The West Jordan Electrician's Guide: A Data-Driven Look at Your Career

The Salary Picture: Where West Jordan Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers, because that's what determines your bottom line. For an electrician in West Jordan, the median salary sits at $60,885/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.27/hour. Compared to the national median of $61,550/year, you're making slightly less than the average U.S. electrician, but you're also operating in a market with a lower cost of living than the national average (more on that later).

The career outlook is promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Salt Lake City metro area, which includes West Jordan, shows a 10-year job growth projection of 11%, a full percentage point above the national average for the electrical trade. In the metro area, there are currently an estimated 344 jobs for electricians. This isn't a saturated market; it's a growing one, with steady demand from both residential and commercial sectors.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in this region. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and trade data from the Utah Department of Workforce Services.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (West Jordan)
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2	$42,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level / Journeyman	3-7	$55,000 - $70,000
Senior / Master Electrician	8-15	$70,000 - $85,000+
Expert / Specialized	15+	$85,000 - $100,000+

When you compare this to other Utah cities, West Jordan falls into a practical middle ground. It's more affordable than the Salt Lake City core, where salaries might be slightly higher but rents are significantly steeper. It's also more affordable than Park City or Moab, where seasonal work might offer higher premiums but less stability. For a steady, year-round career with a realistic cost of living, West Jordan offers a balanced value proposition.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary number is just a starting point. To understand what you can actually afford, let's run the numbers for a journeyman electrician earning the median salary of $60,885/year. We'll use conservative estimates for taxes and the local rent data.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Salary: $60,885
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% = $13,395 (This is a common estimate for this bracket; consult a tax professional for your specific situation).
• Net Annual Income: $47,490
• Net Monthly Income: $3,957
• Average 1BR Rent in West Jordan: $1,301/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	% of Net Income	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,301	33%	The rule of thumb is to keep housing under 30%. This is slightly over but manageable.
Utilities	$180	4.5%	Includes electricity (a trade you'll appreciate), gas, water, and internet.
Groceries	$450	11%	Based on USDA moderate-cost food plan for one adult.
Transportation	$350	9%	Includes gas (even if you own a work truck, you need personal vehicle for errands), insurance, and basic maintenance. West Jordan is car-dependent.
Health Insurance	$250	6%	If not fully covered by employer; a common estimate for a single adult.
Student Loans/Debt	$200	5%	A common factor for recent apprentices. Adjust as needed.
Retirement & Savings	$300	7.5%	Critical—aim for at least 10% of gross, but start here if needed.
Personal/Discretionary	$626	16%	Covers entertainment, clothing, dining out, etc.
TOTAL	$3,657	92.5%	Leaves ~$300/month as a buffer for emergencies or unexpected costs.

Can they afford to buy a home? The median home price in West Jordan is approximately $450,000 (as of 2023-2024 data from the Salt Lake Board of Realtors). A 20% down payment would be $90,000. For a single electrician earning the median salary, saving for this down payment would take significant time and discipline. However, it's not impossible, especially with a dual-income household or by targeting more affordable starter homes in the $350,000 - $400,000 range in the southern and eastern parts of the city. Many local electricians find it more feasible to buy a home after gaining a few years of experience and moving into a senior or specialized role where the salary is $70,000+.

Where the Jobs Are: West Jordan's Major Employers

Unlike a major metropolitan core, West Jordan's electrical job market is a mix of large local contractors, commercial/industrial facilities, and the ever-present residential construction sector. Here are the specific, real employers driving demand:

1. Layton Construction: While headquartered in Salt Lake City, Layton is one of the largest general contractors in the region and has major projects throughout the Salt Lake Valley, including in West Jordan. They consistently hire electrical subcontractors and sometimes in-house electricians for large-scale commercial and healthcare projects (like the ongoing developments around the Jordan Valley Medical Center area).

2. Intermountain Healthcare: The Jordan Valley Medical Center (a Level II Trauma Center) in West Jordan is a massive, complex facility that requires a full-time, in-house team of electricians for maintenance, renovations, and new construction. These are stable, benefits-heavy jobs that are highly competitive. They also maintain electrical infrastructure at numerous outpatient clinics throughout the city.

3. Utah Sheet Metal & Electric (USME): A well-established local contractor that handles residential, commercial, and industrial projects. They are a prime example of the type of mid-to-large sized electrical firm based in or serving West Jordan, offering steady work for journeymen and apprentices.

4. The City of West Jordan: Municipal governments employ electricians to maintain public infrastructure. This includes street lighting, traffic signals, municipal buildings (like the West Jordan City Library and City Hall), and water treatment facilities (like the West Jordan Water Treatment Plant). These jobs offer excellent benefits and job security.

5. Rocky Mountain Power: As the primary electrical utility for Utah, Rocky Mountain Power employs field technicians, meter specialists, and line workers. While their headquarters are in Salt Lake, the West Jordan area requires significant field presence for grid maintenance, especially in growing neighborhoods like South Jordan and Daybreak.

6. Residential Builders (D.R. Horton, GBH Homes): The residential construction market in West Jordan is active, particularly in new developments in the southwest quadrant near 4800 West and 8400 South. These builders work with a network of licensed electrical subcontractors who need a constant flow of journeymen and apprentices for rough-in and finish wiring.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift towards energy efficiency and smart home integration. Electricians with certifications in solar (NABCEP), EV charging station installation, and home automation systems (like Control4 or Crestron) are in high demand and can command premium rates. Commercial hiring is strong due to the continued expansion of medical and office spaces along Bangerter Highway.

Getting Licensed in Utah

Utah has a clear, regulated path to becoming a licensed electrician. The process is managed by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).

For a Journeyman Electrician License:

1. Education: You must have a high school diploma or GED.
2. Apprenticeship: Complete an approved apprenticeship program. This typically involves 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician and 576 hours of classroom instruction. You can join the Northern Utah Electrical JATC (which covers the Salt Lake area) or an approved company apprenticeship.
3. Examination: Pass the Utah State Journeyman Electrician exam (based on the National Electrical Code).
4. Application & Fee: Submit an application with proof of experience and pay the licensing fee (approximately $180 for the initial application and exam fee).

For a Master Electrician License:

• Requires a Journeyman license plus at least 4,000 additional hours of work experience (typically as a journeyman).
• Must pass the Utah State Master Electrician exam.
• Application fee is slightly higher (around $200).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1: Apply for the apprenticeship. You can start working and earning as an apprentice right away (starting wage is typically $18-$22/hour).
• Years 2-4: Continue your apprenticeship, completing your required hours and coursework.
• End of Year 4: You are eligible to take the journeyman exam. Once you pass, you can work as a licensed journeyman, with your salary jumping to the $55,000+ range.

Insider Tip: The market is competitive for apprenticeship slots. Apply to multiple programs and companies. Having a clean driving record and reliable transportation (essential for service calls) is a significant advantage. The cost of books and tools for an apprentice can be $1,500 - $2,500, so budget for that initial investment.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

West Jordan is a sprawling suburb with distinct areas. Your choice affects commute time, lifestyle, and housing costs.

1. Old Town West Jordan (Central): The historic core, centered around 7200 South and 2700 West. Proximity to major employers like the city hall and Jordan Valley Medical Center. A quick commute to most job sites. Older, smaller homes and some apartments; rent for a 1BR is around $1,250 - $1,400. More walkable and established.

2. Southwest Quadrant (Newer Developments): Areas like 8400 South & 4800 West, near the South Jordan border. This is where all the new residential construction is happening. Close to Bangerter Highway for easy access to commercial projects. Modern apartments and newer homes; 1BR rent is about $1,200 - $1,350. Ideal if you're working on new construction sites.

3. West Jordan Hills (Established Suburbs): Northeast corner, near 5600 West and 7800 South. Quieter, family-oriented with mature trees. Commute to the city center or commercial corridors is easy via 5600 West or 7800 South. 1BR rent is typically $1,300 - $1,500. Good for those seeking a suburban lifestyle.

4. The District (near Daybreak): While technically in South Jordan, many electricians live here for the lifestyle and amenities, commuting to West Jordan for work. It's a master-planned community with a lake, parks, and shops. Commute is 10-15 minutes to most West Jordan job sites. 1BR rent is higher, starting around $1,500+.

5. Cranberry Hill / Eastern Edge (Affordable Option): Towards the Wasatch Mountains (east of I-15). Offers more affordable housing and shorter commutes if you work in the eastern part of the city or Salt Lake. 1BR rent can be found for $1,100 - $1,250. Trade-off: the neighborhood is less developed, with fewer local amenities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The initial median salary is a launchpad, not a ceiling. Specialization is the key to significant earnings growth in Utah.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Solar PV Installation: Can add $5-$10/hour to your base rate. The Utah Incentive for Solar (UI-S) has spurred demand.
  • EV Charging Station Installation: A rapidly growing niche, especially for residential and commercial parking lots.
  • Low-Voltage / Data / Security: Combining electrician skills with IT networking (BICSI certification) can lead to high-margin projects.
  • Industrial / Instrumentation: Working in manufacturing or power generation (e.g., for Rocky Mountain Power or local industrial plants) often pays a premium due to complexity and safety requirements.

Advancement Paths:

1. Hands-On Specialist: Become the go-to expert in a specialty (e.g., solar, industrial controls).
2. Project Management: Move into a supervisory role, managing crews and budgets for a contractor.
3. Business Owner: Start your own electrical contracting business. This is a common path for Master Electricians, leveraging the 11% job growth and steady demand. It requires business acumen but offers the highest earning potential.

10-Year Outlook: The combination of population growth, an aging electrical grid needing updates, and the green energy transition (state mandates for EV charging infrastructure) suggests a sustained need for electricians in West Jordan. The key to long-term success will be adapting to new technologies and potentially obtaining a Master Electrician license to take on larger projects or start your own firm.

The Verdict: Is West Jordan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Balanced Cost of Living: Your $60,885 salary goes further here than in Salt Lake City proper.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle for commuting and service calls.
Steady Job Market: 11% growth and 344 jobs provide stability and opportunity.	Limited Public Transit: Not ideal if you don't want to drive daily.
Diverse Employers: From residential builders to hospitals, offering varied work experiences.	Competitive Apprenticeship Market: You need to be proactive to secure a spot.
Proximity to Amenities: Easy access to Salt Lake's job market, mountains, and the airport.	Salary Slightly Below National: You trade a higher salary for lower living costs.
Family-Friendly: Great schools, parks, and a safe community atmosphere.	Can Feel Sprawling: Specific neighborhoods lack a central downtown vibe.

Final Recommendation:
West Jordan is an excellent choice for a mid-career electrician or an apprentice willing to put in the years. It's not a place to get rich quickly, but it's a place to build a stable, comfortable life. For a family-oriented electrician who values homeownership prospects (with a partner or after advancing in pay) and a manageable commute, it's a strong "yes." For a young, single electrician who wants a bustling urban nightlife and doesn't mind a higher rent, Salt Lake City or the Sugar House district might be a better initial fit.

FAQs

1. What's the real timeline to become a licensed journeyman in Utah?
From the day you start an approved apprenticeship, it typically takes 4 years to complete the required 8,000 hours and 576 classroom hours. You can take the journeyman exam as soon as you meet these requirements, so the timeline is straightforward if you stay on track.

2. How does the cost of living in West Jordan compare to the national average?
West Jordan's Cost of Living Index is 96.4, meaning it's about 3.6% cheaper than the U.S. average. This is primarily due to housing and utilities being below the national average, which makes the median electrician salary of $60,885 more adequate than it might seem on paper.

3. Is it better to work for a large contractor or go solo?
Early in your career, working for a contractor like Utah Sheet Metal & Electric provides structured training, steady pay, and benefits. Once you have your Master Electrician license and a strong network, going solo or starting a small firm offers higher income and control but comes with business risks (marketing, accounting, liability).

4. What's the most in-demand electrical specialty in the West Jordan area?
Right now, residential solar and EV charging installations are booming due to local incentives and homeowner demand. Commercial projects involving energy-efficient lighting and building automation systems (common in new medical and office buildings) are also a major source of jobs.

5. Do I really need a personal vehicle for this job?
Yes, absolutely. West Jordan is designed for cars. You'll need to get to job sites, supply houses (like Graybar or CED in the Salt Lake metro area), and client homes. Even if your work truck is for business, you'll need a personal car for everything else. Factor in fuel and insurance costs in your budget.