Texas Electrical Contractor License Requirements in 2025

May 23, 2025
9 Min Read

Key takeaways

Texas will see a 15.4% surge in electrician demand by 2030.
You need 12,000 hours of work & a license to become a Master Electrician.
The RAI license lets beginners with no experience earn a living legally.
License costs range from $30 to $110 yearly, and you must complete 4 hours of continuing education for renewals.
The average salary of an electrician in Texas is $54,000 yearly.

Texas has one of the largest and fastest-growing construction markets in the U.S., and with it comes strong demand for electricians. With over 80,000 active electricians and thousands of electrical contracting businesses operating across the state, Texas has one of the most dynamic and high-demand electrical markets in the U.S. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the demand for electricians is expected to grow by 15.4% through 2030, outpacing most other skilled trades.

To legally run your own business or even install, repair, or alter electrical wiring or equipment for light, heat, or power, you need a Texas electrical license. So, whether you are looking to start your career, upgrade your license, or launch your own electrical business, understanding the licensing process is essential. But navigating the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) rules, reciprocity agreements, exams, insurance requirements, and exceptions might be overwhelming.

In this comprehensive guide, we have covered everything from reciprocity to training, licensing requirements to business liability insurance, and addressed the common questions Texas electricians and contractors usually have.

Types Of Texas Electrical Licenses And Who Needs Them

Texas separates individual licenses (apprentice, journeyman, master, specialized roles) from business licenses (electrical contractor, sign contractor, etc.). An electrical contractor license is required for any company or sole proprietor doing electrical contracting work in Texas. The contractor license must have a Texas-licensed Master Electrician of Record (EOR) assigned to the company.

Individual electricians typically have to progress through these categories:

Electrical Apprentice

If you are starting out your career, you must work under the supervision of a licensed electrician while learning the trade. For this, you must be at least 16 years old, and usually, you don’t need to have any experience.

Journeyman Electrician

With a journeyman electrician license, you can perform the electrical work independently under the general supervision of a licensed Master Electrician. You would require documented on-the-job training hours and pass the journeyman exam to get the license.

Master Electrician

As a Master Electrician, you can design and supervise electrical work. To get this license, you need to be a licensed journeyman for more than 2 years and have 12,000 hours of experience, plus you must pass the Master Electrician exam.

Electrical Contractor

An electrical contractor license is required for any business engaging in electrical contracting. You must designate a licensed Master Electrician of Record and carry the required business liability insurance to become a licensed electrical contractor.

Regardless of license, Texas mandates annual renewal and continuing education. Journeyman and Master Electricians must complete 4 hours of approved continuing education each year. Business licenses also renew annually. Renewals cost the same as original licenses and have the same CE requirements. For example, a journeyman will require $30, a master electrician will require $45, and a contractor license will require $110 for renewal.

What Electrical Work Can Be Done Without A License in Texas?

Texas law generally requires a license for all electrical work. However, there are some narrow exemptions where an electrician’s license is not required, which include:

You May Perform Electrical Work In Your Own Home

If you own and live in a house, you may perform electrical work on your own home without a license, but it is subject to local permit rules. In practice, this means you can change light fixtures, replace switches or outlets, or do minor electrical wiring in your home with permits without hiring a licensed electrician.

Low-Voltage Wiring

Individuals like landscapers or communication installers may work on certain low-voltage electrical systems (Class 1-3 circuits) without an electrician’s license. For example, telephone wiring, security/fire alarm systems, low-voltage landscape lighting, and other communications or fiber optics wiring.

Maintenance Employees Working Within A Single Facility

Maintenance staff who work on electrical systems exclusively within a single property do not need a license to do so.

Plumbers or Air Conditioning Technicians

A licensed plumber can connect certain appliances, like water heaters or tanks, to existing circuits without needing an electrical license. Similarly, HVAC technicians can connect central air conditioning units to electrical power in limited ways.

Residential Appliance Installer

Residential Appliance Installer is a specific license that covers limited work on home appliances and pool-related electrical installations and is obtainable with no prior experience.

Almost all real electrical work requires a Texas electrician’s license. Only limited tasks like homeowner projects, low-voltage installs, or maintenance within a facility are exempt. For any major electrical wiring system, service, or lighting work, Texas requires a licensed electrician.

How To Become An Electrician In Texas With No Experience

Texas law does not allow jump-start licenses without experience. You must train on the job. There is no fast track that waives the hours requirement. Here are some of the paths one can follow as a beginner:

Start As An Electrician Apprentice

First, you need to get into an apprenticeship or training program. Apprenticeships combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. The IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs) run many such programs across Texas. For example, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. To enter, you must be at least 18 (It is 16 for a general electrician apprentice, 18 for a sign or electrical sign apprentice) and have a high school diploma or equivalent. There is no electrical experience requirement for this. You can typically apply by written aptitude test and interview, and then earn as you learn by working for a certified contractor and studying nights or weekends. The entry fees for these apprenticeship programs are also modest. The application fee is $20 for apprentice licensure. An apprenticeship usually lasts 4-5 years and includes about 8,000 on-the-job hours.

Enroll In Technical School Or College

Alternatively, or in parallel, you can attend a technical school or community college program to get basic electrical training. For example, Texas State Technical College, Austin Community College, Tarrant County College, Lone Star College, and many other colleges offer electrician or electrical construction certificates. These programs teach electrical theory, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and other electrical codes, and hands-on skills. Many graduates of such programs still need an apprenticeship to meet TDLR’s hour requirement, but electrical schooling can give you a head start on knowledge. Some schools even have partnerships with unions or contractors for job placement.

Residential Appliance Installer License (RAI)

For someone truly starting at zero, Texas offers a limited license called the Residential Appliance Installer. This license allows work on home appliances and related wiring, like installing ovens, heating, air conditioning units, pool equipment, etc. Importantly, no prior experience is required to apply; you only need to pass the small scope exam. The RAI license is restricted. For example, you cannot work with wiring circuits or do major electrical installations. However, it’s a good way for a newbie to work legally in the electrical field and earn some income while gaining exposure. The RAI application fee is only $30, and after issuance, it can be renewed yearly.

Military And Other Paths

Military veterans who have worked as electricians often translate their training into Texas licensure via specific TDLR paths, though that requires documentation of military training and service.

In summary, with no experience, your first step is to get licensed as an apprentice and find a sponsoring electrician to work under. Accumulate the required hours of work experience (8,000 hours) and move forward.

Is There a Shortage of Electricians in Texas?

Yes. As mentioned earlier, Texas expects about 15.4% growth in electrician demand. In 2024, Rosendin Electric launched a “Texas-sized” recruiting campaign to hire 700 electricians for data center and energy projects.

Electricians are very much in demand in Texas in 2025. Employers often offer competitive pay and benefits, knowing that qualified electricians are hard to find. This demand also drives higher wages. Military veteran Texas electricians agree that if you get licensed and qualified, you will have more work than time to keep busy.

Detailed Steps To Becoming A Licensed Electrician Contractor In Texas

Step 1: Join An Electrician Apprenticeship Program After High School

You must graduate from high school or get a GED. After that, join an electrician apprenticeship program where you can work full-time for a licensed electrical contractor while attending night classes.

Step 2: Apply For The Journeyman Electrician Exam After 4 Years

After you have met certain requirements, apply for the Journeyman Electrician Exam, pass the Journeyman exam, and then apply for the Journeyman Electrician license. You can work independently on jobs under the general supervision of a licensed Master Electrician once you have obtained the license. However, you will still need to attend continuing education to fulfill the renewal requirements.

Step 3: Gain Your Electrical Experience As A Journeyman

You can work as a licensed journeyman under different masters and gain experience. After you have accumulated a total of 12,000 hours of experience, you can apply for a Master Electrician license.

Step 4: Apply For The Texas Master Electrician Exam Once You Are Ready

To apply for the Texas Master Electrician exam, you need to score at least 70% to pass the exam. Once you are licensed, you will have the authority to design and supervise electrical projects.

Step 5: Start Your Own Electrical Contractor Business

If you want to start your own business, you have to register with the Texas Secretary of State and apply for the Electrical Contractor License. You would need a $110 application fee and set up accounting, insurance coverage, etc. Your company must also have a Master Electrician of Record who is financially responsible. This can be you or another master you hire. You also have to buy the minimum required business liability insurance and arrange workers’ compensation or file a waiver with TDLR, as you would need proof of insurance.

How Hard Is the Texas Master Electrician Exam?

The Texas Master Electrician exam is challenging and comprehensive. The exam has two parts:

The Master NEC portion has 75 scored multiple-choice questions (plus five unscored) with 150 minutes to complete
The calculations portion has 33 scored questions (plus three unscored) with 170 minutes.

In total, there are 108 scored questions, and you must score at least 70% on each part to pass.

It is a tough exam, but you can pass it with thorough preparation. Study the National Electrical Code 2023 edition inside-out and take plenty of practice tests.

How Much Is a Texas Electrical License?

The cost involved in getting a Texas electrical license depends on the application fees, exam fees, insurance coverage, and renewal fees. Here is a table that highlights the key costs:

License	Initial Application Fee	Exam Fee	Renewal Fee
Journeyman Electrician	$30	$78	$30
Master Electrician	$45	$78	$45
Residential Wireman	$30	$78	$30
Residential Appliance Installer	$30	$78	$30
Electrical Contractor	$110	–	$110
Electrical Sign Contractor	$110	–	$110
Apprentice Electrician	$20	–	$20

Electrical contractors must also secure liability insurance ($ 300,000 per occurrence,$ 600,000 aggregate) and either workers’ comp or a waiver before licensure. Those insurance premiums vary by provider. Contractors may also have bond or other business expenses not included here.

So, in summary, acquiring a journeyman electrician license in Texas currently costs about $108 total. A master costs about $123. Starting an electrical contracting business costs a $110 license fee plus insurance.

These fees are for initial licensure. Each license is valid for one year. Renewal requires the same fee and proof of 4 hours of CE.

What States Does Texas Have Reciprocity With?

Texas recognizes certain out-of-state electrical licenses without requiring a re-exam, under reciprocity agreements. These agreements differ by license type:

Master Electrician Reciprocity: Texas accepts Master Electrician licenses from Louisiana, Nebraska, and North Carolina.
Journeyman Electrician Reciprocity: Texas accepts journeyman licenses from Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

No other states currently have direct reciprocity for Texas electrician licenses. For example, Florida and many Northeast states have no statewide reciprocity. Note that even with reciprocity, you must still apply to TDLR and submit proof of your out-of-state license. Always check the latest TDLR regulations or TDLR’s Electricians Reciprocity before making plans, since agreements can change.

Where Do Electricians Make the Most Money in Texas?

The pay of an electrician depends on the location. Major metro areas in Texas tend to pay more. According to the reports, Houston is the leading city paying the highest to electricians, followed by some other metro areas. Here is a table showing the top 5 cities paying the electricians more than or approximately the mean average:

City	Hourly Mean Wage
Houston	$59000 per year
Austin	$58000 per year
Dallas-Fort Worth	$57000 per year
San Antonio	$55000 per year
El Paso	$47000 per year

Houston leads the way at about $28.33/hour. Factors affecting pay include cost of living, union bs. Non-union status, and specialization (industrial or commercial electricians often earn more than residential)

In practice, a licensed master electrician in high-demand areas like Houston or Austin can command wages or contract rates in the upper ranges, sometimes above $40/hour. Entry-level licensed journeyman often start in the mid $20s per hour. In summary, licensed electricians in Texas can expect good pay, especially in urban centers. With overtimes, bonuses, and benefits factored in, total compensation can be even higher.

Texas Electrician Training Programs and Schools

Building the required skills and hours in Texas can come from a mix of apprenticeships and formal schooling. Here are the main options:

IBEW/NECA Apprenticeship (JATC): The most common route is through the Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees run by IBEW unions and NECA contractors. For example, Houston JATC (IBEW Local 716), Dallas JATC (Local 20), and others in San Antonio, Austin, El Paso, etc. These are paid apprenticeships where you work during the day and attend evening classes. You need to be at least 18, have a high school diploma, and pass a written aptitude test and drug screen. The program lasts about 5 years. If the union doesn’t suit you, you can look for non-union contractors as they sometimes support apprenticeships informally, but the formal JATC is the recognized training body.
Technical Colleges/Community Colleges: Texas technical schools and community colleges offer electrician and electrical technology programs that cover theory and code. For example, Texas State Technical College has Electrical Construction and Lineworker programs. Lone Star College, Tarrant County College, Austin Community College, and others offer certificates or associate degrees in electrical construction. A college program can be a good foundation before or during an apprenticeship.
Private Trade Schools: Trade schools offer accelerated electrician training certificates or diploma programs. You will need to pay for the tuition. They may expedite code learning, but you will still need OJT hours (most schools have co-op or externship components with local contractors).
Military and Veterans: Former military electricians often receive credit toward Texas licensure. Texas has specific paths for veterans to convert their training into hours and testing.
Industry Training: Contractors often send employees to manufacturer courses or specialty training. These are not typically substitutes for apprenticeship, but you can earn continuing education credits or additional certifications.

When you are choosing a program, look for state-approved training. The Texas Workforce Commission’s Target Occupations Lists regularly include electrician apprenticeships as in-demand training. The Texas Electrical License Act also recognizes certain training programs for limited licenses.

Finally, plan to meet the apprentice licensure requirements as you train. In Texas, even apprentices need a license.

Texas Needs Electricians, And The Opportunity Has Never Been Bigger

Licensing takes time, but it’s worth it. And once you get that journeyman, master, or electrical contractor license, you’re in control of your income, your hours, and your future.

But getting licensed is just the first step. Electrical contractors often face the challenge of operating a compliant, efficient, and profitable electrical business in a competitive market that is driven by AI. That’s why digital software like ZenElectrical is built for professionals who want to spend less time on admin and more time in the field, growing their business. It is designed to streamline everything that comes after the license, including job scheduling and dispatching, invoicing, estimates, proposals, and much more.

Schedule a free demo today, go digital, and grow your business with ZenElectrical!

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How To Get A Texas Electrical Contractor License