Kansas Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

The Kansas electrical industry is full of job opportunities for licensed electricians. A license allows you to own an electrical business or supervise other electricians while working for a company. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, jobs in the trades are growing steadily; across the country, the estimated job growth for electricians is 11% over the next decade. In Kansas, the job growth is a little under the national average but still respectable: 9% over the next 10 years.

Our Kansas electrical license guide contains everything you need to get started in the industry, plus links to help you secure the training you need for licensure, apprenticeships, and job opportunities.

Does Kansas require an electrical license?

Yes, Kansas electricians must possess a valid electrical license to install, maintain, or repair commercial or residential electrical systems. Licenses are issued at the local level, although the state sets standards for licensure.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Kansas?

The different types of electrical licenses in Kansas are journeyman electrician, master electrician, and electrical contractor. The requirements for each type of license are as follows:

Journeyman electrician

Journeyman electricians maintain, modify, and install electrical systems and apparatus in Kansas. Applicants must:

• Have two years of electrician apprentice experience
• Pass the Journeyman Electrician International Council Code Exam
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Be at least 18 years old

Master Electrician

Master electricians install, repair, and maintain electrical wiring and control systems. They supervise journeyman electricians and electrician apprentices. Applicants must:

• Pass the Master Electrician International Code Council Exam
• Complete a minimum of two years as a licensed journeyman electrician
• Be at least 18 years old
• Possess a high school diploma or GED

Electrical contractors operate electrical businesses and hire licensed electricians to complete electrical work. Different municipalities have different classifications for electrician licenses. For example, Wichita/ Sedgewick County issues certificates for journeymen and Master electricians but doesn’t have specific classes. Topeka, on the other hand, issued licenses for apprentices, journeymen, and Master electricians. It’s important to research the city and country requirements of the locations you plan to work in.

Requirements for contractors differ slightly by county, but in general, you must:

• Have at least $300,000 of general liability electrician insurance coverage
• Have Kansas workers’ compensation insurance
• Have vehicle insurance
• Pass an examination or have electrician training and experience

Kansas electrical licenses are issued by county administrators. Each county has different application requirements and procedures. After you receive your license, you are authorized to perform electrician work throughout the state.

Professional certifications for Kansas electricians

An electrician’s license is required for independent work, government projects, or running your own business. However, optional certifications can boost your career and help you advance in the field. Certifications from these organizations are recognized in all 50 states and can help demonstrate your competency with special electrical work.

NECA professional certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the largest and most respected organization for professional electricians in the U.S. Open to all electricians, NECA provides valuable opportunities for networking and continuing education. It also offers certifications tailored to electricians at various career stages. Earning a NECA certification highlights your skills and expertise, helping you stand out to potential customers and employers while enhancing your professional credibility.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) provides certifications for electricians specializing in fire suppression systems, building security alarms, and related systems. These certifications validate your expertise in these critical areas and enhance your professional credentials. The NFPA offers a variety of certification options to suit different career paths and skill levels. Additionally, it provides continuing education opportunities to help electricians stay current with industry standards, technologies, and safety regulations.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation recognizes the nation’s top electricians and is accepted in every state. For those not yet ready for a CPE certification, IEC offers various other certifications, including specialized ones for niche fields. IEC provides continuing education resources to help electricians stay updated on industry advancements and find apprenticeship opportunities. If you’re not pursuing a union apprenticeship or trade school, IEC can be a practical alternative for foundational education in the electrical trade.

How to get an electrician license in Kansas

Find a Kansas electrician apprenticeship program. Submit an application and go through the interview process. Complete the apprenticeship program and sit for the journeyman electrician license test. Then, apply for a master electrician license after you complete two years as a journeyman electrician.

There are many good apprenticeship programs in Kansas. You could apply for one offered by one of the following agencies or attend trade school for electrical work:

• IBEW 271 Training
• Kansas Registered Apprenticeship
• Topeka Electrical JATC

Electrician apprenticeships are sponsored by different types of organizations, including privately owned companies and unions. Application fees and training costs may vary. Trade schools and community colleges generally charge up to $350 per credit hour to enroll in their courses. Accredited trade schools, colleges, and universities have student loan and grant options.

Each apprenticeship has unique prerequisites and application requirements, but in general, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Attend an electrician apprentice interview
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Commit to completing the apprenticeship program
• Perform electrician duties

Much of your time as an apprentice will be in the field, putting practical application to the knowledge you gain in the classroom. Your practical training includes:

• Learn Kansas electrical safety requirements and codes
• Attend electrician training courses
• Install, repair, and inspect electrical systems under the supervision of a licensed electrician
• Operate a company vehicle

You’ll also have to take at least one professional exam to get your license. Each county has a different electrical license exam process. Exam fees average $100 per test. The minimum score to pass the exam is 75%. If you don’t pass, you can retake the test, but you’ll have to pay the exam fee for each attempt.

The Kansas Electrician Examination content covers:

• Electrical installations
• Wiring methods and materials
• Fire detection and alarm systems
• Outline lighting and electrical signs

You can find examination study resources here:

• Kansas Electrician License Exam
• Electrical Exam Preparation
• Online Journeyman Exam Prep

Average wages for electrical professionals in Kansas:

How much do electricians make? Your pay depends on your experience, training, and education. Different positions pay different wages. The average pay for the most commonly advertised electrician jobs in Kansas is as follows:

• Apprentice electrician: $19.50 per hour
• Electrical technician: $29.41 per hour
• General electrician: $62,940 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $31.89 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $36.00 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $97,689 per year

Hourly electricians may make more money if they work overtime or if their employer pays more to work nights and weekends. Salaried electricians may not make overtime, but they could be eligible for bonuses. And, if you own your own electrical contractor business, you could make a substantial six-figure or more.

Compared to the national averages, Kansas electricians make a little less, although the cost of living in Kansas is lower than in many other parts of the country, which can help your dollars stretch further. For example, the average rate for apprentice electricians in the U.S. is $22 per hour, compared to $19.50 in the Jayhawk State. General electricians average $63,627 per year in the U.S., slightly more than the average in Kansas.

Should I join an electrician union in Kansas?

As an electrician union member, you are required to pay monthly dues. Benefits of joining a union include a pension, sick pay, vacation pay, higher salary, and employer dispute resolution assistance. Unions also offer apprenticeships across the state, as well as professional networking opportunities. The largest electrician union in the country is the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). There are local chapters across the state, including IBEW Local #271 in Wichita, IBEW #124 in Kansas City, and IBEW #304 in Topeka.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Whether you are an apprentice or a master electrician, there are plenty of electrician jobs in Kansas. The following tips can help you secure your next electrician job:

Look online for job postings, including:

• Indeed
• State of Kansas government electrician jobs
• Glassdoor

Tailor your resume for each job, including using the keywords the employer uses in the job posting. Many applications are automatically screened, and using the same words as the job posting can help ensure a hiring manager sees yours.

• Apply for at least three jobs each day
• Build relationships with senior officials in the electrical industry

When you have interviews, take them seriously. Ensure that you put your best foot forward by:

• Wear business attire to your job interview
• Arrive at your interview early
• Practice your interviewing skills

Bring your tools, too. Some potential employers may ask you for a brief practical demonstration of your skills as part of the interview process.

Electrician insurance requirements in Kansas

The dangers of working with electricity include the risk of electrical shocks, fires, and burns. Kansas electricians buy insurance to protect themselves from these liabilities.

Kansas electricians must have a minimum of $300,000 of general liability insurance before they begin their careers. Self-employed electricians must pay for individual coverage. Employed electricians are generally insured by their employers. If you own your own electrician contractor business and have more employees besides yourself, you’re required by law to carry Kansas Workers Compensation Insurance. This covers employees who get hurt on the job and protects you from a lawsuit.

Electrician industry trends

Companies in major cities and suburban areas are rapidly building office buildings and new homes. These companies hire electricians to install electrical systems in these properties.

Older homes are not equipped to handle modern technology, so homeowners hire electricians to reconfigure their electrical systems. As people move toward more Smart Home technology or ownership of electrical vehicles, they must reconfigure their homes’ wiring. You could see steady career growth if you have niche skills in EV and Smart Home installation and repair.

Electricians must stay abreast of new industry trends. You can attend trade shows to learn about new technology.

FAQs

Is my license only valid in Kansas?

Yes; Kansas does not have an electrical license reciprocity agreement with another state.

How can I update my license information or get a copy of a lost license?

Contact your local Kansas licensing board if you changed your name or address or misplaced your card.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Kansas?

Your renewal schedule depends on the issuing city or county. Check the government website for renewal deadlines, continuing education requirements, and fees.