100 Top Trade Schools in Texas: Launch a Career Without the 4-Year Wait

Guest Author
Apr 25
9 min read

Looking for a fast, affordable, and skill-focused path to a rewarding career? Texas is home to some of the best trade schools in the country. Whether you're into healthcare, welding, IT, or the beauty industry, there's a program here for you.

📚 Why Trade School?

Trade schools aren’t a “backup plan”, they’re a direct line to a high-demand career. You get specialized training, real-world skills, and often start earning faster than those in traditional 4-year programs.

Here’s a curated list of the top 50 trade schools in Texas, with a quick look at what each one offers.

🔤 Trade Schools in Texas (A–Z)

1. Amarillo College

Offers various vocational programs with both campus and online options.

2. Arlington Career Institute

Specializes in legal and healthcare programs.

3. Austin Career Institute

Certifications in Medical Assisting, HVAC, and Electrical Technology.

4. Austin Coding Academy

Specializes in coding and programming courses for tech careers.

5. Austin Community College District

Wide range of vocational programs, available both on campus and online.

6. Aviation Institute of Maintenance

Training in aviation maintenance and avionics technology.

7. CCI Training Center

Courses in Medical Billing, IT support, and Business Accounting.

8. Central Texas College

Career programs in health, hospitality, and skilled trades.

9. Champions School of Real Estate

Real estate licensing and exam prep programs.

10. College of Health Care Professions (CHCP)

Programs in medical and dental assisting, and health information tech.

11. CyberTex Institute of Technology

Medical Assisting, Network Engineering, HVAC, and more.

12. Dallas College

Multi-campus system offering workforce and technical education.

13. DeVry University – Irving

Programs in engineering, business, and tech for career-focused learners.

14. El Paso Community College

Flexible, affordable career training options in multiple industries.

15. Elite Welding Academy

Intensive welding and pipefitting certification programs.

16. Everest Institute – Houston

Healthcare and wellness training, including massage therapy.

17. Fortis Institute – Houston

Hands-on education in healthcare, dental assisting, and HVAC.

18. Grayson College

Culinary Arts, Welding, and HVAC technology programs.

19. Hill College

Vocational certificates in Cosmetology, Welding, and Nursing.

20. Houston Community College

Extensive trade programs for local and remote learners.

21. Kaplan College

Health, IT, and criminal justice-focused career programs.

22. Lincoln Tech – Grand Prairie

Top-tier training in automotive, diesel, and collision repair.

23. Lone Star College System

Multiple campuses offering career and technical education.

24. Midland College

Career-ready programs with a focus on practical skills.

25. Navarro College

Training in paralegal studies, welding, and allied health.

26. North Central Texas College

Affordable education in EMS, Welding, and Business.

27. Nuvani Institute

Cosmetology school for hair, nails, and skincare.

28. Odessa College

Technical and health career programs with hands-on labs.

29. Palo Alto College

Wide range of skilled trades and career certification programs.

30. Paris Junior College

Jewelry Tech, Welding, and Cosmetology programs.

31. Pipo Academy of Hair Design

Bilingual cosmetology programs with hands-on styling training.

32. Platt College – Dallas

Culinary Arts, Nursing, and Pastry programs.

33. Remington College

Healthcare, HVAC, and Business programs across Texas.

34. San Jacinto Community College

Maritime, Health Sciences, and Industrial Tech offerings.

35. South Texas College

Academic and technical career paths for students in South TX.

36. South Texas Vocational Technical Institute

Programs in healthcare, IT, business, and skilled trades.

37. Southern Careers Institute

Flexible training in Welding, Business, HVAC, and more.

38. Southwest Schools

Focus on Pharmacy Tech, Medical Assisting, and Business.

39. St. Philip’s College

Diverse vocational programs from automotive to culinary.

40. Strayer University – Houston

Business and IT degrees designed for adult learners.

41. Temple College

Health, Business, and Trade certifications.

42. Texarkana College

Automotive Tech, Welding, and Nursing career paths.

43. Texas Southmost College

Workforce-focused programs in skilled trades and healthcare.

44. Texas State Technical College (TSTC)

Offers over 50 hands-on programs across multiple campuses.

45. Tulsa Welding School – Houston

Elite welding instruction with job placement support.

46. Universal Technical Institute (UTI)

Automotive, Diesel, Robotics, and HVAC certifications.

47. University of Phoenix – Texas

Online programs tailored for working adults.

48. Vernon College

Nursing, Welding, and Criminal Justice training.

49. Vista College – El Paso

Programs in Business, Healthcare, and IT.

50. Wharton County Junior College

Criminal Justice, Cosmetology, and Industrial Tech.

Here’s a curated list of the top 25 cosmetology schools in Texas, with a quick look at what each one offers.

Avenue Five Institute – Located in Austin, Avenue Five offers programs in cosmetology, esthetics, and massage therapy, emphasizing hands-on training and modern techniques.
Baldwin Beauty Schools – With campuses in Austin, Baldwin Beauty Schools provide comprehensive cosmetology programs, including training in hair, skin, and nails.
Central Texas Beauty College – Operating in Round Rock and Temple, this college offers cosmetology and manicuring courses with a focus on practical skills and state board preparation.
CHI Lone Star College-North Harris School of Cosmetology – Based in Houston, this school offers a range of cosmetology programs, including operator and instructor courses.
College of the Mainland – Located in Texas City, this community college offers a cosmetology program that prepares students for state licensure with hands-on training.
Franklin Beauty School – Based in Houston, Franklin Beauty School is one of the oldest beauty schools in Texas, offering programs in cosmetology and esthetics.
Galveston College – Offers a cosmetology program that includes both certificate and associate degree options, focusing on hair, skin, and nail care.
Houston Community College – Provides a cosmetology program with training in hair cutting, coloring, and styling, as well as skin and nail care.
International Beauty College – Located in Garland, this college offers a ten-month cosmetology program, as well as part-time options.
Lone Star College-Kingwood – Offers cosmetology programs with state-of-the-art facilities and experienced instructors, located in the Houston area.
Lone Star College-North Harris – Based in Houston, this campus offers comprehensive cosmetology training programs.
Lone Star College-Tomball – Provides cosmetology programs with a focus on practical experience and industry-relevant skills.
Ogle School – With multiple campuses across Texas, including Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, Ogle School offers programs in cosmetology and esthetics with flexible scheduling options.
Palo Alto College – Located in San Antonio, this college offers cosmetology programs that prepare students for careers in hair, skin, and nail care.
Panola College – Based in Carthage and Center, Panola College offers a cosmetology certificate program focusing on hair coloring, styling, and cutting techniques.
Paul Mitchell The School Arlington – Offers programs in cosmetology, barbering, and manicuring, emphasizing modern techniques and business skills.
Paul Mitchell The School Austin – Provides cosmetology and esthetics programs with a focus on hands-on training and industry connections.
Paul Mitchell The School Dallas – Offers cosmetology and esthetics programs, preparing students for careers in the beauty industry with comprehensive training.
Paul Mitchell The School Houston – Provides cosmetology programs focusing on hair cutting, coloring, and styling, as well as skin and nail care.
Paul Mitchell The School San Antonio – Offers cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics programs with a focus on practical skills and professional development.
San Jacinto Community College – Located in Pasadena, this college offers cosmetology programs that combine classroom instruction with hands-on experience.
Texas College of Cosmetology – With campuses in Abilene, Lubbock, and San Angelo, this college offers programs in cosmetology, esthetics, and nail technology.
The Aveda Institute – Located in Austin, the Aveda Institute offers cosmetology programs with a focus on environmental sustainability and holistic beauty.
The Salon Professional Academy – Based in Dallas, this academy offers cosmetology programs with an emphasis on business skills and modern techniques.
Vogue College of Cosmetology – With campuses in McAllen, Lubbock, and San Antonio, Vogue College offers programs in cosmetology and esthetics.

Here’s a curated list of the top 25 massage schools in Texas, with a quick look at what each one offers.

A New Beginning School of Massage-Killeen – Located in Killeen, this school offers comprehensive massage therapy training programs.
Amarillo College West Campus – Based in Amarillo, this college provides a massage therapy program with a focus on practical skills and professional development.
Art of Massage Institute – Situated in Tyler, this institute offers specialized training in various massage techniques.
Austin Community College Continuing Education – Offers a 500-hour massage therapy program combining classroom instruction with hands-on clinical experience in Austin.
Austin Massage Academy – Provides a unique program focusing on both massage techniques and business fundamentals to ensure graduates' success in Austin.
Central Texas College – Located in Killeen, this college offers a licensed massage therapy program designed to prepare students for the MBLEx and state licensure.
Cortiva Institute-Houston – Offers a comprehensive massage therapy certificate program with full-time and part-time options in Houston.
Hands on Therapy – Based in Mesquite, this school provides both basic and advanced massage therapy programs, including various specialized modalities.
Lone Star College-North Harris – Offers a Massage Therapy Certificate Level I program designed to be completed in nine months, located in Houston.
Milan Institute-San Antonio Ingram – Provides massage therapy programs featuring a blend of Eastern, Western, and ancient practices in San Antonio.
Texas Health School – Located in Houston, this institution offers a 715-hour massage therapy certificate program exceeding state standards.
Texas School of Massage – Based in Houston, this school focuses on Swedish Massage techniques and offers flexible class schedules.
Tarrant County College – Offers a 580-hour Massage Therapy Certification Program with full-time and part-time options in Fort Worth.
The Lauterstein-Conway Massage School – Located in Austin, this school provides a 500-hour program emphasizing both the art and science of massage therapy.
AustinDEEP's DEEP Academy School of Massage – Founded by Jessica Price, this Austin-based school offers training in deep tissue massage techniques.
Texas Massage Academy – Offers comprehensive massage therapy training programs in Brownwood, focusing on hands-on experience and professional development.
Phoenix School of Massage – Based in Houston, this school provides various massage therapy programs, including specialized modalities and continuing education.
Institute of Cosmetology, Esthetics & Massage – Located in Houston, this institute offers a massage therapy program emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
River City School of Massage Therapy – Situated in San Antonio, this school provides a comprehensive massage therapy program designed to prepare students for licensure.
North Texas School of Swedish Massage – Based in Arlington, this school focuses on Swedish massage techniques and offers flexible scheduling options.
Parker University School of Massage Therapy – Located in Dallas, this university offers a massage therapy program with a focus on clinical applications and holistic health.
Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute Houston – Provides a massage therapy program emphasizing Ayurvedic techniques and holistic wellness in Houston.
A New Beginning School of Massage-Austin – Offers comprehensive massage therapy training programs in Austin, focusing on various modalities and professional development.
Texas Center for Massage Therapy – Based in Richardson, this center offers a massage therapy program designed to be completed in as little as seven months.
El Paso Massage Institute – Provides a massage therapy program focusing on both foundational techniques and advanced modalities in El Paso.

Please note that program offerings, durations, and costs may vary. It's advisable to contact the schools directly or visit their official websites for the most current information.

Here’s a curated list of the top 25 real estate schools in Texas, with a quick look at what each one offers.

360 Training – Agent CampusOnline pre-licensing and continuing education for aspiring and licensed agents. Self-paced with TREC-approved content.
AceableAgent – Mobile-first online real estate school with interactive coursework, exam prep, and a high pass rate.
Allied Schools – Online-only real estate education offering flexible scheduling and comprehensive pre-licensing packages.
Austin Institute of Real Estate – Offers live and online courses, including pre-licensing, CE, and broker prep, with a reputation for local instructor support.
Career WebSchool (now part of OnCourse Learning) – Known for online, on-demand real estate licensing courses with robust exam prep tools.
Champions School of Real Estate – One of the most respected real estate schools in Texas with classroom, online, and livestream options statewide.
Colibri Real Estate (formerly Real Estate Express) – Nationally recognized online real estate school with multiple course tiers and instructor Q&A support.
Dallas College – Real Estate Program – Affordable, in-person community college-based real estate classes focused on foundational skills.
Hogan School of Real Estate – Online school offering Texas-specific licensing and CE courses with a focus on exam readiness.
Kaplan Real Estate Education – Reputable for detailed pre-licensing content and live or online delivery, including video formats and coaching.
McKissock Learning – Specializes in continuing education for agents and brokers, often paired with Real Estate Express packages.
Pioneer School of Real Estate – Texas-based school focused on affordable CE and exam prep solutions for busy professionals.
Real Estate Business School – Based in Austin, combines TREC education with entrepreneurship and real estate investing strategies.
Real Estate Express (now Colibri) – Offers self-paced online education with options for live Q&A, CE, and a money-back pass guarantee.
Real Estate School of Texas – Blends online convenience with personal support and exam coaching for Texas students.
RealEstateU – Affordable and simple online course structure, great for students looking for no-frills, budget-friendly learning.
San Antonio Board of Realtors (SABOR) Real Estate Schoo – lLocal association offering licensing and CE classes tailored to the San Antonio market.
School Estate – Texas-only real estate school with tech-friendly, video-based classes and group study options.
Texas A&M University – Real Estate Center – Focuses on research and public resources for real estate professionals; offers educational outreach and market insights.
Texas Real Estate License School – Provides online education with high exam prep success rates and flexible course formats.
The CE Shop – Popular nationwide platform with high interactivity, strong UI, and courses for every phase of your career.
Train Agents Online – One of the most affordable online options with simple navigation and TREC-approved content.
University of Houston – Bauer College of Business – Offers real estate-focused programs and certifications within the business school curriculum.
University of North Texas – Real Estate Program – Provides academic real estate courses through its business program, with a focus on market analytics and finance.
VanEd Real Estate School – Fully online education platform offering licensing and CE with 24/7 support and comprehensive content.

💡 Final Thoughts

Whether you're graduating soon, pivoting careers, or just tired of the student loan hamster wheel, trade schools offer real opportunities with real results. Texas has the programs. Now all you need to do is pick one and get started.