Electrician in Salina, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Salina Stands

If you're an electrician eyeing Salina, Kansas, the first question is about the wallet. Let’s cut right to the numbers. The median salary for an electrician in the Salina metropolitan area is $59,334 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.53 per hour. For context, the national average for electricians sits at $61,550, meaning Salina offers a paycheck that’s just slightly below the U.S. norm. However, the real story isn’t in the raw number, but in the cost of living. With a metro population of 46,432 and a cost of living index of 88.0 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollar stretches significantly further here than it would in a coastal city or even Kansas City.

The job market is active but not flooded. There are approximately 139 electrician jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is a solid 11%. This growth is driven by new residential developments, commercial renovations in the downtown corridor, and maintenance needs in Salina’s expansive industrial and healthcare sectors. It’s a stable market for a skilled tradesperson.

To understand where you’d fit financially, experience is key. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on your years in the trade:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Annual Salary Estimate (Salina)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level Journeyman	3-7 years	$58,000 - $67,000
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$68,000 - $80,000
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$80,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the median salary and local market trends. Union positions (IBEW Local 226) and specialized roles (e.g., industrial controls, data cabling) can command higher premiums.

How does Salina stack up against other Kansas cities? It’s a more affordable proposition than the state's larger hubs. For instance, electrician salaries in Wichita and Kansas City are often 5-15% higher, but the cost of living, particularly housing, is dramatically steeper. Salina offers a "sweet spot" for electricians who prioritize a lower mortgage or rent payment over a marginally higher gross income.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $59,334 salary in Salina doesn't just buy comfort—it buys space. Let's break down the monthly budget for a single electrician earning the median wage, assuming a standard tax deduction for a single filer.

• Gross Monthly Income: $59,334 / 12 = $4,944.50
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% = $1,087.79
• Net Monthly Income: $3,856.71

Now, factor in the local rental market. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Salina is $792 per month. This leaves you with $3,064.71 for all other expenses—a very healthy margin.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Mid-Level Electrician)

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$792	Can range from $650 to $950+ depending on neighborhood.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$300	Salina's municipal utilities are relatively affordable.
Groceries & Household	$450
Transportation (Fuel, Insurance, Maintainence)	$400	With a 15-20 minute commute common, costs are manageable.
Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored)	$300	Varies by employer; many trades shops offer group plans.
Retirement Savings (e.g., 401k)	$500	Aim for 10% of gross income for long-term security.
Discretionary/Entertainment	$500	Dining out, hobbies, etc.
Total Monthly Expenses	$3,242
Remaining Buffer	$614.71	For unexpected costs, extra savings, or debt payoff.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $614 monthly surplus after a comfortable rental budget, you're in a strong position to save for a down payment. The median home price in Salina County hovers around $180,000-$220,000. A 20% down payment on a $200,000 home is $40,000. At a savings rate of $800/month (renting a cheaper apartment or tightening your budget), you could save that in just over four years. A 15-year mortgage at current rates (around 6.5%) on a $160,000 loan (after a $40k down payment) would be roughly $1,350/month, including taxes and insurance. This is very achievable on a $59,334 salary, especially with a partner's income or as your career advances.

Where the Jobs Are: Salina's Major Employers

Salina's economy is a mix of healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics. Electricians are in constant demand to install, maintain, and repair systems in these sectors. You won't find a single dominating employer but rather a healthy ecosystem of contractors and industrial facilities.

1. Schwan's Company (now part of Tyson Foods): While the headquarters has moved, Salina remains a major production and logistics hub for frozen foods. The facilities require extensive electrical work, from high-voltage manufacturing equipment to climate control systems. They often hire industrial electricians directly or through contractors.
2. Salina Regional Health Center (SRHC): The largest employer in the region. Hospitals require constant electrical maintenance, upgrades for new medical equipment, and compliance with strict codes. This is a source for stable, long-term maintenance positions.
3. Barton Community College: With a campus in Salina, the college undertakes regular facility upgrades and new construction projects. These are prime opportunities for commercial electricians to work on institutional jobs.
4. Various Manufacturing Companies: Salina hosts numerous manufacturers, including Nordic Cold Storage and Cargill (a major agricultural processor). These facilities run 24/7 and rely on electricians to prevent costly downtime.
5. Commercial & Residential Contractors: The backbone of the job market. Firms like Hamm Electric, Inc., B&H Electric, and Central Electric Cooperative (which serves the wider region) are consistently hiring licensed electricians for new construction and service calls. Insider Tip: New housing developments in the Cedar Crest and Boulder Creek areas are a steady source of residential wiring jobs.
6. City of Salina: The municipal government, including the water treatment plant, public works, and the Salina Municipal Airport, employs electricians for public infrastructure maintenance.

Hiring Trend: There's a noticeable shift toward electricians who are proficient in both traditional wiring and modern low-voltage/structured cabling (for data, security, and automation). The rise of smart homes and businesses in Salina means electricians who can handle network cabling and home automation systems are more in demand and can command higher rates.

Getting Licensed in KS

Kansas has a clear, regulated path to becoming an electrician, administered by the Kansas State Board of Technical Professions (KSBTP). You cannot legally perform electrical work for hire without a license.

1. Apprentice Electrician (Active Trainee License):

• Requirements: You must be enrolled in a formal apprenticeship program (through the IBEW/Salt Lake Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee or a non-union program) or have a registered trainee agreement with the KSBTP. You need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
• Cost: Application fee is around $50, plus the cost of your apprenticeship (which is typically a mix of low-cost tuition and on-the-job training).
• Timeline: The apprenticeship lasts 4 years (8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction).

2. Journeyman Electrician License:

• Requirements: Must complete your apprenticeship and pass the National Electrical Code (NEC) exam administered by KSBTP.
• Cost: Exam fee is approximately $200. The license application fee is about $50. Total initial cost: ~$250.
• Timeline: You can take the exam once you've completed your apprenticeship hours. Processing takes a few weeks.

3. Master Electrician License:

• Requirements: Must hold a Journeyman license for a minimum of 2 years and pass the Master Electrician exam (which focuses on NEC, design, and business/law).
• Cost: Exam fee is approximately $250. License fee is $50.
• Timeline: At least 2 years post-journeyman, plus exam and processing time.

Insider Tip: The most common path in Kansas is the 4-year apprenticeship. The IBEW Local 226 (covering Salina and Hutchinson) offers a highly respected program. The cost is minimal compared to college tuition, you earn while you learn, and the job placement rate upon completion is excellent. Starting as an apprentice immediately puts you on the track to a $59,334+ salary.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Salina impacts your commute, lifestyle, and housing costs. As a tradesperson, you likely need good highway access (I-135/US-81) and a garage for your tools and truck.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Electricians
Downtown / Historic	Walkable, urban, older buildings. 5-10 min drive to most jobs.	$800 - $1,100	Proximity to commercial renovation projects. Charming lofts in converted warehouses. Limited parking can be a challenge.
North Salina	Quiet, residential, established. 10-15 min commute via US-81.	$700 - $850	Affordable, family-friendly with good schools. Easy access to industrial parks on the north side.
South Salina / Lakewood	Suburban, newer developments, close to the airport. 10-20 min commute.	$850 - $1,000	Newer homes mean more new construction wiring jobs. Modern apartment complexes. Great for young professionals.
East Salina (near I-135)	Mixed-use, commercial strips, newer apartments. 5-15 min commute.	$750 - $900	Excellent highway access for service calls across the region. Many strip malls and commercial buildings needing upgrades.
West Salina (near I-70)	Industrial and older residential. 10-25 min commute.	$650 - $800	Close to major logistics corridors (I-70/US-40). More affordable rents. Less "polished" but practical for a tradesperson.

Insider Tip: If you're an independent contractor, consider renting a house with a garage or a small workshop space in North or West Salina. The extra space for a work van and tools is worth the slightly longer commute. Many electricians live in these areas and run their businesses effectively.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying at the median salary means you're doing well, but growth is where the real financial security lies. Salina offers several paths to increase your earnings beyond the $59,334 median.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial Controls & PLC Programming: Electricians who can troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and automated systems are rare and highly valued in manufacturing plants like Schwan's or Cargill. This can add $10,000-$20,000 to your annual salary.
  • Low-Voltage / Data Cabling: As businesses modernize, the demand for structured cabling (Ethernet, fiber optics, security cameras) is booming. This skill set can open doors in commercial construction and IT services.
  • Solar Installation: While a smaller market, the push for renewable energy is growing. Kansas has net metering, and a Master Electrician with solar certification can tap into a niche, higher-paying market.
  • Estimating & Project Management: Moving from the field to the office is a common path. Senior electricians who learn to bid jobs, manage crews, and handle client relations can see salaries jump to the $80,000-$100,000+ range.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman to Master Electrician: The license itself is a career upgrade, allowing you to pull permits and run your own business.
  2. Field to Office: Transition to a project manager, estimator, or sales role within a contracting firm.
  3. Start Your Own Business: Salina is a great town for small business owners. A reputable, one- or two-truck operation can be very profitable given the steady demand and lower overhead.

• 10-Year Outlook: The projected 11% job growth is promising. As the existing workforce ages and new technologies (smart grids, electric vehicles) require specialized installations, skilled electricians will remain in high demand. Continuous education on the latest NEC codes and renewable energy standards will be key to staying ahead.

The Verdict: Is Salina Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $59,334 salary goes much further than in larger cities.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: Fewer cultural events, major concerts, or high-end dining options.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Multiple employers in healthcare, agriculture, and industry provide job security.	Weather: Kansas winters can be harsh, and spring storms bring the risk of tornadoes. Outdoor work can be challenging.
Short Commutes: Most jobs are within a 15-20 minute drive, saving time and fuel.	Smaller Network: The professional network for electricians is tight-knit, which is good but can be limiting for those seeking constant change.
Good Work-Life Balance: The pace is generally less frantic than in major metros. Weekends are for you.	Political & Social Climate: Kansas is a deeply conservative state, which may not align with everyone's personal values.
Path to Homeownership: A realistic and achievable goal for a tradesperson here.	Growth Ceiling: While you can make a very good living, the absolute top-end salaries for electricians are found in larger metro areas.

Final Recommendation: Salina is an excellent choice for electricians who are homeownership-focused, value a lower-stress lifestyle, and appreciate a strong sense of community. It's ideal for apprentices starting their careers, journeymen looking to settle down and buy a house, or experienced electricians seeking a slower pace without sacrificing professional opportunities. If you're a single electrician in your 20s seeking a vibrant nightlife and endless entertainment, it might feel too quiet. But for a practical, data-driven career move, Salina offers one of the best balances of salary, cost of living, and job stability in the Midwest.

FAQs

1. What's the difference between a union and non-union electrician in Salina?
In Salina, the main union is IBEW Local 226. Union electricians typically have a structured apprenticeship, set wage scales (often higher than non-union), and excellent benefits (pension, health insurance). Non-union shops offer more flexibility and can sometimes be more responsive to hiring independent contractors. Both paths are valid; it often comes down to personal preference and the specific contractor you want to work for.

2. How long does it take to get licensed as an electrician in Kansas?
From the start of your apprenticeship to obtaining your Journeyman license, expect a 4-year timeline. This includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and passing the state exam. If you start as a trainee without a formal program, it may take longer.

3. Is Salina a good place to start my own electrical business?
Yes, Salina is a fantastic town for small business owners. The low overhead, steady demand from the aging housing stock and new developments, and the supportive local business community (via the Salina Chamber of Commerce) make it feasible. The key is building a reputation for quality work and reliability.

4. What's the biggest challenge for electricians working in Salina?
The biggest challenge can be the weather. Winters are cold and can make outdoor wiring and service calls difficult. Spring and summer bring intense heat and the potential for severe thunderstorms and tornadoes, which can lead to emergency call-outs. Being prepared for all seasons is part of the job.

5. How does the cost of living index of 88.0 actually benefit me?
This index, where 100 is the U.S. average, means that overall, your expenses in Salina are about 12% lower than the national average. The biggest savings are in housing (rents and home prices are well below national norms) and transportation. This effectively increases your purchasing power, making a $59,334 salary feel more like a **$67