Electrician in Jackson, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

If you’re an electrician weighing a move to Jackson, Mississippi, the first question is practical: what can you expect to earn? Let’s cut through the noise with hard data. The median salary for electricians in the Jackson metro area is $59,832 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $28.77. This sits just below the national average of $61,550, but the cost of living is what makes this figure meaningful—we'll dive into that next. For context, the Jackson metro area supports about 430 electrician jobs, and the field is projected to grow by 11% over the next decade, a healthy rate driven by new construction, infrastructure updates, and the green energy transition.

To break it down further, here’s a realistic look at what you can expect at different career stages:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Estimated Annual Salary (Jackson)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $48,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$55,000 - $65,000
Senior	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$85,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings, trade union data (IBEW Local 480), and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) trends. Specializations like industrial, data center, or solar work can push these numbers higher.

How does Jackson stack up against other Mississippi cities? It’s competitive. Jackson’s median is $59,832, while Gulfport-Biloxi (a larger hub for industrial and marine work) often sees medians closer to $62,000. In contrast, smaller metros like Hattiesburg or Meridian typically offer lower medians, around $52,000 - $56,000. Jackson’s advantage is its position as the state capital and the largest metro, meaning a denser concentration of commercial, institutional, and government contracts. It’s a solid middle-ground: not the highest pay in the state, but with more job stability and variety than smaller towns. A key insider tip: union shops (like those affiliated with IBEW Local 480) often post wages 10-15% above non-union rates, especially for public works projects.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left for your bank account. Let’s run the numbers for a single electrician earning the Jackson median of $59,832. We’ll assume a standard filing status, standard deductions, and a state income tax of 4.75% (Mississippi’s flat rate). Federal taxes (including Social Security and Medicare) will take a significant bite.

Monthly Take-Home Pay Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,986
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,150
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,836

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Jackson rents for $997 per month. This leaves you with $2,839 for all other expenses. In a city with a cost of living index of 90.7 (where the national average is 100), your dollar goes further than in most of the country. For a typical monthly budget:

• Rent: $997
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $450 (most Jacksonians rely on cars)
• Health Insurance (if not fully employer-paid): $200
• Miscellaneous & Savings: $1,539

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, with discipline. The median home price in Jackson is around $165,000 (as of 2023). With a 20% down payment ($33,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6% would have a monthly payment of roughly $790 (principal and interest, not including taxes and insurance). Your net take-home of $3,836 makes that feasible, especially if you live modestly and build savings. This is a major advantage over high-cost coastal cities where homeownership is out of reach for many in the trades. A local tip: Look into first-time homebuyer programs through the Mississippi Home Corporation, which offer down payment assistance and favorable rates for skilled tradespeople.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson’s job market for electricians is anchored by a mix of industrial, institutional, and commercial employers. It’s not a single-industry town, which provides resilience. Here are key players and what they look for:

1. The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) – Located in the Fondren neighborhood, UMMC is the state’s largest employer. They have a massive, in-house facilities team that constantly needs electricians for new construction, lab maintenance, and critical system upgrades. Hiring is steady, often through their internal career portal. They value reliability and experience with healthcare electrical codes (NFPA 99).

2. Entergy Mississippi – As the state’s primary utility, Entergy hires electricians for grid maintenance, substation work, and storm response. They have a major operations center in Jackson. Jobs here often require a Class A CDL and are more physically demanding, with excellent pay and benefits. They are actively investing in grid hardening, which means more long-term projects.

3. The State of Mississippi – The Department of Finance and Administration’s Facilities Division manages all state-owned buildings (capitol complex, agencies, etc.). They hire electricians directly for maintenance and renovation work. These are stable, government jobs with great pensions. Check the Mississippi State Personnel Board website for openings.

4. Turner Construction & other Major GCs – Large general contractors like Turner, Brasfield & Gorrie, and Harper Brothers are always bidding on projects in Jackson, from the new airport terminal to downtown office renovations. They hire electricians through subcontractors. Insider tip: Get on the call list with reputable local electrical contractors (like Moss Electric, Southern Electrical, or ECI) who are often their subs. Word-of-mouth is huge here.

5. Nissan Canton Vehicle Assembly Plant – Located just north of Jackson in Canton, this is a massive industrial employer. Electricians here are needed for plant maintenance, robotics, and conveyor systems. It’s a union shop (UAW) with wages often above the Jackson median. Hiring is cyclical based on vehicle demand.

6. Jackson Public Schools – The district’s facilities department hires electricians for preventative maintenance across 60+ schools. The pace is less frantic than construction, with a regular schedule. It’s a good option for those seeking seasonal stability (summers off for major projects).

Hiring Trends: The construction pipeline is strong, driven by state capital investments and private development in the Fondren and Belhaven areas. However, a word of caution: some large speculative office projects have slowed. The safest bet is in healthcare, education, and public utilities—sectors with steady funding. Always check the Mississippi Economic Council’s forecasts for upcoming public projects.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi has a clear licensing path, but you must follow it precisely. The state does not have a reciprocal agreement with all states, so many out-of-state electricians will need to complete some local steps.

Requirements:

• Journeyman Electrician: Requires 8,000 hours of supervised work experience (about 4 years) and passing the National Electrical Code (NEC) exam. You must have a licensed contractor verify your hours.
• Master Electrician: Requires 12,000 hours of experience (about 6 years) and passing a more advanced exam. A Master License allows you to pull permits and run your own business.
• Exam & Fees: Exams are administered by PSI Exams. The journeyman exam fee is approximately $150, and the master exam is $200. Annual license renewal is around $100 for journeyman and $200 for master.
• Contractor License: If you want to start your own business, you need an Electrical Contractor license, which requires a Master Electrician license and proof of financial responsibility (bonding).

Timeline to Get Started:

1. If you’re already licensed in another state: Contact the Mississippi State Board of Electrical Contractors (MSBEC) to determine if your hours and experience are transferable. You may need to take the state-specific NEC exam.
2. If you’re starting from scratch: Enroll in a recognized apprenticeship program. The most prominent is the IBEW Local 480/JATC program, which combines 2,000 hours of classroom instruction with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. The competitive application process is held annually.
3. Self-taught/Non-union: You can document your hours under a licensed Mississippi contractor, but the union program is often the most structured path. Expect a 4-5 year timeline from apprentice to journeyman.

Insider Tip: The MSBEC website is your best friend. They are strict about documentation. Keep a detailed, notarized log of your work hours from day one. It’s a common pitfall for applicants to have incomplete records.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Jackson affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is best understood as a series of distinct neighborhoods, each with a different character.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Electricians
Belhaven	Historic, walkable, near downtown. Moderate commute to most job sites.	$1,050	Central location. Close to UMMC and state buildings. Great for contractors who need quick access across the city.
Fondren	Medical district hub, vibrant with restaurants & cafes. Young professional vibe.	$1,150	Ultra-convenient if you work at UMMC or nearby labs. High demand for residential and small commercial repairs.
North Jackson / Madison Co.	Suburban, family-oriented. Best schools. Longer commute to downtown.	$950	Lower cost of living. Many master electricians live here and commute to job sites. Good for buying a home.
Flowood	Southern suburb, lots of new construction. Great for families.	$975	Proximity to industrial areas (Nissan) and new subdivisions. Easy access to US-49 and I-20.
West Jackson	More affordable, historic areas. Commute can be longer to east side.	$750	Lower rent frees up cash. Some revitalization projects mean opportunities for electrical upgrades in older homes.

Commute Insight: Jackson’s traffic is manageable compared to major metros, but I-55 and I-20 can bottleneck during rush hour. A 15-mile commute can take 25 minutes. Most electricians drive trucks or vans, so factor in parking and potential vehicle storage. If your work is mobile (service calls), living centrally (Belhaven/Fondren) saves fuel and time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 11% job growth projection is promising, but your personal growth matters more. Specialization is the key to moving above the median of $59,832.

• Industrial Electrician: Working in plants like Nissan or at chemical facilities (like those in nearby Pascagoula) can command $70,000 - $90,000+ due to complex systems and safety protocols. Requires additional hazardous location training.
• Data Center Technician: With Mississippi’s growing data center presence (driven by cheap power), this niche is exploding. Starting pay can be $65,000+, with significant overtime. Certifications like BICSI or DCDC are valuable.
• Solar/ Renewable Energy: The Mississippi Solar Initiative is gaining traction. Becoming a certified solar installer can open doors for commercial rooftop projects, often paying a 10-15% premium over standard commercial rates.
• Estimating or Project Management: Moving from the tools to the office. With a Master Electrician license and some business courses, you can become an electrical estimator or project manager for a GC, pushing your salary toward $80,000 - $100,000.

10-Year Outlook: Automation and smart building technology won’t eliminate electricians but will transform the job. Jackson’s aging grid and infrastructure need upgrades, ensuring steady demand. The key is to upskill continuously. Pursue NFPA 70E (Arc Flash Safety) and NEC code updates. The electricians who thrive will be those who can handle traditional wiring and troubleshoot a networked building system.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living. Your $59,832 median salary goes much further here. Homeownership is a realistic goal.	Lower Ceiling. Top-end pay in Jackson is less than in hubs like Dallas or Atlanta. For maximum earnings, you may need to specialize or travel for mega-projects.
Stable, Diverse Job Market. Strong demand from healthcare, government, and utilities provides insulated employment.	Hot, Humid Summers. Working on roofs or in attics in July and August is physically grueling. Climate can be a lifestyle factor.
Strong Sense of Community. The trade network is tight-knit. You’ll find mentorship and job leads through local unions and contractor associations.	Limited Public Transit. A personal vehicle is non-negotiable, adding to your monthly expenses.
Low Competition. Compared to larger cities, there are fewer electricians, meaning you can stand out faster.	Urban Challenges. Some parts of Jackson face economic decline, which can affect neighborhood safety and property values for homeowners.

Final Recommendation: Jackson is an excellent choice for electricians at the mid-career level looking to build a stable, comfortable life without the financial pressure of a high-cost city. It’s particularly well-suited for those in residential/commercial service, healthcare facilities, or public works. If you’re a highly specialized industrial electrician seeking the absolute top tier of pay, you might find more opportunities in the Gulf Coast or Memphis area. But for work-life balance and long-term security, Jackson’s formula is hard to beat.

FAQs

Q1: I’m licensed in Texas. Do I need to test again in Mississippi?
A: Mississippi has limited reciprocity. You will likely need to apply to the MSBEC, submit detailed experience verification, and take the Mississippi-specific NEC exam. Contact the Board directly with your credentials for a definitive answer.

Q2: How competitive is the IBEW 480 apprenticeship?
A: Very. They often receive hundreds of applications for 20-30 spots. You need a high school diploma/GED, algebra credit, a valid driver’s license, and a clean drug test. Scoring well on the aptitude test is crucial. Insider tip: Get some construction labor experience before applying to strengthen your application.

Q3: What’s the demand for residential electricians in Jackson?
A: Steady. The housing stock in older neighborhoods like Fondren and Belhaven is aging, creating a constant need for panel upgrades, rewiring, and smart home installations. New subdivision work is also available in Flowood and Madison. Building a reputation with a reputable residential contractor is key.

Q4: Are there union and non-union opportunities?
A: Yes. IBEW Local 480 is active and represents many commercial and industrial electricians. However, a significant portion of the market is non-union, especially in residential service and small commercial. Wages in union shops are generally higher, but non-union offers more flexibility for small business owners. Many electricians work union on large projects and non-union on smaller jobs.

Q5: What’s the job outlook for the next 5-10 years?
A: The 11% growth is strong. The biggest drivers will be: 1) Retrofitting state and federal buildings for energy efficiency, 2) Installing EV charging infrastructure across the city, and 3) Maintaining and upgrading the electrical grid for Entergy. Electricians who get certified in EVITP (Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program) or renewable energy will be in especially high demand.