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Houston · Electrician

Electrician schools in Houston

How to become an electrician in Houston: paid apprenticeship or trade school, the license path, and what it pays.

Free · No degree

Houston's construction market is one of the busiest in the country, and electricians are in demand for residential, commercial, and industrial work. You can go the union route (IBEW) and earn while you learn, or go to school first and then apprentice with a private contractor.

  • IBEW Local 716 runs a paid apprenticeship program in Houston.
  • Trade school takes 9 to 12 months; apprenticeship takes 4 to 5 years and pays from day one.
  • Texas licenses electricians through TDLR; you need an apprentice license before working.

In short

To become an electrician in Houston, you either join IBEW Local 716's paid apprenticeship (apply once or twice a year) or go to trade school or Houston Community College, then get an apprentice license from TDLR, work 8,000 hours, and pass the journeyman exam. Apprenticeship takes 4 to 5 years and you earn the whole time. School costs $5,000 to $20,000.

Sources checked October 8, 2026Pay and job facts from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). Training and licensing data from state regulatory agencies and program websites.

What it pays in Houston

Electrician pay in Houston varies by experience and sector.

RoleExperiencePayNotes
Apprentice1st yearAbout $28,000–$35,000IBEW or private contractor; raises every 6–12 months
JourneymanAfter 8,000 hours + examAbout $55,000–$66,000Commercial and residential
Journeyman (industrial)ExperiencedAbout $62,000–$75,000Plant and refinery work, higher pay
Master electricianAfter years + examAbout $75,000–$90,000+Can pull permits, run work, or go independent

Typical ranges based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics area data, company listings and industry sources (May 2024). Starting pay is lower.

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Where to train

Houston has both union and non-union routes into the trade.

Option 1

Union apprenticeship - IBEW Local 716

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 716 runs a 5-year apprenticeship program in Houston. You work for a signatory contractor, go to class two evenings a week, and get raises every 6 to 12 months. No tuition.

Paid from day oneNo tuitionBest benefits
Option 2

Trade school

Several private trade schools in Houston offer electrical programs in 9 to 12 months. After school, you still need on-the-job hours (8,000) to get your journeyman license.

FastWork with a contractor afterCost up front
Option 3

Houston Community College

HCC offers electrical technology certificates and associate's degrees. Cheapest option. Can transfer to TDLR for hour credit.

Lowest costDay and nightState aid works here

Questions about electrician in Houston

How do I get my apprentice license?

Apply through TDLR's online portal. The fee is small (about $20). You can get it before you start working.

Can I start school without an apprenticeship?

Yes. Go to trade school or HCC first. You still need 8,000 OJT hours after school to test for journeyman.

How often does IBEW Local 716 take applications?

Once or twice a year. Check their website and apply early.

What's the difference between residential, commercial, and industrial?

Residential pays less and is simpler. Commercial is the standard. Industrial (plants, refineries) pays the most and can involve high-voltage, instrumentation, and PLC work.

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