Trade directory · Hattiesburg metro · Mississippi

Electrical contractors in
Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

A public directory of electrical contractor businesses serving greater Hattiesburg. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Employer Establishments
452
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
April through September, driven by new construction and summer renovation projects. Secondary peak during winter holidays for commercial holiday lighting and interior upgrades.
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
2-5 business days for quotes in Hattiesburg market. Emergency calls typically responded to within 24 hours.
Operator average
Avg. Hourly Wage
$28/hr
Bureau of Labor Statistics
§ J · OPEN JOBS

Electrical jobs in Hattiesburg

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§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

HATTIESBURG-MS · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
Residential panel upgrade (100-200 amp)
Typical range based on local residential panel upgrade (100-200 amp) jobs.
$1,200 – $2,800
New circuit installation (per circuit)
Typical range based on local new circuit installation (per circuit) jobs.
$150 – $400
Outlet/switch installation (per unit)
Typical range based on local outlet/switch installation (per unit) jobs.
$75 – $200
Ceiling fan or light fixture installation
Typical range based on local ceiling fan or light fixture installation jobs.
$100 – $300
Commercial tenant buildout (per square foot)
Typical range based on local commercial tenant buildout (per square foot) jobs.
$3 – $8
Troubleshooting/diagnostic call
Typical range based on local troubleshooting/diagnostic call jobs.
$75 – $150
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

MS
§1

Licensing Requirements

Mississippi requires three license types for electricians: Apprentice (requires 4-year apprenticeship minimum), Journeyman (requires 8,000+ hours documented experience, passage of state exam), and Master (requires 2 additional years post-journeyman and master exam). Journeyman and Master licenses require written exam through Mississippi State Board of Electrical Contractors. Renewal required every 2 years with 8 CEUs (continuing education units) for Journeyman, 12 CEUs for Master. Application fee approximately $150-250.

§2

Permit Requirements

Hattiesburg Building Department requires electrical permits for most jobs exceeding $500 or involving panel upgrades, major rewiring, or new service installations. Permit application requires licensed electrician signature. Residential permits typically cost $50-150 based on project scope. Commercial projects require separate engineering review. Permits processed within 3-7 business days.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Hattiesburg requires inspections at rough-in stage (framing complete, wiring in place) and final inspection upon project completion. Commercial projects may require additional inspections at rough-in, panel rough, and final stages. Inspector availability typically 3-5 days out. Failed inspections require corrections and re-inspection ($50 re-inspection fee).

§4

Insurance Minimums

Mississippi does not mandate minimum liability insurance by state law, but Hattiesburg contractors working on permitted jobs must maintain General Liability minimum $300,000 per occurrence. Most commercial clients require $1,000,000 per occurrence. Workers Compensation required if employing any staff. Bonding not required by state but recommended for commercial work ($2,500-$10,000 contract bonds).

§ C · ReadyDocs Compliance

Compliance research unavailable

View source dossier

Source status: unavailable · 7/30/2026

Detailed instructions are withheld because the source is not available for verification.

§ M · DoorBase

Local market snapshot

6 ZIPs
Population87,574
Household income$56,103
Home value$212,977
Median rent$1,303
Unemployment2.65%
Job growth-0.95%

Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 7/17/2026.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

8 STEPS
1

Complete High School Diploma or GED

Foundation requirement. Must have documentation before apprenticeship application. Some programs accept concurrent enrollment.

01/08
2

Enroll in Registered Apprenticeship Program

Find a USDOL-registered electrical apprenticeship in Mississippi. Program typically 4-5 years. Combines classroom instruction (576 hours minimum) and on-the-job training under a licensed Master or Journeyman. Contact local JATC (Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee) or independent training providers in Hattiesburg area. Apprenticeship wages start around $12-15/hour and increase annually.

02/08
3

Document 8,000+ Hours of Practical Experience

Complete apprenticeship requirements. Employer must verify and document all hours on official apprenticeship record. Hours must include residential, commercial, and industrial work across varied tasks: wiring, conduit installation, panel work, troubleshooting. This takes 4-5 years full-time work. Keep records organized; you'll need them for license application.

03/08
4

File Journeyman License Application with Mississippi State Board

Submit application to Mississippi State Board of Electrical Contractors. Include apprenticeship completion documentation, hour verification, and application fee ($150-250). Application processing takes 2-4 weeks. Verify current fees and forms at Mississippi Secretary of State's office or State Board website.

04/08
5

Pass Mississippi Journeyman Electrical Exam

Written exam covers National Electrical Code (NEC), safety practices, load calculations, installation methods, and state-specific regulations. Exam typically 100 questions, 4-hour time limit. Passing score is usually 70%. Study materials available through NECA or independent prep courses. Plan 6-12 weeks of dedicated study. Exam administered by Prometric or similar testing centers. Retakes allowed; each attempt requires separate fee ($75-150).

05/08
6

Receive Journeyman License and Begin Work

License issued by Mississippi State Board upon passing exam. Valid for 2 years. You can now work as Journeyman under Master supervision or run limited independent work. License card and documentation needed for job sites and permit applications. Renew every 2 years with 8 CEUs (continuing education units) and renewal fee ($125-200).

06/08
7

Complete 2+ Additional Years for Master License (Optional)

If pursuing Master status, work 2 additional years post-journeyman under documented supervision. Hours must include supervisory and management responsibilities. Document all hours carefully. Master license allows full independent operation, crew supervision, and permit authority.

07/08
8

Apply for Master License and Pass Master Exam

Submit Master application with documentation of 2+ additional years experience post-journeyman. Application fee similar to Journeyman ($150-250). Master exam is more comprehensive, covering advanced code sections, business practices, crew management, and code enforcement. Study 8-12 weeks minimum. Master license valid 2 years; requires 12 CEUs for renewal.

08/08
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Hattiesburg's electrician market is steady but not explosive. You've got residential single-family work, light commercial, and ongoing maintenance. The University of Southern Mississippi drives some demand for facilities upgrades and campus projects. Competition is moderate—roughly 452 licensed establishments statewide in Mississippi, with Hattiesburg pulling its share of that pool. Costs run reasonable compared to Gulf Coast markets. Most work is straightforward: residential service upgrades, new construction rough-in, tenant buildouts for retail spaces along Hardy Street and downtown. Summer construction season and university project schedules determine workflow. Material costs track national standards; labor is where you differentiate. BLS median for electricians in MS sits at $27.88/hour, which gives you baseline for pricing and crew costs.

To work Hattiesburg, you need a Mississippi Journeyman or Master license—no shortcuts. The state exam is real; plan 6-12 months of study if you're testing. Hattiesburg Building Department is reasonable but procedural; get your permits before work starts or you'll lose time on re-inspection fees. Peak season runs April through September; book jobs in February if you want summer work. Winter isn't dead but slower. Know that commercial clients increasingly want proof of insurance and bonding—$1M liability is becoming standard expectation, not optional. Residential customers care about upfront pricing and timeline. The market rewards licensed crews, clean invoicing, and reliability. No room for cowboys in Hattiesburg.

Data Sources
  • Median hourly wage for electricians in Mississippi
    U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wages (May 2023)
  • Licensed electrician establishments in Mississippi
    U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns (NAICS 2382)
  • Licensing requirements and exam process
    Mississippi State Board of Electrical Contractors, Mississippi Secretary of State
  • Permit requirements and inspection procedures for Hattiesburg
    Hattiesburg Building Department, City of Hattiesburg Building Code (IBC adoption)
  • Insurance and bonding standards
    Mississippi State Board of Electrical Contractors; standard commercial contracting practice
  • Cost ranges for common electrical services
    Regional market research, Hattiesburg contractor surveys, RS Means cost data
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

What's the difference between a Journeyman and Master electrician license in Mississippi?

A Journeyman electrician has completed an 8,000-hour apprenticeship and passed the state exam. A Master electrician has 2+ additional years of documented experience post-journeyman and passes a more advanced exam. Masters can pull permits, supervise crews, and run their own business. Journeymen must work under a Master or supervise limited work. Both require 8-hour annual continuing education. Source: Mississippi State Board of Electrical Contractors.

Q/02

Do I need a permit for a simple outlet or light switch replacement in Hattiesburg?

No. Hattiesburg permits are required for work exceeding $500 or involving panel upgrades, major rewiring, and new service installations. Simple replacements under that threshold don't require permits. However, if the work involves rerouting circuits or touching the main panel, you need a permit. Always call the Hattiesburg Building Department to confirm scope—it's $50 phone call versus $500 fine. Source: Hattiesburg Building Department permit guidelines.

Q/03

What's the median wage for electricians in Mississippi?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for electricians in Mississippi is $27.88/hour, or approximately $57,990 annually. This reflects experience level, license type, and market demand. Journeyman wages typically run $25-35/hour; Master electricians and business owners earn higher. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Wages.

Q/04

How long does it take to get an electrical inspection in Hattiesburg?

Hattiesburg Building Department typically schedules inspections within 3-5 business days of request. Rough-in and final inspections are both required for permitted work. If you fail inspection, the $50 re-inspection fee applies after corrections. Plan your schedule with this timeline; don't promise same-day inspections. Source: Hattiesburg Building Department inspection scheduling.

Q/05

What insurance do I need to operate as an electrician in Hattiesburg?

Mississippi doesn't mandate minimum liability insurance by state law. However, Hattiesburg contractors pulling permits must carry General Liability insurance minimum $300,000 per occurrence. Most commercial clients require $1,000,000 per occurrence. If you employ any staff, Workers Compensation is mandatory. Contract bonding is recommended for projects over $10,000. Verify requirements with your client before bidding. Source: Hattiesburg Building Department and Mississippi State Board of Electrical Contractors.

§ F · Directory

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