Targeted Occupations List 2024-2025
Learn about the Targeted Occupations List and how job seekers can use this information to level up their careers. Contact a Workforce Professional to qualify for Training Opportunities available to the public. Click below to watch a short introduction to the WFSCB Targeted Occupations List, which includes occupations in high-demand industries such as Business, Health Care, Professional Skills & Trades, and Public Service.
The targeted occupations list is developed by Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend (WFSCB) to identify the most effective use of local workforce development resources. Sources of information for the target list are local area employers, economic development entities, chambers of commerce, community partners, Texas Workforce Commission labor market information specific to the Coastal Bend region, and knowledge gained from continuous contact with the above sources.
Significant occupational factors include; current and projected employment in the occupation, a self- sufficiency wage, and specific vocational preparation time for the occupation, usually less than two years. Employment demand for the occupation offers reasonable expectation of employment following vocational preparation. The list does not include other higher paying jobs for which longer vocational preparation is required.
The range in the listed training period is only an estimate and in some cases may represent classroom training, on-the-job training or a combination of both. The typical limit of vocational training funded by WFSCB is less than two years. Occasionally WFSCB may fund the last year or two of a longer program with the understanding that the trainee is job ready at the end of the funded training.
WFSCB uses this list for approved training provided to workforce program-eligible participants. Job seekers must visit our centers to determine eligibility for training through Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend. Eligibility is not an entitlement to funding. Training providers must apply to the State’s Eligible Training Provider System (ETPS) to provide training services funded by WFSCB for the listed occupations.
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Eligible Training Providers (ETPs) are entities with job training programs approved by the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to provide Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)–funded training services. The publicly accessible Statewide Eligible Training Providers List (ETPL) includes all programs that are currently approved by TWC for ITA funding.
Click Here to Download the TWC Statewide Eligible Training Provider List.
For more information on becoming an affiliated training provider, please click here.
** Some of the training facilities displayed are not sponsored by Workforce Solutions of the Coastal Bend. Please consult with a Workforce Professional to qualify and for more information about approved training programs.
The Business Industry is a broad sector of the economy that includes service-related occupations such as Legal, Accounting, General Office and Office Support Jobs in the Coastal Bend Region. The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code is a standard used to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting data and comparing occupations across data sets.
The Health Care Industry consists of occupations that provide Medical Services and Medical Insurance, or otherwise facilitate the provision of health care to patients. The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code is a standard used to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting data and comparing occupations across data sets.
The Professional Skills & Trade Industry consists of occupations that are concentrated in the Industrial, Construction, Manufacturing and Mechanical Sectors of the Coastal Bend’s regional economy. The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code is a standard used to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting data and comparing occupations across data sets.
The Public Service Industry consists of occupations that serve the community with relation to the Government, Public Education/Administration, Public Safety and Human Services. The Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code is a standard used to classify workers into occupational categories for the purpose of collecting data and comparing occupations across data sets.
| SOC | Description | 2024 Jobs | Lowest 10% Hourly Earnings | Avg. Hourly Earnings | Median Hourly Earnings | Highest 10% Hourly Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49-3031 | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | 589 | $16.74 | $26.06 | $24.60 | $28.28 |
| 53-3052 | Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity | 270 | $16.75 | $21.73 | $21.46 | $23.38 |
| 33-3012 | Correctional Officers and Jailers | 712 | $14.84 | $20.95 | $20.87 | $23.27 |
| 25-2021 | Elementary School Teachers | 2,502 | $24.10 | $27.76 | $27.93 | $28.36 |
| 33-2011 | Firefighters | 784 | $20.04 | $29.59 | $29.30 | $34.67 |
| 25-2022 | Middle School Teachers | 1,380 | $24.10 | $27.79 | $27.60 | $29.98 |
| 33-3051 | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 1,551 | $21.93 | $25.60 | $32.10 | $40.86 |
| 25-2031 | Secondary School Teachers | 1,922 | $24.07 | $28.96 | $28.82 | $31.33 |
| 33-9032 | Security Guards | 1,366 | $11.07 | $17.23 | $15.23 | $18.13 |
| 25-2050 | Special Education Teachers | 941 | $23.65 | $26.48 | $28.39 | $30.50 |