Electrician in Dallas, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Dallas Stands

As a local who’s watched the Dallas electrician market for years, let’s get straight to what you’re here for: the money. The median salary for an electrician in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex is $62,159/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.88/hour. This gives you a solid baseline, but your actual earnings will swing based on experience, specialization, and the specific union hall or non-union shop you connect with.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Dallas area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Dallas Salary Range	National Comparison
Entry-Level (Helper/3rd Year Apprentice)	0-3 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Slightly above national average for entry.
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	3-8 years	$62,000 - $72,000	Right on the median; where the market is most active.
Senior-Level (Master Electrician/Foreman)	8-15 years	$75,000 - $92,000	Premium for leadership, design, and complex projects.
Expert (Owner, Specialist)	15+ years	$95,000+	Often depends on business success or niche expertise (data centers, health care).

Sources: Local union wage sheets (IBEW Local 379), industry salary surveys, and BLS data adjustments for the Dallas metro.

The national average for electricians is $61,550/year, so Dallas is slightly above average. However, when you factor in the state’s lack of income tax and the sheer volume of construction, the real value is in the job stability. The metro has 3,908 electrician jobs and a 10-year job growth of 11%, which is significantly higher than the national average for the trade. This isn't a boom-and-bust market; it's a sustained expansion.

Insider Tip: Dallas is a union stronghold. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 379 is a major force. Union scale for journeyman electricians is often around $35-$42/hour plus benefits, which can push total compensation well over $80,000 if you work steady hours. Non-union shops might start higher on the hourly rate but offer fewer benefits. Research both paths before deciding.

Other Texas City Comparison:

• Houston: Similar median salary but more focused on industrial and petrochemical work. Higher risk of weather disruptions.
• Austin: Median salary is slightly higher (~$64,000), but the cost of living, especially rent, is dramatically higher, making Dallas a better value proposition for a journeyman.
• San Antonio: Median salary is lower (~$58,000) with less construction density. Great for steady work, but less potential for rapid income growth.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s crunch the numbers for a mid-level journeyman earning the Dallas median of $62,159. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $5,180
• Taxes (Fed, FICA, State): ~22% effective rate (-$1,140). Texas has no state income tax, which is a major plus.
• Net Monthly Pay: $4,040
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,500 (Metro Average)
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500 (Dallas is a car-dependent city; this is a necessary expense)
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer/union): $250
• Groceries & Essentials: $500
• Retirement/Savings (10%): $400

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income	$4,040	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$1,500	Metro average; see neighborhoods below for variations
Utilities	$200	Higher in summer due to AC
Transportation	$500	Essential in Dallas
Healthcare	$250	Varies by employer
Groceries	$500
Savings/Retirement	$400	Highly recommended
Discretionary	$690	For dining, entertainment, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With a $62,159 salary, a 20% down payment on a median Dallas home (~$400,000) is $80,000—a significant hurdle. However, with strong credit and a steady union job, many electricians qualify for FHA or VA loans (3.5% down). A more realistic starter home in the suburbs might be in the $300,000 range, requiring a $10,500 down payment. The key is to have 2-3 years of stable income and work history. Given the 10-year job growth of 11%, job security is in your favor for a mortgage.

Cost of Living Context: The Dallas metro’s Cost of Living Index is 103.3 (US avg = 100). This means it’s about 3.3% more expensive than the national average, primarily driven by housing and transportation. However, with Texas’s 0% income tax and relatively lower property taxes (compared to states like California or New York), it’s more manageable than other major metros.

Where the Jobs Are: Dallas's Major Employers

The Dallas job market for electricians is diverse, spanning from massive commercial construction to specialized facility maintenance. Here are the key players:

1. IBEW Local 379 (Union Signatory Contractors): This isn't a single employer but a portal to dozens of top-tier electrical contractors. Companies like Hahn Electric, The Kemtah Group, and M.C. Dean regularly hire through the union hall. They work on major projects like the new Children's Health Dallas hospital campus and commercial towers in Uptown. Hiring is often project-based, but the network is invaluable.

2. The Beck Group: A major Dallas-based design-build firm. They handle projects from corporate offices to mixed-use developments (like the Dallas Midtown redevelopment). They hire electricians for their in-house electrical divisions, offering a blend of construction and design work.

3. Dallas Independent School District (DISD): With over 200 schools, DISD has a massive, in-house facilities team. Electricians here handle everything from new gym construction to daily maintenance. It’s a stable, salaried position with excellent benefits—a great path for those seeking work-life balance.

4. Baylor Scott & White Health: As one of the largest hospital systems in Texas, their facilities teams are critical. The Baylor University Medical Center campus in Old East Dallas requires electricians with healthcare experience (low-voltage, backup power, NFPA 70E compliance). This is a specialty with a premium.

5. AECOM / HNTB: These global engineering firms often need electricians for inspection, commissioning, and project management roles on large public works projects, like the Dallas High-Speed Rail or DART expansions. These are less about daily construction and more about oversight and quality control.

6. Data Center Contractors (e.g., Turner Construction, DPR): The Dallas area is a major data center hub (Plano, Irving, Frisco). Contractors building for Google, Meta, and others need electricians skilled in high-voltage distribution and power quality. This niche pays 20-30% above standard commercial rates.

Hiring Trends: Post-2020, there’s been a surge in EV charging station installation and building automation systems (BAS) integration. Electricians with NABCEP certification for solar or experience with BAS controls (like BACnet) are in high demand. The boom in warehouse logistics (see Dallas Fort Worth International Airport logistics corridor) also means constant work in industrial settings.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas has a straightforward, state-regulated licensing system managed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Here’s your roadmap:

1. Apprentice Electrician Registration:

• Cost: ~$50 for the application.
• Timeline: You can start working under a licensed electrician immediately after registering with TDLR. No formal education requirement to start, but a 4-year apprenticeship is standard.

2. Journeyman Electrician License:

• Requirements: 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (over ~4 years) AND 288 hours of classroom instruction (usually through an IBEW/NECA apprenticeship school or a community college program like Dallas College).
• Exam: Pass the Texas Journeyman Electrician Exam (based on the NEC 2020). Exam fee is ~$75.
• Total Cost: Apprenticeship tuition is often paid by the employer/union. Out-of-pocket costs for the exam and application are under $200.
• Timeline: 4-5 years total from apprentice to licensed journeyman.

3. Master Electrician License:

• Requirements: 4 years as a licensed journeyman AND pass the Master Electrician exam.
• Timeline: Allows you to pull permits, start your own business, and supervise others. Most electricians consider this after 8+ years in the trade.

Insider Tip: The Texas Electrical Code is based on the NEC, but local jurisdictions (like the City of Dallas or City of Fort Worth) can have amendments. Always check with the local building department for specific requirements. If you’re moving from another state, Texas has reciprocity with some states (like Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas), but you’ll need to apply and provide proof of experience.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Dallas is a sprawl, so proximity to major job sites matters.

Neighborhood	Vibe	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Key Job Hubs	Best For...
Oak Lawn / Uptown	Urban, walkable, trendy.	$2,200+	10-15 mins to Downtown, Design District.	Young journeymen who want nightlife and can afford the premium.
East Dallas (Lake Highlands, Lochwood)	Family-friendly, established.	$1,400 - $1,700	20-25 mins to most job sites. Great public school access.	Electricians with families seeking a manageable commute and community.
North Dallas (Plano, Richardson)	Suburban, corporate.	$1,450 - $1,650	15-20 mins to corporate campuses (data centers, office parks).	Specialists in corporate or tech-sector electrical work.
South Dallas (Oak Cliff, Red Bird)	Culturally rich, growing.	$1,100 - $1,300	15-20 mins to Downtown, major redevelopment zones.	Electricians seeking affordability and a vibrant local scene.
Fort Worth (West)	Independent city, lower cost.	$1,200 - $1,400	30-40 mins to Dallas job sites (toll roads).	Those who work in Fort Worth or are okay with a longer commute for lower rent.

Insider Tip: If you work on commercial projects in Downtown or the Design District, living in East Dallas or Oak Cliff offers a reverse commute (against traffic flow), saving you 30+ minutes daily. Avoid the "Northern Crescent" (Frisco, McKinney) unless you work exclusively in Collin County, as the commute to Dallas proper can be brutal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Sticking with residential service work will keep you around the median salary. To break into the $75,000 - $95,000+ range, you need to specialize.

Specialty Premiums:

• Data Center/High-Voltage Work: +20-30% over standard commercial rates. Requires additional training and certifications (e.g., BICSI).
• Healthcare (Hospital Electrical): +15-20%. Requires deep knowledge of NFPA 99 and emergency power systems.
• Automation & Controls (BAS): +10-15%. Integrating electrical with HVAC and security systems.
• Renewables (Solar/PV): +10%. NABCEP certification is golden here, especially with Texas’s growing solar incentives.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field to Office: Journeyman → Foreman → Project Manager or Estimator. This path can lead to six-figure salaries but requires strong organizational and communication skills.
2. The Entrepreneur: Master Electrician → Own Your Business. The 11% job growth and constant construction make this viable, but it demands business acumen. Many start by taking on residential side work (with proper licensing).
3. The Niche Expert: Focus on a single complex system (e.g., fire alarm, security, EVSE). Become the go-to expert in the Dallas metro. This can lead to consulting roles or high-paying specialist contractor positions.

10-Year Outlook: The Dallas metro population is 1,302,859 and growing. The push for energy-efficient buildings, EV infrastructure, and smart city tech (like Dallas’s Smart City initiatives) ensures sustained demand. Electricians who adapt to integrated systems and green tech will see the most robust career growth.

The Verdict: Is Dallas Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Job Market: 3,908 jobs and 11% growth provide stability.	High Summer Electricity Bills: AC is non-negotiable; budget $200-$300 in peak months.
No State Income Tax: Effectively boosts your take-home pay by 5-8% vs. states with income tax.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle. Public transit (DART) is limited for tradespeople.
Affordable Housing (Relative): Median rent $1,500 vs. Austin's $2,000+.	Urban Sprawl: Long commutes are common unless you choose your neighborhood wisely.
Diverse Work Sectors: From data centers to hospitals to residential.	Extreme Weather: Tornadoes and hail storms can disrupt work but also create repair demand.
Strong Union Presence (IBEW Local 379): Provides wage standards and benefits.	Summers are Brutally Hot: Field work in July/August can be grueling.

Final Recommendation: Dallas is an excellent choice for electricians at the journeyman level and above seeking growth, stability, and a good standard of living. It’s not the cheapest city in Texas, but the combination of no state income tax, a high-demand job market, and diverse work opportunities makes it a top-tier destination for the trade. If you can handle the heat and the car-centric lifestyle, the financial and career upside is significant.

FAQs

Q: I’m moving from California with a journeyman license. Can I work in Dallas immediately?
A: Texas has reciprocity with California, but you must apply for a Texas license through the TDLR. You’ll likely need to provide proof of your experience and may need to take the Texas state exam. Start the process 2-3 months before your move.

Q: Is it better to join the union (IBEW Local 379) or go non-union?
A: It depends on your priorities. Union jobs offer higher total compensation (wages + benefits), structured training, and pension plans. Non-union shops might offer more flexibility, faster hiring, and a path to running your own business. Research contractors in both sectors.

Q: What’s the demand for residential vs. commercial electricians in Dallas?
A: Commercial and industrial work is booming (data centers, hospitals, offices). Residential is steady but more competitive. For higher pay and more consistent work, focus on commercial/industrial. For a quicker start, residential service is a good entry point.

Q: How do I find a place to live with my budget?
A: Use the neighborhood guide above. Focus on East Dallas or South Dallas for the best balance of rent ($1,300-$1,700) and commute. Sites like Zillow and Apartments.com are standard, but also check local Facebook groups for private landlords.

Q: What’s the biggest surprise for electricians moving to Dallas?
A: The scale of everything. The sprawl means you can drive for 45 minutes and still be in the Dallas metro. Also, the sheer number of new construction projects can be overwhelming at first. Network at the local supply houses (like Graybar or City Electric Supply) to get insider tips on who’s hiring.