How to Become an Electrician in Kansas
If you love working with your hands, working with other people and having a job that is different every day, you might want to consider becoming an electrician. Demand for qualified electricians in Kansas and throughout the U.S. is high. These trained and skilled workers are always needed to install new wiring and fix old and outdated systems. With a few years of training at an electrician trade school and apprenticeship, you could become a licensed Kansas electrician. [En Español]
Requirements for a Kansas Electrician License
Kansas does not have a statewide licensing program for electricians. It is up to counties and cities in the state to issue licenses. Some license journeymen, while others only have a master electrician license. Despite differences there are minimum requirements set by the state, so that anyone licensed to work on electrical systems must at least have:
- Passed a National Electric Code exam
- Two years of work experience under a licensed electrician (or one year plus a degree or certificate from vocational or trade school)
- Completed 240 hours of classroom instruction in electrical technology
There are two basic ways that you can fulfill these requirements and prepare to be licensed in most cities and counties. One is to complete an apprenticeship program, which provides both the coursework and the two years or more of apprenticing under a master electrician. The other option is to find an electrician to apprentice with and to complete coursework at a vocational or community college.
Once you have met these requirements you can seek a journeyman license or, depending on the county or city, a residential master electrician license. In Kansas City and Wyandotte County, for instance, the first level of licensing is for a master electrician. This is issued through the Building Inspection Division. Requirements for the license include one year of practical experience supervising and installing electrical systems, three years of apprenticeship under a master electrician and two years of experience in a commercial or industrial setting. Up to two years of the total experience may come from a post-secondary degree or certificate program, at the discretion of the building inspector.
In areas that license journeymen, the next step is to become licensed as a master electrician. You may then choose to become a licensed independent electrical contractor. The requirements for this vary, but typically include being a master electrician, passing an exam and holding liability insurance.
Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Kansas
An apprenticeship program through local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), working in collaboration with the National Electrical Contractors Alliance (NECA), offers you everything you need, including classwork and work experience, in four or five years in order to get licensed in most municipalities. There are four Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) in Kansas, in Kansas City, Topeka, Hutchinson and Wichita.
To qualify for a Kansas JATC, you must apply directly to the program you want to participate in and be at least 18 at the time it begins. You must have a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, be physically able to do the work of an electrician, and pass a reading comprehension and algebra test. There are also non-union programs in the state, run through the Independent Electrical Contractors, which have similar requirements. These courses provide classes, but students must find their own master electricians to apprentice and train with.
Electrician Schools in Kansas
Students in Kansas who complete a vocational or community college program in electrical technology can combine that with just one year of work experience to meet the basic licensing requirements. For most programs, students must find an apprenticeship position.
- Washburn University Tech, Topeka. The electrical technology program at Washburn is specifically designed for students who want to become electricians. It takes just one year to complete.
- Johnson County Community College, Overland Park. Johnson County offers students a few different options, including an electrical technology degree and certificate programs. The degree takes two years and the certificate one year.
- Salina Area Technical College, Salina. Students at Salina can complete the two-year electrical technology program for just $145 per credit hour, although the tool costs are separate and required.
- Kansas City Community College. The Kansas City electrical technology program includes 44 credit hours and a certificate rather than a degree. Graduates are prepared for an apprenticeship.
Penn Foster College – Residential Electrician Career Diploma
Nationally Accredited and Licensed School. Support from Expert Faculty and Success Coaches. Up-to-date Material That Complies with the National Electric Code (NEC)®. Snap-On Tool Discount for Trades Students.Call 1-800-851-1819 today.
Outlook and Salary Expectations
Growth for electrician careers in Kansas is positive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs will grow by about four percent between 2018 and 2028. The new opportunities will be filled by young people training to be electricians right now. If you complete training and get licensed, you can expect to earn a good income in this career. In 2019, the average salary for a Kansas electrician was $53,850, and the top earners in the state made more than $82,430 that year.
Salaries in Kansas by Occupation 2019
| Occupation | Total Employment | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Wage | Annual Salary 10th Percentile | Annual Salary 25th Percentile | Annual Salary 75th Percentile | Annual Salary 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | 4,940 | $26.32 | $54,750 | $29,210 | $39,860 | $67,300 | $82,430 |
| Helpers--Electricians | 300 | $15.61 | $32,470 | $18,400 | $27,480 | $38,870 | $43,620 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | 70 | $31.09 | $64,670 | $34,190 | $51,720 | $78,220 | $98,540 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | 380 | $29.62 | $61,600 | $38,630 | $47,400 | $74,790 | $88,520 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 230 | $39.26 | $81,650 | $57,170 | $71,120 | $95,680 | $102,970 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 1,670 | $34.43 | $71,600 | $39,990 | $51,460 | $91,820 | $100,280 |
Electrician Salaries in Kansas by Region 2019
| Area | Total Employment | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary | Hourly Wage 10th Percentile | Hourly Wage 25th Percentile | Hourly Wage 75th Percentile | Hourly Wage 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 4,240 | $27.89 | $58,020 | $14.73 | $19.13 | $35.21 | $41.10 |
| St. Joseph, MO-KS | 350 | $30.08 | $62,570 | $17.53 | $22.94 | $36.76 | $39.50 |
| Lawrence, KS | 160 | $24.75 | $51,480 | $13.24 | $16.46 | $31.48 | $37.47 |
| Manhattan, KS | 190 | $28.71 | $59,710 | $16.95 | $20.44 | $37.30 | $45.10 |
| Topeka, KS | 440 | $25.24 | $52,500 | $15.30 | $19.44 | $30.17 | $36.10 |
| Wichita, KS | 1,340 | $25.40 | $52,830 | $14.12 | $19.26 | $31.68 | $36.92 |
Working as an Electrician in Kansas
If you are prepared to go through the training process to become an electrician in Kansas you will have a number of opportunities for work. Many electricians work as master electricians for contractors, but you can also work toward becoming a licensed contractor and starting your own business. Other jobs include working in industrial settings, in commercial buildings, for building and development companies and for government agencies.
College Programs
- Kansas City, MO-KS
- Kansas Nonmetropolitan Area
- Manhattan, KS
- St. Joseph, MO-KS
- Topeka, KS
- Wichita, KS
Kansas City, MO-KS Area
12345 College Blvd, Overland Park, Kansas 66210-1299
(913) 469-8500
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Johnson County Community College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals. All programs are imparted at their campus in the city of Overland Park. The majority of of the school’s 19,091 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $2,790 and are $3,300 and $6,600 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while books and supplies may cost roughly $1,560, although this varies from program to program.
7250 State Ave, Kansas City, Kansas 66112
(913) 334-1100
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Kansas City Kansas Community College offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Kansas City. The majority of of the school’s 5,625 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $3,248 and for students from outside the state likely to be about $8,048 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $1,390, although this will vary with the program.
Kansas Nonmetropolitan Area Area
400 W 11th St, Coffeyville, Kansas 67337-5064
(620) 251-7700
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Technology – Associate Program
Coffeyville Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are offered at their campus in the town of Coffeyville, KS. The majority of of the school’s 1,740 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition for students living in the state is about $2,304 and for students from other states around $3,872 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $1,000, depending on the program.
2501 N 14th Ave, Dodge City, Kansas 67801-2399
(620) 225-1321
Electrical Power Technician – Certificate Program, Electrical Power Technician – Associate Program
Dodge City Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Dodge City. The majority of of the school’s 1,779 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $2,130 and are $3,270 and $3,510 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost around $1,200, depending on the program chosen.
1300 N Plum St, Hutchinson, Kansas 67501
(620) 665-3500
Industrial Electronics Technology – Associate Program
The Industrial Electronics Technology Associate’s program in Industrial Electronics Technology at Hutchinson Community College is based at their campus in the town of Hutchinson. The majority of of the school’s 5,546 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-district students are generally about $3,072 and are $3,392 and $4,384 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while study materials may cost around $1,000, depending on the program.
3033 US Highway 24, Beloit, Kansas 67420
(785) 738-2276
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Technology – Associate Program
North Central Kansas Technical College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and two Associate programs. All programs are imparted at their campus in Beloit in Mitchell County. Most of the school’s 900 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees are, as a rough guide, around $6,019 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,490, although this varies from program to program.
1209 Harrison St, Goodland, Kansas 67735
(785) 890-3641
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Technology – Associate Program
Northwest Kansas Technical College offers various Certificate program options for future professionals, a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Goodland. Most of the school’s 779 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees are around $16,600 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,665, although this will vary with the program.
1701 S Broadway, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762
(620) 231-7000
Electrical Technology – Associate Program, Electronics Engineering Technology – Certificate Program
Pittsburg State University offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. All programs are offered at their campus in the town of Pittsburg, KS. Of the 7,244 students, about 16% are postgraduates. The university is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-state students are in the order of $7,100 and for students from outside the state around $18,152 for each academic year. Books and supplies can cost roughly $1,000, although this will depend on the program.
348 NE SR 61, Pratt, Kansas 67124
(620) 672-5641
Electrical Powerline Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Powerline Technology – Associate Program
Pratt Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are based at their campus in Pratt in Pratt County. This public college has round 1,189 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees for in-district students are generally around $3,392 and are $3,492 and $3,912 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Books and supplies can cost around $2,000, although this will depend on the program.
2562 Centennial Road, Salina, Kansas 67401
(785) 309-3100
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Technology – Associate Program
Salina Area Technical College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are imparted at their campus in the town of Salina, Kansas. Most of the school’s 524 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $7,080 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $56, although this will vary with the program.
Manhattan, KS Area
3136 Dickens Ave, Manhattan, Kansas 66503-2499
(785) 587-2800
Electric Power & Distribution – Certificate Program, Electric Power & Distribution – Associate Program
Manhattan Area Technical College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Manhattan, Kansas. The college has about 870 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. The cost of tuition is likely to be in the order of $6,030 yearly. Learning materials may cost about $2,110, although this will vary with the program.
St. Joseph, MO-KS Area
606 W Main, Highland, Kansas 66035-4165
(785) 442-6000
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Highland Community College’s Certificate-level Electrical Technology program is offered at their campus in Highland in Doniphan County. This public college has in the order of 3,343 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Tuition fees for in-district students are roughly around $3,057 and are $3,540 and $3,540 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost roughly $625, depending on the program chosen.
Topeka, KS Area
5724 SW Huntoon, Topeka, Kansas 66604-2117
(785) 273-7140
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
The Electrical Technology Certificate program in Electrical Technology at Washburn Institute of Technology can be taken at their campus in the city of Topeka, KS. The college has approximately 1,330 students in total, with most students on programs that last under 2 years. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Fees for tuition are broadly about $6,912 annually, while study materials may cost around $1,200, depending on the program.
1700 SW College Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66621-0001
(785) 670-1010
Electronics Technology – Associate Program
The Electronics Technology Associate’s degree program in Electronics Technology at Washburn University is based at their campus in the city of Topeka. This is a full, 4-year public college with 6,615 students, of which 88% are undergraduates. The university is institutionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be about $7,978 and for students from other states likely to be about $17,918 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $1,000, depending on the program.
Wichita, KS Area
8853 E. 37th Street N., Wichita, Kansas 67226
(316) 634-0066
Electrician – Certificate Program
Vatterott College’s Certificate program in Electrician is based at their Wichita campus in the city of Wichita, KS. This private, for-profit college has about 165 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. The cost of tuition is generally in the order of $11,237 annually. Books and supplies can cost around $1,479, although this will depend on the program.
* College accredition status and tuition fees and are, to our best knowledge, correct at the time of writing, and sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Check all details directly with college before applying.
Neighbor States
Residents of Kansas may also wish to review their options in Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and Colorado.
FAQs
How much do electricians earn in the state of Kansas?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Kansas made an average of $54,750 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $29,210 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $82,430.