Best Trade Schools in Texas (2025)

Q: What is the best trade school in Texas?

TSTC is widely regarded as one of the best trade schools in Texas due to its high job placement rates, modern facilities, and close alignment with local industry needs.

Q: Can I attend trade school online in Texas?

Yes. Many Texas trade schools, including TSTC and Southern Careers Institute, offer online and hybrid programs in fields like IT, business, and healthcare support.

Q: Are Texas trade schools eligible for FAFSA?

Yes. All accredited trade schools listed-like TSTC, Houston Community College, and SCI-are eligible for federal financial aid through the FAFSA application.

Q: Is TSTC a good school for trades?

Yes. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) is a respected public technical college system offering affordable, accredited training with a strong job placement record.

Updated August 4, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Table of Contents

Choosing an accredited, state-recognized trade school in Texas is a critical step toward a stable and rewarding career. From construction and electrical to diesel tech and CDL training, skilled trades are in high demand across Texas-with job growth projected to remain strong for the next decade.

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, industries like welding, HVAC, plumbing, and transportation are facing critical labor shortages, with some occupations projected to grow more than 20% through 2030.

Texas is also one of the few states with a dedicated technical college system (TSTC), offering affordable tuition, local partnerships, and job placement guarantees for many programs.

✅ Why Choose a Texas Trade School?
Local schools understand Texas licensing laws, employer needs, and regional job markets-giving students a clear path from training to full-time work.

TL;DR - Top Texas Trade Schools (2025)

TSTC - HVAC, Welding, Auto Tech, Job Placement Guarantee
Houston Community College - Electrical & Construction
Southern Careers Institute - Fast-track Welding, Medical
South Texas College - Diesel, HVAC, Bilingual Options
Lincoln Tech Grand Prairie - HVAC & Auto Specialization

Top Trade Schools
What is the Best Trade School in Texas?
Regional Highlights
How Do I Get CDL Training in Texas?
Trade School Job Placement Rates in Texas
FAQs

🏆 What is the Best Trade School in Texas?

Texas State Technical College (TSTC) is widely regarded as the top trade school in the state. With a job placement guarantee, statewide campuses, and programs aligned to Texas industries like HVAC, welding, and diesel mechanics, it offers unmatched return on investment. TSTC is accredited by SACSCOC and funded by the state of Texas.

Best Trade Schools in Texas

Whether you're looking to become a licensed electrician in Houston or train for a welding career in the Permian Basin, Texas offers an impressive range of accredited trade schools with strong job placement and apprenticeship options.

Trade School	Location	Top Programs	Accreditation	Website
TSTC	Waco & Statewide	HVAC, Electrical, Welding, Auto Tech	SACSCOC	Visit Site
Houston Community College	Houston	Electrical, Construction, Plumbing	SACSCOC	Visit Site
Southern Careers Institute	Austin, Corpus Christi, etc.	Medical, HVAC, Welding	ACCSC	Visit Site
South Texas College	McAllen	Diesel Tech, HVAC, Welding	SACSCOC	Visit Site
Lincoln Tech	Grand Prairie	HVAC, Automotive Tech	ACCSC	Visit Site
Dallas College	DFW Metroplex	HVAC, Construction, Welding	SACSCOC	Visit Site
Lone Star College	Houston Metro Area	Electrical, HVAC, CDL	SACSCOC	Visit Site

Regional Highlights

🔧 Skilled Trades That Power Texas

West Texas (Permian Basin): With heavy demand in oilfield operations, diesel mechanics, pipefitters, and welders are essential. TSTC Sweetwater and Odessa College serve this region.
Houston & Gulf Coast: A national hub for HVAC, industrial electrical, and plant operations. Houston Community College and Lone Star College offer hands-on labs and industry partnerships.
DFW Metroplex: One of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S., creating jobs in construction trades, low-voltage electrical, and HVAC. Lincoln Tech and Dallas College offer strong placement support.
South Texas: Offers bilingual training pathways and high demand for CDL, automotive, and HVAC techs through South Texas College and SCI.

skilled-trades-that-power-texas-2025

Trade School Job Placement Rates in Texas

Here's a snapshot of real-world outcomes from trusted sources:

TSTC Graduate Placement Rate: 83% of graduates placed in 2021-22 according to Texas State Technical College's Star Stats dashboard.
South Texas College Graduation Rate: 31% six-year graduation rate for first-time, full-time students (source: College Factual).
Southern Careers Institute Earnings: ~$21,000 median early-career salary for Austin campus graduates (source: College Factual).
Houston Community College Workforce Success: ~85-90% of graduates either find work or transfer within one year, based on data from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (reported by Houston Landing).

How Do I Get CDL Training in Texas?

Texas is a top employment state for commercial drivers, with over 200,000 truck driver jobs statewide. Accredited CDL programs are available through:

Lone Star College
TSTC Waco & Harlingen
El Paso Community College
Private CDL academies (must be state-approved)

Many employers in Texas offer tuition reimbursement for CDL training.

💡 Who Should Attend Trade School in Texas?
Anyone looking for a fast path to a high-paying job without a four-year degree. Programs are ideal for recent high school grads, career changers, and veterans.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is the best trade school in Texas?

TSTC consistently ranks as one of the best, with high placement rates, modern facilities, and programs tied directly to Texas industry needs.

❓ Can I attend trade school online in Texas?

Yes. Many schools offer online or hybrid options for fields like medical billing, IT support, and business administration. TSTC and SCI are leaders in this space. See online trade school options.

❓ Are Texas trade schools eligible for FAFSA?

Yes. All schools listed above are accredited and accept federal financial aid (FAFSA). Always confirm accreditation and program eligibility with the school's financial aid office.

❓ Is TSTC a good school for trades?

Yes-TSTC is a public technical college system focused entirely on workforce training. It's accredited, affordable, and highly respected by Texas employers.

❓ What trades are in high demand in Texas?

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, high-demand trades include:

HVAC Technicians
Welders
CDL Truck Drivers
Diesel Mechanics
Electricians
Industrial Maintenance Techs

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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.