Important: Register Before You Start Working
Texas requires you to register as an Electrical Apprentice with TDLR before you begin accumulating work hours. Hours worked before registration often do not count toward your license.
8,000
OJT Hours Required
7,000
Hours to Take Exam
$28+/hr
Avg Journeyman Wage
PSI Exam
State Testing Provider
5 Steps to Become an Electrician in Texas
Follow this roadmap to earn your Texas electrician license.
Register with TDLR
Register as an Electrical Apprentice with TDLR BEFORE starting work. Hours logged before registration may not count.
Find a Sponsor
Work under a licensed Master Electrician who will supervise and verify your work hours.
Complete OJT Hours
Log 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. You can take the exam at 7,000 hours.
Track Your Hours
Document all work hours with SparkShift. GPS-verified tracking that meets TDLR requirements.
Pass the State Exam
Take and pass the Texas Journeyman Electrician exam administered by PSI.
Texas Electrical License Requirements
Electrical Apprentice
- Register with TDLR before starting work (required)
- Work under the supervision of a licensed Master Electrician
- Complete DOL-approved training program (recommended, ~144-180 hrs/year)
Journeyman Electrician
- 8,000 hours of OJT under a Master Electrician
- Can take exam at 7,000 hours
- Pass the Texas Journeyman Electrician exam (PSI)
Master Electrician
- Hold a valid Texas Journeyman Electrician license
- 2+ years of experience as a licensed Journeyman
- Pass the Texas Master Electrician exam (PSI)
- Can supervise apprentices and pull permits
Apprenticeship Programs in Texas
Texas offers both union (IBEW/JATC) and non-union (IEC/ABC) apprenticeship programs.
North Texas Electrical JATC
Dallas/Fort Worth
Houston Electrical JATC
Houston
Austin Electrical JATC
Austin
IEC of Texas - Houston
Houston
IEC of Texas - Dallas
Dallas
ABC South Texas Chapter
San Antonio
Texas State Technical College
Multiple Locations
Houston Community College
Houston
IBEW Locals in Texas
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers has locals across Texas.
Dallas/Fort Worth
Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
San Antonio
San Antonio & South Central Texas
Houston
Houston Area (Outside/Utility)
Houston
Houston Area (Inside Wiremen)
Austin
Austin & Central Texas
El Paso
El Paso & West Texas
Beaumont
Southeast Texas
Corpus Christi
Coastal Bend
Track Your Texas OJT Hours with SparkShift
TDLR requires documentation of your 8,000 OJT hours verified by your supervising Master Electrician. SparkShift makes it easy to log, verify, and export your hours for your license application.
GPS-Verified Clock-In
Prove your jobsite presence with location stamps
Real-Time Progress
Track your progress to 7,000 and 8,000 hours
TDLR-Ready Reports
Export PDF reports for your license application
Master Electrician Sign-Off
Digital approvals from your supervising Master
Texas Electrical Board Contact Info
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
TDLR - Electricians Program
FAQ for Texas Electricians
Common questions about becoming an electrician in Texas.
How many hours do I need to become an electrician in Texas?
Texas requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed Master Electrician to become a Journeyman Electrician. However, you can take the journeyman exam after completing 7,000 hours.
Do I need to register with TDLR before starting my apprenticeship?
Yes, this is critical. You MUST register as an Electrical Apprentice with TDLR before you begin working. Hours logged before your registration may not count toward your license. Register online at tdlr.texas.gov.
How much do electrician apprentices make in Texas?
Texas electrician apprentices typically earn $14-$22 per hour depending on experience level and location. Union apprentices often start at 40-50% of journeyman wages. Houston and Dallas metros generally pay higher than rural areas.
What is the path from Apprentice to Master Electrician in Texas?
In Texas: Apprentice (register with TDLR, 8,000 hours) -> Journeyman (pass exam) -> Master (2+ years as Journeyman, pass master exam). Each level requires passing a PSI-administered exam.
How do I track my OJT hours for TDLR?
TDLR requires documentation of your work hours verified by your supervising Master Electrician. SparkShift provides GPS-verified hour tracking with digital supervisor sign-offs, making it easy to prove your hours when applying for your license.
Does Texas have reciprocity with other states?
Texas has limited reciprocity agreements. Licensed electricians from some states may qualify for expedited licensing, but most will need to pass the Texas state exam. Check with TDLR for specific reciprocity details.