Missouri electrician license:
Everything you need to know

The electrical industry growing rapidly in Missouri. You can choose multiple career paths, 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. 

Does Missouri require an electrical license?

While some counties require a Missouri electrical license to do electrical work, many others do not. Electrical licensing is decided at the city and county level rather than the state level; however, Missouri now offers a statewide electrical contractor license for skilled electricians to work anywhere in the state.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Missouri?

Apprentices are typically unlicensed in Missouri. They focus on honing important skills and learning basic electrical theory. As they gain more experience, apprentices earn pay raises throughout their apprenticeship. Apprentice electricians in Missouri make an average of $15.15 per hour.

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. Journeyman electricians in Missouri make an average of $25.11 per hour.

Master electricians have extensive mastery of installation, removal, and reparation of all electrical equipment. Master electricians earn an average of $30.57 per hour.

Electrical contractors in Missouri are licensed at both the state and local level. The statewide electrical contractor license became official on July 1, 2019. This new title allows electrical contractors to work anywhere in the state without having to meet additional licensing requirements. Local electrical contractors in Missouri earn an average of $54,226 per year.

How to get an electrician license in Missouri

An apprenticeship starts your path towards earning your Missouri electrical license. At an apprenticeship, you can expect to learn about electrical theory, fiber optics, the National Electric Code, industrial motor controls, and structured wiring systems. Apprenticeships are offered by many unions throughout the state. They typically take five years to complete.

Sometimes, apprentices become journeyman electricians when they complete their apprenticeship. However, most Missouri counties don’t offer journeyman electrician licenses. Instead, they only license master electricians and electrical contractors. In fact, some Missouri counties don’t require any license to become an electrician.

If you would like to become a locally-licensed master electrician or electrical contractor, you will need to complete some schooling. Licensing requirements allow both two-year and four-year degrees to count towards your application. At school, you can expect to learn advanced electrical theory. The top five colleges for future electricians in Missouri are State Technical College of Missouri, Vatterott College-Berkeley, Mineral Area College, Three Rivers Community College, and Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center.

To receive the statewide electrical contractor license, an electrician must fill out this application and pay a $200 license application fee to the Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors. They also must meet all of the application requirements outlined here, including the holding of a local master or electrical contractor license for at least six of the last eight years.

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, better working conditions, higher wages, and job stability. 

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. If you are an electrical contractor, you will need insurance coverage to accept jobs.

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, consider getting workers’ compensation coverage for your business.

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. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Missouri employs over 11,000 electricians, and the industry is projected to grow 8% over the next decade.

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

Is my license only valid in Missouri?

All Missouri electrical licenses are only valid in Missouri, including the electrical contractor license. The Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors plans to get reciprocity agreements with other states. They will post updates on their website when more information is available.

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 orclick 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 projected to cost $200. Check with your local government to find out when your local journeyman or master electrician license must be renewed.