Though best known for its oil industry, Texas has a diverse economy. Houston is home to the world's largest medical center. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is headquarters to 18 corporate giants on the Fortune 500. San Antonio attracts 26 million tourists each year. Texas businesses depend on technical and vocational schools as a source for new skilled workers. Oil and gas companies, like Exxon-Mobil, need welders and pipefitters to help keep the oil and gas flowing.

Career Opportunities in Texas

A welder in Texas can earn on average $37,550 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A pipefitter can earn $44,080. The Texas Medical Center in Houston has 54 medical institutions that treat 7.1 million patients every year. Skilled health care workers are a vital part of their team of nearly 100,000 employees. A medical assistant can make an average of $27,830, a pharmacy technician $30,940 and a radiology technician $54,010. Skilled workers are vital to other industries.

The Dr. Pepper Snapple Group and Frito-Lay depend on mechanics to keep their warehouses running at full speed. Mechanics can earn on average $47,160. Texans love to eat and not just barbeque. They dine out more than people in any other state. Chefs and head cooks work in restaurants and hotels and on offshore drilling rigs and cruise ships. They make an average of $46,840. No matter what the industry, technology is essential. Without it, Texas companies like AT&T, Southwest Airlines and J.C. Penny couldn't serve their customers. A computer support specialist can command $53,770 and a graphic designer $44,570.

Investing in an education at a Texas technical or vocation school offers you a great return on your investment. As a skilled worker, you can earn more money. Job security is in knowing many employers need your skill set and not just in Texas. Your education will put you ahead of the competition.