What this means Our calculation
2 of 25 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is electrical lineworkers at $81,390. Prices run 9% below the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth more than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is lower than most metros (3.6%) and the population is growing faster than most (+6.9% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in College Station Government data
All 25 trades
Vs. U.S. compares with the typical metro for that trade. Jobs are employment estimates, not open positions. Click a column to sort.
| Trade | Median pay | Vs. U.S. | Real pay | Jobs | U.S. rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Lineworker | $81,390 | -16% | $89,488 | 100 | #179 |
| Construction Supervisor | $62,210 | -19% | $68,399 | 600 | #368 |
| Building Inspector | $60,760 | -10% | $66,805 | 90 | #268 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $58,050 | -9% | $63,826 | 300 | #345 |
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $57,200 | -8% | $62,891 | 90 | #277 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $55,870 | -7% | $61,429 | 210 | #307 |
| Machinist | $55,560 | -3% | $61,088 | 90 | #211 |
| Welder | $52,800 | +1% | $58,053 | 330 | #179 |
| Plumber | $49,780 | -19% | $54,733 | 400 | #351 |
| Auto Mechanic | $49,080 | +0% | $53,963 | 700 | #189 |
| HVAC Technician | $48,530 | -19% | $53,358 | 270 | #353 |
| Electrician | $48,410 | -22% | $53,226 | 500 | #368 |
| Brickmason | $48,250 | -23% | $53,051 | 50 | #142 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $47,980 | -20% | $52,754 | 590 | #328 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $47,200 | -9% | $51,896 | 120 | #303 |
| Carpenter | $46,970 | -16% | $51,643 | 170 | #343 |
| Ironworker | $44,760 | -30% | $49,213 | 40 | #152 |
| Paving Equipment Operator | $43,450 | -13% | $47,773 | 60 | #135 |
| Painter | $43,420 | -9% | $47,740 | 90 | #296 |
| Concrete Finisher | $43,290 | -24% | $47,597 | 260 | #317 |
| Maintenance Technician | $41,510 | -14% | $45,640 | 1,490 | #355 |
| Construction Laborer | $37,200 | -21% | $40,901 | 770 | #351 |
| Pest Control Technician | $36,450 | -18% | $40,077 | 80 | #223 |
| Septic & Sewer Technician | $36,350 | -29% | $39,967 | 30 | #150 |
| Landscaper | $34,320 | -9% | $37,735 | 770 | #355 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Living costs & homes Government data
Homes in College Station
The College Station area has about 123,669 homes. 23% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is newer than most; 28% were built in 2010 or later. 51% of households own their home, and the median home value is $301,800.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
3.6% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The College Station area's population grew 6.9% from 2020 to 2025 (268,973 → 287,476), ranking #67 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). People moving in (net +11,727) account for most of the change.
Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year, 2020–2025.
New homes permitted
New-home permits in College Station are roughly flat from 2021 to 2025 (2,300 → 2,391). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the College Station area is 20 minutes each way, shorter than the typical metro (24 min). 8% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 72% drive alone, 2% take transit and 10% work from home (all workers, not just trades).
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table S0801).
Licensing in Texas Official source
The main state licensing office in Texas is the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Plumbers are licensed by the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners. It can point you to the right license for skilled trades.
Official Texas licensing site ↗
Requirements for skilled trades vary by state and sometimes by city; always confirm with the official agency.
Nearby metros
Compare any trade in two cities with city vs. city, or see every metro in Texas.