Electrical trade careers in Columbus, MS offer promising opportunities in 2025, with 51 electrical jobs and 11 electrician jobs currently listed on Indeed.com, and 43 electrician apprentice jobs available through ZipRecruiter 12. Aspiring electricians should consider programs at East Mississippi Community College [https://www.eastms.edu/programs/career-technical/electrical-technology.html], which provides vocational certificates and Associate of Applied Sciences degrees in Electrical Technology, covering essential skills like blueprint reading, wiring, and electrical power systems 3. The average hourly wage for electricians in Columbus, MS is about $20.36-$34.14 per hour, while Electrician I positions average $47,372 annually 14. To pursue this career path, you'll need to complete a state license process through the Mississippi State Board of Contractors [https://www.msboc.us], which requires at least four years (8,000 hours) of experience and passing the Journeyman Electrician Exam 5. The electrical industry in Mississippi is projected to grow to $1.1 billion by 2025, indicating a stable demand for electricians in the state 1.
Before diving into the requirements, it's essential to understand what being in the electrical trade entails. Electrical trade professionals install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This includes working on wiring, electrical panels, lighting systems, and various electrical components.
Electrical professionals in Columbus, MS must be prepared to handle diverse roles ranging from traditional electrician work to specialized positions like Solar Technician and Industrial Electrician 6. For more details on job roles, visit ZipRecruiter job listings. The evolving industry also demands familiarity with new technologies like electric vehicle charging infrastructure and smart grid systems.
Yes! In Columbus, MS, a license is required to perform electrical work professionally. According to the Mississippi State Board of Contractors [https://www.msboc.us], a state license is mandatory, which typically involves passing the Journeyman Electrician Exam after gaining at least four years of experience in the trade 75. Additionally, you may need to obtain a local license from the city of Columbus, depending on local ordinances 8.
The licensing process helps ensure safety and quality workmanship in the industry. Carrying liability insurance is also mandatory, with minimum coverage of $300,000 per occurrence for property damage and $100,000 per occurrence for bodily injury 5. For more licensing information, check this resource.
While Mississippi does not mandate specific educational prerequisites for electrician licensure, technical training is highly recommended 5. Several institutions in the Columbus area offer relevant programs:
These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on training to prepare students for real-world challenges in the electrical trade.
Apprenticeships are crucial for gaining practical experience in the electrical trade. These programs allow individuals to work under experienced professionals while earning a salary and learning the trade directly on the job.
As of 2025, there are numerous apprenticeship opportunities available in Columbus, with 43 electrician apprentice jobs listed on ZipRecruiter 2. Apprentices typically earn between $17 and $31 per hour 1, providing a competitive entry-level salary while gaining valuable skills.
To find apprenticeship opportunities:
Meet the Basic Requirements: To become an electrical trade professional in Columbus, MS, you must:
Complete Education and Training: Enroll in an electrical technology program at East Mississippi Community College [https://www.eastms.edu/programs/career-technical/electrical-technology.html] or another institution to gain foundational knowledge 3. Programs typically cover:
Start an Apprenticeship: Complete an apprenticeship program that provides 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 1,000 hours of classroom instruction 6. Apprenticeships combine hands-on experience with formal education to prepare you for independent work.
Obtain Required Licenses: Pass the Journeyman Electrician Exam administered by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors [https://www.msboc.us] and obtain a state license 5. You may also need to secure a local license depending on Columbus ordinances.
The electrical trade industry in Mississippi is projected to grow to $1.1 billion by 2025 1, offering ample opportunities for career advancement. Companies like Burford Electric Service are expanding their operations in Columbus, creating new job opportunities in areas such as industrial solutions and electromechanical services 3.
Career advancement can come through:
Electrical trade professionals in Columbus, MS can expect competitive compensation. According to Indeed [https://www.indeed.com/career/electrician/salaries/Columbus--MS], the average hourly wage is about $20.36 per hour, while ZipRecruiter [https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Electrical/-in-Columbus,MS] reports a higher average of $34.14 per hour 14. Electrician I positions average $47,372 annually 6.
Benefits can vary widely across different employers and industries, with unionized positions often offering more comprehensive benefits packages. While salaries in Columbus, MS, are generally lower than some national averages, they can be competitive depending on the specific position and employer.
Like their counterparts nationwide, electrical trade workers in Columbus, MS face several challenges in 2025. These include:
To effectively prepare for an electrical trade career in Columbus, MS, focus on:
The local economy in Columbus, MS plays a significant role in shaping the future of electrical trade careers. Key developments include:
These economic advancements and infrastructure projects are expected to boost the electrical trade industry by creating new job opportunities and stimulating growth in related sectors.
Starting a career in the electrical trade in Columbus, MS is an exciting opportunity to enter a growing field with strong job prospects. Whether you're finishing high school or considering a career change, following the education and licensing steps will set you on the path to success in this essential industry. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in electrical trades will continue to grow.
For apprenticeship opportunities in Columbus, MS, be sure to check Gild, which aggregates electrical trade job listings from various employers in the area. Explore more resources on Indeed and ZipRecruiter.
Here's a summary of the typical electrical trade career path in Columbus, MS:
| Career Stage | Timeframe | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | 4+ years | 8,000 hours on-the-job training, 1,000 hours classroom instruction |
| Journeyman | After apprenticeship | State license through Mississippi Board of Contractors |
| Master/Expert | Varies | Additional experience, specialized certifications, business management skills |
https://www.indeed.com/q-electrical-l-columbus,-ms-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Electrician-Apprentice/-in-Columbus,MS ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://jooble.org/jobs-electrical/Columbus,-MS ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Jobs/Electrical/-in-Columbus,MS ↩ ↩2
https://blog.service.works/service-business/electrician-license-mississippi-how-to-become-an-electrician-in-ms/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.indeed.com/q-electrician-l-columbus,-ms-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://www.servicetitan.com/licensing/electrician/mississippi ↩
https://library.municode.com/ms/columbus/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH11EL ↩
