If there’s one message to career seekers that cannot be understated in this day and age, it’s the significance of skilled trades and certifications. Dr. Allatia Harris, Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives at San Jacinto College, has spent more than a decade as both a witness and facilitator of the shift toward middle skills and training. When it comes to Houston, the demand for skilled workers is not slowing down anytime soon.
Skilled trades pay well, and you have great entry level positions with a two-year degree or certain certifications... There’s more hands-on, direct contact with your work, which provides a different kind of reward compared to many desk jobs.
High-Demand Careers: The Value of Skilled Trades and Certifications at San Jacinto College
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Why to Consider Skilled Trades as a Career
A career in the skilled trades is deeply rewarding on a personal level, yet another crucial factor is the financial advantage. Those who are motivated and willing to learn – strong workers who truly care about what they’re doing – can quickly advance in one of these lucrative career paths.
“Skilled trades pay well, and you have great entry-level positions with a two-year degree or certain certifications,” Dr. Harris says, emphasizing how such industry jobs offer both a terrific paycheck as well as a sense of accomplishment and pride. “There’s more hands-on, direct contact with your work, which provides a different kind of reward compared to many desk jobs.”
While traditional skilled trades like plumbing and HVAC are always in demand, San Jac points to two incredibly hot fields right now: IT and healthcare.
With the digital transformation of businesses, roles such as web design and cybersecurity have become essential career paths. Websites have become an absolute must for businesses to establish legitimacy, and this in-demand field is definitely here to stay. Web design appeals to those of an artistic nature, perfect for creative people who enjoy the visual component.
Cybersecurity, on the other hand, is critical as digital threats continue to escalate, with starting salaries reflecting the urgency of these skills. In fact, with a two-year degree in IT, graduates can land jobs starting at $58,000, then continue adding to their certifications and move up to the realm of cybersecurity, where the average wage is over $100,000 annually, with high performers making upward of $150,000.
Dr. Allatia Harris
Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives at San Jacinto College
In the healthcare industry, particularly nursing and magnetic resonance imaging, hospitals are facing a persistent staffing shortage. An entry-level RN can start at $73,000 with significant growth potential, and there are also immediate and long-term benefits, including additional overtime pay.
With the new MRI program at San Jac, designed for quicker entry into the field, graduating MRI techs can start at $67,000, while the median pay is closer to $85,000, not including overtime.
Demand for information technology products and services, such as computer systems design services, data processing, and software, are expected to drive the demand for workers in the information technology (IT) sector (+0.7%) and professional and business services sector (+0.7%).
Choosing San Jacinto College
In Greater Houston, San Jacinto College stands out as a premier choice among public community colleges. Combining affordability with exceptional quality, the college can thank its dedicated faculty who are deeply invested in student success. Many of the adjunct professors have spent a career in the industry, made their money, and are now teaching as a way to give back. With their wealth of experience comes significant connections in the industry that can help students land the career roles they need.
With an impressive track record, San Jac consistently ranks among the top performers in the state. Unlike many private institutions where students have no choice but to rely on crippling loans, San Jac offers a cost-effective education supported by taxpayer funding, which helps keep student costs low for Houstonians.
The degrees at San Jac are also stackable, allowing students to start with a certificate and then work their way up, progressing to bachelor’s degrees while they are already in the workforce making a respectable salary.
“When we talk about trades, they are all about helping students get to work, because the local economy needs those skills,” Dr. Harris states. “The truth is anyone now entering a career is going to have to keep learning and developing. Our two-year degrees give people the skills they need to get started in jobs that can take them to incredible careers, but they have to keep growing.”
Explore the stats
Computer and mathematical occupations are projected to grow the second fastest of any occupational group, at
12.9%
Driven by an aging population and a higher prevalence of chronic conditions, healthcare and social assistance is projected to have the largest growth and be the fastest growing industry sector (+1.0% annually).
Healthcare support occupations, healthcare practitioners and technical occupations are projected to be among the fastest growing of all occupational groups, growing 15.2% and 8.6%, respectively, from 2023 to 2033.
Total employment is projected to increase to
174.6 million
and grow 0.4% annually.
The U.S. economy is projected to add
6.7 million
jobs from 2023 to 2033.
Career Overviews
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
How long it takes to get the degree or certificate
2 Years (Associate of Applied Science)
Cost to acquire degree/certificate
Median Salary
$4,980* (based on San Jac in-district tuition rate of $83 per credit hour for 60 hours; not including books and supplies)
$80,029
Employment opportunities – number of job openings expected over the next 5-10 years
16,800 (by 2033)
Project job growth percentage for the next 10 years
6% (by 2033)
Steps to Start Your Career
For anyone interested in jump starting their career, it’s strongly recommended you explore these programs further, schedule an appointment with an advisor, and submit a financial aid application – which everyone should at least apply for to consider all of their options.
“Don’t wait. Time is money, and in these fields, waiting a year could cost you $80,000 in potential earnings,” Dr. Harris warns, urging immediate action toward career development. “These careers change lives, allowing people to live their dreams.”
To get started, visit www.sanjac.edu.
Information Security Analysts
Web Developers
Registered Nurses
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Registered Nurses
How long it takes to get the degree or certificate
2 Years (Associate Degree in Nursing)
Cost to acquire degree/certificate
$4,980* (based on San Jac in-district tuition rate of $83 per credit hour for 60 hours; not including books and supplies)
Median Salary
$83,738
Employment opportunities – number of job openings expected over the next 5-10 years
197,200 (by 2033)
Project job growth percentage for the next 10 years
6% (by 2033)
Web Developers
How long it takes to get the degree or certificate
2 Years (Associate of Applied Science)
Cost to acquire degree/certificate
$4,980* (based on San Jac in-district tuition rate of $83 per credit hour for 60 hours; not including books and supplies)
Median Salary
$74,004
Employment opportunities – number of job openings expected over the next 5-10 years
18,600 (by 2033)
Project job growth percentage for the next 10 years
8% (by 2033)
Information Security Analysts
How long it takes to get the degree or certificate
4 Years (Bachelor of Applied Technology)
Cost to acquire degree/certificate
$9,960* (based on San Jac in-district tuition rate of $83 per credit hour for 120 hours; not including books and supplies)
Median Salary
$110,512
Employment opportunities – number of job openings expected over the next 5-10 years
59,100 (by 2033)
Project job growth percentage for the next 10 years
33% (by 2033)