How to Become an Electrician in Texas

According to the Bureau of Labor, Texas is the #2 state in the country for electrician employment!

Training and Education

With the proper education, experience, and credentials, you can qualify for various electrician jobs in Texas.

Local Trade Schools

Usually a online training program from a reputable school is the best way to get started if you don’t have any real experience.

How Long Does It Take?

Most programs for entry level electricians take between 9 to 12 months.

What Are the Costs?

Expect to pay between $2,500 to $5,000 depending on the curriculum.

What Do You Study?

You will cover topics such as the following:

Foundational Knowledge:

• Introduction to the Electrical Industry
• Basic Principles of Electricity
  • Basic Electrical Math
  • Basic Electrical Theory

Tools and Building Materials:

• Tool Use and Safety
  • Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
• Understanding Building Materials
  • Conductors and Cables
  • Enclosures and Cabinets
  • Terminal Devices

Safety Protocols and Standards:

• Safety in Electrical Work
  • Electrical Safety
  • Jobsite Safety
• Protection Mechanisms
  • Circuit and Personnel Protection
  • Grounding and Bonding of Services

Circuit Design and Electrical Systems:

• Circuit and System Basics
  • Electrical System Operation Principles
  • Branch Circuit Basics
  • Required Branch Circuits
• Protection and Regulation
  • GFCI Protection and Branch Circuits
  • AFCI Protection

Residential Electrical Services:

• Service Installation and Management
  • Residential Services and Feeders
  • Feeders and Separate Buildings
• Practical Installations
  • Required Outlets and Devices
  • Appliance Connections

Project Execution and Management:

• Planning and Implementation
  • Project Planning
  • Construction Drawings

Advanced Skills and Problem Solving:

• Troubleshooting Electrical Issues
• Developing Soft Skills (optional)

Average Salary Range

Per the the Bureau of Labor Statistics electricians in the state make $53,360 per year,

You can compare that number with data from a few top job sites to get an idea for the salary range.

• $52,153 – ZipRecruiter.com
• $55,279 – Salary.com
• $58,740 – Indeed.com

Also,  journeyman and master electricians can make more.

Below is more data from the Bureau of Labor pertaining to regional salaries.

Area	Per Hour	Per Year
Abilene	$23.89	$49,680
Amarillo	$24.97	$51,950
Austin-Round Rock	$27.96	$58,150
Beaumont-Port Arthur	$29.60	$61,570
Big Thicket Region of Texas	$25.21	$52,440
Border Region of Texas	$29.89	$62,170
Brownsville-Harlingen	$21.38	$44,470
Coastal Plains Region of Texas	$25.90	$53,880
College Station-Bryan	$24.73	$51,430
Corpus Christi	$26.65	$55,430
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington	$27.38	$56,950
El Paso	$22.69	$47,200
Hill Country Region of Texas	$25.94	$53,960
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land	$28.33	$58,920
Killeen-Temple	$24.13	$50,190
Laredo	$21.98	$45,710
Longview	$24.56	$51,080
Lubbock	$22.90	$47,630
McAllen-Edinburg-Mission	$21.55	$44,820
Midland	$28.98	$60,280
North Texas Region of Texas	$24.94	$51,860
Odessa	$26.73	$55,610
San Angelo	$24.20	$50,330
San Antonio-New Braunfels	$26.23	$54,570
Sherman-Denison	$24.28	$50,500
Texarkana	$26.92	$56,000
Tyler	$24.64	$51,240
Victoria	$27.18	$56,540
Waco	$23.51	$48,900
West Texas Region of Texas	$28.55	$59,390
Wichita Falls	$23.50	$48,880

_{Occupation:Electricians(SOC Code472111)}

_{source: data.bls.gov}

Texas Electrician Requirements

License

Before you can work as an independent electrician in Texas, you must obtain a Texas electrician license from the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration.

A journeyman license is the standard electrician certification in Texas.  To qualify for this license, you need to complete at least 7,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician.

Most aspiring electricians complete their hours during a four- or five-year apprenticeship.

Apprenticeship

An Electrical Technician diploma from a Texas trade school can prepare you for an entry-level electrician job, like working as a computer service tech, wiring cars at an auto mechanic shop, or repairing and maintaining agricultural or factory equipment.

However, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship and obtain a license to qualify for an official electrician job in Texas.

Apprenticeship Programs

In some cases, your chosen trade school might work with local organizations to help students find apprentice electrician jobs in Texas.

Programs like these offer full-time positions in the electrician field so you can make money and earn the hours you need for certification.

Some programs even help cover your tuition costs as long as you maintain good standing with the school and your employer.

Certifications

Earning 7,000 hours of experience during an apprenticeship allows you to qualify for the electrician certification exam. However, you’ll need to complete another 1,000 hours before you can qualify to receive your official license.

Each master electrician who supervises you during your apprenticeship must document your hours to ensure you meet the 8,000-hour requirement.

Experience Verification

Your supervisors must sign an Experience Verification Form, certifying that you’ve completed the necessary apprenticeship hours. Once you submit these documents, complete the application form, pass a background check, and pay the non-refundable fee, you must wait for the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration to confirm your eligibility.

The Exam

From there, you have one year to schedule, prepare for, and pass your exam. Those who score 70 percent or higher on the test can become certified journeyman electricians in Texas.

Texas master electrician qualifications are similar, though you must have your journeyman certification for at least two years and complete 12,000 hours of on-the-job training to be eligible for this credential.

Job Description

What Do They Do?

An electrician is responsible for installing and repairing circuit breakers, conduits, wiring systems, and other electric hardware and fixtures in a home or business. If storms or accidental damages cause power outages in a particular building or neighborhood, these professionals work to restore electricity to the affected areas.

Where Can They Work?

Certified electricians in Texas can qualify for jobs at an electric company or work for their state or local government, performing building maintenance tasks in public spaces and buildings.

Some electricians get jobs with construction teams or go into business for themselves and offer their services to nearby home and business owners.

On the Job

Whichever settings they choose to work in, electricians must take proper safety measures to avoid accidents and injuries while on the job. Electricians typically wear protective glasses and goggles, face shields, and hard hats while on a job site. Fire-resistant clothing and gloves with rubber insulation and shoes with static electricity protection can also help prevent accidental shocks and burns.

Some Job Requirements

To do their job well, an electrician must have steady hands and exceptional attention to detail.

Workers in this field also need the strength to lift 50 pounds or more and the endurance and focus to perform their duties in cramped indoor spaces or outside in the rain, snow, heat, or other inclement weather.

What Employers in Texas Are Looking for in an Electrician

In Texas, the demand for skilled electricians is growing rapidly, with employers seeking candidates who demonstrate both technical expertise and adaptability in various environments. From healthcare facilities to universities and large-scale industrial sites, companies prioritize hands-on experience, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to safety and efficiency. Based on recent job postings from organizations such as the University of Houston, Medical City Plano (HCA Healthcare), Lane Valente Industries, and Optimized Personnel Solutions, several key traits and qualifications emerge as highly sought-after by Texas employers.

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Key Skills and Qualifications

Texas employers consistently seek electricians with a combination of technical knowledge, physical skills, and adaptability. The core qualifications include:

• Technical Proficiency: Electricians are expected to possess hands-on experience in installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems. This includes:
  • Measuring, cutting, and bending conduit.
  • Installing wiring, fixtures, switches, and power circuits.
  • Conducting electrical tests using instruments such as voltmeters, ammeters, ohmmeters, and growlers.
  • Troubleshooting and isolating defects in motors, transformers, and other equipment.
  • Performing preventive maintenance and emergency repairs, particularly in industrial and healthcare settings.
• Safety and Compliance: Employers emphasize adherence to safety regulations and the use of proper protocols, such as lock-out/tag-out (LOTO) procedures. Familiarity with OSHA standards and the National Electrical Code (NEC) is often required.
• Problem-Solving and Diagnostic Skills: Electricians are expected to identify and troubleshoot issues quickly, particularly in time-sensitive environments such as hospitals or industrial sites where power disruptions can have significant consequences.
• Physical Stamina and Dexterity: The role often involves heavy lifting, climbing, bending, and working in confined spaces. Candidates must demonstrate the physical fitness to handle the demands of the job safely and effectively.

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Educational and Certification Requirements

Employers in Texas typically require:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Enrollment in or completion of an accredited electrical trade program.
• State electrician apprentice or journeyman license (varies by region and role).
• A valid driver’s license for transportation to job sites.
• Previous experience in electrical systems or related trades is preferred but not always required for apprentice roles.

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Industry-Specific Demands

Employers often tailor their electrician roles to meet the unique needs of their industry.

1. Healthcare Sector:
   • Companies like Medical City Plano (HCA Healthcare) prioritize electricians with experience in hospital or clinical settings. The focus is on maintaining reliable power systems to ensure uninterrupted patient care. This includes testing emergency power systems (generators, transfer switches) and installing healthcare-grade electrical components.
   • Experience with medical-grade equipment, compliance with healthcare regulations, and emergency power management are highly valued.
2. Education and Campus Maintenance:
   • The University of Houston requires electricians to support facilities operations and maintenance. Tasks include repairing electrical services, conducting regular inspections, and assisting during emergency situations (storms, floods, etc.).
   • Strong organizational skills and the ability to work on large, multi-building campuses are key.
3. Industrial and Commercial Settings:
   • Lane Valente Industries seeks electricians with expertise in energy reduction, facility maintenance, and value engineering. Candidates must be skilled in installing motors, transformers, and control panels.
   • The role may include disassembling defective equipment, replacing worn parts, and reassembling systems.
   • Companies in this sector often prefer candidates with knowledge of energy efficiency systems and emerging technologies, such as renewable energy integration.
4. Construction and Field Work:
   • Optimized Personnel Solutions seeks electricians capable of interpreting blueprints, measuring and bending conduit, and handling installation tasks in the field.
   • The ability to read technical documentation and follow detailed instructions is essential.
   • Knowledge of industry-standard procedures (e.g., LOTO) and testing instruments is frequently required.

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Cross-Disciplinary Skills and Crossover Opportunities

Electricians in Texas increasingly need to collaborate across disciplines, requiring skills that overlap with other trades and industries. For example:

• Mechanical and HVAC Systems: In commercial and industrial settings, electricians often collaborate with HVAC technicians to install and maintain electrical connections for heating, ventilation, and cooling units.
• Data and Communications Wiring: With the growing emphasis on smart building systems, electricians with experience in low-voltage wiring, fiber optics, and data cabling are highly desirable.
• Automation and Controls: In industrial environments, knowledge of PLC programming and electrical control systems is an asset. Employers value candidates who can assist with automation integration and machine-level diagnostics.
• Renewable Energy: As Texas expands its renewable energy initiatives, electricians with skills in solar panel installation and battery storage systems have a competitive edge.

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Notable Employers and Their Unique Requirements

Here are a few employers in Texas with distinct expectations:

• Medical City Plano (HCA Healthcare):
  • Prioritizes healthcare-related electrical experience.
  • Emphasizes safety regulations and emergency power system maintenance.
  • Offers extensive benefits, including 401(k) matching, adoption assistance, and stock purchase plans.
• University of Houston:
  • Requires flexibility to assist during campus emergencies (e.g., floods, hurricanes).
  • Prefers candidates with organizational skills for managing tools, supplies, and task prioritization.
  • Offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
• Lane Valente Industries:
  • Seeks electricians with skills in facility maintenance and energy reduction.
  • Requires valid certifications and reliable transportation.
  • Offers 401(k) matching, health insurance, and paid vacations.
• Optimized Personnel Solutions:
  • Prefers candidates with blueprint reading and conduit installation skills.
  • Requires proficiency with electrical testing instruments.
  • Offers competitive pay rates ranging from $18 to $26 per hour.

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Conclusion

Employers in Texas seek electricians with a combination of technical expertise, safety awareness, and adaptability to diverse work environments. Candidates with experience in healthcare, industrial, and commercial settings have a competitive edge. Additionally, cross-disciplinary skills in automation, HVAC, and data cabling make electricians even more valuable. With the state’s growing emphasis on infrastructure and renewable energy, electricians with specialized certifications and the ability to handle advanced systems will continue to be in high demand.