Becoming an Electrician in Texas
Texas has a statewide regulation on becoming a licensed electrician that is laid out by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR). Anyone who does electrical work in this state must be licensed, including businesses and individuals. There is an exception for those who work as electricians in agricultural operations only, and they do not require a statewide electrician’s license.[En Español]
Texas Electrician License Requirements
Generally, a person can start out as an electrical apprentice as early as age 16, as long as he or she assists with electrical work only under the supervision of a master electrician. A 16-year-old can also become a residential appliance installer if they pass the residential appliance installer exam.
Once you turn 18, you can become an electrical sign apprentice. After 4,000 hours of on-the-job training under a master electrician and passing a residential wireman examination, an individual can become a residential wireman. One can become a maintenance electrician after working 8,000 supervised work hours and after passing a maintenance electrician exam.
Requirements for an Electrician Journeyman License in Texas
There are also multiple journeyman options available after 7,000 hours of electrician training. One can become a journeyman lineman at 7,000 hours in an apprenticeship program approved by the United States Department of Labor, or after three years as a journeyman lineman for a state employer. They must also pass the journeyman lineman exam at one of the electrician schools in the state. At 8,000 hours of training under a master electrician, individuals have the option of taking the journeyman electrician or sign electrician examination to become a journeyman electrician or journeyman sign electrician, respectfully.
Becoming a Master Electrician
After 12,000 hours of training under a master electrician and passing an exam, one can become a master sign electrician. To become a master electrician, an individual must hold a journeyman license for at least two years, complete 12,000 hours of supervised training, and pass the master electrician exam.
The Job Outlook in Texas
In 2023, there were 64,440 people working as electricians in Texas, as detailed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment for electricians throughout the state is predicted to increase by 27 percent until 2033, which is higher than the average across all occupations. Becoming a journeyman electrician is in high demand, and it is estimated that approximately 9,220 people will be hired by 2033. Texas is one of the top five employers of electricians in the United States, which makes this field a smart choice in this state.
Electrician Salaries in Texas
In 2024, the average annual salary for electricians in Texas was $55,890 (BLS). This is equivalent to $26.87 per hour. Those with experience and who are well trained can earn over $62,250 per year. The top 10th percentile earned an average of $76,120. There are many career opportunities for people to find good-paying jobs in this field.
Salaries in Texas by Occupation
| Occupation | Total Employment | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Wage | Annual Salary 10th Percentile | Annual Salary 25th Percentile | Annual Salary 75th Percentile | Annual Salary 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | 64,440 | $26.87 | $55,890 | $36,830 | $44,800 | $64,300 | $76,170 |
| Helpers--Electricians | 11,030 | $20.53 | $42,690 | $31,170 | $36,400 | $48,860 | $56,240 |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | 1,210 | $38.37 | $79,820 | $69,460 | $79,510 | $99,570 | $99,960 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | 6,150 | $35.46 | $73,760 | $40,130 | $54,140 | $93,670 | $104,540 |
| Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 2,040 | $40.24 | $83,700 | $58,540 | $67,740 | $102,920 | $109,220 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 10,040 | $34.86 | $72,510 | $46,040 | $57,910 | $91,990 | $101,920 |
Electrician Salaries in Texas by Region
| Area | Total Employment | Mean Hourly Wage | Mean Annual Salary | Hourly Wage 10th Percentile | Hourly Wage 25th Percentile | Hourly Wage 75th Percentile | Hourly Wage 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texarkana, TX-AR | 270 | $28.25 | $58,760 | $16.09 | $19.95 | $36.18 | $36.18 |
| Abilene, TX | 440 | $22.59 | $46,990 | $16.58 | $17.77 | $28.06 | $31.36 |
| Amarillo, TX | 700 | $23.88 | $49,660 | $15.74 | $17.76 | $29.92 | $35.06 |
| Austin-Round Rock, TX | 4,760 | $28.14 | $58,520 | $18.20 | $21.96 | $34.09 | $37.14 |
| Beaumont-Port Arthur, TX | 1,410 | $29.41 | $61,180 | $18.47 | $23.62 | $32.46 | $35.35 |
| Brownsville-Harlingen, TX | 360 | $20.88 | $43,420 | $14.73 | $16.86 | $23.32 | $30.86 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | 320 | $23.42 | $48,710 | $17.36 | $18.16 | $29.02 | $35.30 |
| Corpus Christi, TX | 1,150 | $28.83 | $59,970 | $17.85 | $21.62 | $30.48 | $34.16 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 17,350 | $26.62 | $55,370 | $18.23 | $22.24 | $31.44 | $36.90 |
| El Paso, TX | 1,510 | $22.01 | $45,780 | $13.96 | $17.13 | $27.56 | $30.94 |
| Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX | 17,700 | $28.61 | $59,500 | $18.18 | $22.26 | $32.25 | $37.27 |
| Killeen-Temple, TX | 420 | $23.25 | $48,360 | $15.47 | $18.57 | $28.94 | $31.30 |
| Laredo, TX | 250 | $22.08 | $45,920 | $13.70 | $16.97 | $27.35 | $29.45 |
| Longview, TX | 490 | $23.38 | $48,620 | $15.41 | $18.23 | $29.00 | $33.51 |
| Lubbock, TX | 380 | $22.41 | $46,610 | $14.60 | $17.20 | $28.21 | $30.43 |
| McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX | 490 | $21.15 | $44,000 | $13.93 | $17.15 | $26.62 | $28.53 |
| Midland, TX | 1,030 | $29.20 | $60,730 | $18.66 | $23.44 | $33.52 | $37.81 |
| Odessa, TX | 920 | $24.08 | $50,080 | $17.69 | $21.57 | $30.76 | $37.12 |
| San Angelo, TX | 190 | $22.58 | $46,970 | $14.68 | $18.22 | $29.13 | $34.06 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 4,020 | $24.44 | $50,840 | $17.66 | $20.79 | $30.21 | $35.61 |
| Sherman-Denison, TX | 200 | $23.42 | $48,720 | $16.00 | $18.28 | $29.38 | $32.42 |
| Tyler, TX | 360 | $23.16 | $48,170 | $16.71 | $19.12 | $28.88 | $32.46 |
| Victoria, TX | 250 | $23.90 | $49,720 | $16.78 | $20.88 | $31.18 | $46.15 |
| Waco, TX | 530 | $22.49 | $46,780 | $15.73 | $18.10 | $28.19 | $30.33 |
| Wichita Falls, TX | 170 | $22.75 | $47,320 | $13.93 | $17.42 | $29.37 | $33.13 |
Electrical Apprenticeship Programs in Texas
Texas is a big state with a lot of options for future electricians. To become an electrician in the state, you must be licensed, which means going through an apprenticeship program. You can choose from union or non-union programs.
Union electrician apprenticeships in Texas are based on standard set by the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). These two organizations come together to ensure apprentices receive a comprehensive education and training.
The NECA-IBEW joint trust offers training programs through local Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs). To get into a competitive union apprenticeship, you must apply with a JATC. There are several in Texas:
- Austin Electrical Training Alliance
- El Paso Electricians JATC
- Houston JATC
- North Texas Electrical JATC in Grand Prairie
- Rio Grande Valley Laredo Electrical JATC
- South Texas Electrical JATC in San Antonio
- IBEW Local 72 in Waco
- IBEW Local 527 in Galveston
- West Texas Electrical JATC in Amarillo and Lubbock
- Texas Gulf Coast Electrical Apprenticeship Program in Corpus Christi
Non-union apprenticeship programs for electricians in Texas are associated with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) or the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC):
- IEC Central Texas Chapter in Austin
- IEC El Paso Chapter
- IEC Dallas Chapter
- IEC Forth Worth/Tarrant County
- IEC San Antonio Chapter
- IEC Texas Gulf Coast Chapter in Houston
- IEC of Lubbock
- IEC Rio Grande Valley Chapter in Harlingen
- ABC Central Texas in Austin
- ABC South Texas in San Antonio
- ABC Texas Gulf Coast in Freeport
- ABC Southeast Texas in Nederland
Electrician Training Programs in Texas
Training to become an electrician in Texas is usually completed through apprenticeships via unions, non-union employers, and electrician training programs. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation provides a listing of the 45 approved electrical apprentice training programs. It is also possible to attend college or trade schools in Texas to reduce the amount of experience one needs to sit for the examination to become a master or special electrician.
- Lone Star College (LSC). Located in The Woodlands, TX, this program offers electrical training that leads to an LSC and a National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) certificate. These credentials are tracked in a registry system for companies to check a person’s qualifications for apprenticeship programs. LSC is one of five Registered Apprenticeship College Consortium (RACC) schools in the state of Texas.
- Houston Community College (HCC). HCC offers multiple certificate programs that prepare students for careers in the industrial electricity field. They offer coursework in Electrical Helper, Electrical Power Technology, Industrial Automation Technology and Solar Photovoltaic System Installer. This school is another of the five RACC schools in Texas.
- San Jacinto Community College (SanJac). SanJac offers an Occupational Certificate program that consists of only 15 credits, a level one Certificate of Technology that is 39 credits, a level two Certificate of Technology that is 45 credits and an Associate of Applied Science degree in Electrical Technology that is 60 credits, as well as two enhanced skills certificates. One of the enhanced skills certificates includes coursework to prepare for the master electrician exam as well as industry automation. The other enhanced skills certificate trains students in communications technology and alternative energy. SanJac is another RACC school.
Where to Find Work in Texas
With the growth that is expected in Texas over the next decade, deciding to work as an electrician is a smart choice with great income potential and job security. Most electricians in Texas work for construction companies or under independent contractors. Licensed electricians can also be hired to work for the government on contracts for cities and towns, as well as working as independent contractors and opening their own businesses.
College Programs
27 Texas colleges report an electrician or electrical technology program to the National Center for Education Statistics (College Navigator export, July 2026). They are listed alphabetically by city. Tuition figures are the school’s own IPEDS filing for the program named, not a quote; confirm current costs with the school.
100 Cardinal Drive, Athens, Texas 75751
(903) 675-6200
Electrical Lineworker – Certificate Program, Electrical and Power Transmission Installation/Installer, General – Associate Program
Trinity Valley Community College is a public 4-year institution in Athens, TX, with 5,300 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,920 in-state and $5,970 out-of-state.
6101 Highland Campus Drive, Austin, Texas 78752-7000
(512) 223-7000
Electrical Specialization – Certificate Program
Austin Community College District is a public 4-year institution in Austin, TX, with 35,600 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $8,580 in-state and $10,590 out-of-state.
511 S Whiting, Baytown, Texas 77520
(281) 427-5611
Electrical Construction – Certificate Program, Electrical Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Technology – Associate Program
Lee College is a public 2-year institution in Baytown, TX, with 8,143 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,665 in-state and $5,190 out-of-state.
855 E Lavaca, Beaumont, Texas 77705
(409) 880-8321
Commercial Electrical Technology – Associate Program, Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Lamar Institute of Technology is a public 2-year institution in Beaumont, TX, with 5,302 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $2,844 in-state and $12,924 out-of-state.
1601 Botham Jean Blvd., Dallas, Texas 75215-3604
(972) 669-6400
Commercial Electrical Technology – Associate Program, Commercial Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Dallas College is a public 4-year institution in Dallas, TX, with 66,592 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,662 in-state and $6,900 out-of-state.
6101 Grayson Drive, Denison, Texas 75020-8299
(903) 415-2592
Electrical Technology – Associate Program
Grayson College is a public 4-year institution in Denison, TX, with 4,176 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,500 in-state and $6,300 out-of-state.
9050 Viscount Blvd, El Paso, Texas 79925-6507
(915) 831-2000
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
El Paso Community College is a public 2-year institution in El Paso, TX, with 24,420 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,274 in-state and $5,314 out-of-state.
4015 Ave Q, Galveston, Texas 77550-7496
(409) 944-1220
Electrical & Electronics Technology – Certificate Program
Galveston College is a public 4-year institution in Galveston, TX, with 2,119 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,446 in-state and $6,176 out-of-state.
3100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002
(877) 422-6111
Electrical Technology – Associate Program
Houston Community College is a public 4-year institution in Houston, TX, with 49,749 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,344 in-state and $5,460 out-of-state.
243A Greens Road, Houston, Texas 77060-2100
(844) 242-1213
Electrical Applications – Certificate Program
Tulsa Welding School-Houston is a private for-profit under-2-year institution in Houston, TX, with 1,799 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Its Electrical Applications program runs 28 credit hours and is typically completed in 7 months, with tuition and fees of $20,025 and books and supplies of $3,500.
700 E Airport Freeway, Irving, Texas 75602-4805
(214) 227-9911
Electrical Applications – Certificate Program
Tulsa Welding School-Dallas Campus is a private for-profit under-2-year institution in Irving, TX, with 244 students (all undergraduate). Its Electrical Applications program runs 28 credit hours and is typically completed in 7 months, with tuition and fees of $20,025 and books and supplies of $3,500.
500 College Dr, Lake Jackson, Texas 77566
(979) 230-3000
Industrial and Commercial Electricity – Associate Program
Brazosport College is a public 4-year institution in Lake Jackson, TX, with 4,100 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,049 in-state and $4,711 out-of-state.
West End Washington St, Laredo, Texas 78040-4395
(956) 721-5140
Electrician Helper – Certificate Program, Electrical and Power Transmission Installation/Installer, General – Certificate Program
Laredo College is a public 4-year institution in Laredo, TX, with 10,191 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,500 in-state and $5,748 out-of-state.
1401 S. College Ave, Levelland, Texas 79336
(806) 894-9611 x2542
Electrical Utility Technician – Certificate Program, Electrician and Power Transmission Technology – Associate Program, Electrician and Power Transmission Technology Electrician – Certificate Program, Electrician Specialization – Associate Program
South Plains College is a public 2-year institution in Levelland, TX, with 8,866 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,771 in-state and $5,155 out-of-state.
3201 W. Pecan, McAllen, Texas 78501
(855) 468-6782
Electrician Assistant – Certificate Program, Electrician Technology – Associate Program
South Texas College is a public 4-year institution in McAllen, TX, with 26,440 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $5,220 in-state and $7,620 out-of-state.
3452 Spur 399, McKinney, Texas 75069
(972) 881-5790
Electrical – Associate Program, Electrical – Certificate Program
Collin County Community College District is a public 4-year institution in McKinney, TX, with 37,772 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,814 in-state and $6,064 out-of-state.
2886 FM 1735, Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455
(903) 434-8100
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Northeast Texas Community College is a public 2-year institution in Mount Pleasant, TX, with 3,105 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,468 in-state and $5,620 out-of-state.
2400 Clarksville St, Paris, Texas 75460
(903) 785-7661
Electrician – Certificate Program
Paris Junior College is a public 2-year institution in Paris, TX, with 4,456 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,200 in-state and $5,700 out-of-state.
8060 Spencer Hwy, Pasadena, Texas 77505
(281) 998-6150
Electrical Technology – Associate Program, Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
San Jacinto Community College is a public 4-year institution in Pasadena, TX, with 31,494 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,320 in-state and $6,690 out-of-state.
5819 NW Loop 410-Ste 160, San Antonio, Texas 78238
(210) 520-1800 x102
Electrician Training – Certificate Program
Lamson Institute is a private for-profit 2-year institution in San Antonio, TX, with 443 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. Reported tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $15,650 for the school’s largest program.
1801 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, Texas 78203-2098
(210) 486-2000
Electrical Trades – Certificate Program, Electrical Trades – Associate Program
St Philip's College is a public 4-year institution in San Antonio, TX, with 14,281 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $5,542 in-state and $9,952 out-of-state.
6200 College Ave, Snyder, Texas 79549
(325) 573-8511
Electrical Lineworker – Certificate Program
Western Texas College is a public 2-year institution in Snyder, TX, with 1,434 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,890 in-state and $6,150 out-of-state.
2500 N Robison Rd, Texarkana, Texas 75599
(903) 823-3456
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Technology – Associate Program
Texarkana College is a public 2-year institution in Texarkana, TX, with 3,882 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $3,916 in-state and $5,332 out-of-state.
5000 Research Forest Drive, The Woodlands, Texas 77381-4399
(832) 813-6500
Electrical Technology – Certificate Program
Lone Star College System is a public 4-year institution in The Woodlands, TX, with 70,991 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $7,470 in-state and $9,390 out-of-state.
4400 College Dr., Vernon, Texas 76384-4092
(940) 552-6291
Electrical Engineering Technology – Certificate Program, Electrical Engineering Technology – Associate Program
Vernon College is a public 2-year institution in Vernon, TX, with 2,136 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $4,680 in-state and $6,120 out-of-state.
3700 South IH-35 Suite A, Waco, Texas 76706-3756
(512) 387-7528
Electrical Technician – Certificate Program
Southern Careers Institute-Waco is a private for-profit 2-year institution in Waco, TX, with 205 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Council on Occupational Education. Reported tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $18,450 for the school’s largest program.
3801 Campus Drive, Waco, Texas 76705
(800) 792-8784
Electrical Construction – Certificate Program, Electrical Power & Controls – Certificate Program, Electrical Power & Controls – Certificate Program, Electrical Power & Controls – Associate Program
Texas State Technical College is a public 2-year institution in Waco, TX, with 11,436 students (all undergraduate). It is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges. Tuition and fees for 2024-2025 are $7,212 in-state and $11,812 out-of-state.
Other electrical training programs in Texas
This campus offers an electrical program that is filed with IPEDS under a different program code, or not yet filed, so it does not appear in the list above. UEI's Dallas campus is not yet in the College Navigator export; the address and program are taken from uei.edu.
1050 North Westmoreland Road, Dallas, Texas 75211
Electrician Technician Program
Registered electrical apprenticeship sponsors in Texas
Apprenticeship is how most Texas electricians train, and the programs below are registered with the US Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (partner sponsor file dated 2026-09-09). Only training providers are listed: employer sponsors that register their own apprentices are not, and the file names sponsors without listing their occupations, so a sponsor whose name does not say electrical is not caught.
| Sponsor | City | Type | Registered since |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAUMONT ELECTRICAL JATC | Nederland | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1941 |
| Galveston Electrical JATC | Texas City | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1941 |
| TEXARKANA ELECTRICAL JATC | Nash | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1942 |
| Houston Electrical JATC | Houston | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1942 |
| TEXAS GULF COAST ELECTRICAL JATC | Corpus Christi | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1942 |
| AUSTIN ELECTRICAL JATC | Austin | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1945 |
| EAST TEXAS ELECTRICAL JATC | Arlington | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1946 |
| West Texas Electrical JATC | Amarillo | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1946 |
| SOUTH TEXAS ELECTRICAL JATC | San Antonio | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1946 |
| EL PASO ELECTRICAL JATC | El Paso | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1946 |
| WACO ELECTRICAL JATC | Waco | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1947 |
| WICHITA FALLS ELECTRICAL JATC | Wichita Falls | IBEW/NECA JATC | 1948 |
| IEC DALLAS | Irving | IEC chapter | 1972 |
| IEC TEXAS GULF COAST CHAPTER | Houston | IEC chapter | 1972 |
| IEC Fort Worth | Fort Worth | IEC chapter | 1972 |
| SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER IEC | San Antonio | IEC chapter | 1972 |
| Lubbock Chapter IEC | Lubbock | IEC chapter | 1978 |
| IEC El Paso | El Paso | IEC chapter | 1994 |
| CenTex IEC | Austin | IEC chapter | 1997 |
| IEC of the Texas Panhandle | Amarillo | IEC chapter | 1997 |
| INDUSTRIAL ELECTRICAL TRAINING SCHOOL | Houston | other registered program | 1998 |
| IEC of East Texas Inc. | Tyler | IEC chapter | 1998 |
| North Texas Electrical JATC | Grand Prairie | IBEW/NECA JATC | 2000 |
| CITY OF COLLEGE STATION UTILITIES ELECTRICAL DEPT | College Station | other registered program | 2007 |
| PROFICIENT ELECTRIC APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM | Conroe | other registered program | 2015 |
| Southwest Electrical Apprenticeship Program | El Paso | other registered program | 2019 |
| Campbell Electric Apprenticeship Program | Friona | other registered program | 2021 |
| 5K Electrical Apprenticeship Program | Houston | other registered program | 2025 |
How to apply to each Texas program
Read from each program’s own site or the state apprenticeship registry on 2026-09-16. Application windows, fees and wage rates change every year, so confirm them with the program before you rely on them; a posted wage is the sponsor’s figure on that date, not a promise of what you will earn.
Beaumont Electrical JATC. Inside wireman apprenticeship, IBEW Local 479 and NECA. Length: five years, 10,000 hours on the job and at least 180 class hours a year. How to apply: in person on the first Monday of every month, 9:00 to 11:00 am and 1:30 to 6:00 pm. Requirements: 18 or older, valid driver's license and social security card. 707 Helena Avenue, Nederland, TX.
Galveston Electrical JATC. Inside wireman apprenticeship, IBEW Local 527 and NECA. Length: 8,000 hours on the job and 900 class hours, school two nights a week in the fall and spring semesters. How to apply: in person, year round, Monday to Thursday 9:00 to 11:00 am and 1:00 to 3:00 pm, with every document in hand; incomplete applications are not accepted. (409) 933-9800 ext 3.
Texarkana Electrical JATC. Inside wireman apprenticeship, IBEW Local 301 and NECA. Length: five years, 8,000 hours on the job and 900 class hours, one night a week for four hours. How to apply: applications open every year in May for a few weeks; request one at the hall or by email. Requirements: 18 by September 1 of the application year, high school diploma or GED, basic algebra passed at C or better (or one semester of post-secondary algebra), valid driver's license or birth certificate. Cost: no tuition; apprentices buy their own books and materials. Pay: 50% of the journeyman wireman rate to start. training at 3005 South Lake Drive, Texarkana, TX; applications at the Local 301 hall, 114 Elm Street, Nash, TX 75569, (903) 838-8531.
Houston Electrical JATC. Electrical apprenticeship, IBEW Local 716 and NECA. Length: four years, 8,000 hours on the job, one night a week for four hours from September to June. How to apply: applications are closed from August 1 to October 31, 2026 while the process and costs are updated; official transcripts (sealed, one full credit of algebra and a graduation date) are still accepted by email; otherwise taken year round on a monthly basis. Requirements: 18 or older, high school diploma or GED, one year of high school algebra with a passing grade, physically fit, pass the Electrical Training Alliance aptitude test; 4,000 or more hours of prior electrical construction work waives the algebra and test requirements. Cost: about $4,500 a year, and the site says many apprentices qualify for industry and government scholarships that cover most of it. Pay: $17.33 an hour to start, a percentage of the journeyman rate, with a raise after each year. 108 Covern Street, Houston, TX 77061, (713) 649-2739.
Texas Gulf Coast Electrical JATC. Inside wireman apprenticeship, IBEW Local 278 and NECA. Length: four years from the September 2025 class (it was five), 8,000 hours on the job, classes two nights a week from after Labor Day to May, 199 class hours a year. How to apply: online application, year round; $20 fee payable online, by check or money order; aptitude test (33 algebra questions in 46 minutes, 36 reading questions in 51 minutes) with a qualifying score of 3. Requirements: 17 to apply and 18 to start, valid driver's license, certified birth certificate, official transcript showing Algebra I and graduation or a GED; a TDLR apprentice electrician license ($20) before starting; a TWIC card is recommended. Cost: usually cost free to the student beyond the $20 application fee. 5402 S. Staples, Suite 101, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, (361) 884-8414.
Austin Electrical Training Alliance. Journeyman inside wireman apprenticeship, IBEW Local 520 and NECA. Length: four years, 8,000 hours. How to apply: entirely online; the window for the September 2026 class has closed and the next one is announced on the site; $35 application fee, then an aptitude test (algebra and functions, reading comprehension) and an interview. Cost: tuition announced before each class starts. Pay: 55% of the journeyman rate in periods 1 and 2, rising to 75% by period 6; the first-period rate posted is $21.07 an hour, about $43,825 a year.
East Texas Electrical JATC. Inside wireman apprenticeship run with IBEW Local 301 for the Tyler and Longview area. Length: five years, 8,000 hours on the job and 900 class hours, one night a week for four hours. How to apply: applications open every year in April for a few weeks and are only handed out during that window; request one from the Local 301 hall at 114 Elm Street, Nash, or by email. Requirements: 18 by September 1 of the application year, high school diploma or GED, basic algebra passed at C or better (or one semester of post-secondary algebra), valid driver's license or birth certificate. Cost: no tuition; apprentices buy their own books and materials. Pay: 50% of the journeyman wireman rate to start. 200 N. John Avenue, Tyler, TX (the DOL file lists Arlington), (903) 838-8531.
West Texas Electrical JATC. Inside apprentice program, IBEW and NECA. Length: four years minimum, 8,000 hours on the job and 720 class hours, one night a week for four hours, September to the end of July. How to apply: online through the TradeSchool portal, year round, with testing and interviews monthly; $30 application fee. Requirements: 18 or older, high school diploma, GED or associate degree, one full year of high school algebra at C or better (or a post-secondary equivalent), aptitude test score of 5 or better, valid driver's license, drug screen and background check. Cost: about $800 a year by weekly payroll deduction, with a scholarship program that reimburses it. Pay: 50% of the journey worker rate to start, raises every six to nine months. 3001 Wolflin Avenue, Building C, Amarillo, TX 79105 (second office at 405 50th Street, Lubbock), (806) 372-1581.
South Texas Electrical JATC. Inside wireman and technician apprenticeships, IBEW Local 60 and NECA. Length: inside wireman: four years, at least 8,000 hours on the job and 720 class hours (the application page still says five). How to apply: online or in person; $28 application fee payable online; entrance exam and drug test. Requirements: 17 to apply and 18 to start, valid driver's license or state ID, certified birth certificate or social security card, official transcript showing Algebra I, diploma or GED. 2503 Blanco Road, San Antonio, TX 78212, (210) 225-8900.
El Paso Electricians JATC. Inside wireman apprenticeship, IBEW Local 583 and the El Paso NECA chapter. Length: 1,000 class hours and 8,000 hours on the job, at least six hours of class a week. How to apply: in person, Monday to Friday 9:00 am to noon and 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm; $40 application fee paid when the formal application is completed; the Electrical Training Alliance assessment is given at least twice a year. Requirements: 18 or older, high school diploma or GED, valid driver's license and social security card, one full year of high school Algebra I with a passing grade (or one post-secondary algebra course), transcript required.
Waco Electrical JATC. Inside wireman apprenticeship, IBEW Local 72 and NECA. How to apply: by appointment only, by phone or at the hall. 1813 Orchard Lane, Waco, TX 76705, (254) 754-3121.
Wichita Falls Electrical JATC. Inside wireman apprenticeship, IBEW Local 681 and NECA. How to apply: in person every Wednesday 1:00 to 5:00 pm; interviews in January and July for school starting each August; bring a driver's license, social security card and transcript or GED. Requirements: 18 or older, high school diploma or GED, one year of high school algebra (or a post-secondary algebra course) with a passing grade, drug free. 6111 Jacksboro Highway, Wichita Falls, TX 76302, (940) 322-1661.
IEC Dallas. IEC electrical apprenticeship, in-person, hybrid or online. Length: about four years across four levels, 576 class hours and 8,000 hours on the job; one night a week 5:30 to 9:30 pm from September to May, two nights a week for January starters. How to apply: online, or in person Tuesday to Thursday 2:00 to 6:00 pm; $40 application fee; the last posted window ran September 8, 2025 to January 12, 2026. Requirements: valid driver's license, social security card, high school transcript, diploma or GED, a current TDLR apprentice electrician license, a drug test, DD-214 for veterans and Selective Service registration for men. Cost: 53 cents for every hour worked, deducted from pay; the contractor pays $25 a month per apprentice and is invoiced for books at cost. Credential: IEC and Department of Labor certificates of completion and 46 hours of college credit. 1931 Hereford Drive, Irving, TX 75038, (972) 550-1133.
IEC Texas Gulf Coast. IEC electrical apprenticeship. Length: four years, 8,000 hours on the job and 576 class hours, one night a week 5:00 to 9:00 pm (two nights at mid-term), classes start in September and January. How to apply: in person only, Monday to Thursday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; an application is good for 30 days; you must hold a TDLR apprentice license and work for a member contractor (the chapter arranges interviews if you do not have one). Requirements: 18 or older, high school diploma or GED, dependable transportation. Cost: $882.50 a semester, two semesters a school year, plus a required tool list. 601 N. Shepherd Drive, Suite 330, Houston, TX 77007, (346) 521-5479.
IEC Fort Worth. IEC electrical apprenticeship. Length: four years, 8,000 hours on the job and 576 class hours, one evening a week 6:00 to 10:00 pm from September to June (January starters begin on an accelerated schedule). How to apply: through the chapter's interest form; applications for fall 2026 are closed; a drug test within 14 days of applying. Requirements: 18 or older, high school diploma or transcript or equivalent, a TDLR apprentice electrician license, photo ID and proof of work eligibility; no prior electrical experience needed. Cost: posted as $1,080 with a member contractor sponsoring you or $3,150 self-pay (the page does not say whether that is per year). Pay: $16.25 an hour to start, with raises about every 1,000 hours worked. 5809 E. Berry Street, Fort Worth, TX 76119, (817) 496-8422.
IEC Greater San Antonio. IEC electrical apprenticeship. Length: four years, at least 144 class hours and 2,000 hours on the job a year, one to two nights a week 5:00 to 9:00 pm from September to May or June. How to apply: in person at the office, Monday to Thursday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, with a driver's license or Texas ID, social security card or birth certificate, diploma, transcript or GED, and a current TDLR apprentice electrician license. Cost: about $750 a semester, two semesters a year, and about $600 for first-year books, bought new from IEC each year (the chapter's September 2025 information sheet). 5511 Ingram Road, San Antonio, TX 78228 (second campus at 707 Landa Street, New Braunfels), (210) 431-9861.
Lubbock Chapter IEC. IEC electrical apprenticeship. Length: 8,000 hours on the job and 576 class hours. How to apply: applications reopen in June 2027; you must be employed by an IEC member contractor (employment is not guaranteed). Requirements: high school diploma or GED, or 2,000 verified hours on the job; eligible for a TDLR apprentice electrician license; reliable transportation. 5901 63rd Street, Suite BC, Lubbock, TX 79424, (806) 798-3660.
IEC El Paso. IEC electrical apprenticeship. Length: four years, at least 672 class hours and 8,000 hours on the job, evening classes. How to apply: online; you must be employed by an IEC contractor, and the admissions office helps arrange interviews but does not guarantee a job. Cost: the site says the classroom cost is often shared by the employer or covered by state funding; no figure posted. Credential: Department of Labor certificate and 57 ACE-recommended college credits. 1156 Barranca Drive, El Paso, TX 79935, (915) 710-1400.
CenTex IEC. IEC electrical apprenticeship for the Austin, Killeen and Waco areas. Length: four years, at least 144 class hours a year (576 total) and 2,000 hours on the job a year (8,000 total), typically one night a week 5:00 to 9:00 pm for 36 classes a school year. How to apply: open enrollment June 1 to August 31 for the September class and November 1 to December 31 for the January class; you must be employed by a CenTex IEC member contractor. Requirements: 18 or older, high school diploma or GED, US citizen or lawful resident, a TDLR apprentice electrician license, Selective Service registration for men, reliable transportation, a 70% grade average to stay in. Pay: the chapter's 2024 information sheet posts $16.00 an hour to start in the Austin area and $15.00 in Killeen and Waco, with raises on the wage progression schedule. 8868 Research Boulevard, Suite 500, Austin, TX 78758, (512) 832-1333.
IEC of the Texas Panhandle. IEC four-year electrical apprenticeship. How to apply: two online applications: the chapter's own through Apprentiscope, and a TDLR apprentice electrician license. 702 S. Madison, Amarillo, TX 79101.
IEC of East Texas. IEC electrical apprenticeship. Length: usually four years, 8,000 or more hours on the job and 576 class hours (36 four-hour classes a year). How to apply: submit the documents and interview with the apprenticeship committee; accepted applicants are placed with a member contractor. Requirements: high school diploma or GED, valid driver's license, birth certificate and social security card, physically able to do the work, your own transportation and tools, drug screen on acceptance. Pay: the site says the starting wage is being set by a wage survey, with periodic raises on the wage scale. (903) 597-7054.
North Texas Electrical JATC. Electrical apprenticeship, IBEW and NECA, Dallas-Fort Worth. How to apply: online; $20 fee, credited back to accepted apprentices who complete the math refresher and register for first year; official transcripts by Parchment or mail; office hours Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Requirements: aptitude test (a sample is on the Electrical Training Alliance site). 680 W. Tarrant Road, Grand Prairie, TX 75050.
College details are from the National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator (nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator), as exported in July 2026; apprenticeship sponsors are from apprenticeship.gov as of 2026-09-09. Program links were checked on 2026-09-16. Check all details directly with the school or sponsor before applying.
Neighbor States
Residents of Texas may also wish to review their options in New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana.
FAQs
How Long Does it Take to Become an Electrician in Texas?
To become an electrician in Texas, you must go through an apprenticeship and training program. It takes 4,000 hours of training, or about two years, to earn the lowest level of licensing as a residential wireman. You’ll need 8,000 hours to become a journeyman electrician.
How much do electricians earn in the state of Texas?
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Texas made an average of $52,230 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $32,050 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $76,590.
