License Requirements in Texas
Browse all 79 trade and professional licenses in Texas (TX). 69 require a state-level license.
Last updated 2026-05-08
By the numbers: 69 of 79 trades require a state-level license from a Texas Department, Board, or licensing Authority. Renewal periods, Continuing Education Hours, and Application Fees vary by trade — see each trade page for the specifics.
| Trade | License Required | Median Salary |
|---|
| 🚨Alarm Installer |
Required |
$45,937 |
| 📏Architect |
Required |
$87,711 |
| ⚠️Asbestos Abatement Worker |
Required |
$45,185 |
| 🔨Auctioneer |
Required |
$33,680 |
| 🔗Bail Bondsman |
Required |
$39,799 |
| 💈Barber |
Required |
$34,120 |
| ♨️Boiler Operator |
Required |
$58,468 |
| 🚛CDL Driver |
Required |
$52,340 |
| 📊CPA |
Required |
$82,890 |
| 🏠Chimney Sweep |
Not Required |
$40,119 |
| ✈️Commercial Pilot |
Required |
$126,552 |
| ✂️Cosmetologist |
Required |
$32,120 |
| ⚖️Court Reporter |
Required |
$59,746 |
| 🏗️Crane Operator |
Not Required |
$56,691 |
| 💥Demolition Contractor |
Required |
$58,656 |
| 🦷Dental Hygienist |
Required |
$82,120 |
| 🚰Drinking Water Operator |
Required |
$50,214 |
| 🚑EMT / Paramedic |
Required |
$38,436 |
| ⚡Electrician |
Required |
$54,090 |
| 🛗Elevator Mechanic |
Required |
$96,274 |
| 🌍Environmental Scientist |
Required |
$74,241 |
| 🧴Esthetician |
Required |
$36,490 |
| 🧯Fire Sprinkler Fitter |
Required |
$60,028 |
| ⚱️Funeral Director |
Required |
$61,551 |
| 🏗️General Contractor |
Not Required |
$72,890 |
| 🪨Geologist |
Required |
$79,542 |
| 🪟Glazier |
Not Required |
$45,430 |
| ❄️HVAC Technician |
Required |
$49,230 |
| 👂Hearing Aid Specialist |
Required |
$55,149 |
| 🔍Home Inspector |
Required |
$58,670 |
| 🧱Insulation Worker |
Not Required |
$46,201 |
| 📋Insurance Agent |
Required |
$62,340 |
| 🗣️Interpreter |
Required |
$53,664 |
| 🗺️Land Surveyor |
Required |
$64,455 |
| 🌿Landscape Contractor |
Required |
$52,470 |
| 🛡️Lead Abatement Worker |
Required |
$43,437 |
| 💉Licensed Practical Nurse |
Required |
$56,146 |
| 🔐Locksmith |
Required |
$42,779 |
| 💆Massage Therapist |
Required |
$46,868 |
| 🦠Mold Remediation |
Required |
$43,719 |
| 🏦Mortgage Loan Originator |
Required |
$64,352 |
| 💅Nail Technician |
Required |
$31,866 |
| 📜Notary Public |
Required |
— |
| 👓Optician |
Required |
$41,595 |
| 🐛Pest Control Operator |
Required |
$38,670 |
| 🧪Pesticide Applicator |
Required |
$37,750 |
| 💊Pharmacy Technician |
Required |
$37,882 |
| 🏃Physical Therapy Assistant |
Required |
$60,235 |
| 🔩Pipefitter |
Required |
$59,370 |
| 🔧Plumber |
Required |
$53,780 |
| 📊Polygraph Examiner |
Required |
$64,032 |
| 🏊Pool Contractor |
Required |
$54,839 |
| 🕵️Private Investigator |
Required |
$55,601 |
| 📨Process Server |
Required |
$36,349 |
| ⚙️Professional Engineer |
Required |
$94,601 |
| 📡Radiologic Technologist |
Required |
$69,005 |
| ☢️Radon Mitigation |
Not Required |
$47,112 |
| 🏠Real Estate Agent |
Required |
$54,890 |
| 📐Real Estate Appraiser |
Required |
$57,659 |
| 🩺Registered Nurse |
Required |
$78,890 |
| 🫁Respiratory Therapist |
Required |
$73,282 |
| 🏘️Roofing Contractor |
Not Required |
$42,120 |
| 🚌School Bus Driver |
Required |
$38,286 |
| 🎓School Counselor |
Required |
$58,007 |
| 🛡️Security Guard |
Required |
$33,445 |
| 🚽Septic System Installer |
Required |
$45,984 |
| 🔨Sheet Metal Worker |
Not Required |
$55,384 |
| 🔎Skip Tracer |
Required |
$40,006 |
| 🤝Social Worker |
Required |
$54,877 |
| ☀️Solar Installer |
Required |
$44,809 |
| 💪Substance Abuse Counselor |
Required |
$50,487 |
| 🎨Tattoo Artist |
Not Required |
$40,213 |
| 📚Teacher |
Required |
$62,413 |
| 🚗Tow Truck Operator |
Required |
$36,114 |
| 🐾Veterinary Technician |
Required |
$41,115 |
| 🏭Wastewater Operator |
Required |
$50,214 |
| 🚰Water Treatment Operator |
Required |
$50,214 |
| 🔥Welder |
Not Required |
$48,120 |
| 💧Well Driller |
Required |
$49,293 |
Common questions about Texas licensing
Which trades require a state-level license in Texas?
69 of the 79 trades on this page require a Texas state license. The remainder are licensed at the local/county level or not at all.
Who issues professional licenses in Texas?
Most occupational licenses in Texas are issued by the relevant state Department or licensing Board listed on each individual trade page. Renewal periods are typically 1–3 years and most boards require Continuing Education Hours between renewals.
Can I transfer my license from another state to Texas?
Reciprocity varies by trade. Texas accepts some out-of-state licenses by endorsement after Experience and Exam verification — check the trade-specific page for the exact policy.
Data last verified 2026. Salary data from BLS OEWS. Always verify with the relevant Texas licensing board.