Missouri Electrical License: Everything You Need to Know

Missouri has a lot to offer to a budding electrician. Development in the state is consistently expanding, and with every new construction project, there is a need for skilled electricians to perform custom wiring projects.

The electrical industry is growing rapidly in Missouri. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job growth over the next decade is expected to be about 8%. This is a little less than the overall job growth rate for electricians in the U.S., which is about 11% over the next 10 years. However, an 8% job growth rate is higher than the national job growth rate and a respectable number for anyone seeking long-term stability in their career.

You can choose multiple career paths as an electrician, including working for a major company or starting your own business. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to earn your Missouri electrical license. We include helpful links to state licensing agencies, educational opportunities, and job search information.

Does Missouri require an electrical license?

Missouri requires a license to perform electrical work, although licenses are issued at the city and county level rather than the state level. So, while you may need a license to work as an apprentice, journeyman, or Master Electrician, the requirements for getting your license will vary depending on where you apply.

If you want to start your own electrical contractor business, though, you’ll need to register as a licensed electrical contractor with the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors. Your state contractor license is valid throughout the state.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Missouri?

Each city or county in Missouri sets its own requirements for electrician licenses. Your career as an electrician begins with completing an apprenticeship. Apprentices are typically unlicensed in Missouri. They focus on honing important skills and learning basic electrical theory.

Journeyman electricians are often unlicensed in Missouri, though some areas like Jefferson City offer licenses at this level. Journeyman electricians have knowledge of wiring methods, general equipment, and basic electrical theory.

Most cities and counties require a license for a Master Electrician. Master electricians have extensive experience installing, removing, and repairing all electrical equipment.

Electrical contractors in Missouri are licensed at both the state and local levels. They can work anywhere in the state without meeting additional licensing requirements.

How to get an electrician license in Missouri

Each city and county has different requirements, although your licensing process will generally be similar to those below.

A journeyman license usually requires at least 8,000 hours of practical field experience (about five years) and generally classroom training (about 500-600 hours). You may need to take an exam for your license, which may require that you complete one of the following:

• Submit proof of at least 8,000 hours of work experience AND 500-1,000 hours of classroom experience, OR
• Submit proof of at least 8,000 hours of practical fieldwork performed under the supervision of a licensed electrician AND earn an associate degree in electrical engineering or electrical technology, OR
• Submit proof of at least 4,000 hours of practical experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician AND earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical technology or electrical engineering, OR
• Submit proof of at least 12,000 hours of electrical work experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician.

You will need verified documentation of all your practice electrical work experience, along with a copy of your degree.

How to get an electrical contractor license in Missouri

The Missouri Division of Professional Registration, Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors issues state-wide electrician licenses. You must submit your application and pay a fee of $200. Licenses must be renewed every three years. The renewal fee is $200.

Optional certifications for Missouri electricians

While a state license for electrical work is not required until you reach the contractor level, you likely will need one according to your municipality’s regulations. However, many electricians go beyond this, continuing their education to gain specialty certifications or credentials that showcase their expertise. Depending on your goals, these certifications can help advance your career. Whether you’re looking to specialize or prove your skill level, earning additional certifications can be a smart move for professional growth in the electrical trade.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers certifications for electricians specializing in fire suppression systems, building security alarms, and related technologies. In addition to these specialty certifications, the NFPA provides a range of ongoing education programs to help professionals stay up to date with industry standards and safety regulations. Whether you’re looking to expand your expertise or maintain compliance, their certifications and training opportunities can be valuable for advancing your career in the electrical field.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation is a nationally recognized credential that highlights the top electricians in the industry and is valid in every state. If you’re not ready for the CPE, IEC offers other certifications, including specialty options for those exploring niche fields. They also provide continuing education resources to inform electricians about industry updates and apprenticeship opportunities. For those seeking an alternative to union apprenticeships or trade schools, IEC serves as a strong option for foundational training and career growth, making it a valuable resource for electricians at any career stage.

NECA certifications 

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the leading organization for professional electricians in the U.S. and is highly respected within the industry. Open to all electricians, NECA provides valuable opportunities for networking, professional development, and continuing education. They also offer certifications for electricians at every career stage, helping to highlight their expertise and credibility to potential clients and employers. Whether you’re new to the trade or a seasoned professional, NECA serves as a strong resource for career growth.

How much does an electrician make in Missouri?

Electricians in Missouri earn competitive wages, especially in larger metro with high demand. Job opportunities are plentiful, ranging from entry-level positions to supervisory and managerial roles. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance, the state offers a variety of paths with strong earning potential. Below are the average pay rates for some of Missouri’s most frequently advertised electrician jobs.

• Apprentice electrician: $21.51 per hour
• Electrical technician: $27.77 per hour
• General electrician: $59,805 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $33.27 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $75,223 per year
• Electrical Project Manager: $101,079 per year

Missouri electrician salaries are similar to or slightly lower than the national average for many positions. An electrical project manager, for example, makes $101,079 per year in Missouri; the national average for the same position is $103,530 per year. Entry-level positions are similarly comparable to the national averages; an apprentice in the U.S. makes $22.03 per year, while in Missouri, an apprentice can average about $21.51 per hour.

If you’re an hourly electrician, you can boost your earnings by working overtime or taking emergency calls at night or on weekends, which can add to your weekly pay. For those who own their electrical contracting businesses, the potential for higher earnings is even greater compared to working for someone else. However, running a business comes with its own challenges, including managing operations, securing clients, and handling financial responsibilities.

Should I join an electrician union in Missouri?

Union affiliation is an opportunity to network in the electrical industry and find a job. Apprenticeships are offered at union-organized Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees. For example, the St. Louis Electrical Industry Training Center offers apprenticeships to rising electricians with the chance to gain journeyman positions. Even though union membership usually costs money, the cost is repaid to you in networking opportunities, better working conditions, higher wages, and job stability.

If you want to join an electrical workers’ union, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is a good place to start. It’s the largest electrician union in the country and has local branches throughout the state. You may find help with an electrical apprenticeship or finding a job through IBEW Local 1 in St. Louis, IBEW Local 53 in Kansas City, or IBEW Local 257 in Jefferson City.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

First, check with your alma mater or local union for job boards. Many unions help electrical contractors find work. Keep in touch with any major contractors you meet during your training as an electrician, too. Job interviewers will vet your work ethic and experience during the hiring process. Experienced electricians can expect interviews to focus on expertise, past work projects, and the scope of the potential project.

Many employers, including the State of Missouri, post electrician jobs online, from apprenticeships to managerial positions. Try looking on large sites like Indeed, Zip Recruiter, or Career Builder for electrician jobs in your area.

Electrician insurance in Missouri

Insurance is a must-have for any electrical contractor. General liability insurance of at least $500,000 is required to apply for the statewide electrical contractor license, and many county governments also require liability insurance to issue a local electrical license.

If you are an electrical contractor with employees, you are required by state law to carry Missouri Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage if you have five or more employees. Any job that asks you to work with electricity will be dangerous, but many electricians work their entire careers without having an accident. Personal protective equipment, insurance, training, and increasingly safe workplaces will keep you and your employees out of harm’s way.

Electrician industry trends

Missouri is experiencing a boom in its electrical industry. In response to this growth, many trade shows are happening in Missouri. Attend these trade shows for the latest trends in the electrical industry.

Alternative energy is another growing field. If you have specialty experience, you could work at one of Missouri’s many solar energy harvesting facilities or wind farms. You could work on the equipment itself, transfer harvested energy to local power grids, or both.

FAQs

Is my license only valid in Missouri?

All Missouri electrical licenses, including the electrical contractor license, are only valid in Missouri.

How can I get a replacement for my Missouri electrician license?

To get a duplicate license, register a name change, or register a change of address for local licenses, reach out to your local government. For the statewide electrical contractor license, you can click here to register a change of address or click here to register a name change. You will have to email the Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors directly if you need a duplicate license.

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

The statewide electrical contractor license must be renewed every three years by September 30. A renewal form will be mailed to you 90 days before your license expires. The renewal fee is $200. Check with your local government to find out when your local journeyman or master electrician license must be renewed.