Electrical Careers in Texas: How to Get Started, Train, and Succeed

Overview

Electricians keep Texas running—literally. Whether powering homes, businesses, or industrial facilities, licensed electricians are essential in every corner of the state. This skilled trade combines hands-on work with deep technical knowledge, making it perfect for people who enjoy solving problems, working with tools, and staying active on the job. The best part? It’s in huge demand, and the path to a great career starts with training—not a 4-year degree.

Job Outlook & Pay in Texas

• Apprentice Pay: $16–$22/hour depending on region
• Journeyman Pay: $55,000–$75,000/year
• Master Electrician Pay: $80,000–$100,000+ (especially for business owners or contractors)
• Industry Outlook: Very strong. New housing developments, commercial growth, and aging infrastructure are fueling demand—plus growth in solar and EV installation adds new opportunities.

Education & Licensing

Electricians in Texas are licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR). You don’t need a college degree, but you do need proper training, hands-on experience, and licensure.

Here’s the typical path:

• Start with Training or Apprenticeship: Enroll in a TDLR-approved trade school or begin a registered apprenticeship to learn electrical theory, code, and hands-on wiring techniques.
• Gain On-the-Job Experience: Work under a licensed electrician and log at least 8,000 hours of supervised training.
• Pass the Journeyman Exam: After meeting the hour requirement, you’ll need to pass a licensing exam to become a Journeyman Electrician.
• Advance to Master Electrician: With more experience and another exam, you can upgrade your license and take on leadership or business-owner roles.

Other licensing options include:

• Residential Wireman: Specializes in single-family and multi-family home electrical work.
• Maintenance Electrician: Focuses on maintaining and repairing electrical systems in existing buildings and facilities.
• Electrical Contractor License: Required for those who own and operate an electrical business.

Where to Study in Texas

• Texas State Technical College (TSTC)
  Campuses: Waco, Harlingen, Sweetwater, others
  Program: Electrical Lineworker & Electrical Power & Controls
  tstc.edu
• Southern Careers Institute
  Campuses: Austin, Brownsville, Harlingen, Pharr, San Antonio
  Program: Electrical Technician Certificate
  scitexas.edu
• Lone Star College
  Campus: North Harris
  Program: Electrical Technology AAS & Certificate
  lonestar.edu
• Houston Community College (HCC)
  Program: Electrical Technician Continuing Education Program
  hccs.edu
• IBEW Local 520 (Austin & Central Texas)
  Program: 5-year Electrical Apprenticeship
  ibew520.org
• IEC Texas Gulf Coast
  Location: Houston
  Program: Independent Electrical Contractors Apprenticeship
  iectxgulfcoast.org

What to Expect in Training

Training includes a mix of:

• Electrical theory and code
• Conduit bending and installation
• Wiring residential and commercial systems
• Panel installation, breakers, and circuits
• Safety protocols and OSHA standards
• Use of meters, testers, and power tools

Apprenticeships are “earn while you learn” models, pairing classroom time with paid fieldwork.

After Graduation

Graduates with experience and a license can:

• Work for electrical contractors, utilities, or maintenance departments
• Specialize in high-voltage systems, solar energy, smart home tech, or EV charging
• Become inspectors, estimators, or job site leads
• Start their own electrical business (with contractor licensing)

With every license level comes more pay, responsibility, and freedom.

Final Thoughts

Becoming an electrician in Texas offers more than just a steady job—it offers a career with long-term growth, problem-solving, and great income. If you’re ready to work hard, learn continuously, and build something real, the electrical trade is a smart move with a powerful future.