Electrician in Roanoke, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Roanoke Stands

As a local who’s watched the Roanoke Valley grow up, I can tell you the job market for electricians here is stable, but it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. The data reflects a solid middle-class living that’s very achievable in this region. The median salary for an Electrician in Roanoke is $59,869/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.78/hour. That’s slightly under the national average of $61,550/year, but the cost of living here makes that salary go much further than it would in a major metro.

The Roanoke metro area has 291 jobs specifically for electricians, which indicates a steady demand. Over the next decade, the 10-year job growth is projected at 11%, which is about on par with the national average for skilled trades. This isn't booming growth, but it means the work isn't going away either. It's a reliable trade in a city that values reliable tradespeople.

To understand where you might fit in, let's look at the typical salary progression. These are estimates based on BLS data and local job postings, not the exact provided median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes for Roanoke
Entry-Level (0-2 years, Apprentice)	$40,000 - $50,000	Starting as a helper or apprentice. You'll be learning the ropes on local job sites, often in new residential subdivisions or commercial projects.
Mid-Level (3-7 years, Journeyman)	$55,000 - $65,000	This is where the median $59,869 sits. You're likely running jobs, managing small crews, and have your Virginia journeyman license.
Senior (8-15 years, Master Electrician)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Supervising major projects, estimating, and doing complex industrial or commercial work. This is where you start to see significant bonuses.
Expert/Owner (15+ years)	$90,000+	Running your own contracting business or a high-level specialist. This requires a master electrician license and business acumen.

How does Roanoke compare to other Virginia cities?

• Richmond and Northern Virginia (NOVA) pay more—often 10-20% higher—but your housing costs will be 50-100% higher. A $70k salary in Richmond doesn't stretch as far as $59,869 in Roanoke.
• Lynchburg and Blacksburg are similar in pay and cost of living, but Roanoke has a larger, more diverse job market due to the hospitals and manufacturing base.
• Insider Tip: The $28.78/hour rate is a benchmark. Union electricians (IBEW Local 666) can often command higher rates, especially on large commercial projects. It's worth inquiring if you're interested in union work.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

So, you're making $59,869. What does life actually look like? Let's break it down. We'll assume a filing status of "Single" and calculate take-home pay after federal, state (Virginia has a progressive income tax), and FICA taxes.

• Gross Annual Salary: $59,869
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,800
• Average 1BR Rent in Roanoke: $894/month
• Cost of Living Index: 90.9 (US avg = 100) – meaning it's about 9% cheaper to live here than the national average.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$894	This is the city average. You can find cheaper ($750) in less desirable areas or more expensive ($1,200+) in trendy spots like Downtown or the Grandin area.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Roanoke’s climate means higher electric bills in peak summer/winter. Your trade knowledge might help you optimize here.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	You will need a reliable vehicle. Commutes are generally short, but it's not a walkable city.
Groceries	$350	Roanoke has good grocery options (Kroger, Food Lion, farmers' markets).
Health Insurance	$200	If you're on an employer plan, your share will vary.
Miscellaneous (Eating Out, Gear, Savings)	$500	This includes incidentals and a modest savings contribution.
Total Monthly Expenses	$2,644
Remaining	~$1,156	This gives you a healthy buffer for savings, debt, or entertainment.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With a median home price in Roanoke around $240,000 (as of late 2023), a 20% down payment is $48,000. That's a stretch on a $59,869 salary, but not impossible with disciplined saving over a few years. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% on a $192,000 loan (after down payment) would be roughly $1,215 per month. That's higher than rent, but you're building equity. Many local lenders offer first-time homebuyer programs. A dual-income household makes this much easier. As a single person on the median wage, homeownership is an achievable goal with planning, not a given.

Where the Jobs Are: Roanoke's Major Employers

Roanoke’s economy is a mix of healthcare, education, light manufacturing, and construction. The electrician jobs are spread across these sectors.

1. Carilion Clinic: The massive healthcare system is a constant source of work. They’re always expanding, renovating, or maintaining their facilities (Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Carilion Franklin Memorial in Floyd, etc.). They employ both in-house electricians and contract with local firms. Hiring is steady, and the work is often complex, involving backup generators, medical gas systems, and low-voltage data.

2. VA Carilion Clinic (VA Hospital): Located off Jefferson Street, this is a separate, significant employer that requires electricians familiar with federal contracting and strict regulations. It’s a source of stable, long-term projects.

3. Virginia Tech Transportation Research Institute (VTRI) & Local Government: The City of Roanoke and surrounding counties (Botetourt, Roanoke County) have ongoing public works projects—street lighting, traffic signals, municipal buildings. These jobs often come up for bid and are won by local contractors.

4. Manufacturers: Companies like Alpha Natural Resources (though downsized, maintenance work continues), Graham Packaging, and various smaller industrial plants in the Valley View and Lynchburg corridors need industrial electricians for maintenance and upgrades. This is where you can command a higher wage due to specialized skills.

5. General Contractors & Electrical Firms: The lifeblood of the trade. Local firms like Powers Electric, Beville Electric, and J. M. Roller & Company handle the bulk of residential and commercial work. Residential growth is happening in areas like Cave Spring and Hollins. Commercial work is concentrated downtown and in the South Roanoke area.

6. Appalachian Power (AEP): While not a direct electrician contractor, the utility is a major player. They hire for their own crews and use contractors for meter installations, grid maintenance, and storm response. Knowing someone here can lead to consistent subcontractor work.

Hiring Trends: The market is favoring electricians with low-voltage/data cabling experience (for smart homes and businesses) and those with OSHA 30 certification. There's also a push for green energy; solar panel installation is a growing niche, though it's still a small part of the market here.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia’s licensing is handled by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). It’s a structured, two-step process.

1. Virginia Journeyman Electrician License:

   • Requirements: You need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician, plus 240 hours of classroom instruction. Apprenticeship programs (like the one with the IBEW Local 666 or through Western Virginia Community College) are the most common paths.
   • Exam: Pass the PSI examination for Virginia Journeyman Electrician.
   • Cost: Exam fee is ~$125, plus application fee. Total initial cost is usually under $500.
   • Timeline: This typically takes 4 years as a registered apprentice. You can start working right away as an apprentice helper.

2. Virginia Master Electrician License:

   • Requirements: Hold a journeyman license for at least 5 years, plus additional experience (often 10,000+ total hours). You must also pass the Master Electrician exam.
   • Exam: More complex, covering business and law as well as advanced technical knowledge.
   • Cost: Exam and application fees are higher, ~$300+.
   • Timeline: Realistically, 7-10 years total in the trade from starting as an apprentice to obtaining your Master license.

Insider Tip: The Virginia Board for Contractors also issues licenses for the business itself (e.g., Class A, B, C). If you plan to start your own shop, you'll need that in addition to your personal electrician license. Don't skip this step—it's a major fine risk.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Living in Roanoke is about choosing your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s take:

1. Cave Spring (SW Roanoke): The quintessential suburbs. Great for families, with good schools (Cave Spring Elementary is top-rated). Most electricians with families live here or in Hollins. Commute to most job sites is 15-25 minutes. Expect to pay $1,200 - $1,500 for a 3BR rental or a mortgage on a ~$300k home. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400 for a 2BR apartment.

2. Downtown/South Roanoke: Walkable, with restaurants, coffee shops, and the Mill Mountain Theatre. Popular with younger professionals. Commute is a breeze—most jobs are nearby. Parking can be tricky for work trucks. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400 for a 1BR or loft.

3. Hollins (Just Outside City Limits): A mix of older homes, new subdivisions, and the Hollins College campus. Slightly lower cost of living than Cave Spring, with a 20-25 minute commute to downtown. Good for buying a starter home. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 2BR.

4. Grandin Village: A trendy, historic area with a strong community feel. Close to the Greenway and Roanoke River. You’ll find a lot of older homes needing renovation and electrical upgrades—perfect for a side hustle. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300 for a 1BR/2BR.

5. Botetourt County (Fincastle, Troutville): If you want more land and a quieter life, this is it. 30-40 minute commute, but property is cheaper. Many electricians who work in the industrial parks or do residential work in the suburbs live here. Rent Estimate: Harder to find rentals; buying is more common. A 3BR house might rent for $1,400 - $1,700.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in residential service work will keep you at the median salary. To break out, you need specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Low-Voltage/Data: +$2-5/hour. Essential for modern commercial and smart home work.
  • Industrial/Maintenance: +$5-10/hour. Working in manufacturing plants like Graham Packaging or for industrial contractors.
  • Fire Alarm/Security Systems: Requires separate certification but commands a higher rate.
  • Solar/High-Voltage: Still niche in Roanoke, but with the push for renewable energy, this is where future growth is.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Tech: Troubleshoot and repair. Requires deep knowledge.
  2. Project Foreman: Lead a crew on a construction site.
  3. Estimator: Work in an office, calculating bids for large projects.
  4. Business Owner: The ultimate goal. The 10-year job growth of 11% means more small businesses, not necessarily more giant companies.

• 10-Year Outlook: The aging workforce is a huge factor. Many master electricians are retiring. This creates a vacuum for skilled journeymen to step into supervisory and ownership roles. The 291 jobs will likely grow to 320+, but competition for the best roles (with Carilion, for example) will be based on certifications and specialization. Your network will be your most valuable asset.

The Verdict: Is Roanoke Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $59,869 salary goes much further here than in Richmond or NOVA.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are capped. You won't see the $120k+ salaries common in DC or Northern Virginia without owning a business.
Stable Job Market: A diverse employer base (healthcare, education, manufacturing) provides resilience.	Slower Pace: This is a "slow and steady" city. If you crave constant, rapid growth and big city energy, it might feel too quiet.
Manageable Commutes: You can live in the suburbs and be at work in 20 minutes.	Limited Nightlife/Events: Great for families, but single professionals might find the social scene limited compared to larger cities.
Strong Trade Community: A network of local contractors, unions (IBEW Local 666), and trade schools.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable car. Public transit exists but isn't robust for trade work.
Natural Beauty: The Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail are minutes away. Great for work-life balance.	Weather: Winters can be icy, summers humid. Roads can be challenging for a work truck.

Final Recommendation:
Roanoke is an excellent choice for electricians who value stability, affordability, and quality of life over chasing the highest possible salary. It's a place to build a career, buy a home, and raise a family. If you're ambitious and specialize, you can build a very comfortable living. It's not the place for a 25-year-old looking to become a millionaire overnight in a cutthroat startup environment. For a skilled tradesperson who wants a balanced, manageable life with solid earning potential, Roanoke is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. How do I find an apprenticeship in Roanoke?
Start with the Western Virginia Community College (WVCC) Electrical Technology program or contact the IBEW Local 666 in Roanoke. Also, call local contractors directly—many take on apprentices without formal programs. Persistence is key.

2. Is Roanoke a union town?
It has a presence. IBEW Local 666 covers the area. Union work is common on large commercial and institutional projects (hospitals, schools). Non-union residential and small commercial work is plentiful. It's not a deeply unionized city like Pittsburgh, but both sides are respected.

3. What's the biggest challenge for new electricians here?
Getting your first 1-2 years of experience to become "useful" to contractors. The market is stable but competitive for apprentices. Getting your foot in the door is the hardest part. Having a clean driving record and being reliable is more valuable than any initial skill.

4. Can I work in Roanoke with a license from another state?
Virginia does not have reciprocity with many states. You will likely need to take the Virginia exam, though your hours may transfer. Contact the Virginia DPOR directly to evaluate your specific situation.

5. What's the job market like for self-employed electricians?
Good, but it requires business skills. There's less competition than in bigger cities, and word-of-mouth is powerful. The key is building a reputation in a specific niche (e.g., home remodels in Grandin, service calls in Cave Spring). Start small and grow steadily.