With a nickname like the "Heart of Texas", it's no surprise that the city of Waco prides itself on its welcoming community. With approximately 120,000 residents, Waco is a mid-range size city in the middle of Texas. The city is home to some beautiful parks, museums and a thriving shopping district where residents and tourists alike can enjoy themselves.
Thanks to the area's affordable rent and low unemployment rate, the city is a great place for students to learn a trade at one of Waco's vocational schools.
Top Industries and Employers in Waco
Though the city suffered during the 2008 economic recession, Waco is getting back on its feet. In 2019, Waco had an unemployment rate below the national average. Additionally, the city's job market is expected to grow more than the national average over the next decade. With the area's relatively low cost of living, these economic factors make Waco a great place to live.
As the city's economy becomes stronger, employers have demonstrated an increased interest in hiring skilled workers with professional certificates. Some of the largest companies in the city are Providence Health Center, Baylor University, Hillcrest Health System and L-3 Integrated Systems (Aircraft Modification).
Given that these are the biggest employers in the region, it makes sense that the fastest-growing industries in Waco are:
Why Is Waco Good for Trade and Vocational Students?
A sampling of the trade schools in Waco can been seen in these trade school highlights:
- Texas State Technical College offers dozens of programs for students. This school is known as having one of the best welding trade schools in Waco, Texas.
- McLennan Community College of Waco, Texas offers degrees and certificates, gainful employment courses and adult education classes in a variety of industries. This school also has scholarships, work-study positions and a dedicated financial aid office to help students afford the cost of school.
By attending a technical school in Waco, you can get one of the highest-paying careers in the region. Read more about how learning a trade is the right career choice for you, and explore trade schools in Texas.
Learn More about Waco
Demographics | Total Population | 133,964 |
Education and Earnings | # Enrolled in College | 18,402 |
Median Earnings Without High School Degree | $21,324 | |
Median Earnings With High School Degree | $24,247 | |
Median Earnings With Associate Degree | $29,144 |
Commute | Average Commute Time | 18 minutes |
% Commutes by Walking | 3.1% | |
% Commutes by Bicycle | 0.3% | |
% Commutes by Public Transportation | 0.6% |
Housing | Median Housing Cost | $848 |
Median Gross Rent | $828 | |
Median House Value | $116,600 |