Electrical license requirements in Texas
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issues electrical licenses in Texas. Here's what each license level takes, from the official rules.
Issued by
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)
Official siteRequirements checked October 21, 2026
License levels
In order, from the first license to the top one.
- 1
Journeyman Electrician
8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas master electrician, then the exam. You can apply to test at 7,000 hours.
Official source - 2
Master Electrician
A journeyman license held for at least two years and 12,000 hours of on-the-job training under a master electrician. Then the exam.
Official source - 3
Electrical Contractor
A business license. You need a master electrician of record and proof of business liability insurance. Licenses renew every year.
Official source
Rules, fees and exam schedules change. Confirm the details with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) before you apply.
Electricians in Texas
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics. See a city for local wages and contractor counts.
- Electricians employed
- 76,770
- Median hourly wage
- $28.16
Electrical market data by city
Once you're licensed
Tradesman runs the business side for electricians: estimates, scheduling, invoicing and payments in one app.
Electrical licensing in Texas: common questions
Who issues electrical licenses in Texas?
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The license levels and what each takes are listed above, with a link to the official source for each.
What does the Electrical Contractor license take in Texas?
A business license. You need a master electrician of record and proof of business liability insurance. Licenses renew every year.
What's the first electrical license in Texas?
The Journeyman Electrician. 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a Texas master electrician, then the exam. You can apply to test at 7,000 hours.
Licensed and ready for more customers?
Tradesman handles estimates, scheduling and invoicing so you can spend your time on the work. Now in early access.