The path to becoming an electrician in Texas requires an apprenticeship, a journeyman license exam, and a master electrician exam if you want to run your own business

Texas does not require a high school diploma or GED to start, but most apprenticeship programs prefer one. You will spend four to five years combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, then pass the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) journeyman exam. After that, you can work independently as a journeyman electrician. If you want to own an electrical contracting business or supervise other electricians, you will need to pass the master electrician exam as well.

The timeline from first day of apprenticeship to licensed journeyman is typically four to five years. The master electrician path adds another two to four years of work experience before you can sit for that exam. Texas has no single statewide apprenticeship program — instead, you find an apprenticeship through a contractor, a union, or a trade school that partners with employers.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete an apprenticeship with an electrical contractor or union, combining paid work and classroom hours, before you can test for a journeyman license.
  • Texas requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 classroom hours to sit for the journeyman exam, though some programs compress this differently.
  • The TDLR journeyman exam covers electrical code, safety, and practical problem-solving; you must score at least 70 percent to pass.
  • After becoming a journeyman, you can work for any electrical contractor, but you cannot run your own business until you pass the master electrician exam.
  • Union apprenticeships typically pay more and offer better benefits than non-union programs, but require sponsorship and longer commitment.

Finding and entering an apprenticeship

The first step is finding an apprenticeship, which is a paid position with an electrical contractor or union local. Non-union apprenticeships are easier to enter — you can walk into a contractor's office, explore online, or ask for referrals. Union apprenticeships (through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, or IBEW) are more competitive and usually require you to pass an entrance exam and interview, but they pay significantly more and include union benefits.

To find non-union apprenticeships, search online job boards, contact electrical contractors directly, or ask at trade schools that run apprenticeship programs. Some contractors post openings; others hire through word-of-mouth. Trade schools like Alvin Community College and North Lake College in the Dallas area run programs where you attend class while working for a sponsoring contractor.

For union apprenticeships, contact your local IBEW chapter directly. In Texas, major chapters are in Houston (Local 38), Dallas (Local 38), Austin (Local 520), and San Antonio (Local 60). The union will tell you when applications open, what the entrance exam covers, and what the starting wage is. Union apprentices earn more from day one and receive health insurance and a pension, but the apprenticeship is longer and more structured.

What the apprenticeship requires

Texas law requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction before you can sit for the journeyman exam. Most apprenticeships spread this over four to five years, with classroom typically happening one or two nights per week or in blocks. You will learn wiring, circuit installation, safety protocols, electrical code, and troubleshooting under the supervision of a journeyman or master electrician.

The classroom portion covers the National Electrical Code (NEC), which governs how electrical systems must be installed. You will also study Texas-specific electrical rules, safety standards, and the math and physics behind electrical work. Some programs use online classes, others use in-person instruction, and some mix both.

You must keep detailed records of your hours — your employer or apprenticeship program tracks this. When you have completed the hours and classroom work, your sponsor signs off on your training record, which you submit with your exam process to TDLR.

Passing the journeyman electrician exam

Once you have finished your apprenticeship hours and classroom work, you can register with TDLR to sit for the journeyman exam. The exam costs around $150 to $200 (the exact fee varies by year) and is administered by Pearson VUE at testing centers across Texas. You must score at least 70 percent to pass.

The exam is four hours long and covers the National Electrical Code, Texas electrical rules, safety practices, and practical problem-solving. You can bring an NEC codebook and a calculator into the exam room. Most people study for four to eight weeks using practice tests, study guides, and review classes offered by trade schools and online providers.

If you fail, you can retake the exam after waiting 30 days. There is no limit on how many times you can test, but each attempt costs the full fee. After you pass, TDLR issues your journeyman electrician license, which is valid for five years and must be renewed.

Working as a journeyman electrician

With a journeyman license, you can work for any electrical contractor in Texas and perform most electrical work independently, though you still cannot own a contracting business or pull permits in your own name. You can work residential, commercial, or industrial jobs. Journeyman wages in Texas vary by region and employer, but typically range from $25 to $35 per hour for non-union work and $40 to $55 per hour for union work.

Your license must be renewed every five years. Renewal requires paying a fee (typically $100 to $150) and completing continuing education hours — Texas requires 24 hours of approved continuing education per renewal period. You can take these classes online, in person, or through your employer.

Becoming a master electrician

To run your own electrical contracting business in Texas, you must hold a master electrician license. You cannot sit for the master exam until you have worked as a journeyman for at least two years (some programs require four years). The master exam is similar in structure to the journeyman exam but covers business law, contractor responsibilities, and more complex code scenarios.

The master exam also costs around $150 to $200 and requires a 70 percent passing score. After you pass, you can explore for a contractor's license from TDLR, which allows you to bid on jobs, hire and supervise electricians, and pull permits. A contractor's license requires a surety bond and liability insurance, which add to your startup costs.

Costs and timeline

Apprenticeship costs vary widely. Union apprenticeships are free or low-cost because the union and contractor cover training expenses, and you earn wages from day one. Non-union apprenticeships also pay you during training, but you may have to pay for some classroom materials or testing fees out of pocket — typically $500 to $2,000 over the four-year period.

Exam fees (journeyman and master) total around $300 to $400 combined. Continuing education costs vary but usually run $200 to $500 per renewal cycle. If you plan to become a master electrician and open a business, add $1,000 to $3,000 for bonding, insurance, and licensing fees.

The full timeline from apprenticeship start to journeyman license is four to five years. Adding the master electrician path takes another two to four years of work experience plus exam preparation time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a high school diploma to become an electrician in Texas?

No, Texas does not legally require a high school diploma or GED. However, most apprenticeship programs prefer one because the classroom work involves algebra, geometry, and reading comprehension. If you do not have a diploma, ask the contractor or union whether they will sponsor you anyway — some will, especially if you show strong aptitude during the interview.

Can I test for my journeyman license before finishing my apprenticeship?

No. You must complete all 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 classroom hours, and your sponsor must sign off on your training record before TDLR will let you register for the exam. You cannot substitute classroom time for work hours or vice versa.

What happens if I fail the journeyman exam?

You can retake it after waiting 30 days. There is no limit on attempts. Most people who fail study harder the second time and pass. Your apprenticeship sponsor may offer free or low-cost review classes to help you prepare for a retake.

Can I move to another state with my Texas journeyman license?

Not automatically. Every state has its own licensing rules and exams. Some states recognize Texas licenses and allow reciprocity, but others require you to retake their exam or complete additional training. Check with the licensing board in the state where you want to work before you move.

How much do electricians earn in Texas?

Journeyman wages vary by region, employer, and whether you work union or non-union. Non-union journeymen typically earn $25 to $35 per hour; union journeymen earn $40 to $55 per hour. Master electricians and contractors often earn significantly more, especially if they run their own business.