In short
San Antonio residents can train at Alamo Colleges district (San Antonio College, St. Philip's, Palo Alto, Northwest Vista), Texas State Technical College, or private trade schools. Union apprenticeships are available for electricians, plumbers, and pipefitters. TEOG, Pell, and WIOA through Workforce Solutions Alamo can help pay.
What the trades pay in San Antonio
San Antonio pay is close to the state average, with healthcare trades paying slightly above due to demand from the medical center.
| Trade | Training time | Typical pay in San Antonio | How you get in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welder | 7–9 months | About $46,000–$56,000 | Trade school or Alamo Colleges |
| Pipefitter | 5-year paid apprenticeship | About $55,000–$68,000 | Pipefitters Local 211 apprenticeship |
| Electrician | 9–12 months or 4–5 yr apprenticeship | About $52,000–$64,000 | IBEW Local 60 apprenticeship, or trade school |
| Plumber | 1 year or 4–5 yr apprenticeship | About $50,000–$62,000 | Plumbers Local 142 apprenticeship, or trade school |
| HVAC technician | 6–12 months | About $46,000–$56,000 | Trade school or Alamo Colleges; TDLR registration |
| CDL truck driver | 3–7 weeks | About $46,000–$56,000 | CDL school; local carriers pay for it |
| Medical assistant | 9–12 months | About $36,000–$44,000 | Trade school or St. Philip's; 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 San Antonio?
Pick a trade on the form and only schools that teach it near you will reach out.
Where to train
Community and technical colleges
Alamo Colleges district (San Antonio College for trades, St. Philip's for health care, Palo Alto, Northwest Vista) and TSTC. Lowest cost and accepts TEOG.
Union apprenticeships
IBEW Local 60 (electricians), UA Local 142 (plumbers), and Pipefitters Local 211 run programs. No tuition, you earn while you learn.
Private trade schools
Fast-track programs in CDL (3–4 weeks), welding, HVAC, and medical assisting. Cost more but start every few weeks. Verify accreditation and placement rates.
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.
Alamo Colleges and TSTC qualify for TEOG and Hazlewood. Workforce Solutions Alamo covers WIOA training for eligible residents.
Licenses you'll need
Texas electricians and HVAC are licensed through TDLR. Plumbers have a separate state board. San Antonio may have additional contractor rules.
Questions from San Antonio
Which trade pays best?
Pipefitters and electricians top the list, especially on the larger industrial sites in the area. Medical assisting is lower paying but more plentiful.
Can I train at night?
Yes. Alamo Colleges and trade schools offer evening and weekend sections. Apprenticeships are paid from day one.
I don't have a diploma.
Workforce Solutions Alamo offers free GED prep. Some trade schools allow concurrent GED and program enrollment.