How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Texas
Thinking about how to become 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. In Texas, electricians are licensed by the TDLR.
Quick answers
At a glance
- Licensing agency: Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
- Minimum age for apprentice registration: 16
- Journeyman requirement: 8,000 supervised hours
- Journeyman fees: $30 application fee + $78 exam fee
- Master eligibility (optional): 2 years as a journeyman + 12,000 total hours
- Total estimated startup cost: $500-$11,000+
Do you need a license to work as an electrician in Texas?
Yes. All electricians in Texas must be licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
What are the electrician license levels in Texas?
The main levels covered here are apprentice, journeyman, master electrician, and contractor. Each level has different responsibilities and requirements.
What do you need to register as an apprentice in Texas?
You must be at least 16 years old, apply through the TDLR online portal, and pay the $20 application fee.
How many hours do you need to qualify for the journeyman exam?
To become a journeyman, Texas requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience under supervision.
What does it take to become a master electrician in Texas?
You must hold a Texas journeyman license for at least 2 years and have 12,000 total hours of supervised work before applying and testing.
How much does it typically cost to get started?
This guide estimates a total startup cost of $500-$11,000+, depending on training costs, tools, and exam and application fees.
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
Most people start as an apprentice and work toward a journeyman license before pursuing a master electrician license.
Step-by-Step: How to Become an Electrician in Texas
1. Register as an Apprentice or Trade School
- 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.
Or request information on Trade School.
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 Wages by Metro Area in Texas
Electricians Wages by Metro Area in Texas
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), electricians 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 | 20,930 | $59,010 | $59,960 | $38,740 | $81,660 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands | 19,730 | $59,180 | $61,470 | $38,800 | $84,470 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos | 7,340 | $60,390 | $60,850 | $39,260 | $78,820 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels | 6,660 | $57,010 | $57,030 | $37,460 | $75,670 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur | 2,000 | $61,380 | $64,520 | $45,240 | $75,090 |
| El Paso | 1,380 | $48,140 | $52,140 | $34,710 | $71,530 |
| Corpus Christi | 1,080 | $59,410 | $57,210 | $36,160 | $79,360 |
| Odessa | 1,030 | $57,110 | $58,060 | $41,690 | $75,150 |
| Midland | 980 | $59,530 | $60,660 | $38,960 | $77,950 |
| Amarillo | 750 | $54,360 | $58,010 | $36,100 | $82,660 |
| Lubbock | 690 | $47,000 | $51,490 | $35,130 | $76,920 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission | 670 | $46,930 | $49,690 | $34,520 | $71,850 |
| Waco | 650 | $48,880 | $55,210 | $36,910 | $80,900 |
| Longview | 630 | $47,580 | $52,560 | $35,270 | $74,020 |
| Killeen-Temple | 550 | $49,660 | $54,080 | $36,880 | $75,360 |
| Abilene | 500 | $47,400 | $53,360 | $35,900 | $77,190 |
| College Station-Bryan | 500 | $48,410 | $52,560 | $34,740 | $74,170 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen | 450 | $46,080 | $48,000 | $32,180 | $66,420 |
| Texarkana | 390 | $58,140 | $56,300 | $34,870 | $72,990 |
| Tyler | 370 | $50,260 | $54,380 | $35,490 | $76,850 |
| Laredo | 340 | $46,140 | $47,240 | $28,390 | $63,910 |
| San Angelo | 290 | $48,050 | $52,800 | $36,590 | $75,000 |
| Sherman-Denison | 270 | $58,080 | $56,980 | $36,550 | $74,770 |
| Wichita Falls | 190 | $45,570 | $51,800 | $32,470 | $79,930 |
| Victoria | 140 | $52,010 | $55,460 | $34,900 | $79,330 |
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.
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).