Texas Licensing GuideTexas Electrician License Requirements: Complete 2026 Guide
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) oversees all electrician licensing in the Lone Star State. This guide covers every license type, from apprentice through contractor, including exam details, fees, continuing education, reciprocity, and salary data.
Track your OJT hours toward your Texas license with GPS-verified logging.
Texas Electrician Licensing Overview
Texas requires all individuals performing electrical work to hold a valid license issued by TDLR. The state offers several license categories depending on the scope of work and experience level. Texas uses the National Electrical Code (NEC) 2023 Edition as its adopted standard.
14
License Types
70,580+
Licensed Electricians
4 hrs
Annual CE Required
NEC 2023
Adopted Code
Electrical Apprentice License
The apprentice license is the entry point for anyone beginning their electrical career in Texas. An apprentice can perform electrical work only under the general supervision of a master electrician, journeyman electrician, or residential wireman.
Apprentice Requirements
- No prior experience or exam required
- $20 non-refundable application fee
- Must work under supervision of a master electrician, journeyman, or residential wireman
- License is valid for one year and must be renewed annually
- 4 hours of continuing education required per renewal cycle
SparkShift Tip: Start tracking your OJT hours from day one with SparkShift. Every hour you log as an apprentice counts toward your journeyman requirement. See how apprentices in other states use SparkShift.
Journeyman Electrician Requirements
The journeyman electrician license allows you to perform electrical work under the general supervision of a master electrician. This is the most common working license for electricians in Texas.
Requirements at a Glance
Exam Update (March 2025): The journeyman exam now consists of 2 separate parts: a knowledge portion and a calculations portion. Both sections require a 70% score to pass. Prepare with our journeyman exam prep guide.
Master Electrician Requirements
The master electrician license is required to supervise journeymen and apprentices, pull permits, and qualify an electrical contracting business. It is the highest individual electrician license in Texas.
Master Electrician Requirements
- Hold a valid Texas journeyman electrician license for at least 2 years
- Accumulate a total of 12,000 hours of supervised electrical work
- Pass the PSI master electrician exam (70% minimum)
- $45 non-refundable application fee
- Open-book exam referencing NEC 2023 Edition
- 4 hours of CE per annual renewal cycle
Need to prepare? Check out our master electrician exam prep resources.
Residential Wireman License
The residential wireman license permits electrical installations in single-family and multifamily dwellings not exceeding four stories. This is a focused license for electricians specializing in residential work.
Residential Wireman Requirements
- 4,000 hours of OJT in residential electrical work
- Pass the residential wireman PSI exam (70% minimum)
- $20 application fee
- Can supervise apprentices on residential work
- Limited to dwellings of 4 stories or fewer
- No reciprocity available for this license type
Electrical Contractor License
To operate an electrical contracting business in Texas, you must obtain an electrical contractor license. This is a business-level license that requires a qualifying master electrician.
Contractor License Requirements
- Business must employ a licensed master electrician as the qualifying individual
- $110 application fee
- Proof of general liability insurance required
- Workers' compensation coverage if employees are hired
- Annual renewal required
Planning to start your own electrical business? Read our electrical contractor business guide.
Texas Electrician Exam Details (PSI)
All Texas electrician exams are administered by PSI Exams at testing centers throughout the state. The exams are open-book, allowing candidates to reference the NEC 2023 Edition during testing.
Journeyman Exam
Format: Two parts (knowledge + calculations)
Passing Score: 70% on each section
Reference: NEC 2023 Edition (open-book)
Provider: PSI Exams
Master Exam
Format: Comprehensive exam covering NEC, supervision, and business
Passing Score: 70%
Reference: NEC 2023 Edition (open-book)
Prerequisite: 2 years as journeyman + 12,000 hrs
Application Process
Gather Documentation
Collect proof of your OJT hours, supervisor verification letters, and any previous license documentation. SparkShift exports meet TDLR requirements.
Submit Application to TDLR
Complete the appropriate application form and submit it with the non-refundable fee. Applications can be submitted online through the TDLR portal or by mail to PO Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711-2157.
Schedule and Pass the Exam
Once approved, schedule your exam through PSI Exams. Bring your NEC 2023 Edition to the testing center. You must score 70% or higher to pass.
Receive Your License
After passing your exam, TDLR will issue your license. Your license is valid for one year from the date of issuance.
Texas Electrician License Fees
| License Type | Application Fee | Renewal Fee | Late Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $20 | $20 | $30 - $40 |
| Journeyman | $30 | $30 | $45 - $60 |
| Residential Wireman | $20 | $20 | $30 - $40 |
| Master Electrician | $45 | $45 | $68 - $90 |
| Maintenance Electrician | $20 | $20 | $30 - $40 |
| Electrical Contractor | $110 | $110 | $165 - $220 |
All fees are non-refundable. Exam fees are paid separately to PSI Exams. Late renewal fees increase in tiers up to 90 days late and beyond 90 days.
Continuing Education (4 Hours/Year)
All Texas electrician licenses require 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education (CE) per annual renewal cycle. CE must be completed before the license expiration date.
CE Requirements
- 4 hours of approved CE per annual license cycle
- Courses must be approved by TDLR
- Topics include NEC code updates and Texas electrical safety standards
- Available online and in-person through approved providers
- Applies to all license types: apprentice, journeyman, master, wireman, and contractor
Texas Electrician License Reciprocity
Texas has reciprocity agreements with several states, allowing licensed electricians to transfer their credentials without retaking the exam. Reciprocity is only available for journeyman and master licenses.
Journeyman Reciprocity
Exam waived for licensed journeymen from:
Master Reciprocity
Exam waived for licensed master electricians from:
Note: Reciprocity is not available for residential wireman, maintenance electrician, or specialty license types. Holders of these licenses must apply through the standard exam process. Learn more on our reciprocity guide.
Texas Electrician Salary & Job Market
Texas has the second-highest employment level for electricians in the United States with over 70,580 licensed electricians. The state's booming construction, energy, and technology sectors continue to drive strong demand.
$56,920
Median Annual Salary
$27.36
Median Hourly Wage
$82,664
Avg IBEW Salary
70,580+
Employed Electricians
Salary by Metro Area (Mean Hourly)
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024).
Explore career growth opportunities in our electrician career path & salary guide.
Texas Apprenticeship Programs
Texas offers both union (IBEW/JATC) and non-union (IEC/ABC) apprenticeship programs statewide.
IBEW/JATC Programs (Union)
Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees run 5-year programs through IBEW locals across Texas. Programs combine classroom instruction with paid OJT.
- 8,000+ hours of structured OJT
- 900+ hours of classroom instruction
- Guaranteed wage increases each year
- Health and retirement benefits included
IEC/ABC Programs (Non-Union)
Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) offer DOL-approved programs with flexible scheduling.
- 4-year programs with classroom + OJT
- Flexible evening and weekend classes
- DOL-registered and nationally recognized
- Earn while you learn
IBEW Locals in Texas
Texas has multiple IBEW locals serving different regions. Find the local that covers your area.
Local 20
Dallas / Fort Worth
Jurisdiction: North Texas / DFW Metroplex
Local 716
Houston
Jurisdiction: Greater Houston area
Local 60
San Antonio
Jurisdiction: South-Central Texas
Local 520
Austin
Jurisdiction: Central Texas / Austin metro
Local 479
Beaumont
Jurisdiction: Southeast Texas / Golden Triangle
Local 72
Waco
Jurisdiction: Central Texas
Local 278
Corpus Christi
Jurisdiction: Coastal Bend region
Local 602
Amarillo
Jurisdiction: Texas Panhandle
License Renewal
All Texas electrician licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance and must be renewed annually. TDLR offers online renewal for all 14 license types.
Renewal Checklist
- Complete 4 hours of TDLR-approved continuing education
- Submit renewal application online or by mail
- Pay the applicable renewal fee
- Renew before expiration to avoid late fees (up to 2x the standard fee)
- Contractors must also maintain insurance and bond documentation
TDLR Contact Information
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Electricians Program - Responsible for all electrician licensing in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Texas electrician licensing.
How many hours do I need for a Texas journeyman electrician license?
You need a minimum of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (OJT) under the supervision of a licensed master electrician. At roughly 2,000 hours per year of full-time work, this takes approximately 4 years to complete.
What is the difference between a journeyman and master electrician license in Texas?
A journeyman electrician can perform electrical work under the general supervision of a master electrician. A master electrician can supervise journeymen and apprentices, pull permits, and is required for an electrical contractor license. You must hold a journeyman license for at least 2 years and accumulate 12,000 total hours before applying for a master license.
How much does it cost to get an electrician license in Texas?
Application fees are $20 for an apprentice license, $30 for a journeyman license, $45 for a master electrician license, and $110 for an electrical contractor license. Exam fees are paid separately to PSI. All application fees are non-refundable.
What exam do I take for a Texas electrician license?
Texas uses PSI Exams as the testing provider. As of March 2025, the journeyman exam has two parts: a knowledge portion and a calculations portion. The exam is open-book and references the NEC 2023 Edition. You need a score of 70% or better to pass.
Does Texas have electrician license reciprocity with other states?
Yes. Texas has journeyman reciprocity with Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming. Master electrician reciprocity exists with Alabama, Arkansas, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, and North Carolina. Reciprocity is not available for residential wireman or maintenance electrician licenses.
What continuing education is required for Texas electricians?
All Texas electricians must complete 4 hours of continuing education (CE) each annual license cycle in order to renew. CE courses must be approved by TDLR and cover updates to the National Electrical Code and Texas electrical safety standards.
Can I work as an electrician in Texas without a license?
No. Texas requires all individuals performing electrical work to hold a valid TDLR license. Even apprentices must obtain an apprentice license before beginning work. Unlicensed electrical work is a violation of Texas law and can result in fines and penalties.
How does SparkShift help Texas electricians track their hours?
SparkShift provides GPS-verified hour tracking that meets TDLR documentation requirements. You can log OJT hours by work category, get digital supervisor sign-offs from your master electrician, and export professional PDF reports for your license application. It works for apprentices tracking toward 8,000 hours and journeymen building toward 12,000 hours.