Texas Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / Texas Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in Texas
Texas operates at scale. Trade work ranges from massive metro construction zones to sprawling energy and industrial sites that function like small cities. The ceiling is high, but so is variation—workers who can move between commercial service, industrial systems, and large-site logistics tend to stay busiest.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in Texas (from this table): Lineworker ($83,009)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $54,896 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $35,107 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in Texas.
- Most stable demand in Texas: facility service fleets and industrial maintenance tied to uptime, not permit cycles.
- Best way to increase earnings: pick a sector early and specialize; depth pays faster than being a generalist here.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($83,009) · CDL Truck Driver ($69,701) · AV Technician ($64,626)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in Texas
Demand is shaped most by multiple economies inside one state—energy and industrial work near Houston, massive commercial growth around Dallas–Fort Worth, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
Texas earnings vary widely by region, with some workers trading higher hourly rates for steadier schedules depending on sector and site type.
- Outlook: Strong (multi-sector demand)
- What drives demand: multiple economies inside one state—energy and industrial work near Houston, massive commercial growth around Dallas–Fort Worth.
- Where it’s hottest: major metros + fast-growing corridors (varies by trade).
- Biggest pay factors: experience, union coverage, licensing, overtime, and employer type.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in Texas
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in Texas. Click a trade name to explore training paths, licensing steps, and career details.
Note: Some trades can rank high across many states due to national labor demand and standardized pay structures, but the exact pay levels still vary by state and metro area.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $24.97 | $999 | $4,332 | $51,934 |
| AV Technician | $31.07 | $1,243 | $5,386 | $64,626 |
| Carpenter | $24.34 | $974 | $4,219 | $50,627 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $33.51 | $1,340 | $5,808 | $69,701 |
| CNC Machinist | $23.03 | $921 | $3,992 | $47,902 |
| Construction | $24.44 | $978 | $4,236 | $50,835 |
| Concrete Finisher | $26.79 | $1,072 | $4,644 | $55,723 |
| Diesel Technician | $27.84 | $1,114 | $4,826 | $57,907 |
| Electrician | $29.50 | $1,180 | $5,113 | $61,360 |
| Heavy Equipment | $24.10 | $933 | $4,041 | $48,496 |
| HVAC Technician | $27.08 | $1,085 | $4,702 | $56,428 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $26.76 | $1,070 | $4,639 | $55,670 |
| Ironworker | $25.49 | $1,018 | $4,411 | $52,932 |
| Lineworker | $39.91 | $1,596 | $6,917 | $83,009 |
| Marine Mechanic | $27.69 | $1,108 | $4,799 | $57,548 |
| Mason | $26.02 | $1,041 | $4,510 | $54,122 |
| Plumber | $31.31 | $1,211 | $5,248 | $62,972 |
| Roofer | $23.52 | $941 | $4,077 | $48,922 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $24.88 | $952 | $4,121 | $49,450 |
| Welder | $23.74 | $947 | $4,105 | $49,266 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
About this table: wage data sources and methodology.
Why Texas Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Texas consistently ranks among the strongest states for skilled trade employment due to its size, population growth, and industrial diversity. Energy production, large-scale construction, manufacturing, transportation infrastructure, and ongoing residential expansion create sustained demand for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, welders, pipefitters, and construction trades across multiple regions.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Dallas–Fort Worth: Commercial construction, data centers, manufacturing, and large residential developments drive electrical, HVAC, and plumbing demand.
- Houston: Energy, petrochemical plants, ship channels, and industrial construction support strong demand for welders, pipefitters, and industrial electricians.
- Austin & Central Texas: Rapid population growth fuels residential construction, infrastructure work, and service trades.
- San Antonio: Military facilities, utilities, and commercial projects support mechanical and electrical trades.
Major Employers and Contractors in Texas
Tradespeople in Texas frequently work with major national and Texas-based employers tied to energy, construction, and infrastructure, including:
- Fluor — Large-scale industrial and energy construction projects across the state.
- Bechtel — Infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing-related construction.
- KBR — Engineering, construction, and maintenance services tied to energy and defense.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Texas
Texas is a right-to-work state with a predominantly non-union construction and trade workforce. Most tradespeople enter through trade schools, employer-sponsored training, or direct hiring. Union work exists but is concentrated in specific trades, utilities, and large industrial or public-sector projects.
Union Apprenticeships in Texas
Union opportunities are strongest in major metros and industrial hubs, particularly for electrical, pipefitting, and sheet metal trades:
- IBEW Local 20 — Electrical apprenticeships serving the Dallas–Fort Worth area.
- IBEW Local 716 — Electrical training covering Houston and surrounding regions.
- UA Local 211 — Plumbing and pipefitting apprenticeships tied to Houston’s industrial sector.
- SMART Local 54 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication apprenticeships in North Texas.
Ready to start a trade career in Texas?
Compare accredited trade schools and registered apprenticeships across Texas.
Texas Trade Schools & Apprenticeships