Electrician in Missouri

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MO. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$70,950

trending_up +13.8% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Missouri.

engineering

12,660

Jobs (MO)

monitoring Surging

+9.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$280

Licensing fees

route How to become an electrician in Missouri

To become a licensed electrician in Missouri, individuals typically need to obtain a license at the local city or county level, as there is no statewide journeyman or master electrician license. Requirements vary by municipality but generally involve accumulating 8,000 to 12,000 hours of supervised electrical work experience and often 500 to 1,000 hours of classroom-based training. For those seeking to operate as an electrical contractor statewide, an optional license is available through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors, which requires a division-approved exam and specific combinations of education and experience. Missouri also offers reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet certain criteria.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $39,240

25th percentile $48,740

50th (median) $70,950

75th percentile $91,690

90th (experienced) $101,620

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Missouri. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Missouri requirements

Licensing body	Missouri Division of Professional Registration, Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors (for statewide contractor license); Local municipalities (for journeyman/master electrician licenses)
State license	Not required
Education	Varies by municipality and license type. For a statewide contractor license, options include 12,000 verifiable practical hours; 10,000 verifiable practical hours and a DOL-approved journeyman certificate; 8,000 verifiable practical hours and an associate's degree; or 4,000 verifiable practical hours supervising and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Local licenses often require 500-1,000 hours of classroom training in addition to experience.
Exam	Varies by municipality. For statewide contractor license, a division-approved exam (e.g., NASCLA or ProV). Local exams may be administered by Prometric or ICC. ($80)
Application fee	$200
Renewal	Every 3.0 years
Notes	Missouri does not have a statewide journeyman or master electrician license; these are regulated at the local level. A statewide electrical contractor license is optional and allows a contractor to work throughout the state without needing multiple local licenses. Age requirements vary by locality (e.g., St. Louis County requires 21 for electrical contractors, Kansas City requires 21 for Master Electrician). Some localities may require background checks and drug tests.

Source: Missouri Division of Professional Registration, Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors (for statewide contractor license); Local municipalities (for journeyman/master electrician licenses)

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+9.5%

Much faster than average

Annual openings

81,000

Nationwide per year

Total employment

818,700

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.78/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+9.5%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if an electrician career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become an electrician in Missouri? expand_more

The path to electrician licensure in Missouri: complete the required education (Varies by municipality and license type. For a statewide contractor license, options include 12,000 verifiable practical hours; 10,000 verifiable practical hours and a DOL-approved journeyman certificate; 8,000 verifiable practical hours and an associate's degree; or 4,000 verifiable practical hours supervising and a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Local licenses often require 500-1,000 hours of classroom training in addition to experience.), pass the Varies by municipality. For statewide contractor license, a division-approved exam (e.g., NASCLA or ProV). Local exams may be administered by Prometric or ICC., and submit your application ($200 fee).

Can I work as an electrician in Missouri without a license? expand_more

electricians in Missouri are not required to hold a state license. Note: Missouri does not have a statewide journeyman or master electrician license; these are regulated at the local level. A statewide electrical contractor license is optional and allows a contractor to work throughout the state without needing multiple local licenses. Age requirements vary by locality (e.g., St. Louis County requires 21 for electrical contractors, Kansas City requires 21 for Master Electrician). Some localities may require background checks and drug tests.

What do electricians earn in Missouri? expand_more

In Missouri, the median pay for electricians comes to $70,950/year. This exceeds the $62,350 national median by 14%. The range spans from $39,240 at the entry level to $101,620 for top earners.

What's the total cost to get electrician certified in Missouri? expand_more

Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($80) and application fee ($200) plus your education and training.