High-Demand Careers: The Value of Skilled Trades and Certifications at San Jacinto College
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.
Why to Consider Skilled Trades as a Career
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.
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.
Choosing San Jacinto College
Explore the stats
Total employment is projected to increase to
174.6 million
The U.S. economy is projected to add
6.7 million
jobs from 2023 to 2033.
Career Overviews
Information Security Analysts
Web Developers
Registered Nurses
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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
$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)
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)
Steps to Start Your Career
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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).
and grow 0.4% annually.
Dr. Allatia Harris
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%).