Austin, Texas, population 757,000, has transformed itself into the "Silicon Hills," a new haven for high-technology enterprises. Austin trade schools offer the degree, certificate, diploma and training programs necessary to support the city's rapidly growing technology industries: information tech, defense tech, pharmaceutical tech, and biotech. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, looking to turn up the heat on your current career, or even start a new, more satisfying career--you'll discover an Austin vocational school or technical school that meets your needs exactly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the following Austin employment sectors were strong in May 2008:

• Education and Health Services: 82,600 jobs
• Leisure and Hospitality: 82,000 jobs
• Manufacturing: 52,800 jobs
• Professional and Business Services: 113,600 jobs
• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities: 135,900 jobs

Austin, Texas' Economy and Jobs

In 2006, Money magazine named Austin the "#2 Best Big City" to live in, and in 2009 it received their #3 ranking. Clearly, Austin has found a way to grow its job market--and shape itself into a major high-tech center--while enhancing the quality of life for its residents. CNN.com found that the median family salary in Austin in 2008 was $70,207. Below are median hourly wages for specific Austin jobs in May 2008, as researched by BLS:

• Computer Hardware Engineers at $47.02
• Computer Programmers at $35.03
• Computer Software Engineers, Applications at $44.14
• First-line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers at $17.26
• Registered Nurses at $27.93

If you're looking for a job in Austin's fast-growing tech sector, the city's trade schools can help you hit the ground running. Or follow your bliss by enrolling in a vocational school program or courses in health services, financial services, or business and professional services.