How to Become an Electrician in Texas
Updated April 18, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Thinking about becoming an electrician in Texas? It’s a smart career move. With booming construction, high energy demand, and a strong economy, skilled electricians are always in demand across the Lone Star State.
This guide will walk you through every step of the process—from your first apprenticeship registration to getting your journeyman or master license. It’s built from official sources like the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)1, the U.S. Department of Labor2, and current exam providers.
Electrician License Levels in Texas
In Texas, electricians are licensed by the TDLR. There are several license levels, each with its own path:
| License Type | Description | Regulated By |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | Entry-level; work under supervision | TDLR1 |
| Journeyman | Perform electrical work without supervision | TDLR1 |
| Master Electrician | Supervise journeymen and pull permits | TDLR1 |
| Contractor | Operate a business, hire licensed electricians | TDLR1 |
"All electricians in Texas must be licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)." — TDLR Electrician Licensing1
Step-by-Step: How to Become an Electrician in Texas
1. Register as an Apprentice
- Must be at least 16 years old
- Apply online through TDLR's Apprentice Portal
- Pay $20 application fee
Once registered, you’ll work under a licensed master electrician to start gaining hours.
2. Complete Training + Accumulate Experience Hours
To become a journeyman, you need 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience under supervision.
| Path | Timeframe | Where to Find It |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 4–5 years | IEC, IBEW, non-union contractors |
| Trade School | 6–24 months | Texas community colleges & tech schools |
“Apprenticeship is the most reliable path to journeyman status. Texas requires documented hours and hands-on training.” — U.S. DOL2
3. Apply for the Journeyman Exam
Once you have 8,000 hours:
- Apply through TDLR online portal
- Pay $30 application fee + $78 exam fee
- Schedule exam through PSI Exams3
| Exam Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Provider | PSI Exams |
| Format | Computer-based |
| Content Covered | NEC Code, calculations, safety |
| Passing Score | 70% |
4. Advance to Master Electrician (Optional)
To become a master electrician:
- Hold a Texas journeyman license for at least 2 years
- Accumulate 12,000 total hours of supervised work
- Apply via TDLR and pass the master exam (fee: ~$120)
This level lets you supervise jobs and apply for permits.
Estimated Cost Breakdown
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Apprentice Registration (TDLR) | $20 |
| Training (school or apprenticeship) | $0–$10,000 |
| Journeyman License Application + Exam | ~$108 |
| Master License Application + Exam | ~$120 |
| Study Materials & Tools | $300–$1,000 |
| Total Estimated Startup Cost | $500–$11,000+ |
Electrician Salary & Job Outlook in Texas
| Role | Avg. Salary2 | Job Growth (2024–2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $38,000 | Strong |
| Journeyman | $55,000–$65,000 | Very strong |
| Master Electrician | $75,000–$95,000+ | Excellent |
“Texas ranks in the top 3 states for electrician employment and job growth.” — BLS2
➡️ Want to see what electricians earn at each stage? Check Texas salary data →
Other Texas Trades
FAQs
Do electricians need a license in Texas?
Yes. All electricians must be licensed by the TDLR to legally work in Texas.
How long does it take to become a journeyman electrician?
Typically 4–5 years (8,000 hours of supervised experience).
Can I work while going to school for electrical training?
Yes. Many programs allow you to work as an apprentice while attending classes.
Is reciprocity available with other states?
Texas offers reciprocity with Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Montana, and others (check TDLR site for updates).
Citations
-
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) – Electrician Licensing: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/electricians/ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Electricians: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm ↩ ↩ ↩ ↩
-
PSI Exams – Texas Electrician Exam Provider: https://candidate.psiexams.com ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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