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Lawyer Licensing in Texas

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for lawyer in Texas, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Both state and third-party exams required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Lawyer in Texas

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Both state and third-party exams required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Texas Board of Law Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $133,570 median (12% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #15 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Texas eligibility requirements for Lawyer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Both state and third-party exams required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Texas Board of Law Examiners and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Texas

With a median salary of $133,570, Lawyers in Texas earn 12% below the national median of $151,160. Texas ranks #15 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,420

Median annual salary

$133,570

Hourly estimate

$64.22
12% below national median

Difference: -$17,590

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$61,930
  • P2525th percentile$94,450
  • P50Median$133,570
  • P7575th percentile$207,930
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $133,570
National: $151,160

Total employment: 54,680 | Annual openings: N/A

Lawyer Salary Ranking

#15 of 50 statesfor Lawyer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$197,790
#2Massachusetts$179,050
#3New York$177,210
#4Delaware$172,710
#5Colorado$167,970

Nearby States Comparison

Lawyer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Texas$133,570Degree requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Oklahoma$98,870Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Arkansas$86,970Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Louisiana$112,600Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
New Mexico$112,500Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Texas68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Oklahoma68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Arkansas78HighBoard-specific review required.
Louisiana68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Mexico68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Texas Board of Law Examiners

PO Box 13486, Austin, TX, 78711-3486

Phone: 5124631621

Related Careers in Texas

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$85,770Degree requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$49,290Specific course requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$80,000Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$95,050Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Lawyer in Texas?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Lawyers in Texas?

Texas lists Both state and third-party exams required as part of the licensure process for Lawyers.

What education do you need to become a Lawyer in Texas?

The board typically expects Degree required for Lawyer licensure in Texas.

What is the typical Lawyer salary in Texas?

The median annual salary for Lawyers in Texas is $133,570.

How does the Lawyer salary in Texas compare to the national average?

Lawyers in Texas earn 12% below the national median of $151,160, with a state median of $133,570.

How many Lawyers work in Texas?

Texas employs approximately 54,680 Lawyers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Lawyer license to Texas from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Lawyers in Texas?

The licensing agency is Texas Board of Law Examiners. Review agency details at https://ble.texas.gov/home.

How often do you renew a Lawyer license in Texas?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.