Thinking about a career that blends hands-on problem-solving with steady demand? You’re not alone—many Texans wonder: can you be both a plumber and electrician in Texas? With rising home construction, aging infrastructure, and increasing demand for skilled labor, the idea of mastering two high-value trades is more appealing than ever. But is it legally allowed? Practical? And what does it really take? Let’s break it down clearly and confidently.
Is It Legal to Work as Both a Plumber and Electrician in Texas?
Yes—you absolutely can be both a plumber and electrician in Texas, but not simultaneously under a single license. Texas treats plumbing and electrical work as separate licensed professions, each governed by its own state board with distinct education, experience, and exam requirements.
- Plumbing is regulated by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners (TSBPE).
- Electrical work falls under the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR).
This means you’ll need two separate licenses to legally perform both types of work for pay. However, nothing stops you from holding both—many contractors do.
💡 Fun fact: In 2023, over 18% of licensed contractors in Texas held certifications in more than one trade, according to TDLR workforce data.
What Are the Licensing Requirements for Each Trade?
Plumbing License in Texas
- Apprenticeship: Complete 4,000 hours (approx. 2–4 years) of supervised work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber.
- Journeyman Exam: Pass the Texas journeyman plumber exam (covers code, safety, installation).
- Master Plumber: After 4,000 additional hours as a journeyman, you can pursue a master license—required to own a plumbing business.
Electrical License in Texas
- Apprenticeship: 8,000 hours (about 4–5 years) under a licensed master electrician.
- Journeyman Electrician Exam: Covers the National Electrical Code (NEC), local regulations, and practical knowledge.
- Master Electrician: Requires 4,000+ hours as a journeyman plus passing a master-level exam.
⚠️ Important: Texas does not require a state license for residential electrical work under certain conditions, but most cities (like Austin, Dallas, Houston) do require local certification. Always check municipal rules.
For authoritative background on licensing systems, see the Wikipedia entry on vocational licensing in the U.S..
Pros and Cons of Holding Dual Licenses
| Advantages | Challenges |
|---|---|
| Higher income potential – Charge for two skill sets on one job site. | Double the training time – Could take 7–10 years to become fully credentialed in both. |
| More job opportunities – Work for general contractors, start your own business, or handle full home renovations. | Ongoing renewal & fees – Both licenses require continuing education and renewal (every 1–2 years). |
| Client trust – Homeowners love “one-stop” solutions for repairs. | Mental load – Switching between electrical schematics and pipe layouts requires sharp focus to avoid mistakes. |
| Resilience during market shifts – If construction slows, you can pivot to service calls in either trade. | Insurance & liability – Carrying coverage for both trades increases costs and complexity. |
Real-World Example: Meet Carlos from San Antonio
Carlos started as an electrician’s apprentice at 19. By 27, he was a licensed master electrician. But during renovation projects, he kept seeing plumbing issues that delayed electrical rough-ins. “I got tired of waiting for plumbers,” he says. So he enrolled in night classes at a technical college and began plumbing apprenticeship hours on weekends.
“It took me three extra years, but now I run ‘DualTrade Solutions’—I handle both systems in new builds. My clients save time, and I make 40% more per job.”
His story isn’t unique. Across Texas, multi-trade contractors are growing fastest in fast-growing metro areas like Fort Worth, McAllen, and The Woodlands.
Step-by-Step: How to Become Licensed in Both Trades
Follow this roadmap if you’re serious about dual certification:
- Choose your starting trade
Pick based on interest, local demand, or which apprenticeship you can secure first. (Tip: Electrical apprenticeships often pay slightly more early on.) - Secure an apprenticeship
Apply through unions (like IBEW for electricians) or private companies. Many programs accept applicants with a high school diploma or GED. - Document every work hour
Texas requires verified logs. Use TDLR/TSBPE-approved forms or digital tracking tools. - Study for exams
Use official prep materials:- Plumbing: IPC (International Plumbing Code) + Texas amendments
- Electrical: NEC 2023 + local codes
- Get your first license (e.g., Journeyman Electrician)
Apply through TDLR: fee ≈ $50–$100 + exam fee. - Begin cross-training
While working as an electrician, start plumbing hours (or vice versa). Many employers support this if you commit long-term. - Obtain your second license
Repeat the process with the other board (TSBPE or TDLR). - Stay compliant
Renew both licenses on time (every 12–24 months) and complete required CEUs (e.g., 4–8 hours per license).
✅ Pro tip: Consider getting your general contractor license after both—this lets you manage entire projects legally in Texas.
Common Myths Debunked
- ❌ “Texas lets you do both jobs with one license.”
False. Separate licenses are mandatory for paid work. - ❌ “You need a college degree.”
No. Both trades require apprenticeships, not degrees (though associate programs can accelerate training). - ❌ “It’s too late to start at age 30+.”
Wrong. The average age of new master electricians in Texas is 34, per 2024 TDLR data.
FAQ Section
Q1: Do I need separate insurance for plumbing and electrical work?
Yes. General liability insurance must list both trade classifications. Errors in one trade (e.g., a wiring mistake) aren’t covered under a plumbing-only policy.
Q2: Can I do both jobs on the same house without two licenses?
Only if you’re not charging for one of them. But legally, any compensated work requires the proper license. Unlicensed work can result in fines up to $5,000 per violation.
Q3: Are there schools in Texas that teach both trades?
Yes! Schools like Austin Trade School, Dallas College, and TSTC (Texas State Technical College) offer dual-track programs. Some even integrate apprenticeship placement.
Q4: How much can I earn as a dual-trade professional?
- Journeyman plumber: $60,000–$75,000/year
- Journeyman electrician: $65,000–$80,000/year
- Dual-trade contractor (self-employed): $90,000–$130,000+, depending on volume and location.
Q5: Can I work in another state with my Texas licenses?
Not automatically. Most states require reciprocity agreements, and Texas has limited ones. You’ll likely need to retest or complete additional hours.
Q6: What if I only want to do basic DIY plumbing and electrical at home?
Homeowners in Texas can perform their own electrical and plumbing work on their primary residence—no license needed. But you cannot rent, sell, or advertise those services without proper credentials.
Conclusion
So—can you be both a plumber and electrician in Texas? Absolutely. While it demands time, dedication, and careful planning, the payoff is real: greater income, job security, and professional flexibility in a state hungry for skilled tradespeople.
If you’re up for the challenge, start with one trade, get licensed, and gradually build toward dual certification. Thousands have done it—and you can too.
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Building Texas—one pipe and wire at a time.
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