Mississippi Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

Mississippi is one of the best states in the nation to start an electrical contracting business. The Magnolia State has one of the country’s highest electrician job growth rates, about 23% over the next decade. This is twice the national average of 11% over the next ten years (already a robust increase), according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

If you are considering getting your Mississippi electrical license, now is the time. In this guide, we will walk you through all of the licensure requirements to prepare you for your future career. We also include links to state licensing departments, continuing education and networking opportunities, and job search links.

Does Mississippi require an electrical license?

Yes, you need a Mississippi electrical license. You must have an electrical contractor license to do residential work costing more than $10,000 and commercial work costing more than $50,000.

All Mississippi electrician licenses are issued at the local level, through, your city or county. To become an electrical contractor, you must apply for a license through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC).

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Mississippi?

Mississippi municipalities issue journeyman and Master Electrician licenses. The state issues electrical contractor licenses.

How to get an electrician license in Mississippi

There are three main steps to becoming a master electrician in Mississippi:

• Apprenticeship, which involves practical training and classroom education
• Get your primary (journeyman) license
• Get your Master Electrician license

Finish all this, and you’re qualified to become an Electrical Contractor and own your own business.

Mississippi electrician apprenticeship license requirements

In Mississippi, apprenticeship programs usually consist of five years of hands-on training in both commercial and residential settings and 1,000 hours of classroom training.

To become an apprentice, you must pass an aptitude test, an admissions interview, and gather several documents. These documents include your apprentice application, birth certificate, social security card, driver’s license, high school transcript/college transcript, and a record showing you passed certain mandatory courses (including Algebra 1). There is a $25 application fee.

Most apprenticeships in Mississippi are done through either the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), or the Electrical Training Alliance. You can apply for these apprenticeships in Meridian, Jackson, Gulfport, and Corinth. You may consider applying to a technical college or trade school after completing your apprenticeship.

Schools boost your resume and help you stand out for entry-level journeyman electrician positions. They also help you network with master electricians in your area. At trade school, you can expect to learn motor control systems, industrial, commercial, and residential wiring, how to interpret electrical drawings and schematics, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, and BC and DC circuits. You will learn both in the shop and in the classroom.

You can pursue a certificate from a trade school or a bachelor’s degree from any of Mississippi’s universities. Either will help satisfy the requirements for licensure. The top five trade schools for electricians in Mississippi are:

• Itawamba Community College
• Jones County Junior College
• Pearl River Community College
• East Mississippi Community College
• Copiah-Lincoln Community College

Two years of schooling at a Mississippi community college costs an average of $6,000 for in-state students. With schooling and your apprenticeship out of the way, you are ready to apply for a journeyman license.

Mississippi journeyman electrician license requirements

These are only available locally and are issued by each city’s Electrical Board. To be eligible, you will need five years (8,000 hours) of hands-on fieldwork and 1,000 hours of classroom training.

Licensure exams are based on the National Electric Code (NEC). Most cities allow their licensure exams to be open-book. Depending on your city, you must score at least 70% to pass the exam.

Mississippi Master Electrician license requirements

To become a master electrician, you must receive an electrical contractor license issued by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.

There are two pathways to licensure at this level:

• Work for four years under a master electrician and receive a certification from a trade school, OR
• Work for one year under a master electrician and receive a four-year degree from an accredited university

Mississippi electrical contractor license requirements

Once you secure your Master Electrician license from your city or county, you can start working toward your electrical contractor license. You must have either:

• Four-year degree in electrical work AND at least one year of full-time work experience under the supervision of a Master Electrician, OR
• Four years of practical work experience under the supervision of a licensed Master Electrician AND a certification from a state-approved electrician trade school

You may apply for a residential contractor license, commercial, or both. You can also apply for additional electrician classifications to add to your contractor license, which can give you a broader scope for work and demonstrate to potential customers, employers, and new hires your level of experience and expertise.  

Electrical contractors can bid on jobs and hire other licensed electricians to work for their company. You must register your electrical contractor business with the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office and obtain a Mississippi tax ID from the Mississippi Department of Revenue. Electrical contractors must also submit proof of their general liability insurance and Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage, references from previous employers or clients, specific financial documents, and proof of employment (self-employment is okay).

Finally, you must pass the Mississippi Business & Law exam (practice tests and study guides here) and the Master Electrician exam (study guides and practice tests here) to get your contractor’s license.

Optional certifications for Mississippi electricians

To do electrical work in Mississippi, you have to pass multiple electrician exams, work through an apprenticeship, and secure a license at each level.  Many electricians go further, continuing their education and training to specialize in high-demand areas or niche work. Many continue their education and earn certifications that show their expertise. These extra credentials can open up more opportunities and help you stand out in the field. Depending on your career goals, getting one or more certifications might be a smart move. They can boost your skills, increase job prospects, and even lead to higher pay.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation recognizes top electricians nationwide and is valid in every state. Even if you’re not ready for the CPE, IEC offers other certifications, including specialty ones, for those exploring niche fields. Additionally, IEC provides continuing education to help electricians stay current with industry changes and offers apprenticeship opportunities. For those who prefer an alternative to union apprenticeships or trade schools, IEC can be a solid option for foundational education and career growth. It’s a valuable resource for electricians at any stage of their professional journey.

NECA certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is a highly respected organization for electricians in the U.S. It offers great networking and continuing education opportunities. Open to all electricians, NECA provides certifications at every career stage, helping professionals showcase their skills to clients and employers. Whether you’re just starting out or advancing your career, NECA is a valuable resource in the industry.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers certifications for electricians specializing in fire suppression systems, building security alarms, and similar systems. In addition to these specialty certifications, NFPA provides ongoing education programs to help professionals stay updated on industry standards and advancements. Whether you want to enhance your expertise or expand your career opportunities, NFPA’s certifications and training programs offer valuable support for electricians in this specialized field.

How much does an electrician make in Mississippi?

Electricians in Mississippi earn competitive wages, especially in larger metro areas, where job opportunities range from entry-level to managerial positions. Salaries vary based on experience, specialization, and location, making it a promising field for career growth. Many employers actively seek skilled electricians and offer strong pay and benefits. Below are the average salaries for some of Mississippi’s most commonly advertised electrician jobs, giving insight into earning potential across different positions.

• Apprentice electrician: $20.30 per hour
• Electrical technician: $27.23 per hour
• General electrician: $60,755 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $26.78 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $68,923 per year
• Electrical Project Manager: $90,917 per year         

Mississippi electrician salaries are below the national averages for most positions, although the cost of living in Mississippi, even larger cities like Jacksonville and Biloxi, is also lower compared to similarly-sized metro areas, so the difference in salaries is negligible. General electricians in the U.S. make an average of $63,664 per year, compared to general electricians in Mississippi, who can expect to average $60,755 per year. Entry-level positions are a little lower, too; journeyman electricians in Mississippi make an average of $26.78 per hour, compared to the national average of $33.90 per hour.

Hourly electricians can boost their earnings through overtime or by responding to emergency calls at night or on weekends, which can add to their weekly pay. If you open your own electrical contracting businesses, you have an even greater earning potential than those working for an employer. However, running a business comes with its own challenges, such as managing expenses and finding clients. Most contractors like owning their own business and having more control over career growth.

Should I join an electrician union in Mississippi?

Unions help you network within the electrical industry and protect your rights as both a contractor and an employee. Most apprenticeships are issued through unions, connecting you with valuable mentors early in your career. 

Many Mississippi electricians are members of their local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). According to the South Mississippi IBEW (IBEW Local 903), union workers make an average of $201 more weekly than non-union workers. Union members also have more pension plans, defined-benefit retirement funds, grievance procedures, and job stability than non-union electricians.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Your union, the electricians you trained with as an apprentice, or instructors from your trade school or community college can all help connect you with entry-level jobs as an apprentice or journeyman. Trade schools often have annual job fairs where you can network with potential mentors and employers. In a job interview, you can expect to answer questions on your work ethic, past job experience, technical skills, and areas of expertise. For example, an interviewer may ask about your experience working residential jobs versus commercial jobs.

Electrician insurance in Mississippi

Before becoming a master electrician, you need proof of general liability insurance. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors must be listed on your insurance and notified if your coverage lapses. If you employ five or more employees, you will also need proof of Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Insurance.

Some clients or bids may require additional general liability insurance, a surety bond, or both. Carrying proper insurance can help avoid legal trouble if the unthinkable happens.

Electrician industry trends

The electrical industry is booming, especially in Mississippi. In 2018, the Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula area had the nation’s third-highest concentration of electrical jobs. As the nation trends towards alternative energy, more electrical jobs are expected over the next decade.

Trade shows are an excellent resource for electricians looking ahead to upcoming industry trends. This list of national trade shows can help you find events around the country.

Electric vehicles are growing in popularity, so if you develop your skills for installing and maintaining EV charging ports or converting older buildings to support them, you may have a long and lucrative career.

Alternative energy is another growing sector of electrical work. Mississippi recently installed a wind farm, and the state expects to see additional ones develop rapidly. And, while Mississippi’s Gulf development economy isn’t as robust as other Gulf Coast states, there is a chance that the state may install offshore wind farms in addition to the land-based ones in Tunica County.

FAQs

Is my license only valid in Mississippi?

Mississippi has reciprocity for contractors with Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and South Carolina.

How can I change my address or other information on my Mississippi electrician license?

If you lose your license or change your address, you can apply for a duplicate license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. To change your company’s name, you must file with the Mississippi Secretary of State office.

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

Your Mississippi electrical license will be valid for one year after the date it is issued. You are responsible for renewing your license with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors.