Electrician in Virginia Beach, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Virginia Beach Stands

If you're an electrician eyeing Virginia Beach, the first thing to know is that the pay is solid, though slightly below the national average. The median salary for electricians here is $61,069 per year, which breaks down to about $29.36 per hour. For context, the national average for electricians is $61,550/year, so you’re looking at a very slight dip—about $481 less annually. That’s not a deal-breaker, especially when you factor in Virginia Beach’s lower cost of living.

In the broader Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News metro area, there are approximately 1,360 electrician jobs. The field is projected to grow by 11% over the next 10 years, which is a healthy rate, driven by new construction, infrastructure upgrades, and the increasing complexity of modern electrical systems (think smart homes and renewable energy integrations).

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the area:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Virginia Beach Salary Range (Estimated)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$55,000 - $68,000
Senior	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$85,000 - $100,000+

Insider Tip: The salary range for senior and expert positions can vary widely. Lead electricians at large commercial contractors or those who specialize in niche areas (like marine or data center work) can exceed the $85,000 mark. Union shops, like those affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 80, often have a structured wage scale that can push senior rates toward the higher end.

When comparing to other Virginia cities, Virginia Beach sits in a middle ground. It pays less than the Washington D.C. metro area (where electricians can make over $80k) but more than most smaller cities like Roanoke or Lynchburg. The key advantage in Virginia Beach is the combination of reasonable pay and a more affordable lifestyle compared to Northern Virginia.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. On a median salary of $61,069, after federal taxes, state taxes (Virginia has a progressive income tax), and FICA, your take-home pay will be roughly $4,400 to $4,600 per month, depending on your filing status and deductions.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Virginia Beach is $1,287 per month. This is a critical benchmark. Let’s break down a sample monthly budget for a single electrician earning the median wage:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,287	Average; can be lower in some suburbs
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electric, water, internet
Groceries	$300 - $400
Transportation	$250 - $350	Gas, insurance; car is essential here
Health Insurance	$200 - $300	If not fully covered by employer
Retirement/401k	$200 - $300	Highly recommended
Miscellaneous	$400 - $500	Entertainment, personal care, savings
Total	$2,787 - $3,337	Leaves a cushion for savings/debt

With this budget, you’d still have about $1,000 to $1,800 left over after basic expenses. This makes saving for a home down payment feasible, though it will take discipline. The median home price in Virginia Beach is around $350,000. A 10% down payment is $35,000, which you could save in 2-4 years if you’re frugal. A 20% down payment ($70,000) would take longer, but many local lenders offer conventional or FHA loans with lower down payments.

Insider Tip: Many local electricians live in the neighboring cities of Chesapeake or Suffolk, where housing costs can be 5-10% lower, while still maintaining an easy commute to Virginia Beach job sites. The trade-off is slightly longer drives, but the savings can be significant.

Where the Jobs Are: Virginia Beach's Major Employers

Virginia Beach’s job market for electricians is diverse, spanning residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The city’s economy is bolstered by military, tourism, and logistics, all of which require steady electrical work.

1. U.S. Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) & Military Contractors: The Norfolk Naval Station is the largest employer in the region. Contractors like Bristol Bay Native Corporation and Hensel Phelps frequently hire electricians for base infrastructure projects. This work is stable and often pays a premium due to security clearances.
2. Clark Construction Group: A major player in commercial construction, Clark has a significant presence in Hampton Roads and is involved in projects like the Virginia Beach Convention Center and new hospital expansions. They hire electricians for large-scale commercial builds.
3. Sentara Healthcare: With multiple facilities in VB, including Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital, they employ in-house electricians and maintenance teams. These are unionized positions with excellent benefits and job security.
4. Beach-based Residential & Commercial Contractors: Companies like Whiting Turner Contracting Co. and Newport News Shipbuilding (HII) (though shipbuilding is in Newport News, many electricians commute) are large employers. For residential work, look to firms like Old Beach Electric or Prestige Electric, which serve the booming renovation market in older neighborhoods like the North End.
5. Data Centers & Tech Infrastructure: With Virginia’s "Data Center Alley" expanding into the Hampton Roads region, companies like Amazon Web Services (with facilities in nearby counties) are hiring electricians for high-voltage and specialized cooling system work. This is a growing, high-wage niche.

Hiring Trends: There’s a notable shift toward electricians with experience in energy efficiency, smart home integration, and data center infrastructure. The military sector remains a constant source of contracts, especially for veterans. Networking through local chapters of the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is a key way to find unposted jobs.

Getting Licensed in VA

Virginia requires electricians to be licensed through the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). The process is straightforward but has specific steps.

1. Apprenticeship: Most start with a 4-year apprenticeship (8,000 hours of on-the-job training) through a union program (IBEW) or a non-union program like the Virginia Electrical Industry Training Center. Apprentices earn while they learn, starting at 40-50% of a journeyman’s wage.
2. Journeyman License: After completing an apprenticeship, you must pass the Virginia Master Electrician exam (yes, the journeyman exam is called the Master Electrician exam in VA). You’ll need to apply to DPOR, provide proof of your 8,000 hours, and pay the exam fee ($100) and license fee ($150).
3. Master Electrician License: To become a Master Electrician (required to pull permits and run your own business), you need an additional 2 years (4,000 hours) of experience as a journeyman and must pass a more advanced exam. The total cost for exams and licenses is approximately $500-$700.

Timeline: From apprentice to journeyman is 4 years. Adding the experience to become a Master Electrician takes another 2 years. You can start working immediately as an apprentice upon entering a program.

Insider Tip: Virginia has reciprocity agreements with many states. If you’re already licensed elsewhere, check the DPOR website for the reciprocity application. This can cut the licensing time down to a few months.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Choosing where to live in Virginia Beach depends on your commute tolerance, lifestyle, and budget. Here are five areas popular with tradespeople:

1. North End (Oceanfront near 48th Street): This is the older, established neighborhood with a mix of year-round residents and seasonal homes. It’s close to the ocean and has a strong sense of community. Rent Estimate: 1BR - $1,300-$1,500. Commute: Easy access to downtown job sites (10-15 mins).
2. Kemps River: A suburb in the central part of the city. It’s family-friendly, with newer subdivisions, good schools, and plenty of shopping. Rent Estimate: 1BR - $1,200-$1,400. Commute: 20-25 minutes to most job sites.
3. Red Mill: Located in the southern part of the city, near the border with Chesapeake. It’s more affordable, with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Rent Estimate: 1BR - $1,100-$1,300. Commute: 25-30 minutes to downtown.
4. Ocean Lakes: A large, well-established community with a variety of housing options. It’s popular with military families and tradespeople due to its central location and amenities. Rent Estimate: 1BR - $1,250-$1,450. Commute: 15-20 minutes.
5. Chesapeake (Adjacent City): For those prioritizing lower housing costs, neighborhoods in Chesapeake like Great Bridge or Western Branch offer good value. Rent Estimate: 1BR - $1,050-$1,250. Commute: 25-40 minutes to Virginia Beach job sites, depending on traffic.

Insider Tip: Traffic is a major consideration. The I-264 corridor and the HRBT (Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel) can bottleneck during rush hour. Living on the same side of the tunnel as your work can save you hours each week.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Electricians in Virginia Beach have several paths for advancement, each with potential salary premiums.

• Specialization: Adding certifications in solar photovoltaic systems, energy management, or data center infrastructure can increase your hourly rate by $5-$15/hour. The Virginia Solar Job Growth Initiative is creating demand for solar electricians.
• Management: Moving into a project manager or estimator role at a contracting firm can push your salary into the $75,000 - $90,000 range, often with bonuses tied to project completion.
• Business Ownership: Starting your own electrical contracting business is the ultimate path. While risky, successful small business owners in the area report incomes well over $100,000/year, though they must manage overhead, marketing, and licensing.

10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is a strong indicator. The aging workforce (many electricians are retiring) combined with new construction (especially in the commercial sector) and the need to retrofit older buildings for energy efficiency will keep demand high. Electricians who adapt to green technology and smart systems will be the most valuable.

The Verdict: Is Virginia Beach Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average job growth (11%) and steady demand from military, construction, and residential sectors.	Slightly below-national-average pay ($61,069 vs. $61,550).
Lower cost of living (Index 97.4) than the U.S. average, especially compared to Northern Virginia or major coastal cities.	Car dependency is absolute; public transit is limited.
Diverse economy with multiple employment sectors, reducing reliance on any single industry.	Summer tourist season can cause traffic congestion and seasonal job fluctuations in some sectors.
Access to the ocean and outdoor recreation, a major quality-of-life perk.	Hurricane risk is a factor (though infrastructure is robust).
Proximity to other VA/NC job markets (Norfolk, Chesapeake) for commuting or job-hopping.	Licensing process requires several years of apprenticeship before full journeyman status.

Final Recommendation: Virginia Beach is an excellent choice for electricians, particularly those early in their careers or looking for a stable, growing market with a great work-life balance. The slightly lower salary is offset by the manageable cost of living and the quality of life. It’s ideal for those who value outdoor access and a less hectic pace than a major metropolis. For those seeking the absolute highest peak earnings, specializing in data centers or military contracts is the way to go. For most, it’s a solid, reliable career move.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car to work as an electrician in Virginia Beach?
A: Absolutely. The city is spread out, job sites vary daily, and public transportation is not viable for carrying tools and equipment. A reliable truck or van is a standard work requirement.

Q: Are there union job opportunities in Virginia Beach?
A: Yes. IBEW Local 80 serves the Hampton Roads area, including Virginia Beach. Union jobs typically offer higher wages, better benefits, and structured training. Contact the local directly for apprenticeship information.

Q: How does the military presence affect electrician jobs?
A: It’s a major advantage. Naval Station Norfolk and surrounding bases create a constant need for construction, maintenance, and renovation projects. Many contractors specialize in federal work, which often requires security clearances and can be highly stable.

Q: What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship?
A: Start with the IBEW Local 80 application process or contact the Virginia Electrical Industry Training Center. You can also approach local contracting companies directly—many take on apprentices. The state DPOR website lists approved apprenticeship programs.

Q: Is the weather a problem for outdoor work?
A: Summers are hot and humid, which can make attic and outdoor work challenging. Winters are generally mild, but occasional snow or ice can cause closures. The biggest weather-related issue is hurricane season (June-November), which can delay projects but also create post-storm repair work.