Electrician in Scranton, PA

The Salary Picture: Where Scranton Stands

As someone who's watched the electrician trade in Scranton for years, the first thing you need to know is that the pay is solid for the region, but it won't make you rich overnight. The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre metro area has a unique economy, and electricians here are essential to both its aging industrial infrastructure and its newer healthcare and commercial sectors.

Let's get straight to the numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for an electrician in Scranton is $60,257/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.97/hour. This is just slightly below the national average of $61,550/year. The metro area has 227 jobs for electricians, with a projected 10-year job growth of 11%, which is slightly healthier than the national average for the trade. This growth is driven by the ongoing need to maintain older buildings, new construction in healthcare facilities, and the push for energy-efficient upgrades.

It's important to understand that this median figure encompasses all experience levels. Your actual take-home depends heavily on your specialty, the union you belong to (if any), and the specific contractor you work for. Scranton is heavily unionized in the construction trades, which can significantly influence pay and benefits.

Experience-Level Breakdown Table

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary (Scranton)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level/Journeyman	0-4 years	$45,000 - $55,000	Residential wiring, conduit bending, basic commercial installs under supervision.
Mid-Level	5-10 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Leading small crews, troubleshooting complex systems, commercial/industrial projects.
Senior/Lead Electrician	10-15 years	$68,000 - $80,000+	Project management, estimating, mentoring apprentices, specializing in controls or data.
Expert/Foreman	15+ years	$80,000 - $95,000+	Running large job sites, business development, consulting for utilities or large firms.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local trade discussions and BLS percentiles, not the median figure provided earlier.

How Scranton Compares to Other PA Cities

Scranton's salary is respectable when you consider the cost of living. Here’s how it stacks up:

City	Median Salary (Electrician)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Power
Scranton-Wilkes-Barre	$60,257	93.0	Excellent
Philadelphia	$71,250	101.4	Good
Pittsburgh	$65,800	97.3	Very Good
Allentown	$63,400	96.1	Good
Harrisburg	$62,100	95.2	Good

Salary data sourced from BLS, cost of living from Sperling's BestPlaces.

Scranton's lower cost of living means your dollar goes further here than in Philadelphia or even Pittsburgh. A $60,257 salary in Scranton provides a similar or better lifestyle than a $70,000 salary in a more expensive metro. This is a key advantage for tradespeople looking to build equity or start a family.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. How does a salary of $60,257 actually play out in Scranton? We'll break it down monthly, factoring in taxes, rent, and other essential costs.

Assumptions:

• Gross Salary: $60,257/year ($5,021/month)
• Taxes (Est.): ~22% (Federal + State + FICA) = $1,105/month
• Net Take-Home: ~$3,916/month
• Average 1BR Rent: $854/month (citywide average)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200/month
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Scranton): $450/month
• Groceries & Personal: $500/month
• Retirement/Health Savings (6% of gross): $301/month
• Remaining for discretionary, debt, savings: ~$1,611/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$854	Scranton is very affordable for renters.
Utilities	$200	Scranton Natural Gas and PPL Electric are the main providers.
Transportation	$450	A car is a must; insurance is moderately priced.
Groceries	$500	Shop at Wegmans, Giant, or local markets like the Scranton Public Market.
Taxes (Est.)	$1,105	Varies by filing status; PA has a flat 3.07% income tax.
Retirement/Savings	$301	Strongly recommended; union pensions are also common.
Discretionary	$1,611	For dining out, entertainment, hobbies, or extra savings.
Total	$4,030	Leaves a small buffer or allows for more aggressive savings.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely, yes. This is where Scranton truly shines for an electrician. With a take-home of nearly $3,916/month and a median home price in the Scranton area around $180,000 - $220,000, homeownership is very accessible.

• Scenario: A $200,000 home with a 5% down payment ($10,000) on a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment (PITI - Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) of approximately $1,550 - $1,650.
• Affordability Check: This mortgage payment is roughly 40% of the net take-home, which is higher than the ideal 30%, but still manageable given the low cost of other essentials. Many electricians in the area own homes, often in neighborhoods like West Side or South Side, where prices are even more reasonable. With the $1,611/month discretionary budget, you can comfortably cover the mortgage while still saving. First-time homebuyer programs in Lackawanna County can also help with down payment assistance.

Where the Jobs Are: Scranton's Major Employers

Scranton's job market for electricians is diverse, blending large union contractors with specialized firms. The hiring trends are steady, with a strong demand for journeymen and apprentices, particularly in commercial and industrial work.

1. A. P. O’Malley, Inc. (Union Contractor): A cornerstone of local electrical work for decades. They handle major commercial, institutional, and industrial projects. They are a primary employer for IBEW Local 1319 members. Hiring is often through the union hall, but they maintain a direct workforce as well. They are heavily involved in projects at places like the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine and local manufacturing plants.

2. Crown Electric (Non-Union & Commercial): A significant player in the region, Crown focuses on commercial, institutional, and healthcare projects. They are known for bidding on larger jobs and often need journeymen with commercial experience. They are a great option for electricians looking for non-union but stable, project-based work.

3. Geisinger Health System: As one of the largest employers in Northeastern PA, Geisinger has a massive facilities department. They maintain their own team of in-house electricians for their hospitals (like Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton) and clinics. These are salaried positions with excellent benefits. The work is focused on critical care environments, medical equipment wiring, and energy management.

4. The University of Scranton: A stable employer with a facilities team that handles everything from historic building maintenance in O'Hara Hall to new construction on campus. The work is varied and often involves working in a beautiful, secure environment. They hire both union and non-union electricians for full-time positions.

5. Wilkes-Barre Scrap & Iron (Industrial/Maintenance): Located just south of Scranton, this facility requires electricians for heavy equipment maintenance, crane wiring, and plant power systems. This is an industrial niche that pays well and offers a different pace from typical construction. Hiring is direct and often seeks experienced troubleshooters.

6. Local IBEW 1319 Hall: While not an "employer," the hall is the primary hiring channel for union electrical work in the area. They dispatch electricians to various signatory contractors. For a union electrician moving to Scranton, this is your first stop. The hall manages apprenticeship programs and can provide leads on upcoming major projects, like the expansion of the Scranton Technology Center.

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a noticeable push towards renewable energy and smart building installations. Electricians with experience in solar panel wiring, EV charger installation, or building automation systems (BAS) are increasingly sought after by both contractors and institutional employers like Geisinger and the University.

Getting Licensed in PA

Pennsylvania has a clear but strict licensing process managed by the Department of Labor & Industry (L&I). It's not an optional step; you must be licensed to work as an electrician in the state.

State-Specific Requirements and Costs

The path is the same across PA, including Scranton. You cannot legally pull permits or work as a "master" or "journeyman" electrician without the proper credentials.

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a 4-5 year IBEW or non-union apprenticeship program (typically 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction).
2. Examination: Pass the journeyman electrician exam administered by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) or a similar state-approved provider. The exam is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC).
3. Licensure: Apply for your Journeyman Electrician License through the PA L&I. You'll need to provide proof of your apprenticeship completion and exam results.
4. Costs:
   • Apprenticeship Tuition: Varies. IBEW programs are often free or very low-cost due to union funding. Non-union programs can cost $5,000 - $10,000 over the full term.
   • Exam Fee: Approximately $100 - $200.
   • Licensing Fee: Approximately $50 - $100 (this fee is set by the state and subject to change).

Insider Tip: The IBEW Local 1319 apprenticeship is highly competitive and prestigious. If you're interested in union work, apply directly through their hall. The non-union path is also viable and often has more immediate openings for apprentices.

Timeline to Get Started

• If you're already a licensed journeyman in another state: You must apply for reciprocity through the PA L&I. This typically requires proof of your license, exam scores, and may involve a review of your experience. The process can take 4-8 weeks. You may need to take a short course on PA-specific code amendments.
• If you're starting from scratch (Apprentice): The full timeline is 4-5 years from the start of your apprenticeship to holding a journeyman license. You can start working as an apprentice immediately upon acceptance into a program.
• If you're moving with experience but not as a journeyman: You'll need to have your prior experience evaluated by the state. You may be able to test out of parts of the apprenticeship, but you will still need to complete the exam and licensure process.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Scranton is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character. Your choice depends on commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s take:

1. West Side: The Best All-Around Choice. This is where many tradespeople and young families live. It's safe, has good schools, and offers a mix of older homes and newer developments. Commute to job sites in the city center or to major employers like Geisinger is easy (10-15 mins). Rent Estimate: A 1BR apartment runs $800 - $950; small single-family homes can be found for $900 - $1,200/month to rent.
2. Scranton's "Hill" Section (North Scranton): For the Budget-Conscious. This area has a working-class history, plenty of duplexes, and more affordable housing. It's close to the I-81 corridor for quick commutes to industrial jobs in Dunmore or Dickson City. The vibe is unpretentious and the rent is low. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartments are readily available for $700 - $850.
3. Downtown/Center City: For the Urbanite. If you want to walk to restaurants, bars, and cultural venues like The Lackawanna College FLEURY Center, this is the spot. It's ideal for a young electrician who doesn't want a long commute and is okay with a smaller living space. Parking can be a challenge. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartments range from $900 - $1,200.
4. South Side: The Up-and-Coming Area. South Scranton is seeing revitalization, with new businesses and a growing arts scene. It's more diverse and has a mix of older row homes and new apartments. Commute is excellent to downtown and the I-81/I-476 interchange. Rent Estimate: A solid 1BR can be found for $750 - $950.
5. Clarks Summit / South Abington (Just Outside City): For a Quieter, Suburban Feel. If you have a family and want more space, this borough is 10-15 minutes north of Scranton. It has excellent schools, more modern housing stock, and a quieter pace. The commute to Scranton is straightforward via the Providence Road Extension. Rent Estimate: 1BR apartments are less common; you're looking at renting a house or duplex starting at $1,100+/month.

The Long Game: Career Growth

An electrician in Scranton has a clear, rewarding career path, especially if you're strategic about specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial & Controls: Electricians who can program PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and work on automated systems in plants like those near the Scranton Industrial Park command a premium. This can add $5 - $10/hour to your base rate.
  • Low-Voltage & Data: With the growth of tech and healthcare, skills in fiber optics, security systems, and building automation are valuable. This is a growing niche.
  • Solar & Renewables: As PA pushes for alternative energy, electricians certified in solar PV installation can tap into a new revenue stream, both as employees and contractors.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman -> Project Foreman: Move from hands-on work to managing crews, budgets, and client communication. Requires strong organizational skills.
  2. Project Foreman -> Project Manager: For larger contractors. Involves bidding, estimating, and overseeing multiple projects. Often requires a business or associate's degree.
  3. Journeyman -> Estimator/Designer: A great path for those who prefer office work. Uses your field experience to create blueprints and material lists.
  4. Start Your Own Business: Scranton has a strong market for small electrical contractors, especially for residential service work and small commercial jobs. The low cost of living means you can save money to fund a startup.

• 10-Year Outlook: With 11% job growth, the outlook is positive. The key will be adapting to new technologies. The retirements of older electricians will create openings. The biggest growth areas will be in maintenance for healthcare facilities (Geisinger), energy efficiency upgrades for older buildings, and the installation of EV charging infrastructure. An electrician who is proficient in both the NEC and modern building systems will be in high demand.

The Verdict: Is Scranton Right for You?

Scranton isn't a glamorous, fast-paced city. It's a hard-working, affordable, and community-oriented place. For an electrician, it offers a fantastic quality of life and solid career prospects.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $60,257 salary goes much further here than in most metros.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It's a quiet city. If you need big-city amenities, you'll be driving to Philadelphia or NYC.
Strong Job Market (for trades): Steady demand from healthcare, education, and industry.	Slower Pace of Change: The city can be resistant to rapid development.
Accessible Homeownership: You can buy a home on an electrician's salary.	Winters are Long and Gray: Be prepared for snow and cold from November to March.
Union Strength: IBEW 1319 provides good benefits, pensions, and wage standards.	Car is a Necessity: Public transit is limited; you need a vehicle.