In short
Houston residents can train for the trades at Houston Community College (HCC) System, through union apprenticeships for electricians (IBEW Local 716) and plumbers (UA Local 211), or at private trade schools for fast programs like CDL, welding, and medical assisting. Texas offers the TEXAS Grant, the Educational Opportunity Grant, and the Skills Development Fund for workforce training. Most programs take 4 weeks to 2 years. Fill out the form to hear from schools near you.
Jobs hiring in Houston
Houston's economy is enormous — energy, petrochemicals, construction, healthcare, and logistics all need skilled tradespeople. Texas wages tend to be higher than many other states. Here's what the common trades pay in the Houston area and how long it takes to get in:
| Job | Training time | Typical pay in Houston | How you get in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 9–12 months of school, or 4–5 year paid apprenticeship | About $58,000–$70,000 | IBEW Local 716 apprenticeship, or trade school then a job |
| Welder | 7–9 months | About $50,000–$60,000 | Trade school or HCC; energy and manufacturing hire from programs |
| HVAC technician | 6–12 months | About $50,000–$60,000 | Trade school or HCC, then EPA 608 card |
| Plumber / Pipefitter | 1 year school, or 5-year paid apprenticeship | About $56,000–$66,000 | UA Local 211 apprenticeship, or trade school |
| CDL truck driver | 3–7 weeks | About $50,000–$58,000 | CDL school; Port of Houston and logistics companies hire constantly |
| Medical assistant | 9–12 months | About $36,000–$44,000 | Trade school or HCC; Texas Medical Center — the largest in the world — hires constantly |
| Diesel mechanic | 1–2 years | About $52,000–$62,000 | Trade school or HCC; trucking and energy fleets hire from programs |
Pay is a typical range for experienced workers in the Houston metro, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics area data (May 2024), rounded. Starting pay is lower. Union apprentices start around half of journeyman pay and get raises every six months to a year. Energy-industry roles often pay above the ranges shown.
Ready for the list for Houston?
Pick a trade on the form and only schools that teach it near you will reach out.
Where to train
Houston Community College (HCC) System
HCC is one of the largest community college systems in Texas, with multiple campuses across Houston. Programs in welding, HVAC, electrical, petrochemical technology, CDL, and nursing. Affordable compared to private schools, and TEXAS Grant money works here.
Union apprenticeships
IBEW Local 716 covers electricians in Houston. Plumbers and pipefitters (UA Local 211) serve the area — especially relevant for petrochemical plant work. You work full time, earn a paycheck, and attend classes — no tuition. Takes 4–5 years to reach full pay with regular raises.
Private trade schools
Faster programs with rolling start dates: CDL in a month, welding or HVAC in under a year, medical assisting in about nine months. Houston has many private schools serving the energy and medical sectors. Cost more than HCC but often include job placement help. Ask for accreditation and placement numbers before you sign.
What Texas will help pay
Texas money for training
- TEXAS Grant (Toward EXcellence, Access and Success)
- Need-based grant for Texas residents attending Texas public colleges (including HCC). Priority for students who complete the FAFSA early. Amount varies by school and income. Apply through FAFSA and the school's financial aid office.
- Texas Educational Opportunity Grant
- For Texas residents with financial need who are enrolled in a certificate or associate degree program at a Texas public community college. Similar to TEXAS Grant but for specific programs. Ask HCC's financial aid office.
- Skills Development Fund
- Workforce training grants for Texas workers, administered through local community colleges and workforce boards. Used for job-specific training in high-demand fields. Ask HCC's workforce development office.
- Workforce Solutions (Texas WIOA)
- Free training through Workforce Solutions in Houston for adults who qualify. Covers community college or trade school for people who meet income or job-loss guidelines.
- Pell Grant
- Federal. Up to about $7,400 a year, based on income. Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Free.
- GI Bill
- Covers HCC, most trade schools, CDL school, and apprenticeships for veterans. Houston has a large veteran population with access to these benefits.
Sources: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (TEXAS Grant, Educational Opportunity Grant); Texas Workforce Commission (Skills Development Fund); Workforce Solutions; Federal Student Aid. Rules and amounts change; confirm with the school's financial aid office.
Put those together and many Houston residents can attend HCC for very little out of pocket. Private schools take Pell, GI Bill, and WIOA but state grant rules vary.
Energy and petrochemicals
Questions from Houston
Do I need special certifications for petrochemical plant work?
Yes. Most plants require a safety certification called TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) and OSHA-10 or OSHA-30 safety training. Some also require specific welding certifications for pipe welding. HCC and most trade schools in Houston offer these as part of their programs or can tell you how to get them.
How does Houston pay compare to other Texas cities?
Houston tends to pay higher than most other Texas cities for trades because of the energy industry. Welders and pipefitters especially earn more here than in San Antonio or Austin. Cost of living is reasonable for a city this size — lower than Austin.
Can I get into IBEW Local 716 as an apprentice?
Local 716 runs a well-regarded apprenticeship program. Application periods open once or twice a year. You need a high school diploma or GED, a driver's license, and to pass an aptitude test. Call the hall or check their website for the next application window.
I'm a veteran. Is Houston a good place for trade training?
Yes. Houston has a large veteran community and many trade schools that accept GI Bill benefits. HCC's veterans services office can help you navigate your benefits. The energy industry also actively recruits veterans for technical roles. Wright-Patterson connections aside, Texas has strong veteran employment programs.