How to Become an Electrician in Mississippi

As the need for skilled electricians escalates, those in the electrical field can anticipate a stable income and an abundance of opportunities for career advancement. 

If you’re a detail-oriented person with strong problem-solving skills abilities and an interest in working in the electrical field, read on to discover the path to becoming an electrician in Mississippi.

Electrician Job Duties and Skills in Mississippi

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists some of the job duties and skills required for an electrician in Mississippi as follows:

• Read blueprints or technical diagrams
• Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems
• Inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers
• Identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices

Plus, The Bureau states, “Electricians read blueprints, which include technical diagrams of electrical systems that show the location of circuits, outlets, and other equipment.

They use different types of hand tools and power tools, such as conduit benders, to run and protect wiring.

Other commonly used tools include screwdrivers, wire strippers, drills, and saws.

While troubleshooting, electricians also may use ammeters, voltmeters, thermal scanners, and cable testers to find problems and ensure that components are working properly.”

There are also soft skills that one must possess to be an electrician, such as good communication skills and being able to think outside the box.

How to Become an Electrician in Mississippi

Becoming an electrician in Mississippi takes hard work and dedication.

While it isn’t as difficult as it may seem, it will take time.

In order to become an electrician, you must obtain a license, and to obtain a license, you’ll need to complete all of Mississippi’s requirements.

Work Under A Licensed Technician

You’ll need to work under a licensed technician while going through your training program.

This is a critical step to becoming an electrician because it’s important for you to learn the skills you need from an experienced professional who already has the expertise that you require.

Complete All Your Hours

You’ll need to complete 1,000 classroom hours and 8,000 hours of work as an apprentice under a licensed technician before you can apply to be licensed. 

There are two routes you can take when it comes to completing the hours required to qualify for the licensing exam.

Technical Program

You can opt to go through a technical program.

Technical programs are better for those who prefer more of a classroom environment.

You’ll get to learn the necessary skills for being an electrician with a teacher who’ll be able to answer all your questions. 

Apprenticeship Program

If you’d prefer to take a more hands-on approach, you can choose to enter an apprenticeship program instead.

You can look forward to spending less time in a classroom and more time out in the workforce during your apprenticeship!

You can also, in most cases, earn a wage while working as an apprentice, which is definitely a plus side!

Apply for Your License 

You can apply for your license by contacting the Mississippi State Board of Contractors or visiting the board’s website.

You’ll need to take an open-book exam after you’ve completed all your hours.

The exam will cover subjects such as circuits, conductors, grounding, lighting, and more.

If you pass your exam, you’ll be rewarded with a license!

Training Programs for Electricians in Mississippi

Here are some institutions in Mississippi that offer electrical training programs.

Delta Technical College

Delta Technical College is a 7-month-long, hands-on training course that, according to DTC, “Prepares you to become an industrial electrician, a commercial electrician, and a residential electrician.

Build the technical skills and expertise you need through hands-on training in labs that simulate real industrial, commercial, and residential environments.”

The course teaches:

• Electrical Theory/NEC/Grounding
• Electrical Mathematics/Conduit Bending
• Motors/FA Systems/VDV/Controls

And more.

You will receive a diploma and 30 credits for completion.

Pearl River Community College

Pearl River Community College’s program is designed to allow students to lean into their natural abilities while gaining classroom knowledge.

While partaking in the course, you’ll learn to:

• Design a house electrical layout and install in the project house
• Work a motor control simulator
• Build a complete programmable logic control project
• Design special projects from start to completion

And more.

Prcc.edu is adamant that “The program prepares individuals to install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electrical wiring, conduit systems, commercial lighting, DC motors, AC motors, motor controls, programmable logic control, and electrical distribution panels.”

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Electrical Technology program “Prepares individuals to install, operate, maintain, and repair electrically energized systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electrical wiring; DC and AC motors and controls; and electrical distribution panels.”

Mgccc.edu states, “A student completing this program should be able to enter the workforce as a second-or third-year apprentice or a second-or first-class helper, requiring one or two years of on-the-job experience prior to receiving first-class journeyman classification, based on local methods of certification.”

Those who complete this program will earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Electrician Salaries in Mississippi

After successfully completing your technical program or apprenticeship, a world of job opportunities is ready and waiting for you!

Rest assured, you’ll enter your electrician career with a competitive and satisfying income.

For entry-level electricians, you can expect to earn around $45,000 per year.

More experienced electricians earn around $60,000 on average, but it’s possible to make $80,000 or more in this lucrative career path!

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Southaven	$60,385
Jackson	$58,412
Greenville	$58,016
Meridian	$57,846
Vicksburg	$57,824
Biloxi	$57,840
Pascagoula	$57,572
Gulfport	$57,383
Hattiesburg	$57,024
Tupelo	$55,053

Regional Salary in Mississippi

* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Electricians, OCC Code 47-2111, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many classroom hours do you need to obtain an electrical license in Mississippi?

You’ll need to earn around 1,000 classroom hours in order to obtain an electrical license in Mississippi.

Is it easy to get an electrical license in Mississippi?

Although it still takes plenty of hard work and dedication to obtain an electrical license in Mississippi, the state is known for having more lax licensing requirements than some other states do.

What states reciprocate with Mississippi electrical license?

North Carolina and South Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Tennessee.

Electrician Info by State