How to Become an EKG Technician in Texas (2026)
Texas employs about 6,140 ekg technicians earning a median $53,000 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025; proxy category “Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians”). No statewide license is required; most ekg technicians train through a certificate program and earn an industry certification before employers will hire them.
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Compare EKG Technician Schools in Texas
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Trinity Valley Community College | 55.8 | Contact school for pricing | $44,266 | 26% | Yes* | 135 mi |
| 2 | Weatherford College | 51.8 | Contact school for pricing | $59,564 | Not reported | Yes* | 104 mi |
| 3 | Concorde Career College-Grand Prairie | 46.6 | Contact school for pricing | $38,038 | Not reported | — | 110 mi |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas employs approximately 6,140 workers in the related “Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians” category (SOC 29-2031), with a median annual wage of $53,000 1. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 3.0% from 2024 to 2034, with about 3,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an ekg technician in Texas, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
A note on salary data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track ekg technician salaries as a separate category. The wage figures on this page are based on the closest matching BLS classification: Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2031). Actual ekg technician earnings may vary.
EKG Technician Wages by Metro Area in Texas
EKG Technician Wages by Metro Area in Texas
Note: The BLS does not track ekg technician wages separately. The data below is based on the closest matching category: Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians (SOC 29-2031).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), cardiovascular technologists and technicians wages in Texas vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 1,660 | $50,590 | $65,580 | $39,770 | $111,910 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 1,480 | $60,650 | $66,870 | $38,780 | $102,310 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 520 | $62,600 | $70,180 | $37,880 | $107,160 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 520 | $50,000 | $64,370 | $37,370 | $101,850 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 220 | $49,200 | $59,000 | $29,770 | $96,810 |
| El Paso | 150 | $44,050 | $59,120 | $35,360 | $99,120 |
| Corpus Christi | 110 | $63,220 | $65,750 | $36,860 | $96,410 |
| Waco | 80 | $79,360 | $71,070 | $36,520 | $104,820 |
| Amarillo | 60 | $48,540 | $58,350 | $38,050 | $92,180 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | 60 | $64,830 | $66,020 | $38,760 | $96,140 |
| Longview | N/A | $36,970 | $50,690 | $32,510 | $101,150 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Texas): $53,000 per year (based on related “Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians” category) 1
Quick Answers About Becoming An EKG Technician in Texas
How do I become an ekg technician in Texas? Texas does not require a state license for ekg technicians, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as CET (Certified EKG Technician). Complete a training program to prepare.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Texas? No state license is required, but certifications such as CET (Certified EKG Technician) are expected by most employers.
What do ekg technicians earn in Texas? The BLS does not track ekg technician wages separately. Based on the related “Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians” category, the median annual wage in Texas is $53,000, with entry-level wages around $36,650 and experienced workers earning $103,120 or more 1.
Top Metros for Ekg technicians in Texas
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest ekg technician employment within Texas according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington | 1,660 | $50,590 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 1,480 | $60,650 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 520 | $62,600 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 520 | $50,000 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 220 | $49,200 |
How to Become an EKG Technician in Texas
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Texas training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an accredited trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Texas that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Earn an industry certification. While Texas does not require a statewide license, earn CET (Certified EKG Technician) to meet employer expectations and improve hiring prospects.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
EKG Technician Certification Options in Texas
Texas does not require a state license to work as an ekg technician. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.
Common certifications for ekg technicians include:
- CET (Certified EKG Technician)
For more information, visit the NHA - National Healthcareer Association 3. Contact training programs in Texas for details on certification preparation courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for ekg technicians in Texas? Texas employs approximately 6,140 workers in the related “Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians” category 1. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 3.0% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Texas? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Texas.
How much do ekg technicians earn in Texas compared to the national average? The median annual wage for ekg technicians in Texas is $53,000 (based on the related “Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians” category), which is $14,260 below the national median of $67,260 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NHA - National Healthcareer Association: https://www.nhanow.com/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |