In short
Dallas residents can train at Dallas College (seven campuses), El Centro College, or private trade schools. Union apprenticeships are available for electricians (IBEW Local 20), plumbers, and pipefitters. TEOG, Pell, and WIOA through Workforce Solutions Dallas can help pay. Most programs take 4 weeks to 2 years.
What the trades pay in Dallas
Dallas pay runs close to the national medians, with a slight premium for electricians and CDL drivers due to demand.
| Trade | Training time | Typical pay in Dallas | How you get in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welder | 7–9 months | About $48,000–$58,000 | Trade school or Dallas College; DFW manufacturers hire from programs |
| Pipefitter | 5-year paid apprenticeship | About $58,000–$70,000 | Pipefitters Local 798 apprenticeship |
| Electrician | 9–12 months school or 4–5 yr apprenticeship | About $55,000–$68,000 | IBEW Local 20 apprenticeship, or trade school |
| Plumber | 1 year school or 4–5 yr apprenticeship | About $53,000–$65,000 | Plumbers Local 100 apprenticeship, or trade school |
| HVAC technician | 6–12 months | About $48,000–$58,000 | Trade school or Dallas College; TDLR registration |
| CDL truck driver | 3–7 weeks | About $48,000–$58,000 | CDL school; DFW carriers pay for it |
| Medical assistant | 9–12 months | About $36,000–$44,000 | Trade school or Dallas College; hospitals hire constantly |
Typical ranges for experienced workers in the metro, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics area data (May 2024), rounded. Starting pay is lower. Union apprentices start near half of journeyman scale with raises every six to twelve months.
Want the short list for Dallas?
Pick a trade on the form and only schools that teach it near you will reach out.
Where to train
Community and technical colleges
Dallas College (seven campuses: El Centro, Richland, Brookhaven, Mountain View, North Lake, Eastfield, Cedar Valley) and Texas State Technical College in nearby Carrollton. Lowest cost and the only place Texas state grants work.
Union apprenticeships
IBEW Local 20 (electricians) and UA Local 100 (plumbers/pipefitters) run programs. Paid from day one, no tuition, four to five years to full scale.
Private trade schools
faster programs in CDL (3–4 weeks), welding (7–9 months), HVAC (6–9 months) and medical assisting. Cost more but start every few weeks. Ask for accreditation and placement numbers.
What Texas will help pay
Texas money for training
Texas has the Texas Educational Opportunity Grant (TEOG) for residents at public community and technical colleges, plus WIOA training through local workforce boards, the Hazlewood Act for veterans, and federal Pell Grants. Most state aid only works at public colleges.
Sources: State higher education coordinating board, Federal Student Aid. Amounts and rules change; confirm with the school's financial aid office.
Dallas College and TSTC are the main places TEOG and Hazlewood work. Workforce Solutions Dallas covers WIOA training for those who qualify.
Licenses you'll need
Electricians and HVAC work through TDLR in Texas. Dallas County may have additional local requirements for contractors.
Questions from Dallas
Which trade pays best in DFW?
Electricians and pipefitters top the list, especially on large commercial jobs. CDL drivers with tanker and hazmat endorsements do well with the DFW logistics industry.
Can I go to school and keep working?
Yes. Dallas College, El Centro, and trade schools run evening and weekend sections. Most apprenticeships are paid from day one, so you earn while you learn.
I don't have a GED yet.
Dallas College and Workforce Solutions offer free GED prep. Some trade schools let you start a training program and finish your GED while you go.