Vocational Trade Schools in Texas

Trade schools in Texas provide career-focused training in high-demand fields like healthcare, the skilled trades, and technology. Graduates can work in roles such as paralegal, medical assistant, electrician, automotive service technician, and dental hygienist. Vocational programs also train cosmetologists, paramedics, chefs, and construction managers.

Vocational programs combine coursework with hands-on training. For example, paramedic studies students train in ambulances and hospitals, while electrician students complete laboratory and practicum training.

Many vocational schools offer self-paced or accelerated options to fit the schedule of busy students. Learners can also consider online vocational programs to maximize flexibility.

Vocational programs offer several benefits over four-year academic programs. For example, a vocational certificate or degree generally takes 1-2 years to complete, meaning students complete their program and enter the workforce faster than students in four-year programs. As a result, vocational training often costs less than a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, professionals with an occupational credential benefit from a higher employment rate than those with an academic credential, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Our ranking lists the top vocational schools in Texas to help prospective students find the best fit to reach their career goals. This page also provides career and salary data for trade school professions, introduces popular vocational programs, and lists scholarship opportunities for Texas trade school students.

Trade schools in Texas can help students advance their careers and increase their earning potential. Our list ranks the best vocational and tech schools in Texas to help students find the right program for their needs.

Prospective trade school students should always check a school’s accreditation and licensing status before applying. To earn accreditation, schools must voluntarily submit to a rigorous review from an independent accrediting agency. During the review, the accrediting agency evaluates the school’s student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic mission. Only schools that meet high standards can earn accreditation.

Accreditation benefits students in several ways. For example, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many professional licenses and certifications require an accredited degree.

Schools that offer vocational programs may hold national or regional accreditation. Community colleges and four-year universities typically hold regional accreditation. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges grants regional accreditation to Texas schools.

Trade and vocational schools in Texas may also hold national accreditation from a specialized agency like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, which accredits over 650 trade and technical schools nationwide. Similarly, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission grants accreditation to online schools. National and regional accrediting agencies should hold approval from the Department of Education.

In addition to accreditation, postsecondary schools need a state license. In Texas, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board maintains a list of approved schools.

The career and salary outlook for trade school graduates varies by location, industry, and experience, but trade school careers pay an average of around $55,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Careers in personal services pay under $33,000 per year, on average, while management occupations pay more than $96,000 annually.

In Texas, BLS wage data shows above-average incomes for many trade school occupations. For example, occupational therapy assistants in the state earn over $73,000 per year, on average, and paralegals make over $63,000 per year. 

Many trade school careers also offer strong job growth projections. For example, the BLS projects jobs for dental hygienists and HVAC technicians to grow much faster than the national average between 2023 and 2033.

Trade school programs prepare students for jobs like dental hygienist, paralegal, and radiology technician. By blending classroom and hands-on training, these programs provide the knowledge and skills necessary for the workforce.

In addition to the following popular trade school programs, prospective students can research programs for aspiring professionals such as electricians, cosmetologists, paramedics, and medical assistants.

Trade school students can pursue financial aid opportunities to help offset the cost of their education, such as loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. To qualify for federal financial aid, students must submit the FAFSA every year. However, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal aid.

In addition to pursuing financial aid, trade school students can research the most affordable programs to lower the cost of their education. For example, Texas public universities charge over $8,500 per year in tuition and fees, on average, while private universities cost more than $32,000 per year. In contrast, Texas community colleges charge around $2,200 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

Students attending vocational schools in Texas can pursue scholarship opportunities from private foundations, government agencies, and professional organizations. The following list outlines several of many scholarship opportunities for vocational students in Texas.

Who Can Apply: Students in the South Plains area can apply for over 100 scholarships through The Community Foundation of West Texas. Requirements vary by scholarship.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: This foundation administers multiple scholarships that fund students from the Amarillo area. Eligibility requirements vary depending on the scholarship and the institution attended.

Amount: Varies

Who Can Apply: This program funds former foster children attending a postsecondary institution, including certificate and two-year programs.

Amount: Up to $5,000

Who Can Apply: Students living in North Texas can apply for this scholarship. Recipients must demonstrate at least 15 hours of community service and enroll as a first-time student in a vocational trade school or college.

Amount: $1,000

Who Can Apply: This fund grants awards to part-time and full-time students pursuing a degree at a community college. Students must demonstrate a minimum 2.7 GPA and live in South or West Texas to qualify.

Amount: Varies