Electrician in Kansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Kansas employs 6,350 electricians, with a statewide median of $65,860 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Kansas licensing picture, and where to train.
What Electricians Earn in Kansas (May 2025)
- Kansas median pay
- $65,860 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $42,660
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $80,560
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $96,830
- Employed in Kansas
- 6,350
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,350 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for electricians in major Kansas markets:
- St. Joseph
- $97,350 (350 employed)
- Kansas City
- $76,860 (5,400 employed)
- Joplin
- $67,720 (430 employed)
- Wichita
- $65,670 (1,610 employed)
- Topeka
- $65,520 (510 employed)
- Manhattan
- $61,170 (170 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Kansas
Prices in Kansas run about 10% below the national average (cost-of-living index 90.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $65,860 median stretches to roughly $73,097 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Kansas (2024–2034)
Kansas is projected to grow electricians employment +9.6%, about in line with the +9.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 610 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Kansas License and Certification Requirements
Journeyman Electrician license (issued locally) — regulated by the Local city/county licensing (Kansas has no statewide electrician license).
- Be 18+ with a high-school diploma/GED and gain experience through an apprenticeship.
- Pass a journeyman exam based on the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Get licensed by the municipality (city/county) where you'll work — requirements vary by jurisdiction.
Official requirements: Local city/county licensing (Kansas has no statewide electrician license) →
Training in Kansas
Kansas licenses electricians locally, not statewide — check your city/county's rules. IBEW/IEC/ABC apprenticeships are the earn-while-you-learn route, and a license from a major city often satisfies nearby jurisdictions.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Kansas include:
- Butler Community College — Associate
- Coffeyville Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Dodge City Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Fort Hays State University-Northwest Kansas Technical College — Certificate / Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like tools, systems, problem solving, and earning while they train.
Think twice if: You need desk-only work or dislike tight spaces, heights, job sites, and physical risk.
Why it's resilient: Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
First Steps
Look for IBEW, IEC, ABC, or state apprenticeship openings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Kansas?
The median wage for electricians in Kansas is $65,860 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $42,660, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $96,830. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Electrician in Kansas?
Journeyman Electrician license (issued locally), overseen by the Local city/county licensing (Kansas has no statewide electrician license). Be 18+ with a high-school diploma/GED and gain experience through an apprenticeship.
Is being an Electrician a good career in Kansas?
Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
Which Kansas metros pay electricians the most?
Among Kansas metro areas, St. Joseph leads at $97,350, followed by Kansas City ($76,860), Joplin ($67,720). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Electrician in Kansas?
Real Kansas options include Butler Community College, Coffeyville Community College, Dodge City Community College. Most electricians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Electrician a growing career in Kansas?
Kansas projects electricians employment to change +9.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 610 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Kansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2111. Licensing summary compiled from the Local city/county licensing (Kansas has no statewide electrician license) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Kansas wages · Kansas licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.