Electrician Career Guide: Lee's Summit, MO

As a career analyst who’s watched the Kansas City metro area’s job market for over a decade, I can tell you that Lee’s Summit offers a unique proposition for electricians. It’s a suburban city with a strong, self-contained economy, but it’s also deeply connected to the larger Kansas City metro. For an electrician, this means a stable local market with the potential for higher-paying commercial work in the city center just a 25-minute drive away. The cost of living is a significant advantage, and the job market is growing steadily. This guide cuts through the noise with data and local insights to help you decide if Lee’s Summit is the right place to plug into your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Lee's Summit Stands

Let’s start with the numbers. Electricians in the Lee’s Summit area can expect a median salary that’s competitive for the region and the nation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job market data, the median salary for an electrician in the Lee’s Summit metro is $60,312 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.0. This is slightly below the national average of $61,550, but the lower cost of living makes that salary go much further. There are currently 313 electrician jobs in the metro area, with a projected 10-year job growth of 11%—a solid, steady demand that outpaces many other trades in the region.

Your actual earnings will vary significantly based on experience, specialization, and whether you work residential, commercial, or industrial. Lee’s Summit’s mix of new suburban developments and established commercial corridors creates opportunities at all levels.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Years	Median Annual Salary (Lee's Summit)	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Often starts as an apprentice or helper. Focus is on residential rough-ins and service calls.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$58,000 - $70,000	Journeyman electrician. Can work independently on residential builds and small commercial jobs.
Senior	8-15 years	$72,000 - $85,000	Master electrician or foreman. Manages teams and complex projects, often in commercial/industrial.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$85,000 - $100,000+	Licensed Master Electrician, project manager, or specialist (e.g., fire alarm, controls).

Data compiled from BLS, local job postings, and Missouri Department of Labor estimates.

Comparison to Other MO Cities

Lee’s Summit sits in a sweet spot—it’s more affordable than St. Louis but offers better salaries than smaller rural markets. It’s directly tied to the Kansas City metro, which is the state’s economic engine.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Industries for Electricians
Lee's Summit	$60,312	93.3	Residential, Healthcare, Light Industrial
Kansas City, MO	$63,200	~98	Heavy Commercial, Industrial, Data Centers
St. Louis, MO	$62,800	~96	Manufacturing, Biotech, Large Commercial
Columbia, MO	$58,500	~94	University, Healthcare, Municipal
Springfield, MO	$57,100	~90	Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing

Insider Tip: While KC’s salary is higher, the commute from Lee’s Summit to downtown KC is 25-40 minutes. Many electricians in Lee’s Summit take jobs in KC for premium pay and then live here for the lower housing costs, creating a net financial benefit.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $60,312 salary looks different once taxes and housing are factored in. Lee’s Summit’s affordability is its strongest selling point. Using the $886/month average 1BR rent and a 93.3 cost of living index, let’s break down a monthly budget for a single electrician earning the median wage.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Post-Tax Estimate):

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,026
• Estimated Net Income (after ~22% federal/state tax & deductions): ~$3,920
• Housing (1BR Rent): $886
• Utilities & Internet: $220
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $550 (essential in this car-dependent suburb)
• Groceries: $350
• Health Insurance (Single): $300
• Discretionary (Entertainment, Savings, etc.): $1,614

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Lee’s Summit is approximately $315,000. With a $60,312 salary, a 20% down payment ($63,000) is a significant hurdle but manageable with savings over a few years. However, a 5-10% down payment is more common. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $315k home with a 5% down payment would be roughly $1,800 - $1,950. This is higher than rent but achievable on a dual-income household or with a mid-to-senior level electrician’s salary. The town’s property taxes are moderate for the metro area.

Where the Jobs Are: Lee's Summit's Major Employers

Lee’s Summit’s job market is a blend of local contractors and companies serving the broader metro. Unlike a pure commuter city, it has a strong base of employers within city limits.

1. HNTB Corporation: A major national engineering firm with a large office in nearby Kansas City, but they often hire for projects in Lee’s Summit and the South Kansas City corridor. They are a top employer for high-end commercial and infrastructure electrical design. Hiring trend: Steady, for experienced journeyman and master electricians with commercial project experience.
2. Burns & McDonnell: Another Kansas City-headquartered giant, they have a massive presence and frequently work on Lee’s Summit projects, especially for data centers and advanced manufacturing facilities. They look for electricians with industrial controls and automation experience.
3. Saint Luke's Health System: While the main hospital is in Kansas City, Saint Luke’s has a significant outpatient and surgical center in Lee’s Summit. Healthcare facility electrical work is a stable, lucrative niche. Hiring trend: Constant demand for licensed electricians for maintenance and renovations.
4. Lee’s Summit Municipal Utilities (LSMU): The local utility is a prime employer for linemen and utility electricians. These are highly specialized, unionized jobs with excellent benefits. Hiring is competitive and often based on seniority or exam.
5. Local Residential & Commercial Contractors: Firms like Korte Electric, K-M Electric, and Allied Electric are Lee’s Summit-based and are the backbone of the residential and small commercial market. They are the most common employers for apprentices and journeyman electricians. Hiring trend: Directly tied to the local housing market and new commercial developments. The most agile place to start a career.
6. Cerner / Oracle Health: A major tech employer in the Kansas City metro, they have a massive campus in nearby Kansas City. They hire electricians for facility maintenance and new construction of data centers and office buildings. This is a path to high-tech electrical work.
7. Lee’s Summit School District: The district employs in-house electricians for maintenance and renovation projects across its many schools. These are stable, union positions with great schedules and benefits.

Insider Tip: The biggest opportunity for career growth for an electrician in Lee’s Summit is to start with a local contractor like Korte or K-M to get experience, then transition to a larger firm like HNTB or Burns & McDonnell for project management roles, or to a specialty like healthcare (St. Luke’s) for steady, high-value maintenance work.

Getting Licensed in Missouri

Missouri’s licensing is handled at the state level by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration, which oversees the State Electrical Board. The process is straightforward but requires commitment.

• Apprenticeship: You must be registered as an apprentice with the state. This requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician, typically over 4 years. You must also complete 600 hours of classroom instruction. In the Kansas City area, many apprentices join the IBEW Local 124 (Journeyman Electricians) or go through non-union programs with local contractors.
• Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can take the state journeyman exam. The exam fee is $100. You need 12,000 hours (4 years) of experience.
• Master Electrician License: Requires 48,000 hours (8 years) of experience and passing a more complex exam. This is necessary to pull permits for electrical work in Missouri. The exam fee is $125.
• Timeline & Cost: The total timeline from apprentice to master is at least 8 years. The primary cost is your time and effort in schooling. Apprenticeship programs may have tuition costs, but many contractors pay for it in exchange for a work agreement. Total exam and licensing fees are under $300.

Key Resource: The Missouri State Electrical Board website (mo.gov/professional-boards/electrical-board) is your definitive source for forms, exam schedules, and code updates.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Lee’s Summit is car-centric, so your commute is more about highway access than public transit. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods that offer a good balance for working electricians.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Historic Downtown	Walkable, charming, near local shops. 10-min drive to most jobs.	$1,100 - $1,400	Electricians who want a short commute and a lively, small-town feel.
West Lee's Summit	Family-oriented, newer subdivisions, excellent schools. 15-25 min commute to KC.	$900 - $1,200	Established electricians with families, looking for a quiet, suburban lifestyle.
St. Luke's Area	Close to the hospital, mixed older and newer homes. Very central.	$850 - $1,050	Those working at St. Luke's or wanting a central, convenient location.
East Lee's Summit	More affordable, closer to I-70 for easy KC access. Less polished but practical.	$800 - $950	Apprentices and journeyman electricians prioritizing budget and a quick commute to the city.
Longview Lake Area	Rural, wooded, on the southern edge. Peaceful but a longer drive.	$750 - $900	Electricians who value nature and quiet and don’t mind a 20-30 minute commute.

Insider Tip: Look for rentals or homes near I-70 or I-470. Your commute to jobs in Lee’s Summit and Kansas City will be drastically easier. Avoid the far southern suburbs if you plan to work in KC regularly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 11% job growth over the next decade is promising, but your personal growth depends on specialization. Here’s how to maximize your earning potential in the Lee’s Summit area.

• Specialty Premiums: Adding certifications can increase your salary by 10-25%. The most valuable in this market are:
  • NFPA 70E (Arc Flash Safety): Essential for industrial and commercial work.
  • Certification in Building Automation Systems (BAS): Critical for healthcare (St. Luke’s) and corporate (HNTB, Cerner) settings.
  • EV Charger Installation Certification: With the rise of EVs and Missouri’s new EV infrastructure funding, this is a growing niche for residential and commercial electricians.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Technical: Apprentice → Journeyman → Master Electrician → Specialty Inspector.
  2. Management: Field Electrician → Foreman → Project Manager → Electrical Project Engineer (requires additional education).
  3. Business Owner: After obtaining a Master Electrician license, many launch their own residential or commercial contracting firms. Lee’s Summit’s growing population provides a steady client base.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong. The biggest shifts will be in green energy (solar, battery storage) and smart home technology. Electricians who can install and service these systems will be in high demand. The commercial sector will also grow as Lee’s Summit continues to develop its northern corridor near the new sports complex and retail centers.

The Verdict: Is Lee's Summit Right for You?

Lee’s Summit offers a compelling package for electricians: a lower cost of living that makes a median salary go further, a stable and growing job market, and proximity to the larger Kansas City metro for higher-paying opportunities. It’s an ideal location for those who value suburban living, family-friendly communities, and a balance between local work and metro access.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Housing: Rent and home prices are below metro and national averages.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle; public transit is limited.
Steady Job Growth: 11% projected growth provides long-term security.	Salary Ceiling: Local salaries are slightly below the national average; you may need to commute to KC for top-tier pay.
Proximity to KC: Easy access to a larger, more diverse job market and higher wages.	Limited Nightlife: It’s a quiet suburb, not a bustling urban center.
High Quality of Life: Excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and extensive parks.	Competition for Top Jobs: Positions at major firms like HNTB or Burns & McDonnell are competitive.

Final Recommendation: Lee’s Summit is an excellent choice for journeyman and master electricians who are looking to buy a home, start a family, or enjoy a quieter lifestyle without leaving the metro area’s economic orbit. It’s also a good starting point for apprentices who can leverage local contractors to get experience while benefiting from low living costs. If your primary goal is to earn the absolute highest salary without compromise, you might consider living in Kansas City. But for the best balance of income and affordability, Lee’s Summit is a smart, sustainable choice.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to get licensed as a journeyman electrician in Missouri?
It takes a minimum of 4 years. You need 8,000 hours of documented work experience and 600 hours of classroom training. The state does not grant waivers for experience, so plan on a structured apprenticeship program.

2. Is it worth getting a master electrician license in Lee’s Summit?
Yes, if you plan to run your own business or work as a project manager. The license is required to pull permits for electrical work in Missouri, which is essential for most independent contracting. It can also lead to a salary increase of $15,000+ over a journeyman license.

3. What’s the best way to find an apprenticeship in the Lee’s Summit area?
Contact the IBEW Local 124 in Kansas City for their apprenticeship program, which covers Lee’s Summit. Alternatively, reach out directly to local contractors like Korte Electric or K-M Electric—many hire apprentices directly and will sponsor their training. The Missouri Department of Labor also has an apprenticeship listing service.

4. Does the Missouri license transfer from other states?
Missouri has reciprocity agreements with several states, but not all. You must apply for reciprocity and often take a supplemental exam focusing on Missouri-specific codes. Contact the Missouri State Electrical Board for the current list of reciprocal states and specific requirements.

5. What’s the demand for residential vs. commercial electricians in Lee’s Summit?
Both are strong. The residential market is driven by new housing developments in the western and southern parts of the city. The commercial market is active in healthcare (St. Luke’s), retail renovations, and light industrial (near the I-70 corridor). Commercial work typically pays more, especially for specialized skills.