10 Best Electrician Schools in Missouri 2024 | How to Apply

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In recent times, Missouri has experienced a boom in the electrical industry, which has led to a rise in the need for electricians to train in the best electrician schools in Missouri. 

There is a need for more experienced electricians as the need for electric power, and its installations are increasing. A wave of retiring electrical professionals is on course.

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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a projected 8% rise in job demand in the electrical field through the coming years up until 2029, which implies that there will be more job openings for electricians. 

Hence the need to train and have more electricians on board.

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Missouri State is also home to several community colleges, technical training schools, trade centers, universities, and vocational centers to acquire various trade skills.

In this article, you’ll find relevant information about the best electrician schools, colleges, and universities, the requirements to apply, and available apprenticeship programs for potential electricians.

ALSO READ: 9 Best Electrician Schools in Oregon| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

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How Do I Become an Electrician in Missouri?

Unlike in other states, becoming an electrician in Missouri does not necessarily require a state-level electrician’s license.

However, licenses are issued on a county basis and recognized locally for electrical operations. You may need to find out your country’s exact stages and requirements.

The state-level electrician’s license only began recently, which is why it is not compulsory for everyone.

The benefit of the state’s license is that you have permission to work anywhere throughout the State of Missouri as an electrician.

The Missouri Division of Professional Registration issues this license through the Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors.

You can become an electrician in Missouri through the following steps:

1. Apprenticeship and Classroom Education

Applying for apprenticeship programs and acquiring classroom training is the first and most crucial phase of becoming an electrician.

This is because obtaining a license would always require a specific number of years or hours of work experience and a period of classroom education.

To apply for a preliminary electrical exam in Missouri, you must meet one of the following:

  • 8,000 hours of full-time work experience as an apprentice under the supervision of a licensed electrician. In addition, you must complete 500–1,000 hours of classroom training.
  • 8,000 hours of electrical work experience under a licensed electrician’s supervision and an associate degree in electrical technology or electrical engineering.
  • 4,000 hours of electrical work experience under the supervision of a licensed electrician, plus a bachelor’s degree in electrical technology or electrical engineering.
  • 12,000 hours of electrical work experience under the supervision of a licensed electrical contractor. This criterion is for those interested in becoming independent electrical contractors.

You can acquire a classroom education by attending one of Missouri’s best electrician schools, colleges, or universities.

Read More: 5 Best Electrician Schools in Atlanta| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

2. Apply for local-level electrical licensing

After you have acquired the required hours of work experience and classroom education based on the type of license you desire, you can apply for a permit at the local level in your county. 

Issuing an electrician’s license varies county to county, and some do not offer a journeyman electrician’s license. Others give only a master electrician license or even skip straight to having an electrical contractor license.

A county like Jefferson City offers a journeyman license, while Kansas City does not provide a journeyman license but issues a Master Electrician license.

3. Obtain a Master Electrician’s license

Depending on the county where you are, contact your city planning commission for more information on how to go about getting a master electrician’s license.

4. Become an Independent Electrical Contractor

You can obtain an electrical contractor’s license at the local and state levels.

Some counties issue an electrical contractor’s license based on their specific requirements. 

For instance, St. Louis County issues an electrical contractor license for those at least 21 years old and must have acquired about 12,000 hours of documented electrical work experience.

You can obtain the state-level electrical contractor license by contacting the Missouri Division of Professional Registration for more information.

But first things first, you have to go to any of the best electrician schools, colleges, and universities in Missouri.

Read More: 10 Best Electrician Schools in Maryland| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

What are Electrical Licenses Available in Missouri?

Obtaining an electrical license in Missouri is not as stringent as in other states. To perform electrical work locally or in any county, you find yourself in, you may have to seek information about what works in that particular county.

Some counties emphasize obtaining a license before any electrical work can be done, while some do not. They would instead look out for some requirements before permitting you.

Let’s look at some general levels of electrical licensing in the state.

1. Apprenticeship license

Electrical apprentices in Missouri do not have licenses. 

This implies that you do not need any license to work as an apprentice anywhere.

You can secure a job as an apprentice by meeting the requirements in that place. 

As an apprentice, you must focus on learning basic electrical theory and gaining as much hands-on experience as possible. The pay rate for apprentices is based on how much experience they have obtained over time.

Electrician apprentices in Missouri earn an average of $20.68 per hour.

2. Journeyman’s license

Obtaining a journeyman license is not recognized on a state level in Missouri. Although on a local level and in some counties, having a journeyman license is emphasized, for example, in Jefferson City.

On average, journeyman electricians in Missouri earn about $25.10 per hour.

Read More: 10 Best Electrician Schools in Maine| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

3. Master Electrician license

You can obtain a master electrician’s license only in some counties in Missouri.

The requirements are usually to be at least 21 years old, meet the required hours of work experience and classroom education, and provide a reference letter from previous employers verifying your electrical work experience.

Master electricians in Missouri earn an average of $37.01 per hour.

4. Electrical contractor’s license

An electrical contractor has a great deal of experience as an electrician, handles electrical work, and employs and supervises other workers.

An electrical contractor’s license is the only recognized license throughout all of the cities in Missouri, and it can be issued at the state and local levels.

The Missouri Division of Professional Registration is in charge at the state level.

An electrical contractor’s license permits you to work anywhere within the state without additional license requirements.

The average salary of electrical contractors in Missouri is about $54,226 annually.

The licensing application fee for an electrical contractor in Missouri is $200.

But first things first, you have to go to any of the best electrician schools, colleges, and universities in Missouri.

Also Read: Best Electrician Schools in Los Angeles| Requirements

List of the Top 10 Best Electrician Schools in Missouri

#1. State Technical College of Missouri

Missouri State Technical College is an accredited college in Linn, Missouri.

One of Missouri’s best electrical colleges and universities is the State Technical College of Missouri.

For example, the school also offers certificate and associate programs in electrical technology.

The school runs a 2-year program, and the tuition fees for in-state and out-of-state students are usually about $7,476 and $12,456 per year, with some added learning materials.

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#2. Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center

The Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center is situated in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

The school is also one of Missouri’s best electricians’ colleges and is institutionally accredited for full training.

They offer certificate programs in electrical-related courses, and the learning duration is usually 2 years.

Tuition fees at Cape Girardeau are about $9,386 per year, with books and other learning supplies included.

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Read More: Best Electrician Schools in Virginia| All You Need to Know

#3. State Fair Community College.

State Fair Community College is an accredited college in Sedalia, Missouri.

The school offers training options, including a certificate and an Associate program for 2 years.

State Fair Community College tuition fees are about $4,200 for in-state students and $5,640 for out-of-state students annually.

The cost of learning materials may be about $698.

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#4. Three Rivers Community College

Three Rivers Community College is also an accredited college offering a Certificate in Electrical Technology in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

The school runs a 2-year program with a tuition fee of $7,150 for in-state students and $8,290 for out-of-state students, with the cost of learning materials inclusive.

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Read More: 10 Best Electrician Schools in Mississippi| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

#5. Mineral Area College

Mineral Area College is an accredited institution that offers associate’s programs at its campus in Park Hills, Missouri.

The school runs a 2-year program for the students, and the fees are about $4,720 for in-state and $6,280 for out-of-state students.

Learning materials may cost around $1,600.

Mineral Area College is one of Missouri’s best electrician schools, colleges, and universities.

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#6. Metropolitan Community College

Metropolitan Community College is located in Kansas City, Missouri. 

The school is accredited and offers an Associate program in Electrical Technology.

The tuition fees at Metropolitan Community College are about $6,960 annually, and the program lasts 2 years.

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#7. American Trade School

American Trade School in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a Certificate program in Electrical Technology.

The tuition fees are around $16,600 per year, with the cost of books and supplies being $1,871.

The learning duration is usually 2 years or less.

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#8. Hillyard Technical Center

Hillyard Technical Center is an accredited college located in Saint Joseph, Missouri. 

The school has been running a certificate-level program in Electrical Technology for 2 years.

The tuition fee is estimated to be $12,219 annually, while the cost of other learning materials is about $1,997.

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Read More: Top 10 Electrician Schools in Chicago

#9. Ranken Technical College

Ranken Technical College in St. Louis, Missouri, offers various training programs, including an Associate’s and Certificate in Electrical Technology.

It is also an accredited institution that runs its programs for 4 years or less, depending on the agenda.

Tuition fees are about $14,457 per year, with the cost of learning materials being around $3,500.

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#10. Ozarks Technical Community College 

Ozarks Technical Community College is a public community college located in Springfield, Missouri.

They offer Electrical Technology programs.

Ozarks Technical Community College is one of Missouri’s best electrician schools, colleges, and universities.

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ALSO READ: Top Electrician Schools in Arkansas

What are Electrician Apprenticeship Programs Available in Missouri?

Electrician apprenticeship programs in Missouri take approximately 5 years, after which you can take any licensing exam.

There are 2 types of apprenticeship programs in Missouri;

  • Union apprenticeship programs
  • Non-union apprenticeship programs

#1. Union Apprenticeship Program

Union apprenticeship programs in Missouri are usually organized through the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) in collaboration with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEC) and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA).

Also, if you reside in major cities like Jefferson, Kansas City, or St. Louis, where they offer JATCs, you can consider applying for an apprenticeship program.

#2. Non-union Apprenticeship Program

Non-union apprenticeship programs in Missouri are offered through the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) trade association.

What are the Requirements to Apply for Apprenticeship Programs in Electrician Schools in Missouri?

The following are the general requirements needed to apply for apprenticeship programs in Missouri:

  • Must be 18 years old.
  • Earn a high school diploma or GED
  • Have a valid driver’s license
  • Pass an aptitude test.
  • Pass a drug test.
  • Criminal background screening.

What are the salary expectations for electricians in Missouri?

Salaries for electricians in Missouri largely depend on location, job experience, education, licensure, and other factors.

The average electrician’s salary in Missouri is $54,017, which is basically for an electrical contractor.

The money you earn as an electrician will increase as you acquire more experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Become an Electrician in Missouri

Is my electrician license only valid in Missouri State?

An electrical contractor license obtained in Missouri is only valid within the State.

However, there’s a system by which you could still get to work in another state: reciprocity.

You may also need to apply for reciprocity and wait for its approval.

Who issues Electrician Licenses in Missouri?

The Missouri Division of Professional Registration issues electrician licenses in Missouri at the state level through the Office of Statewide Electrical Contractors.

How often do I need to renew my Electrician license in Missouri?

Renewing of the electrician license in Missouri is done every 3 years.

The renewal fee costs $200.

References

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