Electrician Training in Texas | Start Your Professional Journey 

Electrician Training in Texas

Are you looking for electrician training in Texas? Do you want to enrol in one of the best electrician schools that will empower you to bid for multi-million-dollar projects? If the answer is yes, you are in the right place. 

Electricians in Texas can earn a salary of as high as $104,670 a year. This figure can triple to hundreds of thousands of dollars or even a million dollars if you get a lucrative contract. According to the Texas Labor market, electrician demand is projected to grow by 27.8% until the year 2024. This means, that this is the best time to enrol in an electrical training program. The demand is mostly as a result of a commercial and housing construction boom expected to last till the year 2024. 

Compared to other professions in Texas, it is clear that being an electrician is more economically rewarding. Below is a comparison of an electrician’s annual wage with other professions:  

  • Electrical Engineers: $104,670 
  • Powerhouse Electricians: $64,050 
  • Plumbers: $48,620 
  • Roofer: $34,510 
  • Sheet Metal Workers: $40,740 
  • Extraction Workers: $35,100 
  • Watch Repairers: $45,780 
  • Wind Turbine Technicians: $58,590 
  • Commercial Drivers: $55,370 

We have prepared the menu below to make it easy for you to navigate through this article.

1. Gaining the Experience Required to Become a Journeyman

According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the following requirements are required before you can sit for a journeyman exam in Texas: 

  • Have more than 4 years of experience 

OR 

  • Have two years of experience to become a residential wireman electrician 

There are three ways to gain the required experience to sit for your first exam. These are: 

  • Joining a Trade School 
  • Joining a Union Apprenticeship program in Texas 
  • Joining a Non-union Apprenticeship program in Texas 

Enrolling in a Trade School

A trade school is the best approach for a layman electrician. According to the Department of Licensing and Regulation, you are required to study the following topics: 

Note: To become a commercial or residential electrician, you must complete a 48-week classroom program. 

After completing a 48-week training program, most electrician schools in Texas will liaise with either a non-union or a union apprenticeship program to enable you to gain the required work experience needed to sit for a journeyman exam

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Apprentice Licensing in Texas 

Once your school liaises with an apprenticeship program, you will be required to apply for an apprentice license. This is offered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. It will cost you $20 to apply and it must be renewed every 24 months. 

Become an Electrician in Texas through a Union Apprenticeship Program 

Texas has more than 44 apprenticeship programs making it easy for aspiring electricians to get a placement. A union apprenticeship program is organized by the Alliance Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee {JATC}. JATC prides itself for being responsible for training the best electrical workers in Texas.  

To join the Alliance, you must be at least 18 years old and have a GED. The program is a collaboration between the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers {IBEW} and the National Electrical Contractors Association. JATC has 11 training centers throughout Texas:  

  • Gulf Coast Electrical JATC 
  • Austin Electrical JATC 
  • West Texas Electrical JATC 
  • South Texas Electrical JATC 
  • Galveston Electrical JATC 
  • El Paso Electrical JATC 
  • North Texas Electrical JATC 
  • Houston Electrical JATC 
  • Waco Electrical JATC 
  • Texarkana Electrical JATC 
  • Rio Grande Valley Electrical  JATC 

It is important to note that before you are enrolled in a union apprenticeship program, you are required to become a member of the IBEW. One advantage of joining a union apprenticeship program is that you do not have to worry about being underpaid by your employer. This is because wages are negotiated by the union on your behalf, based on the prevailing market rates. 

Electrical Training in Texas through a Non-union Apprenticeship

There are two ways in which you can enroll for a non-union apprenticeship. These are: 

  • Through the Associated Builders and Contractors, INC {ABC} 
  • Through the Independent Electrical Contractors 

The Associated Builders and Contractors, INC {ABC} 

The ABC has four chapters in Texas, these are: 

  • ABC – Texas Gulf Coast Chapter in Freeport 
  • ABC – Central Texas Chapter in Austin 
  • ABC – Southeast Texas Chapter in Nederland 
  • ABC – South Texas Chapter in San Antonio 

 Independent Electrical Contractors {IEC} 

The IEC has 10 chapters that are used to facilitate electrician training in Texas. These chapters are: 

  • Austin IEC chapter of Texas 
  • Austin Centex Chapter 
  • Rio Grande Valley Chapter 
  • El Paso Chapter 
  • IEC Lubbock  
  • IEC Dallas Chapter 
  • IEC San Antonio Chapter 
  • IEC Texas Gulf Coast Chapter 
  • IEC Fort Worth 

One advantage of joining a union apprenticeship program is that it does not have a rigorous recruitment process like that of a unionized program. Also, by joining a non-union program, you are able to get more bonuses and increased wages if your effort directly contributes to the success of the shop.  

Note: Some cities have their own rules and regulations so be sure to check up on these articles if you plan on studying in one of the following areas:

2. Sitting for a Residential Wireman License Exam 

To be eligible to sit for a residential wireman license exam, you must have a job experience of at least 4,000 hours working under the supervision of a master electrician. To sit for the exam you are required to pay a non-refundable fee of $25.  

Once your application is accepted, you will be required to pay an examination fee of $60 to PSI exams. The exam will have 80 questions with a pass mark of 70%. Expect to be evaluated in the following subjects:  

  • Electrical feeders 
  • Electrical theory 
  • Definitions 
  • Motors and generators 
  • Service equipment 
  • Renewable energy  
  • Special equipment and conditions 
  • Branch conductors and circuits 
  • Electrical equipment 

Out of the total questions, 14 will be on branch circuit calculations followed by questions on electrical equipment that will have approximately 12 questions. Keep in mind that once you get a residential license it must be renewed every 18 months at a fee of $20. After receiving it, you will have 18 months to complete an approved 4-hour course on the National Electric Code. 

3. Sitting for a Journeyman License Exam

If you want to continue with your electrician training in Texas, you are required to sit for a journeyman exam so you can ultimately become an independent contractor. You can expect to earn a minimum hourly wage of $25.54. 

One of the minimum requirements to sit for a journeyman exam is that you gain work experience of 8,000 hours and be supervised by a master electrician. To apply for a simply fill out this application. In the application, fill in details of your experience and also pay a fee of $30. The application should be sent to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. 

If your application is accepted, you will have to pay an examination fee to PSI. Your exam will have 80 questions and will have a 4-hour time limit. Expect to be evaluated in the following subjects: 

  • Electrical feeders 
  • Theory 
  • Definitions 
  • Renewable technologies 
  • Service equipment 
  • Special Occupancies 
  • Branch Circuit calculations 
  • Motor and Generators 
  • Electrical Control devices 
  • Electrical wiring methods 

After you have acquired your journeyman license, you must study the following approved courses to be eligible to renew it: 

  • Electrical Safety {NFPA 70E} 
  • National Electrical Code {NEC} 
  • Texas Law Texas Rules  
  • Texas Law 
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4. Other Electrician Licenses Available In Texas 

There are different career paths that you can take based on your skills and interests. In most cases, the career path is as a result of demand in your local area which influences your journey. The following are career opportunities available in Texas: 

Maintenance Electrician License 

A maintenance electrician has an hourly wage of $25.87. When compared to other electricians in America, maintenance electricians are among the best paid. A maintenance electrician is an individual who is responsible for ensuring a building’s electrical system is maintained and working efficiently. 

To become a maintenance electrician, you must have a job experience of at least 8,000 hours working under the supervision of a maintenance electrician. You are required to send an application to the Texas Department and Licensing Board with a non-refundable fee of $25. Once your application has been approved, you will then pay PSI for facilitating your Exams. 

Residential Appliance Installer License 

As a residential appliance installer, you will earn a minimum yearly wage of $50,000. This can be higher or lower depending on your experience and demand in your local area. Due to the demand for appliance installers, numerous electrician training schools in Texas are now offering this course. To become a professional installer fill in your details below and we will connect you to the best school in your area. 

To apply for the license, you are required to pay an application fee of $30 and then send your application to the TDLRB. You must be at least 18 years old, Literate and have no criminal record. If your application is accepted, you will sit for an 80-question exam facilitated by PSI. 

Scope of the Job 

As a Residential Appliance Installer, you will mainly deal with the disconnection or connection of residential equipment. You will also be authorized to install swimming pools and spas. Though it must be renewed every 24 months, there is no continuing education requirement as it is with a journeyman electrician license. 

As a residential installer, you can subcontract your work to other contractors and this means that you can supervise other electricians. 

Apprenticeship Electrician License 

As an apprentice, expect to earn an hourly wage of $18.44. There are two types of apprenticeship licenses you can take advantage of: 

  • A basic electrical apprentice license 
  • An electrical sign apprentice license 

Though both have the same requirements they have a different operational approach. A basic apprenticeship license allows you to train on both commercial and residential wiring. However, a sign apprentice license allows you to only train on electrical billboards and signs. 

As an apprentice, you must work for a minimum of 8,000 hours to graduate into a journeyman. This is around 40 hours a week and a total of 4 years. It is also important to keep in mind that your apprenticeship program must be registered and approved by the board.

If you meet the required minimum experience then fill and submit your application to the licensing board. A pay a fee of $20 applies. 

Residential Appliance Installer Contractor License  

To become a licensed residential contractor, fill and submit this application to the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation. The following requirements must be met: 

  • Have a bodily injury liability insurance of $300,000 
  • Have a property damage general Insurance liability of $600,000 
  • Have at least a general liability insurance for aggregate products of $300,000 
  • Show proof you have a general liability insurance cover 

As a residential contractor, you are able to bid for multi-million dollar tenders and this will increase your annual pay. You can also register any of the following business entities: 

  • Partnership 
  • Corporation 
  • Sole proprietorship 
  • Limited liability partnership 
  • Limited liability company  

When submitting the application, pay a non-refundable fee of $115. 

Master Sign Electrician License 

As a master electrician, you will primarily be involved in the installation or maintaining of apparatus used in signs. To become a master electrician, you must meet the following requirements: 

  • Have a job experience of 12,000 hours 
  • Be supervised by a master sign electrician 
  • Provide an experience verification form from your employer 
  • Pay a fee of $50  

If the board approves your qualification they will send you an invitation to sit for your master sign electrician exam. The exam is facilitated by PSI. 

Note: A reciprocity master sign electrician license exists between the state of North Carolina, Louisiana and Texas. 

Texas Electrical Sign Apprentice License 

The only requirement of getting a sign apprentice license is your age. You must be at least 16 years old. Your primary work would be to assist a master sign electrician in sign work. You should also not have any criminal record. To apply you are required to pay $20 to the Texas electrical board. Once your application is approved you will be invited to sit for an exam that will be facilitated by PSI Exams. 

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5. Graduating into a Master Electrician 

After more than 12,000 hours of electrician training in Texas, it is now time to test your skills and graduate into a master electrician. As a master electrician, you must have a work experience of 12,000 hours and be a holder of a journeyman’s license for at least two years.   

Once you print and fill your submission form, mail it to TDLR and ensure you pay an application fee of $45. If your application is accepted, you will be invited for a master electrician exam that will be facilitated by PSI at a cost of $74. 

Expect to be tested in the following Topics: 

  • Electrical feeders 
  • Calculations and theory 
  • Renewable energy technologies 
  • Generators 
  • Motors 
  • Electrical wiring methods  
  • Conductors 
  • Branch Circuits

To get a masters license, you need to get a mark of at least 70%. When finished with the exam, make sure to complete an approved continuing education course within 18 months so that you are eligible to renew. 

6. Becoming an Independent Contractor 

This is the last step of your electrician training in Texas. It is not the end of your education but with an independent electrical license, you can employ master electricians and bid for lucrative government tenders that may change your life forever.

To apply for a master electrician exam, you will be required to pay a fee of $110. You must have a master electrician license or have employed a master electrician. 

7. Electrician Salaries in Texas 

It is projected that electrician demand in Texas will grow at a rate of 21.1% until the year 2020. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the county will require at least 2,000 electricians every year to meet demand. 

Residential Electrician Salaries in Texas 

  • Amarillo TX: $49,800 
  • Abilene TX: $40,550 
  • El Paso TX : $38,350 
  • Beaumont-Port Arthur TX: $52,100 
  • Lubbock TX: $35,300 
  • Austin-Round Rock TX: $47,000 
  • Corpus Christi TX: $50,900 
  • Midland TX: $48,490 
  • Tyler TX: $42,800 
  • Wichita Falls TX: $45,000 
  • Victoria TX: $38,780 
  • Coastal Plains Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area: $38,400 
  • Border Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area: $45,890

Salaries for Electrical Power-line Installers and Repairers 

  • Lubbock: $65,050 – $88,800 
  • Abilene: $54,100 – $73,000 
  • Waco: $47,400 – $77,500 
  • Corpus Christi: $53,760 – $76,970 
  • San Angelo: $28,890 – $45,480 
  • Victoria: $39,910 – $73,100 
  • Fort Worth-Arlington: $56,610 – $75,960 

Salaries for Home Entertainment Installers and Repairers 

  • Dallas-Plano-Irving: $37,960 – $52,790 
  • Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Hill: $35,500 – $53,770 
  • Austin-Round Rock: $31,950 – $58,790 

To start your electrician training in Texas you might want to invest in our best selling ebook. This is one of the most fulfilling careers as your potential earning can range from $100,000 to 1 million dollars if you get lucrative contracts. 

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