The more you learn, the more you earn.
Plan for a better job today.
Continue your education beyond high school with career and technical training at a community college, junior college, or technical college.
Skilled workers such as welders, computer repair technicians and health care aides are in high demand in Texas. A four-year college degree is NOT needed for a chance to succeed in skilled trades like these.
Career and technical training programs usually take two years or less to complete. You can be a full-time or sometimes a half-time student. These programs are affordable. Financial aid is available.
And the more you learn, the more you earn.
Potential skilled job wages versus
current minimum wage rate of $6.55
| Trade | Beginning Hourly Wages After Technical Training |
|---|---|
| Auto Mechanic | >$10.39 |
| Computer Repair Technician | >$10.33 |
| Court Reporter | >$10.72 |
| Dental Assistant | >$10.53 |
| Welder | >$12.12 |
Source: Averages by trade in Texas, Texas Industry Profiles, Economic Base Analysis, Wage Information Network, Occupations
Career terms
associate degree: an academic degree awarded by community colleges, junior colleges, and technical colleges upon completion of study usually lasting two years
career/technical school: public or private school offering hands-on technical training for specific skilled trades
certificate of completion: awarded to students upon completion of hands-on technical training in a specific trade, indicate student has skills needed to be hired in that trade
community college: public college open to anyone with a high school diploma or GED, usually offering two-year degrees, or certificates of completion for hands-on technical training
minimum wage: the lowest wage per hour you can make by law
skilled labor: workers who are generally more trained, higher paid
trade: some type of skilled manual or mechanical work; a craft
Learn what jobs you can get after high school