In short
San Antonio residents can train for the trades at San Antonio College or St. Philip's College (Alamo Colleges), through union apprenticeships for electricians (IBEW Local 60) and plumbers (UA Local 142), or at private trade schools for fast programs like CDL, welding, and medical assisting. Texas offers the TEXAS Grant and Educational Opportunity Grant for community college. Most programs take 4 weeks to 2 years. Fill out the form to hear from schools near you.
Jobs hiring in San Antonio
San Antonio's economy is built on military, healthcare, and a growing manufacturing sector. Here's what the common trades pay in San Antonio and how long it takes to get in:
| Job | Training time | Typical pay in San Antonio | How you get in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 9–12 months of school, or 4–5 year paid apprenticeship | About $52,000–$62,000 | IBEW Local 60 apprenticeship, or trade school then a job |
| HVAC technician | 6–12 months | About $46,000–$54,000 | Trade school or Alamo Colleges, then EPA 608 card |
| Welder | 7–9 months | About $44,000–$52,000 | Trade school or St. Philip's College; manufacturing and military contractors hire |
| Plumber | 1 year school, or 5-year paid apprenticeship | About $50,000–$60,000 | UA Local 142 apprenticeship, or trade school |
| Medical assistant | 9–12 months | About $34,000–$40,000 | Trade school or Alamo Colleges; large hospital systems and military clinics hire |
| CDL truck driver | 3–7 weeks | About $45,000–$53,000 | CDL school; San Antonio is a logistics crossroads between Mexico, Houston, and Dallas |
| Diesel mechanic | 1–2 years | About $48,000–$58,000 | Trade school or St. Philip's College; military and logistics fleets hire from programs |
Pay is a typical range for experienced workers in the San Antonio 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.
Ready for the list for San Antonio?
Pick a trade on the form and only schools that teach it near you will reach out.
Where to train
San Antonio College / St. Philip's College (Alamo Colleges)
The Alamo Colleges system is San Antonio's public community college network. San Antonio College offers HVAC, welding, and electrical programs. St. Philip's College has strong manufacturing, automotive, and construction trades programs. Both are affordable and TEXAS Grant eligible. St. Philip's is also a historically Black college (HBCU) with a long track record in technical education.
Union apprenticeships
IBEW Local 60 covers electricians in San Antonio. Plumbers and pipefitters (UA Local 142) serve the area. 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. Cost more than the Alamo Colleges 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 the Alamo Colleges). 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 enrolled in a certificate or associate degree program at a Texas public community college. Ask the Alamo Colleges financial aid office.
- Workforce Solutions Alamo (Texas WIOA)
- Free training through Workforce Solutions Alamo for adults who qualify. Covers community college or trade school for people who meet income or job-loss guidelines. Ask about it before you enroll anywhere.
- Pell Grant
- Federal. Up to about $7,400 a year, based on income. Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Free.
- GI Bill
- Covers the Alamo Colleges, most trade schools, CDL school, and apprenticeships for veterans. San Antonio's large military presence means many veterans have this benefit.
Sources: Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (TEXAS Grant, Educational Opportunity Grant); Workforce Solutions Alamo; Federal Student Aid. Rules and amounts change; confirm with the school's financial aid office.
Put those together and many San Antonio residents can attend the Alamo Colleges for very little out of pocket. Private schools take Pell, GI Bill, and WIOA but state grant rules vary by program.
Military and veterans
Questions from San Antonio
I'm active duty or a veteran. Which San Antonio schools work best with the GI Bill?
San Antonio College, St. Philip's College, and most private trade schools in the area accept GI Bill benefits. The Alamo Colleges have a dedicated Veterans Services office to help you navigate enrollment and benefit certification. Many private schools also have military liaison offices.
What's the difference between San Antonio College and St. Philip's College?
Both are part of the Alamo Colleges system. San Antonio College is the larger comprehensive campus with a wider range of programs. St. Philip's has strong technical and manufacturing programs and is one of the oldest HBCUs in the country. For trades, both are excellent — compare the specific program you want.
Is it worth commuting to Houston or Austin for trade work?
Some people do, but San Antonio has plenty of its own demand. The military bases, hospitals, and growing manufacturing sector keep trades busy. If you're a welder or pipefitter, Houston's energy sector pays more but would mean relocating. For most trades, San Antonio's local market is strong enough.
How do I get into the medical trades in San Antonio?
San Antonio has a huge healthcare sector — the South Texas Medical Center and military hospitals are major employers. Medical assistant, pharmacy technician, and phlebotomy programs at the Alamo Colleges or private schools take 9–18 months. Many include clinical placements that can turn into jobs.