Electrician in Round Rock, TX

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Electricians considering Round Rock, TX.

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The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Round Rock isn't just a suburb—it's a self-contained economic hub. For electricians, this means a strong, steady demand for both residential and commercial work, fueled by a growing population and the tech corridor. Let's look at the numbers.

The median salary for an electrician in Round Rock is $61,106/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.38/hour. This is right in line with the national average of $61,550/year, indicating a healthy local market that pays competitively. With an estimated 395 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 11%, the outlook is stable and promising, especially as the Austin metro continues to expand.

Your actual earnings will vary significantly based on your experience and specialization. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Round Rock)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$58,000 - $72,000
Senior	8-15 years	$70,000 - $90,000+
Expert/Foreman	15+ years / Specialized	$85,000 - $110,000+

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-level to senior often comes with a license and the ability to pull permits and run a crew. The most significant pay bumps come from specializing in high-demand areas like data center work, commercial automation, or solar installation.

How Round Rock Compares to Other Texas Cities:

• Austin (Metro): Salaries are typically 5-10% higher due to a denser concentration of high-end commercial and tech projects, but the cost of living is also significantly steeper.
• San Antonio: Salaries are often slightly lower (around 3-5%), but the cost of living is more comparable to Round Rock. The job market is more focused on military, healthcare, and traditional industrial work.
• Dallas/Fort Worth: Similar median salaries to Round Rock, but the DFW metroplex is massive, offering more variety in industrial and large-scale commercial projects. Commutes can be brutal.

In short, Round Rock offers a "Goldilocks" scenario: competitive pay without the extreme cost pressures of Austin proper.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. A median salary of $61,106/year sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Round Rock?

Assuming a single filer with no dependents, your estimated take-home pay after federal and state taxes (Texas has no state income tax) would be approximately $4,350/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Electrician Earning the Median Salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,350	After taxes (federal, FICA)
Rent (1BR Apartment)	-$1,635	City-wide average
Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas)	-$200	Higher in summer due to A/C
Groceries	-$400
Car Payment & Insurance	-$500	Essential; public transit is limited
Fuel / Maintenance	-$150
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	-$300	Varies widely
Misc. / Savings / Retirement	$1,165
Disposable Income	~$765	After all essentials

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Round Rock is currently around $425,000. For a single earner making $61,106, that's a stretch. Lenders typically recommend your housing payment not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. On a $425k home with a 6.5% interest rate and 10% down, your monthly mortgage (PITI) would be around $2,800. That's 55% of your gross monthly income—well above the recommended limit.

Insider Tip: Homeownership is more realistic with a dual-income household or after several years of experience pushing your salary into the $80,000+ range. Many electricians buy homes in the slightly more affordable suburbs like Taylor or Georgetown, or in older, established neighborhoods in Round Rock like "Old Town."

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

Round Rock's economy is anchored by a mix of tech giants, healthcare, and a robust network of trade contractors. Here are the key employers you should have on your radar:

1. Dell Technologies (World Headquarters): A massive employer for commercial electricians. They have constant projects for data center maintenance, facility upgrades, and security system installations. They often hire in-house electricians and work with large electrical contractors on contract.
2. Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD): The school district is one of the largest in the area. They have a full-time facilities and maintenance team that includes electricians for school upkeep, new construction projects, and energy management systems.
3. St. David's Round Rock Medical Center: A major hospital that requires specialized, licensed electricians for critical systems (backup generators, life safety systems, medical gas monitoring). Work is often performed by contractors during renovations or by in-house maintenance staff.
4. Samsung Austin Semiconductor: While the main fab is in Austin, the entire supply chain and support network extends to Round Rock. These facilities require electricians with cleanroom experience, high-voltage knowledge, and a deep understanding of industrial automation. Pay premiums are significant here.
5. Local Electrical Contractors: The backbone of the job market. Companies like Lonestar Electric, Mister Sparky, and Homedale Electric (all with a strong presence in the area) are consistently hiring for residential service, new construction, and commercial projects. This is where most electricians start and grow.
6. City of Round Rock (Public Works): The city itself is a steady employer for utility and infrastructure work—street lighting, traffic signals, water/waste treatment facilities. These are stable, long-term government jobs with great benefits.
7. Seton Williamson (Hospital): Another major healthcare provider in the region, with facilities in Round Rock and Georgetown. Similar to St. David's, they have a consistent need for licensed electricians for facility management.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing demand for electricians who can work with smart home systems, EV charger installations, and energy-efficient lighting (LEDs). The commercial sector is booming with warehouse and light manufacturing builds, requiring electricians skilled in conduit bending and industrial wiring.

Getting Licensed in Texas

Texas has a straightforward but strict licensing process managed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). You cannot legally perform electrical work for hire without a license.

Requirements:

1. Experience: You need a minimum of 8,000 hours (roughly 4 years) of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician.
2. Training: Complete a 60-hour Texas-approved electrical safety course.
3. Exam: Pass the Texas electrician licensing exam (for Journeyman or Master Electrician).

Timeline & Costs:

• Apprenticeship (4 years): You'll earn while you learn. Apprenticeship programs (through IBEW Local 520 in Austin or non-union programs) are the most structured path.
• Journeyman License: After 4 years, you apply for the exam. The application fee is $135, and the exam fee is $88. Total to get licensed: ~$223.
• Master Electrician License: Requires 2 years as a Journeyman plus additional experience. This allows you to pull permits and start your own business.

Insider Tip: Start by contacting the IBEW Local 520 apprenticeship office in Austin (serves Round Rock). Their program is highly respected, offers structured training, and leads to a Journeyman license. It's a direct pipeline to good-paying jobs in the region.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live affects your commute and your quality of life. Round Rock is diverse, with neighborhoods catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent
Old Town	Historic charm, walkable to downtown RR restaurants and events. Close to major employers. Commute to Austin is moderate via I-35.	$1,500 - $1,700
Teravista / Round Rock West	Newer, master-planned communities with pools and parks. Family-friendly. Commutes can be longer due to traffic on I-35 or Mays St.	$1,650 - $1,850
Brushy Creek	Established area with mature trees and larger lots. Close to the Brushy Creek trail system. Good mix of single-family homes and some apartments.	$1,550 - $1,750
Chandler Creek	Very central, near the major shopping centers (IKEA, Target). Excellent highway access (I-35, SH 45). Mostly newer apartments and townhomes.	$1,600 - $1,800
The Fields / Acess	Modern apartment complexes with amenities. Popular with younger professionals. Slightly off the main drag, but very close to major employers like Dell.	$1,700 - $1,950

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-35 is notoriously bad. If you work in North Austin or at Dell, living in the northern part of Round Rock (like The Fields or Brushy Creek) can cut your commute significantly. Consider living where you can easily access SH 45 or FM 620 to bypass the worst of the interstate.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career isn't just about the next job; it's about building long-term value. Here’s the path from wire-puller to high-earner.

Specialty Premiums (Pay Bumps):

• Data Center / Industrial: +15-25% above base pay. Requires specific training in high-voltage, cooling systems, and redundancy.
• Solar / Renewable Energy: +10-20%. The Texas solar market is booming, especially for commercial installations.
• Low-Voltage / Security / Automation: +10-15%. The demand for integrated smart systems in homes and offices is growing fast.
• Estimating / Project Management: Shift to a salaried role, often with bonuses. Requires strong organizational and computer skills.

Advancement Paths:

1. Apprentice -> Journeyman Electrician (Licensed)
2. Journeyman -> Foreman / Crew Lead (Management skills)
3. Journeyman -> Specialist (Data centers, solar, etc.)
4. Foreman -> Project Manager / Estimator
5. Master Electrician -> Business Owner (Start your own contracting firm)

10-Year Outlook:
The 11% job growth is a solid indicator. Round Rock will continue to grow, meaning more homes, more commercial buildings, and more infrastructure. The push for green energy and smart technology will create new niches. The electricians who will thrive are those who adapt—learning EV charger installation, home automation, and energy management systems. The base of residential and commercial electrical work will remain strong, but the specialties will pay the most.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Round Rock offers a compelling balance for electricians. You get competitive pay, a lower cost of living than Austin, and a stable, growing job market without the overwhelming pace of a major downtown core.

Pros and Cons:

Pros	Cons
Competitive Salaries near the national average.	Traffic on I-35 can be a major daily frustration.
Lower Cost of Living than Austin (97.6 index).	Car-Dependent; limited public transit options.
Strong, Diverse Job Market (tech, healthcare, residential).	Rapid Growth is leading to some overcrowding and strain on infrastructure.
No State Income Tax, increasing your take-home pay.	Home Prices are rising, making ownership challenging on a single median income.
Family-Friendly with good schools and community amenities.	Summers are Extremely Hot, which can make exterior work grueling.

Final Recommendation:
Round Rock is an excellent choice for electricians at mid-to-senior levels, especially those with a Journeyman license or a specialization. It's ideal for professionals looking for a stable career in a growing city without the extreme financial pressure of Austin. It's also a great place to start a family.

For entry-level electricians, it's a solid place to begin an apprenticeship, but be prepared for a lower starting wage and a focus on building your 8,000 hours. If you're a single professional looking for a vibrant nightlife, you may find Round Rock's dining and entertainment scene a bit limited compared to Austin proper.

FAQs

1. Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Texas?
Yes. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) requires a license for all electrical work for hire. You'll need to log 8,000 hours of apprenticeship under a licensed electrician before you can take the Journeyman exam.

2. How is the job market for residential electricians in Round Rock?
Very strong. The city's growth means constant new home construction and renovation projects. Mix in the existing housing stock needing repairs and upgrades, and there's steady work. Joining a local contractor or starting your own service business is a viable path.

3. What's the commute like from Round Rock to Austin?
It can be challenging. The commute into Austin proper (especially downtown) via I-35 can take 30-60 minutes each way, depending on traffic. Many residents work in North Austin or the Round Rock area itself to avoid the worst of the traffic. Many employers like Dell are located right in Round Rock, minimizing commutes.

4. How do I find an apprenticeship in the Round Rock area?
The best place to start is the IBEW Local 520 in Austin, which covers the Round Rock area. Their apprenticeship program is highly competitive and well-regarded. Also, check with local non-union contractors, trade schools (like Austin Community College), and the Texas Workforce Commission for registered apprenticeship programs.

5. Is the cost of living really lower than in Austin?
Yes, significantly. While both are in the expensive Austin metro, Round Rock's cost of living index is 97.6 (slightly below the US average of 100), whereas Austin's is well over 115. The difference is most apparent in housing costs, where Round Rock offers more affordable rent and home prices.

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Sources: Salary data and job growth figures provided by user. Cost of living and rent data based on current market reports from Zillow, RentCafe, and BestPlaces.net. Licensing information from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Employer details are based on local economic knowledge and public data.