Mississippi is an attractive state for aspiring electricians due to its low cost of living and diverse opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. New residential developments and commercial projects are driving infrastructure upgrades, which put increased demands for licensed electrical workers.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for electricians is projected to grow by 11% over the next ten years—outpacing many other construction-related trades. In Mississippi, a 23% rise in electrician job opportunities is forecast.
According to ZipRecruiter, the annual salary for journeyman electricians is $64,456. Electrical contractors earn an annual income of $69,922, with an earning potential high of $171,893, according to ZipRecruiter.
To work as an electrician in Mississippi, a license is required—a process that takes about five years. However, most apprenticeships are paid, so while you're gaining hands-on experience, you can also earn an income.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to become an electrician in Mississippi.
Obtaining Your Electrical Contractor License in Mississippi
A contractor license is obtained from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC). The MSBOC issues two license types: Residential and Commercial. The following information is required for the residential license:
- If you operate as a corporation or LLC, you must file with the Mississippi Secretary of State and the name on your application must match exactly with the name registered with the state.
- Furnish a Mississippi Income Tax I.D. number, Federal Tax I.D. number, or social security number.
- Provide a certificate of general liability insurance listing the MSBOC as a certificate holder. Worker’s compensation insurance is also required if you intend to have or currently employ five or more employees.
- Include three reference letters, including one from a bank and two from individuals who can verify work experience or job completion.
- List three jobs completed within the classification requested.
- Submit proof of employment.
- Pay the $50 application fee.
Business and Law Exam & Trade Exam
Applicants are required to take the Business and Law exam and trade exam. PSI proctors the exams. The Business and Law Exam has 50 questions and a two-hour time limit to complete the test. The test covers the following topics:
- Licensing (5 items)
- Estimating and Bidding (7 items)
- Lien Law (1 items)
- Financial Management (5 items)
- Tax Laws (5 items)
- Labor Laws (5 items)
- Project Management (5 items)
- Contracts (6 items)
- Business Organization (2 items)
- Risk Management (4 items)
- Environmental Safety (5 items)
The NASCLA Exam
The NASCLA Accredited Trade Examination for Electrical Contractors has 100 questions. You’re required to pass the open book exam with 75%, and the time limit to take the exam is 270 minutes. The PSI Candidate Information Bulletin lists the reference material permitted on the testing site. The trade exam covers the following topics:
- Project Design and Management (8 items)
- Safety (9 items)
- Electrical Theory and Principles (11 items)
- General Code Requirements (17 items)
- Wiring and Protection (17 items)
- Wiring Methods and Materials (16 items)
- General Equipment Use (13 items)
- Special Occupancies, Special Equipment, and Special Conditions (8 items)
- Communication Systems (1 item)
For those applying for a Commercial Electrician Contractor License, the requirements are essentially the same.
However, for a commercial license, applicants must provide a Mississippi sales tax number, proof of liability insurance with minimum coverage of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate, and a reviewed or audited financial statement signed by a certified public accountant. The application fee is $400.
MS Electrician Continuing Education and License Renewal
Your state license is renewed annually. The MSBOC will mail a renewal notice 60 days prior to license expiration. Prior to renewal, you’re required to complete board-approved, two to four continuing education (CE) units, depending on your license. Licensees holding a license issued by a local jurisdiction should contact their local office for renewal information. Some jurisdictions renew licenses every two years. CE requirements vary as well.
The Role an Electrician
Electricians operate across a range of environments, from homes and businesses to large-scale industrial sites. Their expertise also extends to infrastructure projects and renewable energy systems. On a typical day, you will interpret wiring schematics, read blueprints, and follow technical plans to install, maintain, or troubleshoot electrical systems.
Electricians are keen problem-solvers with excellent knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and safety standards.
Specializations Within the Trade
Specializations vary widely based on the setting and scope of the job. Residential electricians typically handle wiring and electrical systems for new home builds or retrofit existing structures, while commercial electricians focus on systems in businesses and retail spaces. Industrial electricians take on complex, large-scale projects such as electrical infrastructure projects.
Beyond these traditional roles, emerging specialties in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind-turbine farms, and smart-home designs offer a wide variety of opportunities for licensed electricians.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Mississippi
You must have a license to work in Mississippi. Mississippi local municipalities issue journeyman and master electrician licenses. Only the state can issue an electrical contractor’s license. You must work at the journeyman or master electrician level before becoming an electrical contractor.
Mississippi issues electrical contractor licenses and specialty classifications. The major license (electrical contractor) permits the licensee to install, repair, alter, add to, or design electrical wiring, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduit, or any part of the electrical system.
The state has nine specialty classifications:
- Alarm Systems, Access Systems, and Security Equipment (exam required)
- Communication Systems, Low Voltage Electrical (exam required)
- Installation of Automated Meter Reading Equipment
- Instrumentation – Electrical
- Telecommunications
- Traffic Control (exam required)
- Transmission and Distribution Lines (exam required)
- Turbine Generator Maintenance and Repair
- Underground Cable Installation
Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?
The thriving economy in Mississippi makes it an excellent time to pursue a career as an electrician. It takes a minimum of four to five years to complete the 8,000-hour experience and 1,000-hour classroom requirements, pass the exam, and apply for your license.
When you’re ready to take your journeyman electrician or electrical contractor license exam, explore Contractor Training Center’s NASCLA Residential Electrical courses exam prep courses. Our courses are designed to help you pass your electrical licensing exams on the first try.
If you have questions, we would be happy to help. Reach out today to get started in this exciting and sustainable career.