Electrician Salary - Mountain West
Smaller markets with growing demand, Colorado and Nevada leading wages
Wage figures reflect all electricians across all employment types -- union and non-union, residential and commercial, apprentice through master. Union journeymen typically earn above the state median. Non-union residential work typically falls below it. State figures are averages -- wages vary significantly between metro and rural markets within the same state. City-level data coming soon.
The Mountain West is a region of contrasts. Colorado and Nevada lead with wages approaching or exceeding the national median, driven by active construction markets in Denver and Las Vegas. Idaho, Utah, and Montana are growing rapidly but wages haven't kept pace with population and construction demand. Wyoming is the outlier in the other direction -- a small workforce with wages above the regional average driven by energy sector work. The region as a whole is smaller than other regions by employment volume but offers solid opportunities in the right markets.
Union density in the Mountain West is moderate and concentrated in specific markets. Denver's IBEW locals cover a solid commercial market with wages above the national median. Las Vegas has strong union presence driven by casino and resort construction -- one of the most active commercial construction markets in the country on a per-capita basis. Salt Lake City has a growing IBEW presence. Idaho and Montana are primarily non-union markets. The energy sector across Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado employs significant numbers of industrial electricians at rates well above residential scale.
Cost of living across the Mountain West has risen significantly over the past decade driven by population growth. Colorado at 101.8 and Nevada at 100.7 are near the national average but trending upward -- Denver and Reno housing markets have appreciated rapidly. Idaho at 101.7 has seen significant appreciation from its historically low base. Montana at 105.9 reflects the Bozeman and Missoula market appreciation. Utah at 100.6 is near average but Salt Lake City housing has risen sharply. Wyoming at 93.7 remains below average -- the most affordable market in the region.
- →Rapid residential and commercial construction across the Denver, Salt Lake City, and Boise metros driven by population migration
- →Casino, resort, and hospitality construction in Las Vegas -- one of the most consistently active commercial construction markets in the country
- →Oil, gas, and renewable energy infrastructure across Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana
- →Data center construction expanding into Nevada and Colorado driven by land availability and energy costs
- →Semiconductor and advanced manufacturing facility construction in Idaho and Colorado
The Mountain West offers solid opportunities for travelers in the right markets. Las Vegas is a perennial destination -- casino and resort construction runs year-round and IBEW locals regularly recruit travelers. Denver is active on commercial construction with wages above the national median. Wyoming energy work offers strong per diem and rates for travelers willing to work remote locations. Idaho and Montana are lower-wage markets but cost of living is still reasonable. Check RoadDog Jobs and Where2Bro for current Las Vegas and Denver openings.
Effective wage adjusts the BLS median for cost of living -- what your paycheck actually buys relative to the national average.
| State | Median Annual | COL Index | Effective Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $76,760 +$13,570 vs. national | 105.9 | $72,483 +$9,293 vs. national |
| Wyoming | $76,120 +$12,930 vs. national | 93.7 | $81,238 +$18,048 vs. national |
| Nevada | $73,570 +$10,380 vs. national | 100.7 | $73,059 +$9,869 vs. national |
| Idaho | $63,000 $-190 vs. national | 101.7 | $61,947 $-1,243 vs. national |
| Colorado | $62,230 $-960 vs. national | 101.8 | $61,130 $-2,060 vs. national |
| Utah | $62,000 $-1,190 vs. national | 100.6 | $61,630 $-1,560 vs. national |
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 - Electricians - Cross-Industry, All Ownership
Cost of living data provided by the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). The data has been modified for use from its original source, which is the State of Missouri. THE STATE OF MISSOURI MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTY AS TO THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY, TIMELINESS, OR CONTENT OF ANY DATA MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH THIS SITE. THE STATE OF MISSOURI EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Data is subject to change as modifications and updates are complete. Use at your own risk.