Trade Schools in Austin, Texas
Updated September 12, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., with booming construction, healthcare, and technology sectors that rely heavily on skilled trades. Unlike Dallas or Houston, Austin’s market is smaller but offers higher wages on average and strong apprenticeship access. Students here can choose between community colleges, private schools, and union programs to build a career path without a four-year degree.
Top Trade Schools in Austin
| School | Programs Offered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Austin Community College (ACC) | HVAC, Welding, Automotive, Construction Mgmt, Nursing, IT | Regionally accredited, affordable tuition, multiple campuses |
| Southern Careers Institute (SCI – Austin) | HVAC, Welding, Automotive, Medical Assisting, Business | Accelerated training designed for workforce entry |
| Texas State Technical College (TSTC – Waco, near Austin) | Welding, HVAC, Electrical Lineworker, Diesel Tech | Hands-on training with employer partnerships |
| UEI College – Austin | HVAC, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant | Flexible scheduling; programs under 1 year |
| Job Corps – Austin | Welding, Construction, Culinary, Healthcare | Tuition-free for eligible youth |
| Pima Medical Institute – Austin | Medical Assistant, Veterinary Tech, Respiratory Therapy | Healthcare-only training with national accreditation |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Austin Campus | Aviation Maintenance, Avionics | Specialized programs for aerospace and aviation trades |
Apprenticeships in Austin
- IBEW Local 520 (Austin) Electrical Apprenticeship — Inside wireman training, paid wages, benefits, and classroom hours at the Austin JATC.
- UA Local 286 Plumbers & Pipefitters — Apprenticeships in plumbing, HVACR, pipefitting, and welding. Earn-while-you-learn model with progressive wages.
- Central Texas Carpenters & Millwrights Training Fund — Carpentry and millwright apprenticeships with NCCER credentials.
- Texas Workforce Commission Apprenticeship Database — Find other approved Austin-area programs in trades like machining and healthcare.
Trade Job Salaries in Austin (2025)
| Trade Career | Entry-Level | Average | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $21/hr ($44k) | $29/hr ($60.2k) | $36/hr ($75k) |
| HVAC Technician | $20/hr ($42k) | $27/hr ($55.5k) | $34/hr ($70k) |
| Welder | $18/hr ($37k) | $24/hr ($50.2k) | $30/hr ($63k) |
| CDL Truck Driver | $21/hr ($44k) | $27/hr ($57k) | $33/hr ($69k) |
| Diesel Mechanic | $22/hr ($46k) | $28/hr ($59k) | $35/hr ($73k) |
| Medical Assistant | $16/hr ($33k) | $19/hr ($39.7k) | $23/hr ($48k) |
(Source: BLS, Texas Workforce Commission, 2025)
Licensing Steps in Texas
Electricians
- Register as apprentice → Work 8,000 hours → Apply for journeyman exam.
HVAC
- Register as tech with TDLR → Accumulate experience → Apply for ACR Contractor License.
Plumbers
- Register as apprentice → Work 8,000 hours → Pass journeyman exam → Advance to Master Plumber.
LVNs (Nursing)
- Graduate from approved program → Pass NCLEX-PN → Apply with Texas Board of Nursing.
Why Austin Works for Trade Students
- Construction surge. Rapid population growth fuels demand for HVAC, plumbing, and electricians.
- Healthcare hub. Employers like St. David’s HealthCare and Ascension Seton hire hundreds of allied health grads annually.
- Technology expansion. Data centers and semiconductor plants boost demand for maintenance and electrical trades.
- Apprenticeship access. Strong union presence in Austin gives students a reliable path to paid training.
Financial Aid in Austin
- Pell Grants and FAFSA for Title IV programs
- Texas Public Education Grant (TPEG) for ACC students
- Workforce Solutions Capital Area funding under WIOA for eligible jobseekers
- Apprenticeship wages offset training costs while providing benefits
FAQs
What’s the fastest trade to train for in Austin?
Medical assisting, HVAC, and welding programs can be completed in under 12 months.
Which trades pay the most in Austin?
Electricians, diesel mechanics, and experienced HVAC techs often earn $70k+ with overtime.
Can I work while training?
Yes. Many schools in Austin offer evening programs, and apprenticeships pay while you learn.
Austin is one of the most promising cities in Texas for trade students. With higher-than-average wages, strong apprenticeship programs, and multiple school options, it’s an ideal place to build a career without a four-year degree.
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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.
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