Mississippi Electrician Job Market: Industries & Salary Outlook

For skilled electricians, Mississippi offers a dynamic and evolving landscape of opportunity. While not always the first state that comes to mind for major industrial projects, a closer look at the Mississippi electrician job market reveals a surprising depth of demand across several key sectors. From the massive shipyards on the Gulf Coast to growing manufacturing hubs and an emerging renewable energy field, the Magnolia State presents a solid career path for electricians at every level.

For those considering a career here, understanding the economic drivers is key. The state is seeing significant investment in industrial, commercial, and energy projects, creating a robust environment for both seasoned professionals and those just starting out with an electrical apprenticeship program in Mississippi. This article explores the salary expectations and the major industries fueling the need for qualified electricians.

Understanding Electrician Salaries in Mississippi

One of the first questions for anyone evaluating a job market is “how much does an electrician make?” In Mississippi, compensation depends heavily on your license level, specific industry, and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage for electricians in Mississippi was $56,980 as of May 2023. While statewide averages may seem lower than in other parts of the country, the lower cost of living often balances the scales, making the take-home pay highly competitive. It’s also worth noting how salaries in one state can compare to others; for a different regional perspective, you might be interested in the electrician salary and job outlook in Alaska.

Journeyman Electrician Salary Mississippi

A licensed journeyman electrician is the backbone of the industry. In Mississippi, salaries can vary, with the median pay for electricians being $57,300 annually. Wages range from $36,850 for the lowest 10 percent of earners to over $72,520 for the top 10 percent. Factors like specializing in industrial controls or working in high-demand areas like the Gulf Coast can push salaries toward the higher end of this spectrum.

Residential Electrician Salary

A residential electrician focuses on wiring homes, apartments, and small-scale housing developments. While specific data for residential work isn’t separated, the overall salary range for electricians in Mississippi provides a good benchmark. The average residential electrician salary typically falls within the statewide median, with electricians in the 25th percentile earning around $45,160 and those in the 75th percentile earning $60,870. Many residential electricians find opportunities for overtime and independent work, which can significantly boost their annual income.

Master Electrician Earning Potential

Reaching the master electrician level signifies the pinnacle of expertise and opens the door to the highest earning potential, including starting an electrical contractor business in Mississippi. Top-earning electricians in the state, which often include master electricians who own their businesses or hold supervisory roles, can make more than $72,520 annually. This figure often represents a baseline, as master electricians who run their own businesses can generate substantially more revenue by managing projects and employing other electricians.

Key Industries Driving Demand for Electricians in Mississippi

Mississippi’s diverse economy relies heavily on skilled trades, and electricians are critical to its most powerful sectors. From naval shipyards to automotive plants, the demand for qualified electrical professionals is strong and steady.

Shipbuilding: A Major Hub for Shipbuilding Electrician Jobs

The Gulf Coast, particularly Pascagoula, is a national hub for shipbuilding. Major employers like HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding, Mississippi’s largest private employer, constantly seek electricians to bring massive naval and Coast Guard vessels to life. These shipbuilding electrician jobs are highly specialized, involving the installation, repair, and maintenance of complex power, combat, and navigation systems. A career as a marine electrician in this region offers stable, long-term employment with competitive wages, as these professionals are essential to national defense and maritime commerce. Job openings for marine and shipyard electricians are frequently posted for locations like Pascagoula and Gulfport.

Manufacturing and Industrial Electrician Jobs Mississippi

Mississippi is home to a robust manufacturing sector, including automotive, aerospace, food processing, and building materials. This creates a high demand for industrial electrician jobs in Mississippi. These professionals are responsible for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex machinery, automated systems, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). From plywood mills to advanced manufacturing operations in cities like Columbus and Byhalia, the need for skilled manufacturing electrician jobs is consistent and offers a challenging, high-tech career path.

Commercial Electrician Opportunities

As cities like Jackson, Gulfport, and Southaven continue to grow, so does the need for new schools, hospitals, office buildings, and retail centers. A commercial electrician is vital to these projects, handling everything from initial wiring and conduit installation to fitting out complex electrical systems. This sector provides a steady stream of work and is a primary employer for electricians who prefer project-based construction roles.

The Rise of Renewable Energy Electrician Mississippi

The renewable energy electrician Mississippi job market is a rapidly emerging field. The state is seeing unprecedented investment in large-scale solar and wind projects. Entergy Mississippi, a major utility, plans to add 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy to its portfolio by 2027, a move that will significantly increase its renewable mix from less than 1% to nearly a third. This transition is creating thousands of new jobs in construction, installation, and maintenance for electricians specializing in solar and wind power, especially in the Mississippi Delta region.

Licensing and Career Advancement in Mississippi

The path to becoming a top-earning electrician in Mississippi is built on experience and proper licensing. The process typically starts with hands-on electrician training through an apprenticeship. From there, individuals can obtain local journeyman and master electrician licenses.

For those looking to bid on larger projects, a state license from the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) is required. The MSBOC oversees licensing for commercial electrical work over $50,000 and residential remodeling or additions over $10,000. Achieving the master electrician requirements in Mississippi and passing the state-level exams not only allows for higher-paying work but also qualifies an individual to launch their own business. For those preparing for this crucial step, a structured master electrician exam prep study plan can be an invaluable resource. The state also offers a degree of electrician license reciprocity Mississippi participates in through the NASCLA accredited electrical examination program, which can ease the transition for qualified electricians from other states.

Staying Competitive: Training and Code Knowledge

In a field that is constantly evolving, ongoing education is non-negotiable. A deep understanding of the National Electrical Code (NEC) is fundamental to safety and compliance. Mississippi does not have a statewide electrical code; instead, the NEC is adopted at the local level by individual cities and counties. Therefore, electricians must stay current with the version of the NEC code book enforced by the specific jurisdiction in which they work to perform their jobs safely and legally.

Beyond the code, specialized training in areas like industrial automation, fire alarm systems, and renewable energy can lead to better job prospects and higher pay. Continuous learning through online electrical courses and electrical safety training is essential for career longevity. ExpertCE offers a range of state-approved Mississippi electrical CE requirements courses to help you stay compliant and competitive.

Related Resources

• For those considering entrepreneurship, our guide on starting an electrical business offers valuable insights, though regulations vary by state.
• To learn more about licensing in another state, see our Alaska electrician license guide.

The Mississippi electrician job market offers a wealth of opportunity for those with the right skills and ambition. With strong demand in shipbuilding, manufacturing, and a booming renewable energy sector, the future for electricians in the Magnolia State looks bright.

Advance your career in Mississippi. Browse our NEC and professional development courses.