In Texas, electricity is big business. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), this state ranks first in the country for its electricity production, over a quarter of which is wind-powered.1
When it comes to job opportunities in the industry, the state of Texas boasts the second-highest employment of electricians in the U.S., with over 52,000 of these pros.2
Texas seems like the perfect spot to settle if you’re an electrician. But before you can start working in this state, you’ll need to get a license. Learn more about how to get an electrician license in Texas in this guide, which covers the following topics:
- Do you need a license to be an electrician?
- How to get an electrician license in Texas
- Texas electrician license requirements
- Requirements for Texas electrician license renewals
- Texas electrician license reciprocity
- What kind of insurance does an electrician need in Texas?
Do you need a license to be an electrician?
You must have a license issued by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation if you perform electrical work in Texas.3
The state defines electrical work as “any labor or material used in installing, maintaining or extending an electrical wiring system and the appurtenances, apparatus or equipment used in connection with the use of electrical energy in, on, outside or attached to a building, residence, structure, property or premises.” This also includes service entrance conductors as defined by the National Electrical Code.
How to get an electrician license in Texas
Getting your electrician license depends on the license classification you’re pursuing. Here’s a quick overview of the steps for each type of Texas electrician license.
How to get apprentice electrician licenses
- Complete an online Texas electrician license application.
- Submit your application online with a non-refundable $20 fee.
- You will receive a temporary license immediately if you have no criminal convictions.
- You will receive a regular license upon completing a criminal history background check.
How to get journeyman electrician licenses
- Complete a printed Texas electrician license application.
- Submit your application by mail with a non-refundable $30 fee.
- Upon approval of your application, schedule your licensing exam and pay the $78 fee.
- Pass the journeyman electrician exam with a score of 70% or better.
How to get master electrician licenses
- Complete the printed Texas electrician license application.
- Submit your application by mail with a non-refundable $45 fee.
- Upon approval of your application, schedule your licensing exam and pay the $78 fee.
- Pass the master electrician exam with a score of 70% or better.
Additional licenses for specific types of electrical work are available, including:
- Apprentice sign electrician
- Maintenance electrician
- Residential appliance installer
- Residential wireman
- Journeyman industrial electrician
- Journeyman lineman
- Journeyman sign electrician
- Master sign electrician
See the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation website for more information on how to apply for these licenses.
Texas electrician license requirements
You may need to satisfy certain experience qualifications depending on which license you are applying for.
Apprentice electrician license requirements
Applicants for an electrical apprentice license do not need to fulfill any work experience requirements.
Journeyman electrician license requirements
You must have at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician. However, you may submit an application once you reach 7,000 hours of training, which allows you to take the Texas journeyman electrical exam in anticipation of reaching the full 8,000 hours required for licensure.
Master electrician license requirements
You must have held a journeyman electrician license for at least two years. You must have at least 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under the supervision of a master electrician.
Requirements for Texas electrician license renewals
You must renew your Texas electrician license annually. The date of issuance becomes the expiration date for the following years. You can renew online by filling out an application and submitting the appropriate renewal fee:
- Apprentice electrician: $20
- Journeyman electrician: $30
- Master electrician: $45
Within each one-year license period, you must complete four hours of continuing education credits. This coursework must cover the following topics:
- National Electrical Code (NEC)
- Texas Electrician Law
- Texas Electrician Administrative Rules
- Electrical Safety
The continuing education course provider will report your completed hours to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Texas electrician license reciprocity
Texas has reciprocal licensing agreements with select states for journeyman and master electrician licenses. There are no reciprocal agreements for apprentice licenses.
Journeyman electrician reciprocity:
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Wyoming
Master electrician reciprocity:
- Louisiana
- North Carolina
Electricians applying for reciprocity must have held their out-of-state license for at least one year and must demonstrate that they meet the minimum requirements for licensing in Texas.
What kind of insurance does an electrician need in Texas?
Once you receive your license, think about what type of self-employed electrician insurance can help protect you professionally and financially. Here are some of the types of Texas business insurance to consider:
General Liability insurance
General liability insurance in Texas can help provide coverage for routine incidents that can occur on the job, like damage to property or a customer injury.
Workers’ Compensation insurance
Workers’ compensation insurance can help cover lost wages, medical expenses and more if you or an employee gets injured on the job.
Tools and Equipment insurance
Tools and equipment insurance can help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your work gear in the event of theft or damage.
Commercial Auto insurance
Commercial auto insurance can help provide coverage for property damage, medical costs and more if you get into an accident while driving for work.
Commercial Property insurance
Commercial property insurance can help provide coverage for buildings you own or rent as well as the gear, inventory and equipment stored inside.
How NEXT supports Texas electricians
NEXT helps you get the right electrician insurance for your needs, whether you’re an independent worker, a small business owner or an electrical contractor. We’ve help thousands of electricians like yourself get affordable electrician coverage.
You can manage everything online, from applying for coverage to getting a certificate of insurance. Use any computer or mobile device to access your account anywhere, anytime.
Get an instant quote online today.
Thinking about working as an electrician in another U.S. state? Learn what states require electrician licenses in our summary of electrician license requirements.
Sources
1 U.S. Energy Information Administration
