Texas Electrician License: Everything You Need to Know

Electricians have the opportunity to work in an industry full of growth opportunities. Not only is the Texas electrical industry expected to increase by 8%, this career offers competitive salaries and benefits. This guide will explain how to get a Texas electrical license and job opportunities in the industry.

Does Texas Require an Electrical License?

Texas requires professional electricians to be licensed to perform electrical work on residential and commercial properties.

What are the Different Types of Electrical Licenses in Texas?

Texas electrical license categories include an apprentice electrician license, a residential wireman license, and a master electrician license.

Apprentice electrician licensees are trained and supervised by journeyman and master electricians. Apprentices assist licensed electricians with a variety of electrical work, including installations and wiring. The application fee is $20.

Applicants for the apprentice electrician license must:

• Be at least 16 years old

• Work under the direction of a supervisor

• Be physically capable of performing electrical work.

Residential wireman licensees install wires and perform repairs on residential properties. Application fees for residential wireman licenses range from $20 to $40. Residential wireman licensees must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have 4,000 hours of on-the-job training

• Submit an experience verification form

• Pass an examination

Master electrician licensees are authorized to supervise other electricians and perform a variety of electrical work. Application fees for a master electrician license are between $20 and $75.

Master electrician license applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old

• Have a high school diploma or GED

• Possess a valid Texas electrician journeyman license

• Pass an examination

• Work two years as a journeyman under the supervision of a master electrician

The average hourly pay for Texas electricians is $24.12.

How to Get an Electrician License in Texas

The electrical industry is highly regulated in Texas. Applicants must have a significant number of on-the-job training hours before they get their journeyman and master electrician licenses. The first thing you must do is apply for a job as an apprentice electrician or enroll in an apprenticeship program.

Texas electrician apprenticeship programs: View a list of current electrical apprenticeship programs  on the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations website. This list provides contact information for more than 20 electrical apprenticeships in Texas.

Texas electrician apprenticeship program information: Texas apprenticeship application costs are between $25 and $75. Expect to pay up to $10,000 to attend a Texas trade school or community college. Accredited community colleges and trade schools generally offer financial aid options for apprentices. Apprenticeships sponsored by unions and employers are typically paid for by the sponsoring organization. Electrician courses must be taken in a classroom.

Prerequisites:

• Have a high school diploma or GED (journeyman electrician license and master electrician license applicants)

• Be at least 18 years old (journeyman and master license applicants)

• Be at least 16 years old (apprentice license applicants)

• Possess a valid Texas identification card or driver's license

• Pass required examinations (journeyman and master license applicants)

On-the-Job Experience:

• Install and repair lighting systems

• Restore power to residential and commercial buildings

• Replace electrical wiring systems

• Troubleshoot electrical problems

• Install lighting fixtures

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation  issues all electrician licenses.

Texas license examination information: You must score at least a 70% to pass the examination. The exam costs between $100 and $200. Texas electrical examinations are administered by PSI Exams. Read the Electrician Candidate Information Bulletin to learn more about the examination process.

Texas electrical examination content includes:

• Definition, Plans and Theory

• Branch Circuit Conductors

• Motors and Generators

• Renewable Energy Technologies

• Electrical Equipment and Devices

• Electrical Wiring Methods and Materials

Examination preparation resources:

• Texas Electrician Exam - Test.com

• Journeyman Electrician Practice Test

• Online Electrical Exam Prep

Should I Join an Electrician Union in Texas?

Unions advocate for their members’ rights. Joining an electrician union offers many benefits. You are entitled to vacation pay, a pension plan, and sick pay. When you have an employer dispute, your union will represent you. Union members receive more frequent raises than non-union members.

How to Use Your Electrician License to Get a Job

Licensed electricians are in demand in Texas. From residential to commercial projects, there is no shortage of electrician job opportunities. Look on the following websites to find your next electrician job:

• ZipRecruiter

• Indeed

• CareerBuilder

• Glassdoor

Hiring managers are looking for professional and dependable electricians. During your job interviews, it is important for you to show hiring managers that you are more than capable of doing the job. Prepare for your next electrician job interview with these tips:

• Arrive at the interview at least 15 minutes early

• Speak clearly

• Provide focused responses to interview questions

• Bring a copy of your identification and social security card

• Be positive when you discuss current and previous employers

Electrician Insurance in Texas

Electrical work is dangerous. Live wires can shock electricians. Improperly connected wires can cause a fire. Electricians must be careful as they perform their jobs. Therefore, professional electricians must be insured by a private policy or an employer's policy.

Electrician Industry Trends

Advanced technology contributes to the need for powerful electrical grid lines. Electricians must know how to upgrade grid lines to accommodate the use of high-speed computers, alarm systems, electric vehicles, and smartphones.

Consumers are searching for new ways to conserve energy and save money on utilities. New home construction companies hire electricians to optimize energy output in new homes. To learn more about electrician industry trends, attend electrical trade shows.

Is My License Only Valid in Texas?

Texas has reciprocal agreements for electrician licenses with North Carolina, Louisiana, Arkansas, Montana, Idaho, New Mexico, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

I already have a license but:

• I changed my name - Change your name online.

• I misplaced the card - Order a duplicate license online.

• I changed my address - Change your address online.

How Often Do I Need to Renew My Electrician License in Texas?

Renew your electrician license every year. The renewal fees range from $20 to $75.

New to the Electrician industry and looking to get licensed, or already a seasoned veteran and want to take your business to the next level? Find out more about Housecall Pro’s all-in-one Electrician Software.