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We all need electricians, and electricians need extensive training to safely install, repair, and maintain electrical systems. If you want to join the electrician workforce, training is readily available throughout the Magnolia State. The growing demand for electricians in Mississippi means you can feel confident that the time you put into training will pay off. We've put together everything you need to know to get started.
Electrician Career Overview in Mississippi
According to CareerOneStop, the number of electrician jobs in Mississippi is projected to grow 23% through 2033, indicating exceptionally strong demand. This growth reflects broader home services industry trends, creating excellent career opportunities for those entering the electrical industry. Electrical contractors are scaling operations to meet this growing demand, creating more opportunities for trained electricians.
Daily responsibilities for electricians in Mississippi typically include:
Installation: Installing residential wiring and commercial wiring systems.
Analysis: Reading blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
Maintenance: Troubleshooting motor control systems and programmable logic controllers.
Compliance: Adhering to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and safety standards like OSHA 10 or OSHA 30.
Mississippi Electrician Licensing Requirements
Mississippi issues electrical contractor licenses at the state level via the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC). However, journeyman-level (primary) electrical licenses are often handled by local municipalities. It is important to check with your local jurisdiction for specific licensing requirements.
Generally, to qualify for licensure, you must meet the following requirements:
Hours: Complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
Instruction: Complete approximately 576–900 hours of classroom-based training (or related technical instruction).
Safety certification: While not always mandatory for every local license, holding an OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification is highly recommended and often required by employers.
Entry-level workers may start as helpers under supervision without a license, but gaining a commercial license or residential license is key for career advancement.
For a detailed explanation of Mississippi’s electrical licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Mississippi Electrical License.
Electrician Training Pathways: Schools vs. Apprenticeships
There are generally two paths to entering the field: attending a technical college for a certificate program or associate of applied science degree, or entering a direct apprenticeship program. While both paths offer hands-on training, technical colleges often provide more in-depth electrical technology coursework before you enter the workforce. Many programs follow the curriculum of the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) to ensure industry standards are met.
Typical coursework in these programs covers technical skills attainment essential for the job, including:
AC and DC circuits, amperage, and voltage theory.
Conduit bending, grounding, and overcurrent protection.
Solid state motor controls and instrumentation.
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Top Electrician Schools in Mississippi
The following community colleges and training centers offer electrical technology programs and technical certificate options. Tuition for community colleges in Mississippi averages around $2,400–$4,500 per year, while private technical colleges may cost more. Many students utilize financial aid to help cover costs.
East Mississippi Community College (Scooba): Offers an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Electrical Technology.
Itawamba Community College (Fulton): Features a comprehensive Electrical Technology program with hands-on labs.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (Perkinston): Includes maritime focus options within their Electrical Technology program.
Hinds Community College (Raymond): Students can earn a Technical Certificate or an Associate in Applied Science degree.
Jones County Junior College (Ellisville): Offers multiple exit points including a Career Certificate or electrical degree.
Pearl River Community College (Poplarville): Provides hands-on training for a Technical Certificate or Associate degree.
Southwest Mississippi Community College (Summit): Focuses on an Associate in Applied Science degree in Electrical Technology.
Delta Technical College (Horn Lake): Offers a seven-month Industrial, Commercial, & Residential Electrician training program.
Northeast Mississippi Community College (Booneville): Offers an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical Technology degree.
East Central Community College (Decatur): Provides a standard Electrical Technology program preparing students for entry-level work.
Mississippi Electrician Apprenticeship Programs
A registered apprenticeship offers an "earn while you learn" model, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Applicants typically need a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and passing scores on an aptitude test.
Union: The IBEW Local Union 903 (Gulfport and Hattiesburg) offers training through their Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC).
Non-union: The Mid-South Chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Mississippi Chapter offer apprenticeship opportunities through merit shops.
State Resources: The Mississippi Apprenticeship Program connects individuals with registered programs statewide.
Electrician Salaries and Career Outlook
Before investing in education, it is helpful to know the potential return. Electrician salaries in Mississippi vary by experience and specialization, with industrial electricians often earning higher wages. Commercial service companies continue to expand operations, driving demand for skilled commercial electricians. According to Indeed, the median electrician salary in Mississippi breaks down as follows:
Junior electrician: $58,327
Senior electrician: $63,759
Master electrician: $76,952
For more information about electrician salaries and employment preparation, visit this state-by-state guide.
Other School Options
In addition to the training programs and electrician schools already mentioned, there are options in neighboring states:
Delgado Community College (Louisiana)
As you prepare for a career in the electrical trade, understanding the business side is just as important as technical skills.
Top electrical contractors use software like ServiceTitan to streamline operations and scale their companies.
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Features like Atlas and Field Pro also support ongoing learning and productivity, giving technicians in-app guidance, standardized processes, and best-practice workflows that help reinforce skills long after school ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become an electrician in Mississippi?
It typically takes four to five years to complete an apprenticeship program (8,000 hours), though certificate programs can be completed in as little as 7–12 months.
How much do electrician schools in Mississippi cost?
Tuition for community colleges in Mississippi averages around $2,400–$4,500 per year, while private technical colleges may cost more; however, financial aid and scholarships are often available.
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Mississippi?
Yes, you generally need a primary license from your local municipality to work, and a state-level contractor license from the MSBOC for commercial projects over $10,000 or residential projects over $50,000.
What is the difference between a residential and commercial electrician?
A residential electrician focuses on home wiring and service entrances, while a commercial electrician works on larger systems involving three-phase power, motor controls, and industrial wiring in business settings.
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