Electrician in Fort Worth, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Fort Worth Stands

As a local who's watched this city's growth from the stockyards to the tech corridor, I can tell you Fort Worth's electrician trade is stable, solid, and quietly lucrative. The data backs it up. The median salary for an electrician in Fort Worth is $62,159 per year, which breaks down to $29.88 per hour. This sits slightly above the national average for electricians, which is $61,550 per year. It's not a massive premium, but in a city with a cost of living index of 103.3 (just 3.3% above the US average of 100), that edge matters.

The job market is robust. The metro area supports 2,930 jobs for electricians, a figure that reflects both the city's booming construction sector and its sprawling base of existing infrastructure. The 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 11%, which, while not explosive, is steady and reliable—exactly what you want in a trade.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Fort Worth market. This is based on local job postings, union rate sheets, and industry chatter.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level (Apprentice)	0-2 years	$40,000 - $52,000
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	2-8 years	$55,000 - $72,000
Senior-Level (Master/Lead)	8-15 years	$70,000 - $90,000
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$85,000 - $115,000+

Insider Tip: The jump from Journeyman to Master is where you see the biggest pay increase, especially if you get into commercial or industrial work. Residential work can cap out faster unless you start your own crew.

How Fort Worth Compares to Other Texas Hubs:

• Dallas: Salaries are slightly higher ($64,000-$68,000 median), but the commute is brutal and rent is significantly more.
• Austin: Boasts the highest median salary in Texas for electricians (around $66,000), but the cost of living is punishing. You’ll feel the pinch on rent and home prices.
• Houston: Similar median pay to Fort Worth, but the job market is more volatile due to its ties to the oil and gas industry. When energy booms, electricians are in high demand; when it busts, layoffs can hit.
• San Antonio: A bit lower on the pay scale (median around $58,000), but also a lower cost of living. It's a more stable, less frenetic market.

Fort Worth hits a sweet spot: competitive pay without the extreme cost pressures of Austin or Dallas.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. With a median salary of $62,159, you’re looking at a gross monthly income of roughly $5,180. After federal taxes, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Texas state taxes (which are 0% on income, but you’ll pay property taxes if you buy), your take-home pay will be approximately $3,900 - $4,100 per month, depending on your withholdings and benefits.

The average one-bedroom apartment in Fort Worth rents for $1,384 per month. Let’s build a sample budget for a journeyman electrician living in a 1BR apartment:

Monthly Budget (Gross: ~$5,180 / Net: ~$4,000)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,384	You can find cheaper ($1,100) in suburbs like Haltom City or pricier ($1,700+) in trendier areas like Near Southside.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity (no gas in most apartments), water, and trash. Summer A/C bills can spike.
Groceries	$400	For one person. Fort Worth has great H-E-B and Trader Joe's options.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential in Fort Worth. Public transit (The T) is limited for tradespeople.
Health Insurance	$250	Varies wildly; this is an estimate for a single plan post-subsidy.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$518	Highly recommended. Don't skip this.
Fuel/Car Maintenance	$250	You'll drive a lot.
Food Out/Entertainment	$300	Fort Worth's dining scene is great but affordable.
Miscellaneous	$200	Tools, clothes, subscriptions, etc.
Total Expenses	$3,902

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Fort Worth is currently around $285,000. With a $62,159 salary, a 20% down payment ($57,000) is a significant hurdle. However, with an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$10,000), it’s possible. Your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,800 - $2,000. This is a stretch on a single median income but manageable for a dual-income household or someone moving up to a senior-level role. The 10% job growth suggests income potential will rise, making future home ownership more plausible.

Where the Jobs Are: Fort Worth's Major Employers

Fort Worth’s economy is diverse, which is great news for electricians. You’re not tied to one industry. Here are the key players:

1. Sunshine Electric: A major local electrical contractor with a heavy focus on commercial and industrial projects. They’re consistently hiring journeymen and apprentices. They do work for big local employers like Lockheed Martin and the Fort Worth ISD.
2. Frigerio Electric: Another large, family-owned contractor with a strong reputation in residential and small-to-mid-size commercial work. They have a steady stream of service calls and remodel projects.
3. The City of Fort Worth (Public Works): The city itself is a massive employer. They need electricians for streetlights, water treatment plants, and public building maintenance. These jobs offer great benefits and pension plans, but you’ll need to pass a civil service exam.
4. Texas Health Resources & Baylor Scott & White: The healthcare sector is booming. Major hospital systems like Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth and Baylor All Saints need in-house electricians for maintaining critical infrastructure, medical equipment power, and 24/7 facilities. It’s a stable, shift-based role.
5. Lockheed Martin: The aerospace giant has a massive facility in Fort Worth. Their internal maintenance crew includes electricians who specialize in high-voltage systems and manufacturing floor power. These are highly skilled, well-paying positions.
6. General Contractors (e.g., Manhattan Construction, Beck Group): These firms manage large projects (like the new Fort Worth Convention Center expansion) and often hire electrical subcontractors directly or through their own specialty divisions. Working for a GC can lead to project management roles.
7. Local Data Centers & Tech Parks: With the growth of the "Silicon Prairie," companies like Sabre and smaller data centers are built. These require electricians with experience in high-density power distribution and backup systems.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a noticeable push toward electricians with EV charger installation certification. Many local contractors are training staff to meet the demand from residential and commercial clients. Getting NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certified, even just for solar basics, can set you apart.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas does not have a statewide journeyman electrician license. Instead, it relies on local city or county licensing. Fort Worth follows the Fort Worth Electrical Code, which is closely based on the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Here’s the path to becoming a licensed electrician in Fort Worth:

1. Apprenticeship (4 Years, ~8,000 Hours):

• You must work under a licensed master electrician or approved contractor.
• You need to complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, which combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 20 offers a premier program. Non-union options exist, like the North Texas Electrical Training Center.
• Cost: Apprenticeship programs are often "earn-while-you-learn." You pay little to no tuition, but you must buy tools (expect $1,000 - $2,000 over the first two years).

2. Journeyman License (After 4 Years):

• Once you finish your apprenticeship, you can apply to take the Fort Worth Journeyman Electrician exam.
• Exam Fee: ~$150
• You must submit proof of your 8,000 hours of documented work experience.
• You must pass the exam, which is based on the NEC.

3. Master Electrician License (After 4-5 Years as a Journeyman):

• To become a Master, you need an additional 4,000 hours of work experience (12,000 total) and must pass the Master Electrician exam.
• Exam Fee: ~$200
• A Master Electrician’s license is required if you want to pull permits and run your own electrical contracting business.

Timeline & Cost Summary:

Step	Time Required	Estimated Cost (Excluding Tools)
Apprenticeship	4 Years	$0 - $500 (for books/fees)
Journeyman License	After 4 Years	~$150 (Exam) + $50 (Application)
Master License	After 4-5 more Years	~$200 (Exam) + $75 (Application)
Total (to Master)	8-9 Years	~$475 + Tools

Insider Tip: The Fort Worth Building Inspection Department is the authority. Keep detailed, notarized logs of your work hours from day one. A messy logbook can delay your licensing by months.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Fort Worth is vast, and your commute can make or break your work-life balance. Here’s a breakdown of neighborhoods that offer a good balance for tradespeople, with estimated rent for a 1BR.

1. Near Southside / Fairmount: This historic, walkable district is close to downtown and the hospital district. It’s popular with young professionals. Commute to most commercial jobs is under 15 minutes. The vibe is cozy, with great local bars and restaurants.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,900/month
   • Best For: Electricians working downtown, in hospitals, or for contractors based in the central city.

2. Westover Hills / Tanglewood: This is a more established, suburban area with larger apartments and townhomes. It’s close to the cultural district (museums, Kimball Art Museum) and offers easy access to I-30 and I-35W. It’s quieter and more family-oriented.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700/month
   • Best For: Electricians working in the western suburbs or needing quick access to the airport.

3. Haltom City / North Fort Worth: Don't overlook these suburbs just north of the city limits. They are significantly more affordable, with a strong blue-collar, community feel. You’re close to the industrial corridor (Alliance) and have easy access to downtown via I-35W. Commutes are predictable.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month
   • Best For: Electricians looking to maximize their take-home pay and who work in industrial or commercial construction in the north.

4. Arlington (South of Fort Worth): While technically a separate city, Arlington is a huge hub for electricians due to the entertainment district (AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Field) and manufacturing. Living here gives you a central point between Fort Worth and Dallas.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500/month
   • Best For: Electricians who work for entertainment venues or manufacturers and want a central, affordable location.

5. Benbrook (Southwest): A family-friendly suburb with good schools and affordable housing. It’s a bit of a haul from downtown but ideal if you work for contractors specializing in residential builds in the southwest metroplex. The traffic into the city can be heavy in the evening.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500/month
   • Best For: Electricians focused on residential work or who prefer a quieter, suburban lifestyle.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The electrician trade in Fort Worth offers clear advancement paths. The 11% job growth over the next decade isn't just about more jobs; it's about specialization and leadership.

Specialty Premiums:

• Low-Voltage/Data: +$2-5/hour. Expertise in structured cabling, fiber optics, and security systems is in high demand for office builds and data centers.
• Industrial/Motor Controls: +$5-10/hour. This is where the money is. PLCs, VFDs, and automation are complex skills that make you indispensable in manufacturing plants (like Lockheed) and water treatment facilities.
• Renewables/EV Charging: +$3-7/hour. The market is growing fast. Certifications in solar (NABCEP) and EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) installation are high-value add-ons.
• Emergency/Service: Electricians who specialize in 24/7 emergency response often earn a premium, especially if they're on-call for critical facilities like hospitals or data centers.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical Path: Apprentice → Journeyman → Master Electrician → Specialist (PLC, HV, Solar). Top-tier specialists can earn over $100,000.
2. Management Path: Journeyman → Foreman → Project Manager → Electrical Contractor (requires Master License). Owning your own business is the ultimate income multiplier but comes with significant risk and overhead.
3. Public Sector Path: City/County Electrician → Senior Facilities Tech → Maintenance Supervisor. Offers unparalleled job security and benefits.

10-Year Outlook: The fundamentals are strong. Fort Worth’s population is growing, and its infrastructure is aging. Every new building needs wiring, and every old building needs upgrades. The shift to green energy and EVs will create a new, permanent market segment. The electrician who invests in continuous learning—staying ahead of code changes and new technologies—will be in the top 10% of earners by 2033.

The Verdict: Is Fort Worth Right for You?

Fort Worth is a fantastic choice for electricians who want a balance between opportunity and affordability. It’s a city that’s grown up but hasn’t lost its character.

Pros	Cons
Competitive pay with a lower cost of living than Austin/Dallas.	Mildly hot summers (A/C is a way of life, not a luxury).
Stable, diverse job market across commercial, residential, and industrial.	Traffic can be congested on I-35W and I-30, especially during rush hour.
Strong union presence (IBEW Local 20) offering good wages and benefits.	Property taxes in Texas are high (no state income tax is offset by this).
Vibrant culture without the pretense of larger cities. Great food, music, and sports.	Limited public transit – you will need a reliable vehicle.
Clear licensing path and opportunities for entrepreneurship.	Rapid growth can lead to unpredictable construction cycles in some sectors.

Final Recommendation:
If you’re a mid-level journeyman or an apprentice nearing your license, Fort Worth is an excellent place to plant roots. The job market is healthy, the pay is solid, and you can afford a comfortable life without the financial stress of a mega-metro. It’s a city for people who appreciate hard work, good barbecue, and a community that values its tradespeople. For experts and specialists, there’s enough high-demand work to build a very lucrative career. The barrier to entry is low, but the ceiling for those who hustle and specialize is high. Pack your tool bag, get your hours logged, and be ready to work. Fort Worth is waiting.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need to join the union IBEW Local 20 to get a good job in Fort Worth?
A: No, but it helps. The union provides a structured apprenticeship, strong benefits (pension, health care), and predictable wage scales. Non-union shops are plentiful and can offer more flexibility and different kinds of work. Many electricians switch paths throughout their careers. The best advice is to talk to both union and non-union shops to see which culture fits you.

Q2: What’s the weather really like for outdoor electrical work?
A: It’s a mix. Winters are mild (rarely below freezing for long). Spring and fall are glorious. The real challenge is summer, from June through September. Highs are consistently in the 90s with high humidity. Hydration and shade breaks are not optional; they’re a safety requirement. Most commercial projects have indoor work, but residential and outdoor commercial work will test you.