Certifications & licenses in Texas
Compare requirements, salaries, and career paths for 27 professional credentials in TX. Data from BLS OEWS and primary state licensing sources.
What's different about Texas
Licensing landscape in Texas
As of 2025, the Cosmetology Operator license requires 1,000 hours of instruction, a reduction from the previous 1,500-hour requirement.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
To be licensed, massage therapists must complete a 500-hour program and pay a $100 application fee as of 2026.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
For 2024 license renewals, electricians must complete 4 hours of continuing education annually, covering the NEC, state laws, and NFPA 70E safety standards.
Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
A human trafficking prevention training course approved by the HHSC is a required component of continuing education for healthcare practitioner license renewals as of September 1, 2020.
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Metro concentration of certified careers
Cost-of-living adjusted earnings in Texas
A $60K salary in Houston has roughly the purchasing power of a $64,516 salary in an average-cost U.S. metro area.
Regional comparison: Texas vs. neighbors
| State | Median annual wage | vs TX |
|---|---|---|
| TX | $38,882 | — |
| AR | $31,376 | -19.3% vs TX |
| LA | $33,022 | -15.1% vs TX |
| NM | $36,781 | -5.4% vs TX |
| OK | $38,535 | -0.9% vs TX |
| State | Required training hours | vs TX |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 500 hours | — |
| AR | 500 hours | 0 hours |
| LA | 625 hours | +125 hours |
| NM | 650 hours | +150 hours |
| OK | 500 hours | 0 hours |
Healthcare in Texas
13 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | Required | $36,390 |
| Dental Assistant | Required | $42,270 |
| EMT | Required | $37,000 |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | Required | $60,150 |
| Medical Assistant | No | $38,930 |
| Medical Coder | No | $47,230 |
| Paramedic | Required | $37,000 |
| Pharmacy Technician | Required | $43,920 |
| Phlebotomist | No | $39,770 |
| Radiology Technologist | Required | $76,800 |
| Respiratory Therapist | Required | $77,550 |
| Surgical Technologist | No | $62,640 |
| Dental Hygienist | Required | $94,490 |
Trades in Texas
8 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CDL Truck Driver | Required | $53,070 |
| Electrician | Required | $56,920 |
| HVAC Technician | Required | $54,050 |
| Plumber | Required | $58,560 |
| Welder | No | $49,830 |
| Barber | Required | $36,400 |
| Cosmetologist | Required | $28,370 |
| Massage Therapist | Required | $56,540 |
Professional in Texas
6 paths| Career | License | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| CPA (Certified Public Accountant) | Required | $80,000 |
| Notary Public | Required | — |
| Paralegal | No | $59,700 |
| Personal Trainer | No | $39,980 |
| Insurance Agent | Required | $47,530 |
| Real Estate Agent | Required | $50,150 |