Licensing Guides
Kansas Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Kansas
Electrical, KS
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Kansas?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Kansas?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Kansas?
How Can I Prepare for The Electrician License Exam in Kansas?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Kansas?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Kansas?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Kansas.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide and 5,640 in Kansas.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. That growth rate in Kansas is projected at 9%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVACR or mechanical professionals, while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Kansas in July 2025 totaled 71,700, an increase of 100 (0.1%) from July 2024 and an increase of 7,100 or 11% from February 2020.” So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Kansas
Is a license required for electricians in Kansas? Yes.
To legally perform electrical work in the state of Kansas, you must be licensed by the municipality where you intend to work.
Kansas requires a license for all electrical work. The types of electrical licensing in Kansas are typically apprentice electrician, journeyman electrician, master electrician, and electrical contractor, but will ultimately vary by location. While electrical licenses are issued by local municipalities, the state legislature sets minimum requirements to obtain a Journeyman Electrical license.
In Topeka, trade licenses, including electrician licenses, are issued by the Development Services Division. In Wichita and surrounding Sedgwick County, electrical licenses are issued by the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD).
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Kansas
While licensing requirements vary by county, the Kansas state legislature established minimum criteria needed to become a Journeyman Electrician.
Be at least 18 years old.
Have a high school diploma or GED.
Gain experience via an apprenticeship to qualify for a journeyman license.
Pass a licensing exam based on the National Electrical Code (NEC).
Pay all applicable fees.
Submit the license application.
How to Become an Electrician in Kansas
According to the state website, to become a licensed electrician in Kansas, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet the educational/experience requirements
Pass a licensing examination.
Pay all applicable fees.
Obtain liability insurance coverage (typically for contractors).
Below are the specifics for each license.
Topeka
APPRENTICE LICENSE
Work experience: Apprentices must be actively enrolled in an apprenticeship training program and obtain at least two years (4,000 hours) of electrical trade experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician, as well as 240 hours of classroom instruction.
Apply for license: Apprentices must apply for licensure via the Development Services Division.
Pay Fee: The registration fee is $33.
Limitations: Apprentices must work under the direct supervision of a Master or Journeyman electrician while on the worksite at all times.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Must obtain at least two years (4,000 hours) of electrical trade experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician, as well as 240 hours of classroom instruction.
Pass Licensing Exam: Must show proof of a passing score of 75% from one of the following testing agencies: Block, NIA-Block, Experior, Prometric, or International Code Council (ICC).
Apply for license: Must submit the license application along with proof of passing the licensing examination.
Pay Fee: The Journeyman license fee is $53.
Limitations: Must work under the supervision of a licensed Master Electrician.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Must obtain at least two years (4,000 hours) of experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
Pass Licensing Exam: Must show proof of a passing score of 75% from one of the following testing agencies: Block, NIA-Block, Experior, Prometric or ICC.
Apply for license: Must submit the license application along with proof of passing the licensing examination.
Pay Fee: The Master license fee is $103.
Limitations: Can work independently.
Wichita
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Must obtain one year of field experience AND one year of electrical trade school OR two years of field experience.
Pass Licensing Exam: Must show proof of a passing score of 75% from one of the following testing agencies: Block, Experior, IAMPO, or ICC.
Apply for license: Must submit the license application along with proof of passing the licensing examination.
Pay Fee: The Journeyman license fee is $35.
Limitations: Must work under the supervision of a licensed Master Electrician.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Must obtain at least two years of experience as a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
Pass Licensing Exam: Must show proof of receiving a passing score of 75% from one of the following testing agencies: Block, Experior, IAMPO, or ICC.
Apply for license: Must submit the license application along with proof of passing the licensing examination.
Pay Fee: The Master license fee is $35.
Limitations: Can work independently.
KANSAS ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
Electrical contractor licensing requirements also vary by individual cities and counties.
Most counties require electrical contractors to hold a Master Electrician license and carry at least $300,000 of general liability insurance, as well as workers' compensation insurance and adequate auto insurance coverage.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Kansas
What are the different types of Kansas electrical licenses? In Kansas, electrician licenses are issued at the local level. However, most municipalities issue the following license types:
Apprentice Electrician:
An apprentice electrician assists licensed electricians by installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems while learning the trade through hands-on work and classroom instruction. They prepare materials, follow safety procedures, read basic blueprints, and gradually take on more complex tasks as their skills and experience grow.
Journeyman Electrician:
A journeyman electrician is a trained tradesperson who installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems while working independently or under minimal supervision. A Journeyman Electrician in Kansas needs at least two years (4,000 hours) of electrical trade experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician, as well as 240 hours of classroom instruction.
Master Electrician:
A Master Electrician requires more electrical trade experience than Journeyman Electricians, and is usually authorized to obtain work permits from city/county government agencies to perform electrical work on residential properties.
Electrical Contractor:
Electrical Contractors run their own business and can hire other licensed electricians. Electrical Contractors usually have their own Master Electrician license and many years of previous electrical trade work experience.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Kansas
There are many benefits to getting your electrical license in Kansas.
First and most important, it is required by law in Kansas to be licensed through local jurisdictions to legally perform any electrical work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the very first day you begin the process of becoming an electrician.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise your earning potential increases and you have authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Kansas?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Kansas is $65,470 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary can increase as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate level, and 3.15% for senior level electricians. In Kansas those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $58,100
Intermediate (2-4 years): $68,200
Senior (4-7 years): $73,500
Salaries can vary widely, depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Kansas?
The cost of a license varies in Kansas, depending on the license type and the locality, as licenses are issued at the local level.
Topeka
Apprentice license: $33 license fee
Journeyman license: $53 license fee
Master license: $103 license fee
Wichita
Journeyman license: $35 license fee
Master license: $35 license fee
Despite licensing requirements being decided at the local level, electrician licensing tests are standardized throughout the state. The fee for both the Journeyman and Master electrician exam is $115. Exams for contractors are also $115.
The #1 newsletter for the trades.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Kansas?
It will take a minimum of two years of work experience, either in an apprenticeship or working for an electrical contractor, to become licensed at the journey level in Kansas. It will take an additional two years to meet the eligibility requirements to test for a license at the master level. If you choose to become a contractor, the application process will take additional time.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning and that compensation goes up each year as you acquire more training and knowledge until you are fully licensed at the journeyperson level. Then it goes up again when you acquire your master license.
As a licensed contractor you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
Kansas Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Kansas.
You can complete an apprenticeship via the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, which is recognized by the Bureau of Apprenticeship and Training of the United States Department of Labor.
You can seek out a union apprenticeship available through local Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees. JATCs have been established through the combined efforts of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) who have come together to form the National Training Alliance.
Or you can complete a technical school program approved by the Kansas Electrical Examining Board and deemed equivalent to the Department of Labor apprenticeship requirements.
Each option will provide the necessary 240 hours of classroom instruction. Apprenticeship programs also include 4,000 hours of required work experience.
Kansas schools offering electrical degrees include:
Washburn University Tech in Topeka
Johnson County Community College in Overland Park
Salina Area Technical College in Salina
Kansas City Community College in Kansas City
Additionally, both the University of Kansas and Kansas State University offer a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering.
Tuition: According to Community College Review, the average tuition is approximately $3,402 per year for in-state students and $4,296 for out-of-state students.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED, which is a high school equivalency degree.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job you will need to have good customer service skills, be detail-oriented, have mechanical capability, and be physically fit because the job can include some heavy lifting and hours of walking, standing and working in tight spaces.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Kansas, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Kansas: The Ultimate Guide.
Kansas Electrician Licensing Exam Details
Kansas requires an examination for each level of licensing. There are State of Kansas testing sponsorship requirements to apply to sit for each exam.
Journeyman Exam candidates:
Must have completed an apprenticeship that includes 4,000 hours of training and 240 hours of classroom training.
Master Exam candidates:
Requirements vary by jurisdiction. In most cases, master candidates must work for at least two years as a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
Contractor Exam candidates:
Requirements vary by jurisdiction. In both Sedgwick and Johnson County, contractors need to obtain a bachelor’s degree.
Exams require a passing score of at least 75% and cost $115. Topics on the examinations include general electrical knowledge, wiring and protection, wiring methods and materials, equipment for general use, special occupancies, special equipment, special conditions, and communication systems.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Kansas?
At each level you must complete a certain amount of training before being permitted to sit for the exam.
The International Code Council (ICC) provides a state of Kansas Contractor/Trades Examination Information Bulletin and exam prep materials to help applicants prepare for electrical licensure exams. There is also a detailed FAQ section.
The Kansas Journeyman exam consists of 80 questions and you have four hours to complete the open-book test. Topics include:
General Knowledge
Services and Service Equipment
Feeders
Branch Circuits and Conductors
Wiring Methods and Materials
Equipment and Devices
Control Devices
Motors and Generators
Special Occupancies, Equipment, and Conditions
The Kansas Master exam consists of 100 questions, and you have five hours to complete the open-book test. Topics are the same as the Journeyman exam.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Kansas?
Electrical licenses are issued by local municipalities. In Topeka, electrician licenses are issued by the Development Services Division. In Wichita and surrounding Sedgwick County, electrical licenses are issued by the Metropolitan Area Building and Construction Department (MABCD).
Does My Kansas Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Some states may allow you to bypass part of the licensing requirements if your training in Kansas is equal or greater to those in another state. Make sure to check local regulations where to plan to work.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Kansas?
Because licenses are issued at the local level, Kansas doesn’t have official reciprocal agreements with other states for electrician licenses.
National Electrician Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Kansas?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Kansas. Options include:
Kansas Promise Act Scholarship: Provides scholarships for students enrolled in high-wage, high-demand, or critical need programs (including electrical technology and electrician training at community/technical colleges or apprenticeship programs).
Kansas Career Technical Workforce Grant: Provides funding for Kansas residents pursuing a career technical education, including programs that may feature electrician or related building-trade coursework.
WSU Tech Foundation & Institutional Scholarships: Provide funding for students pursuing classes in the trades at Wichita State University.
The University of Kansas offers hundreds of scholarship opportunities for undergraduate students.
There are several scholarships offered through trade organizations in Kansas as well. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) offers several scholarships, including the IBEW Founders' Scholarship and other scholarships for members and their dependents from the local chapters, including IBEW Local 271 in Wichita and IBEW Local 304 in Topeka.
Every scholarship has slightly different requirements and application processes but in general you will need to:
Visit the organization's website.
Fill out an application.
Include a letter or letters of recommendation.
Wait for scholarships to be awarded.
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Kansas?
Your electrical license can be verified by potential clients or employees in Kansas through the local licensing agency. There is no statewide electrician license in Kansas. You can typically search by name, business name, or license number.
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Kansas?
Suspending an electrical license means that the license holder is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the common reasons that Kansas electrician licenses can be suspended are:
Fraud in obtaining a license
Professional incompetence
Misleading or deceptive practices
Unethical conduct or practice harmful to the public
Habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs
Client fraud
Code violations
Electrical permit abuse
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information, visit the local licensing agency where you plan to work.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Kansas?
Kansas does not issue a statewide electrical contractor license. Instead, electrical licensing is governed by cities and counties, each with their own requirements and penalties.
Many cities/counties impose fines or fees for performing electrical work without a valid license, and the amounts vary by locale and ordinance. Unlicensed work can also lead to criminal charges. Additionally, building or code enforcement officers can halt ongoing work, potentially delaying or shutting down a project until a licensed electrician is retained.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information, visit the local licensing agency where you plan to work.
Continuing Education
Many Kansas municipalities require continuing education credits as part of the license renewal process. In Topeka, Journeyman and Master Electricians must complete six hours of continuing education a year to qualify for renewal. In Wichita, Journeyman and Master Electricians must complete 12 hours of continuing education every renewal period.
For specific renewal instructions, contact your local licensing agency for specific continuing education requirements.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrician industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
