specialization. The 11% job growth is largely driven by green energy and tech. Here’s how to maximize your earnings:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Solar/ EV Charging: Adding NABCEP certification can boost your rate by $3-$5/hour. Local demand is high due to state mandates.
  • Industrial/PLC Controls: Working in plants or for HVAC companies can push you to $40+/hour. Requires additional training.
  • Low-Voltage/Data: Cabling for networks, security, and audio-visual systems. Often a separate union agreement with high pay.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Foreman/Project Manager: Move into management at larger firms like A&L Electric or a union contractor. Salary can jump to $85,000+.
  • Business Owner: With a Master Electrician license, you can start your own small contracting business. Quincy’s dense housing stock guarantees steady residential work.
  • Government/Institutional: A job with Quincy Public Schools or the City of Quincy offers a pension, which is a huge long-term benefit.

• 10-Year Outlook: The push for energy efficiency and decarbonization in Massachusetts will keep electricians in high demand. The 11% growth is conservative; in niches like solar and smart grids, growth could be higher. The key is to stay ahead of code changes and technology.

The Verdict: Is Quincy Right for You?

Quincy offers a compelling, if challenging, package for electricians. It’s a city where you can build a stable, middle-class career without the extreme costs of Boston proper, but you must be strategic.

Pros	Cons
Strong, above-national-average wages ($63,691 median).	High cost of living, especially housing (2,377/month rent).
Diverse job market (residential, commercial, institutional).	Tight housing market; homeownership requires dual income or saving for years.
Excellent public transit (Red Line to Boston, South Shore).	Competition from larger candidate pool drawn to Boston metro.
Proximity to Boston for higher-paying union work (Local 103).	Traffic congestion, especially around the I-93/Rt. 128 interchange.
Stable long-term growth (11% projected).	Winters can be tough for outdoor work.

Final Recommendation: Quincy is an excellent choice for a licensed journeyman electrician (or a determined apprentice) who is willing to specialize, share housing costs initially, and leverage the proximity to Boston’s union-scale opportunities. It’s less ideal for a single-income family aiming to buy a home quickly. If you’re a hard worker with a long-term perspective, the financial and career rewards are very real.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Quincy?
Not strictly, but it’s highly recommended. While the MBTA Red Line covers parts of Quincy, many job sites (especially in industrial areas) are car-dependent. A car gives you flexibility to work on projects across the South Shore.

2. How long will it take me to get a Journeyman license?
Typically, it takes 4 years to complete the required 8,000 hours and 600 classroom hours. This timeline assumes you start an apprenticeship immediately and maintain steady work.

3. Is the union (IBEW Local 103) worth it in Quincy?
For many, yes. While union dues are a factor, the pay ($70+/hour vs. $30.62/hour median) and benefits (healthcare, pension) are far superior. The trade-off is less control over your schedule and a competitive entry process. It’s a personal choice based on your career goals.

4. What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship in Quincy?
Contact the IBEW Local 103 directly during their annual application window. If that doesn’t work, check the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards website for registered non-union apprenticeship programs and network with contractors like A&L Electric.

5. How does Quincy’s weather affect electrical work?
Winters (Nov-Mar) can be slow for outdoor residential wiring and some commercial jobs. However, interior renovations and maintenance work continue year-round. It’s wise to budget for some seasonal variation or use the downtime for training and certification.

Sources: Data compiled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Massachusetts State Board of Examiners of Electricians, IBEW Local 103 wage surveys, and local market rental and real estate listings (2023-2024).