Electrician in Tempe, AZ

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Electricians considering a move to Tempe, AZ.

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The Salary Picture: Where Tempe Stands

As someone who’s watched the Arizona job market for years, I can tell you that Tempe’s compensation for electricians is competitive, especially when you consider the local cost of living. The city’s median salary for electricians sits at $62,565/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.08/hour. While this is modestly above the national average of $61,550/year, the real story is in the demand. With 569 jobs currently listed in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 11%, the market is stable and expanding—driven largely by the relentless residential and commercial construction in the East Valley.

To give you a clearer picture of your earning potential, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These figures are based on local job postings and industry surveys, reflecting the typical progression in the Phoenix metro area.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Context in Tempe
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $55,000	Starting pay for apprentices or recently licensed journeyman. Often begins with commercial construction outfits.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$62,000 - $72,000	This is where the median salary lands. You'll find journeyman electricians with steady commercial or industrial experience.
Senior (8-15 years)	$75,000 - $90,000+	Typically involves specialization (e.g., data centers, solar) or supervisory roles. Often includes overtime and project bonuses.
Expert (15+ years)	$95,000 - $120,000+	Master electricians, project managers, or niche specialists. Common with large-scale industrial or utility contractors.

How does this stack up against other Arizona cities? Tempe sits in a sweet spot. It trails slightly behind the high wages in Tucson and the booming industrial corridors of Phoenix, but it beats out more rural markets like Prescott or Yuma. The key advantage here is the density of work. You don’t have to commute far for a job site, which saves on both time and fuel—a tangible benefit when you’re running your own service calls.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the numbers that matter: your monthly take-home pay. Using the median salary of $62,565/year, your gross monthly income is about $5,213. After federal taxes, Arizona state taxes (which have a flat rate of 2.5%), and FICA, your net monthly take-home pay is roughly $4,150.

Now, factor in the rent. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Tempe is $1,424/month. That’s about 34% of your net income—higher than the recommended 30%, but manageable for a single person without major debt.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an electrician earning the median salary:

Category	Amount	Notes
Net Monthly Income	$4,150	After taxes and deductions.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,424	Tempe average.
Utilities (Est.)	$200	Electricity, gas, water, internet. Higher in summer due to A/C.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Essential for commuting to job sites.
Fuel & Maintenance	$150	Gas prices in Tempe hover around the national average.
Groceries & Household	$350	Based on single-person household.
Health Insurance	$200	If not fully covered by employer.
Retirement/Savings	$400	10% of net pay; critical for long-term stability.
Discretionary Spending	$1,026	Remaining for dining out, entertainment, etc.

This budget leaves a comfortable cushion, but buying a home on this single income is challenging. The median home price in Tempe is approximately $425,000. With a 20% down payment ($85,000), a standard 30-year mortgage at current rates would cost around $2,100/month in principal and interest alone—over 50% of your net pay. While possible with a dual income or significant savings, homeownership is a longer-term goal for most electricians at this salary level in Tempe.

Where the Jobs Are: Tempe's Major Employers

Tempe’s employment landscape for electricians is uniquely tied to three sectors: technology, education, and construction. The presence of Arizona State University (ASU) and major corporate tenants creates a steady demand for both installation and maintenance electricians.

1. Arizona Public Service (APS): As Arizona’s largest electric utility, APS has a major presence in the Metro Phoenix area. They hire electricians for grid maintenance, substation work, and new service installations. These are often unionized positions with excellent benefits and pension plans. Hiring tends to be cyclical, with more openings during the summer peak demand season.

2. DPR Construction: A national firm with a strong Phoenix office, DPR is heavily involved in building the data centers that populate Tempe’s southern corridors. They specialize in complex electrical systems for tech clients. This is a great employer for electricians interested in high-voltage, mission-critical projects. Look for job postings for “Data Center Electricians” or “Electrical Foremen.”

3. Arizona State University (ASU): The university is a city-within-a-city, with a constant need for electricians for campus maintenance, new building projects (like the expansive Walton Center for Planetary Health), and event wiring. These jobs offer stable hours, good benefits, and a less physically demanding environment than new construction. Check the ASU Human Resources site for “Facilities Electrician” positions.

4. Mesa Electric: A large, locally-owned electrical contractor serving the entire East Valley, including Tempe. They handle a mix of commercial, industrial, and residential service work. This is a classic “foot-in-the-door” employer for new journeymen, offering a wide variety of job site experiences. They are known for hiring apprentices and promoting from within.

5. SunPower by Stellar Solar: With Arizona’s abundant sunshine, the solar industry is a major employer. Stellar Solar, based in the Phoenix metro, specializes in residential and commercial solar installations. Electricians with NABCEP certification or experience in PV systems are in high demand here, and the pay often includes performance-based bonuses.

6. Intel (Ocotillo Campus): While technically in Chandler, Intel’s massive fabrication plant is a 10-minute drive from Tempe. They employ hundreds of electricians for facility maintenance, cleanroom electrical systems, and ongoing expansion projects. These jobs require a high level of precision and often involve working in controlled environments. The hiring process is rigorous, but the compensation and benefits are top-tier.

Insider Tip: The best jobs often aren’t posted on national boards. Join the Local 640 IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) union hall. They are the primary source for commercial and industrial jobs in the Phoenix metro, and many of the best contractors here are signatory to the union. It’s the most reliable path to high-paying, steady work.

Getting Licensed in AZ

Arizona has a clear but strict path to licensure, regulated by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). You cannot legally perform electrical work for hire without a license.

For Journeyman Electricians: You need 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician, plus 288 hours of classroom instruction. After verification, you can apply for the journeyman exam.

For Master Electricians: This is required to pull permits and run your own business. You need 2 years (4,000 hours) as a licensed journeyman, plus an additional 144 hours of classroom instruction. Passing the Master Electrician exam is the final step.

Costs and Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Program (e.g., IBEW Local 640): 5 years, earns a wage while you learn. Highly recommended.
• Independent Study/Trade School: Costs range from $2,000 - $5,000 for pre-apprenticeship training.
• Exam Fees: Journeyman exam fee is approximately $120. Master exam fee is $150.
• License Application Fee (Commercial Contractor): $500 (required if starting your own business).

The total time from starting as an apprentice to becoming a Master Electrician can be 6-8 years, but the investment pays off significantly in earning potential and autonomy.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Tempe impacts your commute to job sites, which can vary from downtown skyscrapers to industrial parks in the south. Here are four neighborhoods that offer a good balance for working electricians.

1. Broadmor (South Tempe): This is a classic, established neighborhood close to the ASU campus and the I-10 freeway. It’s centrally located, meaning you can get to most job sites in 15-20 minutes. The homes are older (1950s-70s), which means a constant need for electrical panel upgrades and rewiring—perfect for service electricians. Rent for a 1BR is around $1,350/month.
2. The Lakes (South Tempe): Slightly more upscale, this area is near the Tempe Town Lake and has easy access to the Loop 202. It’s popular with young professionals. Commutes to the industrial areas south of the airport are very short. The area has a mix of apartments and condos, with 1BR rents averaging $1,550/month.
3. Downtown Tempe: Ideal for the electrician who works on commercial office fit-outs, entertainment venues, or the university. You can often bike or walk to work. The downside is parking and noise. It’s the most expensive option, with 1BR apartments in new complexes going for $1,700+/month. Best for those who value a walkable, vibrant lifestyle.
4. Carson (West Tempe): This neighborhood borders the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and offers more affordable housing. It’s a straight shot down Rural Road to the major employment hubs in Chandler (Intel, Microchip). Commute times are consistent. Rents are closer to the city average, around $1,300/month, offering better affordability.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 11% is promising, but smart electricians don’t just ride the wave—they steer it. Specialization is the key to moving from the median salary toward the $90,000+ tier.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Data Center Electrical: Electricians with experience in 480V+ systems, UPS, and generator integration can command a 15-20% premium over standard commercial rates.
  • Solar/PV Installation: With Arizona’s renewable energy goals, certified solar electricians are constantly in demand. This field often includes commissioning and maintenance work, which is less seasonal than installation.
  • Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems: This is a niche that requires specific certifications but offers stable, recurring inspection and maintenance contracts.
  • Industrial Controls/VFDs: Electricians who understand motor controls and variable frequency drives are invaluable in manufacturing plants like Intel or Microchip.

Career Advancement Paths:

1. Field to Management: Start as a journeyman, become a foreman, then a project manager. This path requires strong organizational skills and knowledge of blueprints and budgeting.
2. Specialist to Consultant: Master a niche like data centers or solar, then move into a sales or consulting role for a manufacturer (e.g., Schneider Electric, Siemens).
3. Entrepreneur: After getting your Master Electrician license and contractor’s bond, start your own residential service company. Tempe’s aging housing stock guarantees steady work for panel upgrades, re-wires, and troubleshooting.

10-Year Outlook: The growth in data centers, university expansion, and general population means the demand for skilled electricians will remain strong. However, the rise of smart home technology and integrated building systems means that continued education will be critical. Electricians who also learn basic networking and low-voltage systems will have a significant edge.

The Verdict: Is Tempe Right for You?

Tempe offers a solid, stable career path for electricians, particularly those who are early in their career or looking to specialize in high-growth fields like data centers and solar. The pay is competitive against the cost of living, and the job market is diverse.

Pros	Cons
Strong, Diverse Job Market: From residential service to high-tech industrial.	Summers are Brutal: Working in attics or on rooftops in 110°F+ heat is physically demanding.
No State Income Tax on Social Security: A retiree’s benefit (if relevant).	Competitive Housing Market: Rent eats up a significant portion of take-home pay.
Central Location: Easy commute to most job sites within the East Valley.	Car Dependency: You absolutely need a reliable vehicle for commuting and hauling tools.
Access to Training: Strong union presence (IBEW Local 640) and trade schools.	Urban Density: Can feel crowded, with traffic congestion during peak hours.

Final Recommendation: If you are a motivated electrician—especially a journeyman looking to specialize or an apprentice wanting a clear path to licensure—Tempe is an excellent choice. The combination of a 10-year job growth of 11% and a median salary of $62,565 creates a stable foundation. It’s not the highest-paying market in the country, but it’s a place where you can build a long-term career without the extreme costs of cities like San Francisco or Seattle. For the right person, it’s a smart, strategic move.

FAQs

1. Do I need a union membership to find work in Tempe?
No, but it helps immensely. About 60% of commercial and industrial electricians in the Phoenix metro are union members (IBEW Local 640). Non-union contractors also hire directly, and residential service work is largely non-union. Your best bet is to apply to both union and non-union shops.

2. How do Arizona summers impact the work?
They are a major factor. Reputable companies will start jobs earlier in the day (e.g., 5 AM - 2 PM) and provide ample water and shade breaks. Heat safety is a priority. The upside is that winter work (October-April) is in perfect conditions.

3. What’s the demand for residential vs. commercial electricians?
Both are strong. The residential market is driven by new home construction in the suburbs and older home renovations in central Tempe. The commercial and industrial sectors are driven by tech and university expansion. There’s no bad choice, but commercial typically offers higher wages and more consistent hours.

4. Can I get a job without a license if I’m newly moved to Arizona?
No. Arizona requires a state license to perform electrical work for compensation. If you’re licensed in another state, you’ll need to go through Arizona’s reciprocity process or meet the experience requirements to sit for the exam. Contact the Arizona Registrar of Contractors for specifics.

5. What’s the best way to prepare for the Arizona job market?

1. Get your Arizona journeyman or contractor’s license as soon as possible.
2. Network at the IBEW Local 640 union hall or local trade events.
3. Research the major employers listed above and tailor your resume to their projects (e.g., highlight data center experience for DPR Construction).
4. Be prepared for a technical interview that may include code questions and hands-on problem-solving scenarios.

Sources: Data compiled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC), local job postings (Indeed, LinkedIn), and industry salary surveys for the Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale metropolitan area.