At any stage in life, but especially when you reach an older age, the prospect of a new career is scary. However, in Mississippi, the demand for skilled labor has reached a record high. For those who possess a steady hand and a solid work ethic, the path to an electrician career in MS has a rare combination of job security and autonomy. This is not some career that can be automated or disappears in a few years.
You should be able to find a good course for beginners, no matter where you are, in a city or a smaller town. Doing it on your own can be difficult, that’s why you need trusted resources. You need a program that respects your time and prepares you for the reality of the job site.
Electrician Salary MS
Everyone knows most people don’t pick this up for a hobby. The electrician’s salary MS is competitive compared to the state’s lower cost of living. The wages of electricians in the Southeast continue to grow.
In Mississippi, an entry-level apprentice might start at around $48,000 to $52,000. But the real goal is the Journeyman or Master Electrician status. Once you have several years of experience and pass your local exams, it is common to see people earn more than $70,000. If you have the ambition to also pull your own permits as a licensed contractor, there is no saying in how much you may be able to earn.
There are two ways to become a beginner electrician. You can choose a community college program that lasts 1 to 2 years, which requires upfront tuition.
The other way is to go directly to an apprenticeship through the IBEW or MCEF. This way, you earn while you train. This takes 4 – 5 years.
The Apprenticeship Route
If the idea of sitting in a classroom for two years before getting a paycheck is not for you, a registered apprenticeship is your best bet. This allows you to work as a full-time employee for an electrical contractor from day one, gaining your 8,000 hours of experience while gping to classes in the evenings.
1. Union Apprenticeships (IBEW/NECA)
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) has aJoint Apprenticeships and Training Committee (JATC) in Mississippi. This is the traditional union route.
You earn a guaranteed raise every year as you progress through the program. By the time you reach your fifth year, you are almost a professional.
2. Non-Union Apprenticeships (ABC & MCEF)
For those who prefer a merit shop environment, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Mississippi Chapter and the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation (MCEF) are the primary ones.
These organizations partner with private contractors. They provide the classroom instruction, usually held at local community college facilities. At the same time, the employer provides the field training.
This works well for a beginner electrician who already has a connection with a local contractor, but needs the formal certification to sit for a license.
3. The Utility Path (Lineman Apprenticeships)
Working for a utility company like Entergy or a local EPA is a path chosen by people who are ready to give their all. These roles focus on high-voltage distribution, not on residential wiring.
Top Colleges for an Electrician Course Mississippi
Mississippi’s community college system is a reliable way to advance professionally. They don’t charge a lot and offer state-aligned curricula.
Hinds Community College
Hinds CC offers education in the Magnolia State. Their Electrical Technology is about residential and commercial wiring, and their course structure is efficient. You can find more details on their official program page.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC)
If you’re more interested in working in the heavy industry, like on shipyards or manufacturing plants, MGCCC is the path you want to take. Their electrical courses focus on motor controls and industrial automation.
Jones College
Located in Ellisville, Jones College partners with the Mississippi Construction Education Foundation (MCEF). The training meets the standards set by the NCCER.
If you find yourself more interested in the planning and mathematics rather than the physical work , you may want to read the Electrician vs Electrical Engineer and the Key Differences in Training and Work.
Final Thoughts
There is a misconception that apprenticeships are only for nineteen-year-olds. In reality, contractors in Mississippi prefer anyone mature, has good communication skills, and a reliable track record. Do not let the beginner label deter you, it’s your life experience that makes you a safe and efficient trainee. Whether you choose a formal electrician course Mississippi or a multi-year apprenticeship, the end goal remains the same: mastering the National Electrical Code and securing a stable future in a trade that the world cannot do without.
