How to Become an Electrician in Missouri

Are you someone who prefers working with your hands and the reward of instant gratification? Does the idea of troubleshooting and constantly learning something new excite you? If so, a career as an electrician might be the perfect fit!

Electricians are in high-demand, according to BLS, which predicts the need for electricians to grow 11% through 2033 – more than double the average. That equates to over 80,000 job openings for electricians every year through 2033. 

A significant portion of the current electrician workforce is nearing retirement, creating a shortage of skilled electricians and opening opportunities for new workers. The BLS reports the median age of electricians is 39.6 years old, with many electricians expected to retire within the next decade. 

This article outlines the daily job responsibilities, types of electricians, demand, salary expectations, and more. Read on to learn how to start your career as an electrician in Missouri.

What is an Electrician?

Electricians are skilled professionals who install, maintain and repair electrical power systems, lighting, communications and control systems.

They are vital to keep residential, commercial and industrial infrastructure running and operating. The specific job duties vary depending on your experience level and job role, such as apprentice, journeyman, master electrician, licensed contractor, or wireman.

Electrical Apprentices

Electrical apprentices train under licensed professionals for approximately three to six years through a combination of classroom learning and paid on-the-job experience.

To join a Missouri IBEW JATC Apprenticeship program, basic requirements include:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Hold a valid driver’s license
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Complete and pass an algebra course

To become a Missouri electrical apprentice for a non-union electrical contractor, basic requirements might include:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Hold a valid driver’s license 

Some counties in Missouri may also require a birth certificate, school transcripts, and drug screening. 

Journeyman Electrician

To become a journeyman electrician in Missouri, you need both classroom training and on-the-job experience—a total of 8,000 hours. This can be achieved by completing a program at a trade school and/or receiving on-the-job training through an apprenticeship.

Most Missouri cities and counties do not require electricians to be licensed to work—the main exception being Jefferson City, Kansas City, St. Louis and Springfield. To do electrical work in these cities, you must be licensed as an electrical contractor. 

However, most cities and counties in Missouri do not require you to have a journeyman license. Instead, they encourage electricians to pursue a Master Electrician or Electrical Contractor license over time.

Master Electrician

Master electricians are highly experienced professionals who supervise teams, manage projects, and ensure compliance with all electrical codes and regulations. 

In Missouri, the majority will grant a Master Electrician license after working for at least 2 years (4,000 hours) as a journeyman electrician and successfully passing the master licensure exam. Individuals with a Master Electrician can bid (estimate) jobs, supervise multiple electricians (journeyman or not), and run their own electrical contracting business. 

Typical requirements include:

• Being at least 21 years old
• Extensive on-the-job experience; typically 8,000 to 12,000 hours of supervised electrical work
• Passing the local Master Electrician Exam

Electrical Contractor

In Missouri, the statewide electrical contractor license is optional, not mandatory. 

However, earning a statewide license in Missouri allows an electrical contractor to maintain just one license that is recognized statewide, versus having multiple city/county licenses. 

But, if you’re working in a location that doesn’t require you to be licensed, and you don’t intend to work elsewhere, it’s likely unnecessary to pursue a statewide license. 

Wiremen (Residential, Inside, Installation Technician)

When it comes to being a wireman, there are three distinct paths you could take in your career. These paths include:

• Residential wireman—focused on homes
• Inside wireman—focused on commercial and industrial buildings
• Installation technician—focused on low-volt applications, such as communication wires

Residential Wireman

These electricians specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems within homes and small commercial buildings. They primarily work with lower voltages (120V/208V/240V) for lighting, outlets, appliances, and home automation, ensuring work complies with residential codes. Their work is typically indoors, involving tasks like running wiring, installing fixtures, and troubleshooting residential electrical issues. 

Inside Wireman

Focusing on commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings, they handle complex electrical systems for a wide range of equipment. They install and maintain power distribution, lighting, control systems, and industrial machinery, often working with higher building voltages and installing conduit. Their work requires in-depth knowledge of commercial/industrial standards and can involve demanding tasks at heights or in large facilities. 

Installation Technician

Installation Technicians are typically responsible for the installation or repair of cables and wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. They often work in challenging or hazardous conditions, handling high-voltage electricity and working at great heights. Most technicians undergo extensive on-the-job training combined with technical instruction, ensuring they have the expertise to perform their work safely and effectively. 

What are the Job Responsibilities of an Electrician?

Electricians work on varying projects, depending on the industry (commercial, residential, industrial). However, the core skills and responsibilities for Electricians typically include:

•     Interpret blueprints and technical schematics
•     Install and maintain electrical wiring and systems
•     Troubleshoot problems using diagnostic tools
•     Repair or replace faulty wiring, equipment or fixtures
•     Follow local and national building codes (including the NEC)
•     Supervise or train apprentices and junior electricians

Where do Electricians Work?

Electricians work in a variety of environments, including homes, businesses, factories and construction sites. Depending on the job, they may work indoors or outdoors and often travel between multiple job locations. 

The work is hands-on and physically demanding, involving standing, kneeling, and working in confined spaces. Full-time hours are typical, and overtime, evening or weekend shifts may be required.

What is the Demand for Electricians in Missouri?

As of May 2022, Missouri employed 13,020 electricians, with a higher than average job growth projected over the next 10 years.

• Missouri: 8% increase in employment by 2032
• Nationally: 9% increase from 2024-2034

The impending retirement of experienced workers in Missouri is particularly alarming in the skilled trades. Between 1990 and 2023, Missouri’s population aged 65 and older grew by 58.3%. In contrast, over that same period, Missouri’s population aged 20-44 only grew by 3.1%.

What is the Salary for an Electrician in Missouri?

The median annual salary for electricians in Missouri is $70,950. Nationally, the median annual salary for electricians was $62,350 in May 2024. The BLS reports the highest 10% earned more than $106,030.

Do you have to be Licensed to Work as an Electrician in Missouri?

Missouri does not require a statewide electrician license. Licensing is managed at the city or county level.

However, there is  an optional statewide electrical contractors license offered through the Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors.

How to Become an Electrician in Missouri

To begin your journey toward becoming an electrician, you can enroll in an electrician training program! 

At MTI, you can complete the Industrial, Commercial & Industrial Electrician Training Program in just 7 months. MTI’s training program includes:

• A combination of classroom learning & hands-on training in lab
• Individual support & training led by instructors with professional electrician experience
• Job preparation for entry-level employment
• Job placement services are available to all qualified graduates

After completing the training program at MTI, you’ll have industrial, commercial & residential electrician skills and be prepared for an entry-level position as an electrician!

You’ll be able to go out in the field with a strong understanding of the fundamentals (how to use your meter, troubleshoot, etc.) and work alongside experienced electricians to grow your skills.

Start your Path to Becoming an Electrician in Missouri

Step into a powerful career. Train to become an electrician and light up your future with hands-on skills, competitive salaries and endless opportunity. 

Start your future today with MTI’s Electrician Training Program. 

Schedule a tour of the Springfield, Missouri campus and meet with the Admissions Team to take the next step! 

Sources

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-6

https://www.bls.gov/cps/cpsaat11b.htm

https://www.ibew257.org/news-details/webview/apply-for-apprenticeship/single/51257

https://www.classet.org/license/Electrician/Missouri

https://work.chron.com/difference-between-electrician-wireman-22727.html

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/line-installers-and-repairers.htm#:~:text=or%20transmission%20towers.-,Duties,repairing%20poles%2C%20towers%2C%20and%20lines

https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Careers/Occupations/occupation-profile.aspx?keyword=Electricians&onetcode=47-2111.00&location=Missouri

https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/47-2111.00?st=MO

https://mochamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/workforce2030-update2024.pdf

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-5

https://pr.mo.gov/boards/electrical/Application-Instructions.pdf

https://pr.mo.gov/electricalcontractors-FAQ-Contractors.asp