Anyone thinking of moving to Texas to start anew, or who just want to take up a trade in the state, would do well to do their research ahead of time. That way, you’re in a better position to make sure you can make the best decision for you.
As part of this, you’ll want to look into the average electrician salary in Texas. While this should be a clear cut question and answer, there’s more to it than many people would realize.
It’s worth getting into what you’ll need to know when you’re thinking about being a Texas-based electrician.
What’s the Average Electrician Salary in Texas?
Electrician’s salaries in Texas can vary quite a bit and are influenced by more than a few factors. But, the statewide average electrician salary is around $49,000 a year. This doesn’t mean anybody can just move to Texas, pick up the trade, and start earning that.
There’s a lot more to it than that, and it’s worth getting a little deeper into it so you know what to expect.
Entry-Level & Low-End Salaries
When you’re starting off as an electrician in Texas, you’ll usually start off at the low end of the payscale. You’ll earn significantly less than journeymen and master electricians, with the average here coming in at $35,000 to $40,000. This works out to about $16 to $18 an hour.
While that seems a little low, it is higher than comparable jobs in similar industries. But, a lot of training comes with this, which more than compensates for the lack in pay. You’ll also see bumps in your salary as time goes on, as long as you’re earning more certifications.
Average & Mid-Range Salaries
Once you’ve worked as an electrician for a while and gotten specific certifications, you’ll be a journeyman electrician. This comes with a noticeable bump in pay, with the average journeyman electrician salary in Texas being between $56,000 and $70,000 per year.
This should average out at about $30 an hour, depending on various factors. Journeymen electricians take up most of the workforce, and it usually takes a few years to reach this level. But, there’s the potential to make significantly more money as time goes on.
High-End Earnings
Becoming a master electrician should always be a goal, especially considering the average pay. This comes in at over $76,000 a year, but the earning potential here is uncapped. Electricians who focus on large commercial contracts could earn much more.
Advanced certifications, being self-employed, and similar factors can all play a role in this, too. While this can seem like a great income, it can often take years to achieve. Once you’re there, however, you’ll constantly be in-demand and earning a great living.
What Could Affect Your Salary in Texas?
Your experience and certifications will be some of the most notable factors that’ll affect an electrician’s salary in Texas. But, they’re not the only ones. More than a few others could have an impact, both positively and negatively.
It’s worth knowing about these ahead of time, with some of the largest of these being:
- Location – You can earn more per hour in more metropolitan parts of Texas that you would in rural areas, with there often being a noticeable difference between pay rates.
- Specialization – You can specialize in a few areas as an electrician, and some of these will pay better than others. They’ll be more competitive, but the bump in salary could be worth it.
- Union Membership – Union electricians tend to be paid more than non-union electricians. While this mightn’t be too much of a difference per hour, it adds up throughout the year.
Each of these could have a positive impact on your salary in Texas, but they can also come with a few drawbacks. While a union membership comes with a bump in pay, for example, you’ll also need to pay membership fees.
Weigh the pros and cons of each of these before making a decision on them.
Last Words
The average electrician salary in Texas should be more than enough to get by on, and to put a bit of money away. But, you’re not going to earn that straight away. As an apprentice electrician, you’ll need to work your way up, and more than a few factors could affect your salary.
With a bit of time, and a few certifications, you should see your salary get higher and higher. You’ll end up earning quite a bit, even out-earning more than a few other people in similar positions elsewhere.
