How to Become an Electrician in Missouri
Job growth for electricians in Missouri is faster than average according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). If you are looking for a new career or your first career and you enjoy physical work that is also intellectually stimulating, consider becoming an electrician. There are and will continue to be great opportunities for licensed electricians in Missouri and around the country. [En Español]
Missouri Electrician License Requirements
Electricians in Missouri are licensed at the city or county level, not by the state. However, the requirements for licensing and license renewals are very similar across the state, so the choices for a path to becoming an electrician are the same everywhere. Most areas recognize four different ways to qualify for an electrician license at the first level:
- Complete a five-year union or non-union apprenticeship program, which includes over 500 hours of classroom time and 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience.
- Complete a two-year associate degree program in electrical technology and get 8,000 hours of work experience.
- Complete a four-year degree program in electrical technology or engineering and get 4,000 hours of work experience.
- Work with a master electrician in an apprentice role for six years to get 12,000 hours of work experience.
Some cities, like Jefferson City, offer a journeyman license, but most only have licenses for master electricians, which may include different levels. In general, the requirements for licensing are the above work and classroom hours, a high school diploma or GED, a passing score on an exam and an application fee. Most areas also offer a license for becoming an independent contractor, which requires being or hiring a master electrician and having liability insurance.
License renewals will generally require some hours of continuing education to keep electricians up to date with the state, local and National Electrical Code.
Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Missouri
An apprenticeship program provides all the class hours and work experience necessary to qualify for licensing in most cities in Missouri. There are several Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) in the state that are affiliated with local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). To apply for one of the JATC programs, you have to be 18 or older, have a diploma or GED, have completed a year of algebra and pass an aptitude test. Missouri JATCs are available in:
- Jefferson City, IBEW Local 257
- Joplin JATC, IBEW Local 95
- Springfield, IBEW Local 453
- St. Louis Electrical JATC, St. Louis Electrical Industry Training Center, IBEW Local #1
- St. Joseph, IBEW Local 545
- Kansas City Electrical JATC, IBEW Local 124
Similar non-union programs are offered through the Independent Electrical Contractors local groups in Bridgeton, Sedalia and Cape Girardeau. They have similar requirements to enroll as the JATCs, and like those union programs they include classroom learning and at least 8,000 hours of experience as an apprentice. Also, ABC Heart of America, the Missouri Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors has another non-union program. They have two training facilities, in Kansas City and Fenton.
Missouri Schools for Electricians
Future electricians in Missouri can choose to complete a post-secondary electrical program to account for some of the work experience hours required for licensing. In addition to the degree, you must work as an apprentice to complete the full 8,000 required hours.
- University of Missouri, Columbia. Students who complete the four-year electrical engineering degree at the University of Missouri only need to acquire 4,000 hours of apprenticeship hours to qualify for licensing.
- Metropolitan Community College, Kansas City. This school offers an associate degree, which takes two years to complete on a full schedule, in industrial electrical. It provides the required classroom hours and prepares students to begin an electrical apprenticeship.
- State Technical College of Missouri. State Tech offers an Electrical Distribution Systems program for those looking for a lineman school in Missouri.
- Vatterott Educational Centers had campuses in Kansas City and Joplin, but these are now closed permanently.
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
If you are training to become an electrician in Missouri, you can expect to have great career opportunities. According to the BLS, Missouri had 12,140 employed electricians in 2018, but that number is expected to grow to 13,050 by 2028. The positions that will become available are going to be filled by students and apprentices studying to become electricians right now.
You can also expect a great salary when you achieve electrician licensing. In 2019, electricians in the state made an annual average of $62,750, but those earning the most made over $84,710 that year. If you go on to gain years of experience or to become an electrical contractor, you can expect to be on the higher end of the salary range.
Salaries in Missouri 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 | 11,220 | $29.10 | $60,530 | $34,070 | $44,190 | $75,580 | $84,710 |
| Helpers--Electricians | 520 | $16.73 | $34,800 | $24,030 | $29,420 | $39,540 | $46,570 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | ** | $21.07 | $43,820 | $26,380 | $30,590 | $51,160 | $65,350 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | 600 | $28.49 | $59,270 | $34,890 | $46,060 | $72,950 | $79,230 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 260 | $39.56 | $82,280 | $58,400 | $70,590 | $96,780 | $105,470 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 2,680 | $34.05 | $70,830 | $38,650 | $55,370 | $87,900 | $99,720 |
Electrician Salaries in Missouri 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | 120 | $24.65 | $51,270 | $20.07 | $21.70 | $28.04 | $30.72 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 5,700 | $33.23 | $69,110 | $18.79 | $27.83 | $39.39 | $45.44 |
| 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 |
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR-MO | 1,120 | $19.63 | $40,830 | $11.42 | $14.70 | $24.13 | $28.93 |
| Columbia, MO | 300 | $23.07 | $47,990 | $13.05 | $17.20 | $28.66 | $31.97 |
| Jefferson City, MO | 340 | $23.01 | $47,860 | $15.21 | $17.80 | $27.24 | $31.75 |
| Joplin, MO | 270 | $21.93 | $45,610 | $15.43 | $17.43 | $26.58 | $29.63 |
| Springfield, MO | 950 | $27.22 | $56,610 | $17.25 | $23.05 | $31.23 | $36.62 |
Working as an Electrician in Missouri
Job opportunities for electricians continue to grow in Missouri and include a number of options. Once you become licensed you may choose to work for a contractor, providing services to residential buildings, commercial buildings or both. Or you may choose to work for industrial companies in plants and manufacturing sites. You may even have a chance to work for a government agency or to get your contractor’s license and begin your own business.
College Programs
- Cape Girardeau-Jackson, MO-IL
- Central Missouri Nonmetropolitan Area
- Jefferson City, MO
- Southeast Missouri Nonmetropolitan Area
Cape Girardeau-Jackson, MO-IL Area
1080 S. Silver Springs Rd., Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63703-7511
(573) 334-0826
Industrial Systems Technician – Certificate Program
Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center offers various Certificate program options for future opticians. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Cape Girardeau. The majority of of the school’s 252 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. The retention rate of full-time students at this college is over 80%. Tuition fees are usually around $8,373 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,013, although this varies from program to program.
Central Missouri Nonmetropolitan Area Area
3201 W 16th Street, Sedalia, Missouri 65301-2199
(660) 530-5800 x7217
Electrical Maintenance – Certificate Program, Automotive Electrical/Electronics – Associate Program
State Fair Community College offers multiple training options, including a Certificate program and an Associate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the town of Sedalia. Most of the school’s 4,934 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 roughly about $2,880 and are $4,200 and $5,640 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost roughly $698, although this will vary with the program.
Jefferson City, MO Area
One Technology Drive, Linn, Missouri 65051-9607
(573) 897-5000
Industrial Electricity – Certificate Program, Electrical Distribution Systems – Associate Program
State Technical College of Missouri offers various Certificate program options for future opticians, a Certificate program and an Associate program. All programs are offered at their campus in Linn in Osage County. The majority of of the school’s 1,274 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 in-state students is usually in the order of $6,060 and for students from outside the state in the order of $11,040 per year. Learning materials may cost in the order of $1,416, although this will vary with the program.
Southeast Missouri Nonmetropolitan Area Area
5270 Flat River Road, Park Hills, Missouri 63601-1000
(573) 431-4593
Electrical Technology – Associate Program
Mineral Area College’s Associate program is taught at their campus in the town of Park Hills. The majority of of the school’s 4,388 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 $3,520 and are $4,720 and $6,280 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Study materials can cost around $1,600, depending on the program chosen.
2080 Three Rivers Blvd, Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901
(573) 840-9600
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
The Certificate program in Electrical Technology at Three Rivers Community College is taught at their campus in the town of Poplar Bluff. Most of the school’s 3,856 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 for in-district students is generally in the order of $3,810 and are $5,250 and $6,390 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively. Learning materials may cost around $1,900, although this will vary with the program.
St. Joseph, MO-KS Area
3434 Faraon Street, Saint Joseph, Missouri 64506-5102
(816) 671-4170
Electronics Technology – Certificate Program
Hillyard Technical Center’s Certificate-level Electronics Technology program is based at their campus in the city of Saint Joseph. The majority of of the school’s 128 students are on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Tuition fees are around $12,219 yearly, while books and supplies may cost about $1,997, although this varies from program to program.
St. Louis, MO-IL Area
3925 Industrial Drive, Saint Ann, Missouri 63074-1807
(314) 423-1900
Electrical – Certificate Program
The Electrical Certificate program in Electrical at American Trade School is taught at their campus in Saint Ann in Saint Louis County. Most of the school’s 97 students are on 2-year programs. The college is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Tuition fees for the Electrical program are about $16,600 annually, while books and supplies may cost around $1,871. Program completion is normally 15 months.
4431 Finney Ave, Saint Louis, Missouri 63113-2811
(314) 371-0236
Electrical Technology – Associate Program, Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Ranken Technical College offers multiple training options, including an Associate program and a Certificate program. Classes are taken at their campus in the city of Saint Louis, Missouri. The majority of of the school’s 1,923 students are on 4-year programs. The college is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission. Fees for tuition are in the order of $14,457 for each academic year, while study materials may cost roughly $3,500, depending 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
See options in the neighboring states of Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky and Illinois.
FAQs
How much do electricians earn in the state of Missouri?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Missouri made an average of $60,530 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $34,070 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $84,710.
College Listings
