Journey Electrician
University of Houston System
You will be taken to the employer's application page. Listing expires September 5, 2026.
Job Description
Department
Facilities Operation and Maint
Salary
Commensurate with Experience/Education
Description
Under general supervision, maintains electrical service to university owned buildings. Maintains branch circuits for convenience outlets, lighting, motors and controllers. Maintains emergency power circuits. Pursuant to the State of Texas Executive Order No. GA-48, this position researches, works on, or has access to critical infrastructure and requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the University infrastructure. This position requires personnel be routinely reviewed to determine whether or not criminal history or continuous connections for the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the employee from being able to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.
Responsibilities
- Inspects and repairs electrical service within buildings, including electrical distribution, branch circuits, associated breakers and distribution panels.
- Inspects and repairs emergency power circuits within buildings, to include distribution and branch circuits.
- Repairs/replaces damaged or faulty electrical devices in electrical distribution throughout buildings, i.e., breakers, wiring, controllers, convenience outlets, light fixtures, lights, etc.
- Completes work orders, emergency tickets and preventative maintenance assignments.
- Works with outside electrical supplier (HL&P) to ensure that all power lines are free of obstacles; works with suppliers and outside contractors in restoring overhead power to buildings.
- Serves on special task force during periods of emergency, such as floods, storms, hurricanes, etc.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED Required
- Requires State of Texas Journeyman Electrical license.
- Valid Texas Driver's License Required
- Requires a basic knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation and simple mathematical functions like percentages, ratios, etc. as might normally be acquired through attainment of a high school diploma or GED.
- Requires a minimum of one (1) year of directly job-related experience.
- Education verification will be conducted upon acceptance of an employment offer.
- Requires technical certification or licensing directly related to the job, as specified on a job description addendum.
- All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check.
The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.
What Most Electricians Job Listings Don't Tell You
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
Electrical work in Texas is licensed by the state. You begin as a registered apprentice, accumulate thousands of paid hours under a licensed electrician, and pass an exam to reach journeyman, then master. A posting that says electrician may want a specific tier, so check which license the role expects. Pay is hourly and climbs sharply with each license step. Service and low-voltage specialties sometimes add performance pay on top.
The work splits into residential, commercial, and industrial, and each feels different. Residential service means troubleshooting panels, outlets, and fixtures in occupied homes. Commercial and new construction lean on conduit bending, blueprint reading, and rough-in on a schedule. Safety is constant. You lock out circuits, test before you touch, and follow code to the letter because inspectors check the work. Demand in the Houston metro stays strong with new building, solar tie-ins, and EV charger installs, so skilled hands rarely sit idle.
What to Expect Day-to-Day
General overview for this role type; specifics vary by employer.
Most days open with a job packet or a service route. You review the scope, pull materials, and set up a safe work area. Service electricians spend the day diagnosing dead circuits, replacing breakers, adding outlets, and correcting wiring that failed an inspection. You test voltage, trace faults, and confirm every connection is tight and grounded.
On new construction the rhythm is different. You bend and run conduit, pull wire, mount boxes, and set panels to the plan. Rough-in has to pass inspection before walls close, so accuracy and code knowledge matter more than speed. You coordinate with other trades sharing the site and keep your runs clean. Documentation closes out the day. You mark panels, note circuits, and record what was installed. The job mixes physical work, careful measurement, and steady problem solving, and a single miss can mean a failed inspection or a callback.
What Electricians Jobs Pay in Houston
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area (Electricians).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area. Median is about $28.45/hr.
Becoming a Licensed Electrician in Texas
Electrical work is licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. You start as a registered apprentice and log thousands of paid hours under a licensed electrician. With enough documented hours you test for journeyman, and after more experience you sit for the master electrician exam. A master can hold or serve as the responsible party for a contractor license. Specialties like low-voltage and sign electrician have their own licenses. Every step ties to hours and a passing exam, so track your time from day one.
Career Ladder and Pay
- 1 Apprentice Electrician $47,237/yr
Register with the state and log paid hours under a licensed electrician.
- 2 Journeyman Electrician $59,176/yr
Pass the exam and wire installs and service with limited supervision.
- 3 Master Electrician $73,715/yr
Top tier. Design systems, pull permits, and oversee journeymen.
- 4 Estimator / Foreman $73,715/yr
Bid projects and lead crews on commercial and industrial jobs.
- 5 Electrical Contractor $84,469/yr
Hold the contractor license and run your own electrical business.
Licensing paths and timelines are general guidance for this trade in Texas. Confirm current requirements with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation or the relevant state agency.
More Electricians Jobs Near Houston
Your Job Search Toolkit
Free tools, prefilled for electricians roles.
Was this job page helpful?
Looking to hire instead?
Find verified Electricians businesses in Houston →