Electrical Workforce in High Demand as Wyoming Sees Surge in Infrastructure and Data Projects

Industry leaders such as Jerry Payne of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 322 report large-scale projects requiring hundreds of electricians. One project in Kemmerer alone will need around 540 workers, while Local IBEW 415’s Truett Thompson is seeking an additional 400 to 500 electricians. Both suggest that these numbers are only a fraction of what is needed, with more projects in the pipeline.

The growing number of data centers—attracted by Wyoming’s relatively low costs for land, water, and utilities—has further fueled this demand. Companies like Meta and Microsoft have established a presence in the state, contributing to what industry insiders describe as unprecedented growth.

Master electrician and educator Josh Ryan of Laramie County Community College notes a surge of interest in training programs.

“There’s a huge demand for electricians building data centers,” he said, highlighting the increasing appeal of the field among students and job seekers.

The electrical trade in Wyoming is also seeing rising wages. Job postings on platforms like ZipRecruiter list starting salaries as high as $75,000 for Level 1 technicians, with entry-level positions commonly starting at $23 an hour. The potential for overtime and steady raises enhances the overall compensation package.

Second-year apprentice Brandon Schroyer shared that his entry into the trade was straightforward, even without experience.

“My first job, they hired me on the spot,” he said, describing a labor market where job offers are frequent, allowing for flexibility and choice among applicants.

Apprenticeship programs are also becoming more accessible, often supported directly by employers. Many offer “earn-while-you-learn” models, covering training costs and sometimes providing tools and other essentials. Ryan noted that many students from his program have jobs lined up before graduation.

Despite the positive outlook, the industry faces growing pains. A wave of retirements among experienced electricians has left a gap in mentorship and training capacity. This is significant in a field where regulations require a balance of journeymen to apprentices for safety and effectiveness.

Ryan’s program is designed to ease that transition by equipping students with hands-on experience early in their training.

“Industry has been flooded with first-year apprentices,” he said. “There’s a real need for mid-level talent.”

Career progression in the trade is well-defined. Electricians can advance from apprentices to journeymen, and eventually to master electricians and contractors. These roles open doors to positions in maintenance, leadership, or even business ownership.

Schroyer, for instance, envisions starting his own electrical business one day. In the meantime, he values the flexibility of the trade, which allows for mobility across the country—something that aligns with his family’s lifestyle.

“There’s so many different avenues to take with this career,” he said.

For many, the appeal of the trade lies not only in job security and wages but also in the tangible impact of their work. Schroyer, currently working on lighting upgrades at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, reflected on the lasting nature of his contributions.

“This place means a lot to me,” he said. “I get to put these lights up that this whole town is going to see for the next 30 years.”

Original story by Renée Jean at Cowboy State Daily.