Electrician in Hattiesburg, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Hattiesburg Stands

As a local, I’ll be straight with you: Hattiesburg isn’t the place you chase the highest electrician salary in the country. It’s a place where your paycheck goes further, and the work is steady. The median salary for an Electrician here is $59,574/year, with a solid hourly rate of $28.64/hour. That’s about $1,976/month before taxes. For context, the national average sits at $61,550/year, so we’re only about 3% below the U.S. median, which is a strong position for a lower-cost-of-living area.

Here’s how pay breaks down by experience level. This isn’t an official BLS table, but a realistic local breakdown based on what you’d see on job boards and from talking to contractors.

Experience Level	Years on the Job	Typical Annual Salary (Hattiesburg)
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2	$40,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level / Journeyman	2-7	$55,000 - $68,000
Senior / Master	7-15	$70,000 - $85,000+
Expert / Specialist	15+	$85,000 - $100,000+

When you compare Hattiesburg to other Mississippi cities, the story becomes clear.

• Jackson: Slightly higher salaries (around $62,000 median), but higher cost of living and less steady work for smaller contractors.
• Gulfport/Biloxi: Similar median pay, but with more seasonal and hurricane-related work, which can be boom-or-bust.
• Meridian: Lower median pay (~$55,000), fewer large-scale industrial projects.

Insider Tip: The 11% 10-year job growth for the metro area is a key selling point. This is 2 points above the national average for electricians. Why? Hattiesburg is a medical and military hub (Forrest General Hospital, Merit Health Wesley, and the Camp Shelby training site). The constant need for hospital expansions, military facility maintenance, and new residential developments in growing suburbs keeps demand high.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the monthly budget. For an electrician earning the $59,574 median salary, after federal taxes, FICA, and state income tax, you’re looking at roughly $4,300 - $4,400 take-home per month.

The biggest win in Hattiesburg is housing. The average 1BR rent is $906/month, significantly lower than the national average. Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single electrician at the median income:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$906	Average for the city. Smart areas like West Hattiesburg or near USM can be $800-$950.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Gas)	$200	This is your house specialty—manage it well.
Groceries	$350	Reasonable at local spots like Cotton Creek Market or Harrah’s.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Assume a modest used truck or van. Insurance is moderately priced in MS.
Fuel	$150	Commute is key; most jobs are within 15-20 miles.
Health Insurance	$250	Varies by employer. Many contractors offer plans.
Retirement/Savings	$400	Insider Tip: Many local companies offer a simple IRA with a match. Don’t skip this.
Miscellaneous	$300	Tools, entertainment, etc.
Total	$3,056	Leaves you with ~$1,300 of buffer.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Hattiesburg is around $185,000. With a $1,300 monthly surplus, a 5% down payment ($9,250) is achievable in 18-24 months of disciplined saving. A 30-year mortgage at current rates would hover around $1,100/month (including taxes/insurance), which is manageable on the median salary. This is a key advantage over larger metros.

Where the Jobs Are: Hattiesburg's Major Employers

You won’t find a massive industrial park, but you’ll find a diverse mix of employers. The 145 jobs in the metro (per BLS data) are spread across these sectors:

1. Forrest General Hospital / Hattiesburg Health System: The largest employer. They have a dedicated maintenance and engineering department. They hire for in-house electricians for plant operations and capital projects. Hiring is steady, with openings every 1-2 years for journeymen. Insider Tip: Knowing the NFPA 70E (arc flash safety) is a huge plus here.

2. Merit Health Wesley: Another major medical facility, similar needs. Often subcontracts larger projects but keeps a core maintenance team.

3. USM (University of Southern Mississippi): A massive campus with constant renovation and new construction. Facilities Management hires electricians for campus-wide work. Good benefits, union shop (IBEW Local 760), and a pension. This is a top-tier spot if you can get in.

4. Camp Shelby / Mississippi National Guard: This military training site south of Hattiesburg needs electricians for barracks, training ranges, and facility maintenance. Work is often through federal contractors (like CTS or EMCOR). Security clearance can be a plus for these gigs.

5. Local Residential & Commercial Contractors: The backbone of the work. Companies like M & M Electric, C & C Electric, and Hattiesburg Electric handle everything from new subdivisions in Oak Grove to commercial fit-outs downtown. These are where most journeymen find work. Hiring trends favor those who can switch between residential rough-in, commercial finish, and service calls.

6. Hattiesburg Public Schools: Maintains a small crew for school facilities. Projects include lighting upgrades, HVAC electrical support, and safety system installations.

7. Manufacturing: While not as dense as Jackson, there are smaller plants (like those in the Port of Hattiesburg area) that need industrial maintenance electricians for machines and 480V systems.

Hiring Trends: The market is competitive but not saturated. The biggest gap is for electricians who are willing to do both new construction and service calls. Most contractors are small (5-20 employees), so reliability and a clean driving record are non-negotiable.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi has a straightforward but strict licensing process managed by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors. Here’s the timeline:

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years): You need 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician and 576 classroom hours (typically through a community college program or union apprenticeship).
2. Journeyman Exam: After apprenticeship, you apply for the journeyman exam. It’s based on the NEC (National Electrical Code). Exam fee: ~$150.
3. Master Electrician License: Requires 2 years as a journeyman (12,000 additional hours). Exam fee: ~$200. You need this to run your own shop or pull permits.
4. Contractor License: If you start your own business, you need a separate electrical contractor license, which requires a Master license and a $10,000 bond.

Cost Breakdown:

• Apprenticeship School: ~$1,500 - $2,500 total (varies by program).
• Exam Fees: ~$350 total for Journeyman & Master.
• Licensing Fees: ~$250 every 2 years for the journeyman/master.
• Total to get licensed: ~$2,100 - $3,100 over 4-5 years.

Timeline to Get Started: You can begin working as an apprentice immediately. The full journeyman license takes a minimum of 4 years. Pro-Tip: Contact the Mississippi Chapter of NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) or IBEW Local 760 for union apprenticeship intake. It’s a highly structured, paid path with benefits.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Hattiesburg is a spread-out city, so proximity to major job zones matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
West Hattiesburg	Suburban, family-friendly. Easy access to USM and I-59. Commute to most jobs: 10-15 mins.	$950 - $1,100	Those with families or who want quick access to USM jobs.
Oak Grove	Upscale suburb, excellent school district. Slightly farther from downtown but close to I-59. Commute: 15-20 mins.	$1,000 - $1,200	Established electricians looking to buy a home in a top school zone.
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, older homes, near restaurants/bars. Commute to commercial jobs is great; can be farther from new subdivisions.	$800 - $950	Younger journeymen who want nightlife and a shorter commute to downtown office fit-outs.
East Hattiesburg / Petal	More rural feel, lower cost of living. Commute to I-59 jobs can be 20+ mins but you’re close to new construction along MS-42.	$750 - $900	Those prioritizing affordability and who work on the eastern side of the metro.
Camp Shelby Area	Very quiet, military-focused, few amenities. Commute to Hattiesburg is 15 mins south.	$850 - $950	Electricians with security clearance or those working directly on base contracts.

Insider Tip: If you’re working for a contractor doing new residential, you’ll likely be driving to Oak Grove, West Hattiesburg, and the new developments along Highway 98. Living in West Hattiesburg gives you the shortest commute to the highest volume of work.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Hattiesburg, career growth isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about specializing and building a reputation.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command higher pay by specializing.

  • Industrial/Maintenance: $2-5/hour premium over standard journeyman rate. Key at plants and hospitals.
  • Low-Voltage / Data: $1-3/hour premium. High demand for fire alarm, security, and network cabling in new commercial builds.
  • Motor Controls / PLC: $5-10/hour premium. The highest skill premium. Needed in manufacturing and hospital HVAC systems.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman to Master: The obvious step. Allows you to pull permits and lead jobs.
  2. Field Crew to Project Management: With 5+ years of experience and good communication skills, you can move to an office role with a contractor like M & M Electric. Less physical, higher salary ceiling ($75k+).
  3. Start Your Own Shop: After 2 years as a Master electrician, you can get a contractor’s license. This is the ultimate path. You’ll need insurance, a bond, and a truck. Many successful small shops in Hattiesburg specialize in either residential service calls or small commercial projects.

• 10-Year Outlook (11% Growth): This growth is real. It’s driven by:

  • Medical Expansion: Forrest General and Merit Health are constantly renovating.
  • USM Growth: New dorms, science labs, and athletic facilities.
  • Residential Boom: New subdivisions in Oak Grove and West Hattiesburg are popping up yearly.
  • Hurricane Resilience: Post-storm work is a steady, if unpredictable, stream.

Insider Tip: The IBEW Local 760 union hall in Hattiesburg is a key resource. Even if you don’t join, their training center offers top-notch classes. Building relationships there can lead to high-paying, short-term project work.

The Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $59,574 salary feels like $75k elsewhere.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end pay ($100k+) is rare unless you own a business.
Steady & Growing Demand: 11% job growth is solid for a small city.	Limited Large Industry: Few mega-projects compared to Jackson or the Coast.
Diverse Employer Mix: Hospitals, university, military, and contractors.	Car Dependent: You’ll need a reliable truck/van.
Manageable Commutes: Most jobs are within a 20-minute radius.	Slower Pace: Less hustle than a major metro; networking is key.
Strong Union Presence: IBEW Local 760 offers good benefits and training.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and occasional hurricane threats.

Final Recommendation: Hattiesburg is an excellent choice for electricians who value work-life balance, affordability, and steady employment. It’s ideal for a journeyman looking to buy a home, start a family, or eventually run a small business. It’s less ideal for someone chasing the absolute highest salary or wanting to work on massive, skyscraper-scale projects. If you’re a reliable, skilled electrician who can handle everything from a residential rough-in to a commercial service call, you’ll thrive here.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for electricians in Hattiesburg?
It’s competitive for good jobs, but not saturated. Contractors are always looking for reliable journeymen who can work independently. Having your MS license and a clean driving record puts you ahead of the pack. The 145 jobs in the metro means there’s work, but you need to stand out.

2. Is union membership necessary?
No, but it’s a great path. About 30% of electricians here are union members (IBEW Local 760). Union jobs typically offer higher wages, better benefits (healthcare, pension), and structured training. However, many excellent non-union contractors operate in Hattiesburg, especially in residential and small commercial work. Your choice depends on your career goals.

3. What’s the real cost of tools and a work vehicle?
As an apprentice, you’ll spend $500-$1,000 on basic hand tools. As a journeyman, you’ll need a more comprehensive set (power tools, meters, etc.), which can be $2,000-$3,000. A reliable work van or truck is non-negotiable. A used, serviceable van can cost $15,000-$25,000. Factor this into your first-year costs if you’re starting out.

4. How does the weather impact the work?
It’s a double-edged sword. Summers are oppressively hot and humid, making attic and outdoor work brutal. Winters are mild. The biggest factor is hurricane season (June-November). Storms create a surge in repair and rebuild work, which can be very lucrative but is unpredictable. Most contractors are slow from December to February.

5. Where should I live if I want to minimize my commute?
If you work for a contractor doing residential, West Hattiesburg is your best bet—it’s central to Oak Grove, USM, and I-59. If you work for the hospital or USM campus, living in East Hattiesburg or near the hospital makes sense. For commercial work, being near I-59 is key. Scout job postings for a week to see where the highest concentration of jobs is for your specialty.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Mississippi State Board of Contractors, Hattiesburg Area Development Partnership, local job listings (Indeed, ZipRecruiter), and interviews with local contractors. Salary data is based on BLS median and adjusted for local cost of living and job postings.