Mississippi Electrical License: How To Become A Licensed Electrician In 2025

August 4, 2025
9 Min Read

Key takeaways

Mississippi electricians earn up to $56,980/year & contractors easily cross six figures.
8,000 hours of fieldwork & 1,000 hours of classroom training are required for a journeyman license.
Mississippi expects 23% job growth for electricians by 2033.
Residential jobs over $10,000 & commercial jobs over $50,000 require a state contractor license.
MS license reciprocates with AL, AR, LA, TN & SC.

Mississippi’s electrician workforce is growing fast. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, Mississippi can expect roughly 23% of job growth for electricians between 2023 and 2033. The growth rate is more than double the national average of 11%. The Magnolia State’s booming construction and industry needs mean the ones with a Mississippi electrical license are in high demand.

So, if you are planning to become an electrician in Mississippi, it will be a rewarding career path. Skilled electricians are in high demand and earn competitive wages. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average annual wage of about $58,141 for Mississippi electricians.

However, Mississippi’s licensing structure is a bit different from many states. Mississippi does not issue state journeyman or master electrician licenses. These are handled locally by cities and counties. Instead, Mississippi law requires a statewide contractor license for electrical work in certain situations. So, to work as an electrician, you must generally hold a local license. For example, the city of Jackson issues primary electrician licenses, and if you want to run a contracting business, you must also obtain a state electrical contractor license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC).

In this guide, we will explain both the local licensure steps and the state licensure steps in detail. You will learn how to register as an apprentice, how long the training takes, the types of licenses, how to get them, and all the costs, requirements, and timelines involved in getting your Mississippi Electrician License. We will also explain how to pull permits and reciprocity agreements.

What Are The Different Types Of Electrical Contractor Licenses In Mississippi?

If you want to run an electrical business in Mississippi, then you need an electrical contractor license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) to advertise, bid jobs, pull permits, and sign electrical contracts. There are two separate state contracting licenses: commercial and residential. Here is a more detailed description of these two licenses:

Commercial Electrical Contractor License

A Commercial Electrical Contractor License, classified simply under “Electrical (Major)” in MSBOC classifications, allows you to legally perform electrical work on any size residential or commercial projects statewide. This is considered a major classification and allows you to perform all types of electrical contracting, including heavy industrial work. It requires you to pass the state master electrician exam and a business/law exam to obtain the commercial license.

Residential Electrical Contractor License

A Residential Electrical Contractor License is limited to one- to three-family dwellings, essentially houses and small apartments. It also requires you to pass a trade licensing examination (Mississippi residential license exam) and a business/law exam.

How Do I Get My Electrician License In Mississippi?

If you are just starting out your career, you have to complete an electrician training program and gain hands-on experience through an apprenticeship. By law, you must complete an apprenticeship program before you qualify for a journeyman license at a local level. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the steps involved in getting your electrician license in Mississippi:

Step 1: Enroll Yourself Into An Apprenticeship Program And Gain Experience

The first formal step is typically enrolling in an electrical apprenticeship program. Mississippi’s apprenticeships are usually 4-5 years long. State and union programs require around 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience and about 1,000 hours of classroom instruction. You can fulfill the classroom instruction through community college courses or vocational schools, covering electrical theory, code, math, safety, and wiring practices. You are going to learn both residential and commercial wiring under the supervision of master electricians.

To enter an apprenticeship, you generally must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. Many programs will give preference to applicants who have completed courses in math, physics, or shop classes. The typical process is to apply to a recognized apprenticeship through organizations like the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation, IBEW (union), NECA (contractors association), or IEC, then pass a basic aptitude test, and finally complete an interview. You will also need documentation such as proof of education and a valid driver’s license, and often a $25 application fee. For example, the IBEW/NECA program in Mississippi requires a short application and that fee, plus passing an Algebra I course.

Step 2: Document Your Work Hours And Courses

You should keep careful records of your work hours and courses. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors does not issue apprentice licenses, but your local city electrical boards will look for proof of your completed apprenticeship when you apply for a journeyman license. Essentially, you have to accumulate five years of experience and 1,000 hours of training, which will qualify you to take the next step.

Step 3: Apply For The Journeyman Electrician License Exam

Once your apprenticeship is complete, the next step is getting your journeyman license. In Mississippi, this licensure is handled at the local level. Each city or county has its own electrical licensing board or inspection department. There is no single statewide journeyman license. That means you must apply in the specific city or county where you intend to work. Some of the common jurisdictions include Jackson, Gulfport, Hattiesburg, Tupelo, and others. Each may have slightly different titles like primary electrician, journeyman electrician, etc, but the requirements are similar.

Typically, to qualify for a journeyman license, you have to submit proof of your apprenticeship completion and pay an application fee to the local board. Fees usually vary by jurisdiction. For example, in Southaven, the journeyman license application fee is $50. Other cities may charge more. You also typically pay for the exam separately, but some cities may combine an application fee and exam fee, while others might have a nominal exam fee.

Step 4: Pass The Journeyman Exam

The journeyman exam is usually open-book and proctored locally. It covers the National Electrical Code (NEC), Mississippi amendments, and practical wiring calculations. A common passing score is around 70% to 75%. You should also verify with the specific city office about study guides and allowed exam reference materials. Often, you can bring an up-to-date NEC book and possibly reference materials like Ugly’s Electrical References. If you fail, you can usually retest after a short waiting period. Once you pass, the local authority issues your journeyman or primary electrician certificate. You can now work as a licensed electrician under the supervision of a master electrician or contractor.

Does Mississippi Require A Contractor License?

Yes. If you want to run an electrical business in Mississippi, you must have a contractor license.

According to the Board, you have to either hold an approved four-year electrical degree and have at least one year of verified field experience under a licensed electrician, or have 8,000 hours of hands-on experience and have completed at least 576 hours of related classroom instruction to qualify for the contractor license.

You must also register your business with an LLC or corporation with the Mississippi Secretary of State, obtain general liability insurance, and if you have employees, you need workers’ compensation insurance before applying for the license.

You must also pass the Mississippi Master Electrical Exam for the commercial license or the Mississippi Residential Electrician trade exam for the residential contractor license. These are closed-book exams administered by MSBOC’s testing provider (PSI). The Master Electrician exam has 80 questions (3 hours), and the Law/Business management exam has 50 questions (2 hours). To take both parts of the contractor exam, it will cost you $240. The trade exams typically cover the National Electrical Code and Mississippi-specific electrical rules. MSBOC now also accepts the NASCLA-accredited electrical examination in lieu of the state master exam if you prefer the nationwide option. The Business and Law exam covers Mississippi contractor law.

After you have passed the exam, submit an application to MSBOC and include references such as letters from building officials or financial institutions if you are applying by reciprocity, and your trade education and experience documentation.

How Much Is An Electrical Contractor License in Mississippi?

The fee to apply for a commercial (major) license is $400, and a residential license application is $50. If you want additional specialty classifications like HVAC, plumbing, etc., on top of your electrical classification, each extra classification will cost $100 more. You also have to pay $240 exam fee before taking the test. You will also need to pay for your Secretary of State registration, business insurance, license renewal fee, and any continuing education costs. You have to provide proof of general liability insurance coverage for both the license and the renewal application.

Once licensed, Mississippi requires ongoing education to keep your license active. For a residential contractor license, each qualifying party must complete two credit hours of Board-approved continuing education per year. Commercial licensees have similar CE requirements. The MSBOC website lists approved courses and providers, or you can download the continuing education guidelines. This means you must stay current on code updates and business practices to maintain your license.

How Much Does It Cost To Become An Electrician in Mississippi?

Becoming an electrician in Mississippi is relatively affordable compared to many professions. Apprenticeship training is actually paid work, so you earn during those years. If you attend community college or an electrical trade school for 2 years, you can expect around $6,000–$8,000 in tuition and fees for in-state students. There may be costs for tools, textbooks like the NEC codebook, calculators, safety gear, and exam prep materials.

There are exam fees and licensing costs involved, also. Local license application and exam fees might be $50–$100, and the state contractor application fees will be $400 for commercial and $50 for residential licenses. The contractor exams cost $240. There are also indirect costs, like the time invested in schooling and testing. On the flip side, many apprenticeship programs do cover textbook costs and may offer stipends.

Some electrical employers and labor unions help cover schooling costs. You have to check if your apprenticeship or employer offers reimbursements. Also, Mississippi’s Workforce Investment Act (WIOA) programs or community college grants may assist you with training costs.

Can You Do Electrical Work Without A License In Mississippi?

No. To legally perform work on any electrical system beyond minor tasks generally requires a licensed electrician. The local building codes and state statutes mean that unlicensed individuals cannot lawfully bid on or carry out significant electrical jobs.

What Electrical Work Can Be Done Without A License In Mississippi?

There are very limited situations where you can do electrical work without a license in Mississippi. If you are a homeowner and want to perform electrical work on your own property that you are not going to sell or rent, you can obtain permits and do so on your own home without having an electrician’s license. You must still comply with building codes, however. There are many cities that allow homeowners to pull a permit to do their own wiring, but you must be careful and meet all inspection requirements. If you ever sell the home, you must disclose that you did unlicensed work on it.

Prior to 2022, Mississippi generally allowed very small jobs to be done without a licensed contractor, as set in Chapter 3 of the contractors’ code. For example, public or private projects under $50,000 did not require an MSBOC license. However, a new state law (House Bill 1163, effective July 2022) closed many loopholes. Under this law, residential electrical work is now treated differently. If you are working on a residential construction project over $50,000 or a residential improvement project over $10,000, you must hold a state license. So, for the most significant home projects, you cannot bypass licensure.

Beyond these exceptions, any electrical work on behalf of others should be done by a licensed electrician. City and county inspectors will require a permit for the work, and typically, you can only pull that permit if you have the proper master electrical contractor license.

How Much Work Can You Do Without a Contractor License In Mississippi?

Very little. Mississippi’s HB 1163 (effective July 2022) redefined when contractor licenses are required. Now, any residential project that qualifies as a residential construction or residential improvement over $50,000 or $10,000, respectively, requires that all subcontractors on life-safety trades hold the appropriate state license. In effect, if an electrical job is part of a major home build or renovation, a license is required, no matter how small your portion of the work is. For commercial projects, the pre-existing $50,000 threshold still applies. Any electrical work on a commercial or public project over $50,000 requires a licensed contractor; under that, an unlicensed person could legally do the work. However, your city might still require a licensed electrician for permits. That’s why you should always check local building rules

How Long Does It Take To Become An Electrician in Mississippi?

The minimum time to reach the journeyman level is about 5 years of total training after high school. If you pursue a four-year electrical degree first, you could be ready for contractor licensure in as little as 5 years total. However, that is a rigorous path; most candidates simply complete a 5-year apprenticeship program.

Who Can Pull An Electrical Permit In Mississippi?

Typically, a permit is pulled by the contractor of record, which would be a licensed electrical contractor. So, if you are a journeyman working under a master contractor, the master or the business entity will pull the permit for the work you are doing.

How Long Is An Electrical Permit Good For In Massachusetts?

The validity of a permit might vary depending on the city or county. However, many permits might expire if the work does not begin within 6 to 12 months. If you are delaying a job, you may need to renew the permit. However, you should always check the expiration and start work in a timely manner.

Are Electricians In Demand In Mississippi?

Yes. Electricians rank among the fastest-growing occupations in Mississippi. The construction boom, new energy projects, and ongoing maintenance of existing infrastructure all drive demand.

According to the Mississippi Department of Employment Security and U.S. labor projections, Mississippi can expect about 23% employment growth for electricians from 2023 to 2033. This is well above the national average. In concrete terms, there are roughly 5,650 electricians currently employed in Mississippi, and thousands of new electricians will be needed to replace retiring workers and handle expansion.

So, becoming an electrician will offer you good job security and career satisfaction. Electricity is required for virtually all new buildings and renovations, be it homes, hospitals, or cell towers.

How Much Does A Licensed Electrician Make In Mississippi?

Mississippi’s mean annual wage for electricians is about $58,141 per year, but this can vary based on your location and the experience you have. Experienced master electricians or electrical contractors in metropolitan areas can earn significantly more. Union and non-union rates also vary, but many journeyman start near the mean and advance as they gain experience and certifications.

Here is a rough breakdown of the mean wages based on the license type one carries:

Apprentice Electricians: Apprentice electricians often earn a percentage of a journeyman’s pay. It starts around $30,000-$40,000 in the early years and rises as your hours add up. But the mean wage of apprentices is $20.19 per hour.
Journeyman Electrician: If you have more than 5 years, you can expect roughly $45,000-$65,000 per year, depending on the locality and union vs non-union. If you are in cities like Jackson or Gulfport, your wage will be on the higher side of that range. The mean wage of journeyman electricians is $28.40 per year.
Master Electricians or Contractors: Once you have a contractor license and perhaps a small crew, incomes can be well above $70,000 annually. A successful small electrical contracting business in Mississippi can easily exceed $100,000 in profits, especially if you take on large commercial projects or specialize in solar or industrial control. The mean wage of a master electrician is $33.10 per hour.

What States Reciprocate With Mississippi’s Electrical License?

Mississippi’s contractor board has reciprocity agreements with several neighboring states. These states are Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, and South Carolina. So, if you already hold, say, an Alabama Electrical Contractor license, you can apply in Mississippi without retaking the trade exam. However, you must pass MS Business/Law and meet other criteria. Mississippi will still want proof of your license, proof of experience, and references.

How To Apply For Reciprocity In Mississippi?

To apply for reciprocity, you must fill out the MSBOC “Reciprocity Verification Form”, which is found on their website under Forms. You will need to submit proof of your current, in-good-standing license from the other state, proof of experience, and pay any applicable fees. The form itself has a $25 verification fee listed, plus the $400 or $50 application for the MS license. You will still have to pass Mississippi’s Business/Law exam.

If you later move, Mississippi participates in the Interstate Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act (Miss. Code §73-50-2), which means the state will consider licensing credentials from other states for military families or relocating workers, as long as they are in good standing.

You can give the NASCLA-accredited examination, which Mississippi accepts. This is a standardized national exam for master electricians. If in the future you want a license in a NASCLA state, taking NASCLA instead of Mississippi’s proprietary exam can save you from duplicative testing.

Mississippi Electrical Licensing Exams

Both the journeyman (local) and contractor (state) licenses involve exams. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the licensing exam. :

Local Journeyman Exam

The journeyman exam is administered by each city or county. The content is based on the NEC and local amendments. These exams are usually open-book. You will need to check with the local building department for their schedule. A typical exam might allow you to use the current NEC code book and certain reference tables. A passing score is often in the 70% to 75% range. For example, if you plan to get a license in Jackson, contact the City of Jackson Inspection Division for their exam. In Southaven, a journeyman exam is given monthly, and the application fee there is $50. If you fail, most jurisdictions let you retest after a short period, often 30 days, for an extra fee.

State Master Electrician Exam

After meeting the experience requirements we discussed above, you can take the Mississippi Master Electrician trade exam. This is given by PSI and is closed-book. It consists of two parts, an 80-question Master Electrician test (3 hours) and a 50-question Business & Law test (2 hours). The total fee to take both parts is $240. The Master Electrician exam content outlines wiring methods, code compliance, calculations, and safety for commercial and residential projects. You need to score 70% or higher to pass each part. If you prefer, MSBOC also accepts the NASCLA Accredited Electrical Exam instead of the state master exams. Some candidates opt for the NASCLA test because it may better match their experience or provide easier reciprocity.

State Residential Electrical Exam

If you are applying for a residential contractor license only, you must take Mississippi’s Residential Electrical exam instead of the full Master Electrician test. This exam covers NEC requirements as they apply to one- to three-family dwellings, plus business law. It also requires you to score 70% or higher to pass the exam. The fees and format are similar, and you still pay $240 total for both the trade and law parts.

To prepare for these exams, buy the latest National Electrical Code (NEC), Mississippi Amendments (published by MS Code and MS Department of Health), and any local building codes. You can also use electrical exam preparation guides and practice tests specific to Mississippi, if available. Many candidates buy exam study manuals from publishers like Kaplan or utilize online practice exam resources. Also, review Mississippi contractor law and regulations for the business exam.

Mississippi Electrical Training Programs

Many apprenticeships include related technical schooling. In Mississippi, apprentices commonly attend local trade schools or community colleges part-time. Some of the top schools that offer electrical technology programs include:

Itawamba Community College
Jones County Junior College
Pearl River Community College
East Mississippi Community College
Copiah-Lincoln Community College.

These colleges offer certificates or associate degrees in electrical technology that count toward the classroom requirement. Trade school can also supplement your learning if you need extra preparation. Generally, a full two-year community college program will cost you around $6,000 if you are a Mississippi resident.

Conclusion

Becoming a licensed electrician in Mississippi requires dedication and several steps: apprenticeship, local licensing, continuing education, and state contracting credentials. But each step is clearly defined, and plenty of training programs are available locally. If you follow the licensing process and meet the requirements, you will not only gain a valuable professional license but also enter a career that offers financial stability, continual learning, and the pride of building and maintaining the electrical infrastructure that powers our world. As Mississippi’s economy grows, so will the opportunities for licensed electricians. By investing in your training now, you position yourself to reap the rewards of a booming field for decades to come.

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How To Get A Mississippi Electrical License In 2025