Hiring Our Heroes - Dallas
TXU.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Dallas-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Veteran Employment Resources in Texas
Find veteran employment programs in Texas. Texas Veterans Commission employment services, hiring preferences, job training, military skills translation, and career resources for Texas veterans.
Texas has one of the strongest economies in the nation, and the state actively recruits veterans into its workforce across defense, energy, technology, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. With the Texas Veterans Commission's dedicated employment services, state hiring preferences, and a vast network of career centers and training programs, Texas veterans have excellent pathways to rewarding civilian careers.
This guide covers every major employment resource available to Texas veterans, from the Texas Veterans Commission's career advisors and Workforce Solutions offices to VA vocational rehabilitation, apprenticeships, and veteran entrepreneurship programs.
Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services
TVC Employment Program
The Texas Veterans Commission Employment Services division is the largest state-level veteran employment program in the country. TVC employs over 200 veteran employment specialists embedded at Workforce Solutions offices throughout Texas. These specialists provide one-on-one career counseling, resume assistance, interview preparation, job referrals, and follow-up services exclusively for veterans and eligible spouses.
How to access: Visit any of the 28 Workforce Solutions offices across Texas and ask for the TVC veteran employment specialist. You can also contact TVC Employment Services at (512) 463-6564 or visit tvc.texas.gov.
Workforce Solutions (Texas Workforce Commission)
Texas Workforce Solutions offices provide comprehensive employment services with priority of service for veterans. Services include job search assistance, skills assessments, career counseling, training referrals, and access to WorkInTexas.com — the state's primary job matching platform. Veterans receive priority placement and expedited services at all locations.
State Hiring Preferences
Texas Veterans Employment Preference
Texas law grants veterans a hiring preference for state government positions. Qualifying veterans who meet minimum qualifications receive an interview preference and additional points in the hiring process. The preference applies to all state agencies and many local government entities. Spouses of disabled veterans and surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty also qualify for the preference.
Federal Veteran Hiring Preference
Texas is home to numerous federal installations and agencies. Federal jobs offer veterans' preference in hiring, with disabled veterans receiving the highest priority (10-point preference). Major federal employers in Texas include military bases (Fort Cavazos, Joint Base San Antonio, Fort Bliss), VA medical centers, and federal agencies throughout the state.
Training & Skills Translation
VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment (VR&E / Chapter 31)
Veterans with service-connected disabilities who need training for suitable employment may qualify for VR&E. The program covers tuition, books, supplies, and a subsistence allowance. Texas has VR&E offices in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Waco, and other locations. Contact the Waco VA Regional Office VR&E division at (254) 299-9944.
Skillbridge & Military Transition Programs
Texas is a top destination for DoD SkillBridge participants, with hundreds of companies offering internships to transitioning service members in their final 180 days of service. Major SkillBridge hosts include USAA (San Antonio), Amazon, Lockheed Martin, and numerous defense contractors. The Transition Assistance Program (TAP) at Texas military installations provides additional career readiness support.
Apprenticeship Programs
Texas offers GI Bill-approved apprenticeship programs in high-demand trades including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, and information technology. Veterans using the GI Bill for apprenticeships receive a monthly stipend in addition to their apprentice wages. The Texas Workforce Commission maintains a directory of registered apprenticeship programs.
Veteran Entrepreneurship
Texas Veterans Business Outreach
The SBA's Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) serving Texas provides free business counseling, training, and mentoring for veteran entrepreneurs. The Boots to Business program, offered at Texas military installations, provides entrepreneurship training for transitioning service members. Texas also offers HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) certification for veteran-owned businesses seeking state contracts.
Key Employers Hiring Veterans
Texas companies known for actively hiring veterans include:
- USAA — San Antonio-based financial services company with over 30% veteran workforce
- Lockheed Martin — Major defense contractor with facilities in Fort Worth and throughout Texas
- BAE Systems, L3Harris, Raytheon — Defense and technology employers
- H-E-B — Texas-based grocery chain with dedicated veteran hiring programs
- Toyota, GM, Caterpillar — Manufacturing employers in San Antonio and statewide
- Energy sector — ExxonMobil, Chevron, Halliburton, and other Houston-area energy companies
Employment Resources in Texas
El Paso Vet Center
TXCommunity-based VA Vet Center serving El Paso area combat veterans and their families with free counseling, readjustment services, and bereavement support. Vet Centers are independent of VA medical facilities and confidential.
Dallas Public Housing Authority - Veteran Voucher Intake
TXPublic Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Dallas, TX administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.
Houston Veterans Treatment Court
TXVeterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Houston veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
Killeen HUD-VASH Program
TXHUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless Killeen veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
Corpus Christi Public Housing Authority - Veteran Voucher Intake
TXPublic Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Corpus Christi, TX administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.
Dallas American Job Center - Veterans Services
TXDepartment of Labor American Job Center serving Dallas veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
San Antonio VA Benefits Office Locator
TXVA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in San Antonio, TX. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Houston Continuum of Care - Veteran Outreach
TXLocal HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Houston-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
San Antonio Veterans Legal Clinic
TXFree civil legal help for San Antonio-area veterans through Legal Services Corporation grantees and the Stateside Legal veteran-facing directory. Common matters include discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, family law, and housing.
Fort Worth County Veterans Service Office
TXAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Fort Worth area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Student Veterans of America - Fort Worth Chapter
TXStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Fort Worth area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
San Antonio HUD-VASH Program
TXHUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless San Antonio veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
Houston County Veterans Service Office
TXAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Houston area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
2-1-1 Housing Help for Fort Worth Veterans
TXDial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Fort Worth-area emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, and homeless veteran outreach. Local 2-1-1 specialists screen for veteran-specific programs (HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD) and connect callers to the nearest intake point.
Hiring Our Heroes - San Antonio
TXU.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to San Antonio-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
San Antonio Continuum of Care - Veteran Outreach
TXLocal HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for San Antonio-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
Killeen Veterans Upward Bound
TXDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Killeen-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Austin
TXVocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Austin veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
El Paso Veterans Upward Bound
TXDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving El Paso-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Texas give veterans a hiring preference for state jobs?
- Yes. Texas law provides veterans with a hiring preference for state government positions. Qualifying veterans who meet minimum qualifications receive interview preference and additional consideration. The preference also extends to spouses of disabled veterans and surviving spouses of service members who died on active duty.
- Where can I find veteran employment services in Texas?
- Visit any Workforce Solutions office and ask for the TVC veteran employment specialist. TVC has over 200 veteran employment specialists across Texas providing free career counseling, resume help, and job referrals. Contact TVC at (512) 463-6564 or visit tvc.texas.gov.
- What is VA Vocational Rehabilitation in Texas?
- VR&E (Chapter 31) helps veterans with service-connected disabilities get training for suitable employment. It covers tuition, books, and provides a monthly subsistence allowance. Texas has VR&E offices in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and Waco. Contact the Waco VA Regional Office at (254) 299-9944.
- Are there apprenticeship programs for veterans in Texas?
- Yes. Texas has numerous GI Bill-approved apprenticeship programs in trades like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, and IT. Veterans using GI Bill for apprenticeships receive a monthly stipend on top of apprentice wages. Contact your local Workforce Solutions office for a directory.
- How do I start a business as a veteran in Texas?
- Contact the SBA Veterans Business Outreach Center serving Texas for free counseling and training. The Boots to Business program at Texas military bases offers entrepreneurship courses. Texas also provides HUB certification for veteran-owned businesses pursuing state contracts.
- What major companies in Texas hire veterans?
- Top veteran employers in Texas include USAA, Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, H-E-B, Toyota, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Amazon, and many defense contractors. Texas is also home to numerous military installations with federal civilian positions that offer veteran hiring preference.
Top Texas cities for employment
Related guides in Texas
Employment in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified employment resources serving Texas, ordered by most recent verification.
Student Veterans of America - Killeen Chapter
TXStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Killeen area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
Killeen Veterans Upward Bound
TXDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Killeen-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Killeen Community College Veterans Resource Center
TXVeterans Resource Center (VRC) and certifying-official support for GI Bill students at community and technical colleges in the Killeen area. Help with VA Form 22-1995, Yellow Ribbon, and credit-for-prior-learning evaluations.
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Killeen
TXVocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Killeen veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
Hiring Our Heroes - Killeen
TXU.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Killeen-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Killeen American Job Center - Veterans Services
TXDepartment of Labor American Job Center serving Killeen veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.