Texas offers a robust and diverse landscape for technical education, with hundreds of vocational training options spread across community colleges, private technical schools, and high school career and technical education (CTE) programs . The state’s technical schools prepare students for careers in high-demand fields such as automotive technology, welding, HVAC, electrical systems, robotics, and industrial maintenance.

With the Texas Workforce Commission projecting the state to add nearly 150,000 scientific and technical jobs by 2028, these schools play a critical role in building the workforce of the future . Public institutions like Texas State Technical College offer some of the most affordable options with tuition as low as $3,000-8,000 per year, while private schools like Universal Technical Institute and Lincoln Tech provide specialized, career-focused training .

Top 30 Technical Schools In Texas

1. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) – Waco

TSTC’s Waco campus is the flagship location of the 11-campus system, enrolling more than 10,000 students in associate degree and certificate programs across fields such as HVAC technology, culinary arts, welding, and advanced manufacturing. The school operates under a unique funding model where the state appropriation depends on what students earn after graduation, ensuring programs are aligned with workforce needs.

Starting salaries for TSTC graduates are competitive with four-year institutions in Texas, with a median starting salary of $39,000 for two-year degree graduates .

2. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) – Harlingen

TSTC’s Harlingen campus offers an Advanced Manufacturing program that is transitioning to meet the demand for skilled industrial maintenance technicians across South Texas. The program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Industrial Maintenance, along with certificates in Industrial Maintenance and Advanced Manufacturing. Students receive hands-on training in automation, robotics, electrical systems, and troubleshooting, preparing them for careers in modern manufacturing facilities .

3. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) – Abilene

TSTC’s Abilene campus launched its HVAC program in 2025 to meet soaring workforce demand in the essential heating, ventilation, and air conditioning industry. The program is backed by TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee, which refunds tuition in full if eligible graduates do not secure a job within six months of graduation. Students train under instructors with more than 50 combined years of industry experience in a real-world lab environment.

4. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) – Marshall

TSTC’s Marshall campus has a nationally recognized welding program driven by petrochemical, pipeline, and construction demand across the state. The program provides hands-on training in various welding processes and prepares students for careers in manufacturing, construction, and energy sectors. Texas leads the nation in welder employment, making this program a strong pathway to high-demand jobs.

5. Texas State Technical College (TSTC) – Fort Bend County

TSTC’s Fort Bend County campus offers the Advanced Manufacturing program, providing training in automation, robotics, electrical systems, and industrial maintenance technologies. The program is designed to address the critical shortage of automated systems and industrial maintenance technicians across the state . Students develop practical skills with industry-standard programmable logic controllers, robotic arms, and complex electrical circuits.

6. Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Dallas/Fort Worth

UTI’s Dallas/Fort Worth campus in Irving offers programs in Automotive Technology (51 weeks, $46,500), Diesel Technology (45 weeks, $42,500), and an Automotive/Diesel & EV Technology combined program (75 weeks, $59,600).

The campus also offers Welding Technology (36 weeks, $25,500), HVACR Technician (39 weeks, $24,570), and Electrical, Robotics & Automation Technology (51 weeks, $34,745). Students can take advantage of advanced training programs with Ford, BMW, Cummins, and Peterbilt.

7. Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Houston

UTI’s Houston campus offers Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Collision Repair & Refinish Technology (CRRT), Welding Technology, and HVACR programs . The Collision Repair program was created in conjunction with I-CAR, a leading industry brand, and students earn valuable I-CAR certifications. The Houston campus operates out of two buildings and is located in a major hub for energy, transportation, and aviation.

8. Universal Technical Institute (UTI) – Austin

UTI’s Austin campus offers Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, and Welding Technology programs. The campus provides hands-on training in state-of-the-industry labs with supportive instructors who have industry experience. Students are prepared to test for ASE certification upon graduation, and training can substitute for work experience requirements.

9. Lincoln College of Technology – Grand Prairie

Lincoln Tech’s Grand Prairie campus has been an important presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area since 1966, serving 1,330 students with a 72% graduation rate and 94% employment rate. The school features more than 60 individual welding booths, fully-equipped auto and diesel bays, and strong industry partnerships with companies like Republic Services and Hussmann. Graduates earn a median of $46,396 ten years after starting, with typical debt of $11,730.

10. Lincoln Tech Grand Prairie – HVAC Program

Lincoln Tech’s HVAC program prepares students for careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration, with qualified graduates able to apply for the specialized Hussmann partnership program. The curriculum covers EPA 608 certification preparation alongside technical training. The program is designed to meet the growing demand for HVAC technicians in a state where summer temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees.

11. Lincoln Tech Grand Prairie – Electrical and Automation Programs

Lincoln Tech offers programs in Electrical, Electronics & Industrial Technology and Electrical, Robotics & Automation Technology. These programs train students in electrical systems, programmable logic controllers, robotics, and industrial maintenance technologies. Graduates are prepared for careers in manufacturing, automation, and industrial maintenance across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex .

12. Lincoln Tech Grand Prairie – Auto Body and Collision Repair

Lincoln Tech offers auto body and collision repair training, with graduates going on to careers with top employers like Caliber Collision and local dealerships. The program provides hands-on training in reshaping and restoring vehicles using industry-standard equipment. Students learn both the technical and business aspects of collision repair.

13. TSTC – Advanced Manufacturing Program (Multiple Campuses)

TSTC’s Advanced Manufacturing program is offered across multiple campuses including Abilene, Fort Bend County, Harlingen, Marshall, New Braunfels, North Texas, Sweetwater, Waco, and Williamson County. The program trains students in programmable logic controllers, robotic arms, hydraulics, pneumatics, and complex electrical circuits. Students range from recent high school graduates to military veterans and individuals pursuing second careers.

14. TSTC – Electrical Power and Controls Program

TSTC offers an Electrical Power and Controls program that provides training in electrical systems, power distribution, and industrial controls. The program prepares students for careers as industrial electricians and electrical technicians . Graduates find employment in manufacturing facilities, power plants, and industrial maintenance roles.

15. TSTC – Precision Machining Program

TSTC’s precision machining program trains students in computer numerical control (CNC) operations, where students need a deep knowledge of chemistry and mathematics and must be able to write hundreds of lines of code to program machines. In their fourth semester, students complete a project designing and building a working machine from scratch, such as a functioning clock or miniature racecar. The program prepares students for careers in manufacturing, aerospace, and medical device production .

16. Arlington ISD – Dan Dipert Career and Technical Center

The Arlington ISD Career and Technical Center offers 27 types of job certificates for high school students, including programs in auto mechanics and robotics. The center is part of a renewed state focus on CTE programs, with Governor Greg Abbott signing House Bill 120 to expand access to career and technical schools and House Bill 20 to create a program for students to graduate high school with a certificate in a high-demand field . Students can receive a certificate by the time they graduate high school.

17. TSTC – Culinary Arts Program (Waco)

TSTC’s culinary arts department at the Waco campus emphasizes practical considerations alongside creative skills, with students required to take business courses to ensure their creative pathways pay off financially. The program combines hands-on kitchen training with restaurant management and entrepreneurial skills . Graduates are prepared for careers as chefs, restaurant managers, and culinary entrepreneurs.

18. TSTC – HVAC Program (Abilene)

TSTC’s HVAC program at the Abilene campus operates with a performance-based education model where students learn at their own pace and can access the lab from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily . The program attracts a diverse student body ranging from recent high school graduates to veterans and career-changers . Instructors reported high demand for graduates, with the department unable to recruit enough students to satisfy local demand .

19. TSTC – Welding Program (Marshall)

TSTC’s Marshall welding program provides hands-on training in four main welding processes to prepare students to become combination welders. The program is driven by demand from Texas’s petrochemical, pipeline, and construction industries . Graduates find employment in manufacturing, oil and gas, and infrastructure construction.

20. TSTC – Industrial Maintenance Technology (Multiple Campuses)

TSTC’s Industrial Maintenance program trains students in automation, robotics, electrical systems, troubleshooting, and industrial maintenance technologies. The program addresses the critical shortage of skilled industrial maintenance technicians across the state . Experienced technicians in this field earn $28-40 per hour.

21. UTI Dallas – Automotive & Diesel Technology

UTI Dallas offers an Automotive/Diesel & EV Technology combined program that prepares students for careers in both automotive and diesel repair. The 75-week program costs $59,600 and includes training on electric and hybrid vehicles. Students can also take advanced training with Ford, BMW, Cummins, and Peterbilt.

22. UTI Dallas – Electrical and Wind Turbine Technology

UTI Dallas offers an Electrical & Wind Turbine Technology program that trains students in electrical systems and wind turbine maintenance. The 33-week program costs $23,680 and prepares students for careers in the growing renewable energy sector . Students learn both electrical fundamentals and specialized wind turbine technology.

23. UTI Houston – Aviation Maintenance Technology

UTI Houston offers an Aviation Maintenance Technology program that trains students for careers in aircraft maintenance and repair . The 78-week program costs $51,120 and prepares students for FAA certification. Graduates are prepared for careers with airlines, maintenance facilities, and aerospace manufacturers.

24. Lincoln Tech Grand Prairie – Diesel Technology

Lincoln Tech Grand Prairie offers diesel technology training in partnership with industry leaders like Republic Services, providing hands-on training using the latest fleet technology. The program prepares students for careers as diesel technicians and maintenance specialists in the trucking and transportation industries. Graduates find employment with top employers including Penske, MHC Kenworth, and Stevens Transport.

25. TSTC – Computer Networking and IT Programs (Multiple Campuses)

TSTC offers computer networking and information technology programs that prepare students for careers in IT support, network administration, and cybersecurity  The programs attract students ranging from recent graduates to veterans transitioning to civilian careers. Graduates find employment in the growing technology sector.

26. Austin Community College – Technical Programs

Austin Community College offers technical programs in HVAC, welding, and automotive technology, providing affordable training options with tuition ranging from $3,000-8,000 for in-district students. The programs are accredited and participate in federal financial aid . Students benefit from strong industry connections in the Austin area.

27. Houston Community College – Technical Programs

Houston Community College offers a range of technical programs including welding, HVAC, and automotive technology, with strong pipeline to refinery and offshore work in the Houston area. The programs are designed to meet the workforce needs of one of the nation’s largest industrial centers . Graduates find employment in the energy sector, manufacturing, and construction.

28. Dallas College – Technical Programs

Dallas College offers technical programs in automotive technology, welding, and HVAC at multiple campuses across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The programs provide affordable training options with strong industry connections . Students can earn certificates and associate degrees in high-demand fields.

29. San Antonio College – Technical Programs

San Antonio College offers technical programs in electrical, HVAC, and welding, serving the South Texas region with accessible career training. The programs are part of the Alamo Colleges District and provide affordable education for students in the San Antonio area . Graduates find employment in construction, manufacturing, and maintenance roles.

30. El Paso Community College – Technical Programs

El Paso Community College offers technical programs in welding, automotive, and industrial maintenance, serving the West Texas and border region. The programs provide affordable training options for students in the El Paso area. Graduates find employment in manufacturing, construction, and maintenance roles in the region.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Choosing a Technical School

Start by deciding between public community colleges and private technical schools; public institutions like TSTC offer tuition as low as $3,000-8,000 per year, while private schools like UTI and Lincoln Tech cost $15,000-40,000 but may offer faster completion times.

Consider the job placement and earnings outcomes of each program; Lincoln Tech reports a 94% employment rate, and TSTC graduates earn a median starting salary of $39,000 with growth to over $53,000 within four years.

For high school students, look into CTE programs offered through school districts like Arlington ISD, which offer career certificates before graduation and are supported by new state legislation.

Evaluate each program’s facilities and equipment; Lincoln Tech features more than 60 welding booths, and TSTC provides real-world lab environments with industry-standard equipment.

Check for specialized programs like TSTC’s Money-Back Guarantee on HVAC training, which ensures a job within six months or tuition refund.

Finally, verify if the school is on the Texas Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) to qualify for workforce funding.

Closing

Texas provides a comprehensive and diverse selection of technical schools, from the 11-campus TSTC system offering affordable, career-focused education to specialized private institutions like UTI and Lincoln Tech. With the state projected to add nearly 150,000 scientific and technical jobs by 2028, careers in the skilled trades offer strong earning potential and job security.

Whether you are a high school student seeking an early start, a veteran transitioning to a civilian career, or a professional looking to change careers, Texas technical schools provide pathways to success in fields like HVAC, welding, automotive, electrical, robotics, and advanced manufacturing.

Note that all information, including tuition, program details, and job placement data, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each school.