Electricians in San Antonio

San Antonio quotes can be tested against HomeGuide's national figures (February 2026), which put a service call at $100 to $200, covering the first hour, and hourly rates at $50 to $130. Small jobs average $150 to $600; large projects run $2,000 to $10,000 or more. Swapping in a 200-amp panel costs $1,400 to $2,800 with labor.

If a panel upgrade is part of a bigger job, such as an AC replacement, pool equipment or a remodel, get the panel priced as its own line so you can compare quotes, and ask whether the price includes the permit fee, since the city may charge one even though it can't charge the electrician a registration fee. If a quote looks high, get a second electrician's written scope to compare. Our electricians hub has the Texas-wide cost guide and full checklist.

TDLR electrical licenses in San Antonio

Anyone doing non-exempt electrical work in Texas must be licensed by TDLR and work through a licensed electrical contractor, and that contractor must be or employ a Master Electrician. Search the company or the electrician on TDLR's License Data Search; it shows active licenses only. Licenses renew every year, so a lapsed number is a real finding.

Master Electricians need at least 12,000 hours of supervised training and two years as a journeyman; journeymen need 8,000 hours. Ask who on the crew holds which license, because apprentices must work under a master's supervision.

Look at the truck, too. Texas electrical contractors must put their business name and TDLR license number on both sides of every vehicle they own, in letters at least two inches high. Ask about insurance: electrical contractors must carry at least $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 in aggregate.

San Antonio electrical permits and inspections

A TDLR license is valid throughout Texas, and a city may not make a licensee sit a local exam. Cities may still require inspections, adopt local amendments to the code, and collect building permit fees. San Antonio's Development Services takes permit requests through BuildSA, so ask the electrician whether your job needs a permit and get the number. If you have a complaint and the city runs its own electrical licensing program, TDLR says to contact the local authority first; otherwise use TDLR's online complaint process.

• Pool equipment. TDLR lets a Residential Appliance Installer swap pool pumps, heaters and lights on the load side of the control center. A new or upgraded line circuit needs a licensed electrical contractor with a master electrician. See pool service in San Antonio.
• AC and water heater replacements. A licensed plumber may disconnect and reconnect a water heater on an existing circuit, but other electrical work needs an electrical license. Ask your HVAC contractor whether a new AC needs a new or extended circuit. Pair this page with AC repair in San Antonio.
• Appliance cords. Attaching a power cord to an appliance in a home requires a Residential Appliance Installer license, unless the cord was fitted at the factory.
• Your own wiring. State licensing law doesn't cover an owner working on the home they live in, but only where the work isn't specifically regulated by a city ordinance. Check the city's permit rules with Development Services before any work.

CPS Energy, the city-owned utility, delivers the power, so service questions at the meter go to CPS Energy, not a retail provider. For the rest of the city's rules see the San Antonio guide, or compare electricians in New Braunfels.