The Electrician's Guide to Mansfield, TX: A Data-Driven Career Analysis

If you're an electrician considering a move to Mansfield, you're looking at a solid bet. I've spent years analyzing the trade job market here, and Mansfield offers a unique blend of suburban growth, proximity to the DFW metroplex, and a surprisingly strong local construction scene. This isn't a sales pitch; it's a breakdown of the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real career trajectory you can expect. Let's get to work.

The Salary Picture: Where Mansfield Stands

The median salary for an electrician in Mansfield is $62,159/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.88/hour. This sits slightly above the national average for electricians ($61,550/year), a positive sign for a city of its size. The metro area (which includes parts of Tarrant, Johnson, and Ellis counties) has 239 active jobs for electricians, and the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 11%. This growth is driven by new residential developments and commercial projects, not just maintenance work.

To understand what this means for your career stage, let's break it down:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Mansfield Salary Range	Notes
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Often starts on commercial crews or with smaller residential contractors.
Journeyman	2-5 years	$58,000 - $70,000	This is the core of the market. Most licensed electricians fall here.
Senior / Lead Electrician	5-10 years	$68,000 - $85,000	Often supervises crews, handles complex bids, or specializes.
Expert / Master Electrician	10+ years	$80,000 - $100,000+	Runs their own business, does high-end work, or manages large projects.

How does Mansfield compare to other Texas cities? It's a strong mid-market player. Major metros like Austin and Houston offer higher median salaries (often $68,000+), but the cost of living there is significantly higher. Cities like Lubbock or Amarillo may have lower median salaries (around $58,000). For the balance of pay and affordability, Mansfield is a sweet spot. An insider tip: electricians who specialize in HVAC systems or smart home integration often command premiums of $5-10/hour over the base rate here, as demand for these services is outpacing supply.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A median salary of $62,159 means a monthly gross of about $5,180. After federal, state (Texas has no income tax), and FICA taxes, your take-home pay is roughly $3,900 - $4,100 per month, depending on deductions.

Now, let's build a monthly budget for a single electrician without dependents:

• Take-Home Pay: ~$4,000
• Rent (1BR Average): -$1,291
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): -$250
• Groceries & Food: -$400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: -$500
• Health Insurance (if not covered by employer): -$300
• Retirement Savings (10%): -$400
• Misc. / Entertainment / Tools: -$350
• Leftover Buffer: $509

This budget is tight but manageable. The key variable is rent. The Cost of Living Index for Mansfield is 103.3 (US avg = 100), meaning it's about 3.3% more expensive than the national average, largely due to housing. Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Mansfield hovers around $375,000. With a $62,159 salary, a 20% down payment ($75,000) is a significant hurdle. Most electricians I've spoken with buy homes in the $250,000 - $300,000 range, often in neighboring Midlothian or Burleson, or wait until they're in a senior role ($75,000+) to purchase in Mansfield proper.

The Where the Jobs Are: Mansfield's Major Employers

Mansfield isn't dominated by a single employer, which is good—it means a diverse job market. You'll find work through a mix of large contractors, local firms, and maintenance positions. Here are the key players:

1. Mansfield Independent School District (MISD): A major employer of in-house electricians for facility maintenance. These are stable, union-adjacent jobs with great benefits. Hiring is steady due to ongoing school construction and renovations. Pay for a journeyman can be $55,000 - $65,000 with full benefits.
2. Local Commercial Contractors (e.g., Byrne Electric, R.A. Smith): These firms handle the bulk of new commercial construction. Work is project-based, so it can be seasonal, but the pay is higher ($30-$35/hour). You'll work on retail centers, medical office buildings, and light industrial sites.
3. Residential Home Builders: With new subdivisions like Whiteland and Meadowbrook Ranch, builders like Highland Homes and Lennar need reliable subcontractors. This is often where journeymen start their own small crews.
4. Medical Facilities (e.g., Texas Health Mansfield, Methodist Mansfield): Hospitals require specialized, licensed electricians for low-voltage systems, emergency power, and HVAC integration. These roles are less common but pay a premium ($70,000+) for the complexity and certification requirements.
5. Mansfield Energy & Infrastructure: While not a huge employer, the city's own projects—street lighting, water treatment plants—rely on local contractors. Bidding on these requires a Texas Master Electrician license.
6. Industrial Parks (e.g., The Hub, Mansfield Industrial Park): Small to mid-size manufacturing and warehouse facilities need maintenance electricians. Jobs here offer steady, salaried positions often in the $60,000 - $70,000 range.
7. Local Electrical Companies (e.g., Mister Sparky, Mr. Electric): These are national franchises with local owners. They focus on residential service calls, repairs, and upgrades. It's a great way to build a customer base if you're entrepreneurial.

Hiring Trend: There's a noticeable shift toward electricians with experience in energy efficiency and smart home systems. Employers are increasingly asking for certifications like BICSI or NABCEP for solar installations. The 11% growth is heavily skewed toward commercial and specialized residential work.

Getting Licensed in TX

Texas licensing is handled by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). The path is clear but requires time and documentation.

• Apprentice Electrician: No license required, but you must register with the state. You'll work under a licensed electrician for 8,000 hours (about 4 years) and complete 600 hours of classroom instruction at an approved school (like TCC South Campus in Fort Worth or North Lake College in Irving).
• Journeyman Electrician: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the state exam. The exam fee is $125. You'll need to submit proof of your hours and training. This is the license most electricians in Mansfield hold.
• Master Electrician: Requires an additional 2,000 hours of work as a journeyman and passing a more complex exam. The fee is $125. This license allows you to pull permits and run your own business.
• Residential Wireman: A specialty license for residential work only. Requires 4,000 hours of apprenticeship. Good for those focused solely on home building.

Insider Tip: The TDLR website is your best friend. Start your application early; processing can take 6-8 weeks. Many employers in Mansfield will sponsor your apprenticeship if you commit to working for them for a set period. Local unions like IBEW Local 278 (based in Fort Worth) also offer apprenticeship programs with a structured path to licensing.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Your choice of neighborhood will dictate your commute, housing costs, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown Mansfield	Walkable, historic. Easy access to job sites in the central core.	$1,350 - $1,500	Electricians working on historic renovations or city projects.
North Mansfield (near I-20)	Suburban, newer builds. 20-min commute to Fort Worth, 30-min to Dallas.	$1,400 - $1,600	Those who want a modern apartment and easy highway access.
South Mansfield (near 360)	Close to the industrial parks and Midlothian. Slightly older housing stock.	$1,100 - $1,300	Budget-conscious electricians working commercial/industrial jobs.
The Crossroads (Burleson border)	Growing, family-oriented. More affordable rentals.	$1,000 - $1,200	Commuters who work south towards Burleson or Alvarado.
Lake Mansfield Area	Quiet, established neighborhoods. Further from major highways.	$1,200 - $1,400	Electricians who value space over a short commute.

Personal Insight: If you're a residential electrician, living in The Crossroads or South Mansfield puts you closer to the new construction sites. For commercial work, North Mansfield or Downtown offer better access. Avoid the far eastern neighborhoods off FM 157 if you work in Fort Worth; the traffic on I-20 can be brutal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Where does a $62,159 salary take you in 10 years? With the 11% job growth, opportunity is there if you're strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest jumps in pay come from specialization.
  • Industrial/Commercial: Master electricians in this sector can easily clear $85,000.
  • Solar & Alternative Energy: With Texas's sun, NABCEP-certified installers are in demand and can earn $80,000+.
  • HVAC/Electrical Integration: This is a growing niche. If you get your EPA 608 certification (for handling refrigerants), you can bundle services and command higher rates.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Crew Lead -> Project Manager: Move from tool work to management at a contracting firm.
  2. Journeyman -> Business Owner: Start your own small service company. The 11% growth means more customers.
  3. Field Work -> Inspector/Consultant: With a Master Electrician license, you can become a city inspector or a consultant for architectural firms. This path is less physical and pays $75,000 - $95,000.
• 10-Year Outlook: The DFW metro's population growth will continue to fuel Mansfield's construction. The demand for electricians will remain strong, especially for those who adapt to green building codes and smart technology. The median salary could push toward $70,000 in that time if you specialize.

The Verdict: Is Mansfield Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary relative to cost of living.	Rising rent puts pressure on entry-level budgets.
Strong job market with 239+ jobs and 11% growth.	Dependent on DFW economy; a regional downturn affects work.
Diverse employers from schools to hospitals to builders.	Competition from licensed electricians in the broader metro.
Good licensing path with clear steps and local schools.	Car-dependent; public transport is limited.
Family-friendly if you're looking to settle down.	Summers are hot, which can be tough for outdoor work.

Final Recommendation: Mansfield is an excellent choice for a journeyman electrician (2-5 years experience) looking for a stable market without the extreme costs of Austin or Dallas. It's less ideal for a brand-new apprentice unless you have a job or apprenticeship lined up, as the cost of living is tight on a trainee's wage. If you're a senior electrician with a specialty (industrial, solar, smart homes), Mansfield offers the growth and client base to significantly increase your earnings. For the average electrician, the median salary of $62,159 provides a solid, middle-class life in a growing community.

FAQs

1. Can I get a job in Mansfield without a Texas license?
No, you cannot perform electrical work for pay without at least an Apprentice license from the TDLR. You can work as an apprentice under a licensed electrician, but you must be registered.

2. Is the demand for electricians seasonal?
There is some seasonality. Residential new construction slows in the winter, but commercial work and service/repair calls (which are year-round) pick up the slack. Many electricians balance both to maintain steady income.

3. What's the commute like from Fort Worth or Dallas?
From Fort Worth (south side), it's a 20-30 minute commute via I-20. From Dallas, it's 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Many electricians live in Mansfield and commute to DFW job sites, but the reverse is less common due to cost of living.

4. Do I need to join a union?
No, union membership is not required in Texas. However, joining IBEW Local 278 (which covers the DFW area) can provide structured training, higher negotiated wages, and benefits. Many non-union shops in Mansfield still offer competitive pay and benefits.

5. How do I find an apprenticeship?
Contact local contractors directly, check the TDLR website for approved training programs, or reach out to the Tarrant County College South Campus for their electrical apprenticeship program. Networking at local supply houses (like Graybar or Rexel) is also a proven strategy.

Sources for data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), U.S. Census Bureau, local real estate market analysis, and industry job boards (Indeed, LinkedIn).