Trade Schools in Texas

Updated March 9, 2023 · 4 Min Read

From welding to nursing, you can reach your career goals through trade school in Texas. Trades are fulfilling career paths in high demand without debt.

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Attending trade school gives you hands-on skills in a short amount of time that can lead you to an enriching and fulfilling career. In general, trade schools have much lower tuition than colleges. In many cases, the total tuition of a trade school amounts to one year of a college education.

From electricians to nursing assistants, job opportunities are abundant. Trades give more job security due to the high demand for trade workers. This also leads to high wages that can grow over time, along with your educational opportunities to maintain a high level of skills and knowledge.

If you want to take up a career as a craftsperson or in a skilled trade, trade school can be a path to a fulfilling career and higher salary without the time and debt required to attend college. Click on the city nearest to you to find some great trade schools:

Facts About Trade School and Trade Jobs in Texas

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are more than 300 trade schools in Texas, teaching everything from beauty and hair design to IT, medical professions, and welding.

The fastest-growing job in Texas is ambulance drivers and attendants. Personal care aide positions are also on the rise. Texas also employs more welders than any other state. Considering a job as a commercial pilot? Texas has 1,450 airports with 24 commercial airports.

Depending on the trade you choose, job security, growth opportunities, and a good salary are available after trade school in Texas.

Trade Job Outlook in Texas

Trade jobs in Texas are on the rise. Demand for wind turbine technicians has increased by 50%, while the demand for medical assistants, mental health counselors, non-oil and gas drilling, and phlebotomists is also on the rise.

The average salary for someone with a trade school education is $50,839. On average, the job prospects and compensation for someone with a trade qualification are comparable to someone with a college or graduate degree.

Bachelor's degree holders make an average of $81,200, but consider that four-year students spend more time and money in school. Selecting the right trade can lead to excellent long-term income and job security and offset the expensive education and student debt you'd incur otherwise.

Average Cost of Trade School in Texas

In general, trade schools are less expensive than colleges and universities. A college student in Texas spends an average of over $100,000 for a bachelor's degree. A degree from a trade school can cost an average of $33,000, while a trade school diploma can cost an average of $16,000.

When you calculate your return on investment (ROI), trade school makes more sense. You'll only make about $30,000 more per year with a bachelor's degree, but you'll spend at least $70,000 more on your education. Plus, you'll likely have student loan debt to pay off over time.

However, you might end up earning more over your lifetime with a bachelor's degree, so it might make sense to continue your education after some time in the workforce with a Texas trade school education.

Trade School Accreditations in Texas

You have to make sure that the trade school and program that you are planning to attend has the proper state, national, and industry accreditation. You might not be able to sit for the licensing exam in many trades if your program is not accredited.

For example, if your trade school is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, but the physical therapist assistant program you plan to take isn't accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, you won't be able to become licensed.

An accredited certification will demonstrate that you have the necessary skills to be hired for a specific trade. Non-accredited programs might not cover the necessary content or skills.

Financial Aid for Trade School in Texas

Public Scholarships in Texas

Federal Pell Grant

Private Scholarships in Texas

Urban Scholarship Fund

For more information on paying for trade school, check out our complete guide.

FAQs About Continuing Education in Texas

What can I learn at a trade school?

Trade school programs are a combination of classroom and experiential learning so you can gain skills in areas like healthcare, technology, or emergency services, and many other professional settings.

What are some examples of vocational jobs?

Some examples of vocational jobs include:

  • Electricians
  • Paramedics
  • Cosmetologists
  • Mechanics
  • Cooks
  • Massage therapists

Is there a difference between a trade school and a college?

Yes. Trade schools are focused on job-oriented training for specific areas, while the focus of colleges is on academic credentials. Learn more about the differences in our comparison guide, trade school versus college.

Texas Trade Schools and Colleges

We chose the following trade schools in some of the biggest Texas cities because they had:

Make sure to check that the individual program you plan on attending has the necessary industry accreditation.

Trade Schools in Dallas, TX

Trade Schools in Plano, TX

Become Team
Become Team
Contributing Writer

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