Best Trade and Vocational Schools
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- Trade school can help you land a lucrative career without a college degree.
- Popular trade school programs include auto mechanic, carpentry, and HVAC technician.
- Career and salary expectations for trade school graduates vary by program.
A college degree is one of many ways to get the skills you need to succeed in today's economy. The best trade schools can offer great postsecondary educational options, providing specialized training for a lucrative career in the skilled trades.
This guide describes popular trade school degrees, what to expect from a trade school education, and potential trade careers.
Featured Certificate Vocational Trade Schools
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Trade school can be a great alternative to a traditional four-year university experience. Explore some of the programs top trade schools commonly offer.
Trade School Degrees
Trades schools offer programs that prepare students for careers that need specialized training but not a four-year degree. Trade programs often take less time and money to complete than a university degree. For some programs, you can go to trade school online.
We describe what to expect from some popular trade programs below.
Check out these 8 Trade Programs:
Use this list to learn about common trade school programs and decide if one of these is the right choice for you.
1. Auto Mechanic
Auto mechanic programs prepare students to become auto mechanics in places like dealerships, car manufacturers, and mechanic shops. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that auto mechanics earned a median annual salary of $46,880 in May 2021.
Featured Certificate and Associate in Auto Mechanic Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Trade schools offer auto mechanic certificates and associate degree programs that cover topics like automotive transmissions and engine repair.
2. Carpentry
Trades schools offer associate degree carpentry programs that cover carpentry basics and specialties. Sometimes the program includes an apprenticeship. Carpentry students learn to read blueprints, understand code requirements, and master safety best practices.
Trade school carpentry programs prepare graduates for careers in woodworking. Carpenters earn a median annual salary of $48,260 (BLS, May 2021).
3. Construction Management
Construction management vocational programs prepare students for various leadership roles in construction. Classes often cover business management, project management, and cost estimation. Construction managers earn a median annual salary of $98,890 (BLS, May 2021).
If you want to go beyond a vocational program, some schools offer accelerated online construction management degrees at the bachelor's and master's levels.
4. Electrician
Electrician programs at trade schools can prepare you to be a licensed electrician. Students learn to troubleshoot electrical problems, read blueprints, and repair electrical wiring systems.
Classes cover safety practices and circuitry; students may also get credit for an apprenticeship.
Featured Certificate Electrician Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Electricians earn a median annual salary of $60,040 (BLS, May 2021). Depending on your state, you may need an electrician license to work.
5. Fire Science
Some of the best trade schools offer programs that can prepare you for various fire science careers like a firefighter or fire inspector. Firefighters earn a median annual salary of $50,700 (BLS, May 2021), compared to $63,080 for fire inspectors (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Certificate and Bachelor's Fire Science Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Consider earning an online bachelor's in fire science to expand your career opportunities.
6. HVAC Technician
HVAC technician programs cover industrial safety, pipe fabrication, and refrigeration issues and prepare students to work in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration field as mechanics and installers. HVAC technicians earn a median annual salary of $48,630 (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Certificate HVAC Technician Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Besides trade school, you may need a license or certification to become an HVAC technician.
7. Technology
A trade school technology program can prepare you for various technology careers. Possible career paths include computer science, data science, and computer programming. Classes often cover information technology fundamentals, computer operating systems, and computer security.
Featured Certificate and Associate Technology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
An accelerated online technology degree can help you gain the necessary skills to pursue your goals.
8. Web Development
Trade school programs in web development can prepare students for web development careers like web developer, web designer, or front-end developer.
Classes cover computer programming, website development, and project management. Web developers earn a median annual salary of $78,300 (BLS, May 2021).
Featured Certificate and Bachelor's Web Development Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
To open up the most career opportunities in web development, consider earning a web development bachelor's degree.
Best Accredited Trade School Programs
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Ashland County-West Holmes Career Center
- Type: Public
- Cost: $8,922
- Admissions: Open admissions
- Graduation: 7-10 months
- Accreditations: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Council on Occupational Education
Students can choose from 14 programs in high-growth fields, including industrial maintenance, plumbing, welding, and healthcare. The school offers both adult career preparation and high school instruction. Programs include hands-on learning and work-based placements.
Baptist Health College Little Rock
- Type: Private, nonprofit
- Cost: $12,598
- Admissions: High school diploma, SAT or ACT scores, and recommendations
- Graduation: 4-24 months
- Accreditations: Accrediting Bureau of Health Education
Baptist Health College offers training in nine medical fields, including nursing, occupational therapy assistant, and sleep technology. The nursing program offers both traditional and accelerated tracts.
B.M. Spurr School of Practical Nursing
- Type: Private, nonprofit
- Cost: $5,620
- Admissions: High school diploma or equivalent, recommendations, admissions test
- Graduation: One year
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Offered through Reynolds Memorial Hospital and West Virginia University, this program trains practical nurses for their careers in one year. The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences.
Butte County Regional Occupational Program
- Type: Public
- Cost: $7,000
- Admissions: Open admissions
- Graduation: 3-24 months
- Accreditations: Council on Occupational Education
The Butte County ROP builds job skills and offers career guidance to students in its four programs: medical assistant, dental assistant, veterinary assistant, and phlebotomy. It reports 100% placement of dental assistant graduates.
Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center
- Type: Public
- Cost: $8,400
- Admissions: Open admissions
- Graduation: 9-22 months
- Accreditations: Council on Occupational Education
CTC offers full-time programs that include healthcare, computer programming and networking, automotive services, culinary arts, and technology. They also offer short-term evening courses for continuing education and personal development programs.
Charlotte Technical College
- Type: Public
- Cost: $3,100
- Admissions: Open admissions
- Graduation: 3-24 months
- Accreditations: Council on Occupational Education
CTC maintains strong industry partnerships to offer more than 20 career-focused educational programs. Choose from careers in cybersecurity, aviation mechanics, or culinary arts. In addition to industry certification, CTC maintains articulation agreements, allowing students to transfer their skills toward a four-year degree.
Concorde Career College-Garden Grove
- Type: Private, nonprofit
- Cost: $32,469
- Admissions: High school diploma or equivalent, college entrance exam
- Graduation: 3-24 months
- Accreditations: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Concorde focuses on healthcare training, with programs in nursing, physical therapy assistant, dental hygiene, and more. The school offers frequent class starts, with personalized attention and hands-on instruction. Instructors may use blended learning with clinical experiences and in-person labs.
First Coast Technical College
- Type: Private, nonprofit
- Cost: $6,581
- Admissions: Open admissions
- Graduation: 6-12 months
- Accreditations: Council on Occupational Education
FCTC offers small classes at two convenient locations, with more than 20 career programs available. The school offers nursery management, health sciences, hospitality, and transportation courses. Short-term courses provide continuing education in public safety, natural gas vehicles, and aircraft fabrication.
Great Oaks Career Campuses
- Type: Public
- Cost: $6,214
- Admissions: Open admissions
- Graduation: 5-11 months
- Accreditations: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Council on Occupational Education
Great Oaks offers four campus locations serving high school and postsecondary students. The school offers ten full-time programs, including its police academy and programs in manufacturing, construction, and automotive services. Short-term certifications include emergency medical technician (EMT) training, healthcare, and web and graphic design.
Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee
- Type: Public
- Cost: $4,363
- Admissions: Open admissions
- Graduation: 10-12 months
- Accreditations: Oklahoma Board of Career and Technology Education
ICTC serves secondary and postsecondary students with hands-on training in business and industry. Full-time, evening, and online classes offer accessible education across their 30 programs. Students can earn industry-recognized certifications in healthcare fields, computer programing, human resources, and construction.
International Beauty College
- Type: Private, For-profit
- Cost: $9,825
- Admissions: Open admissions
- Graduation: 6-10 months
- Accreditations: National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1969, International Beauty College trains students for multiple personal service careers, including cosmetology, esthetician, nail technology, and eyelash extension. It also offers continuing education and refresher courses to ensure practicing beauty professionals keep their skills current. The facility offers hands-on training, with salon hours for students to work directly with clients.
Rosedale Technical College
- Type: Private, nonprofit
- Cost: $15,663
- Admissions: High school diploma or equivalent, a recognized scholastic entrance exam, a personal interview, and a valid driver's license
- Graduation: 3-24 months
- Accreditations: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Rosedale Technical College serves about 385 students with career-focused education that meets the needs of area employers. The school reports an 88% job placement rate. Programs include truck driving, automotive and collision repair, welding, and industrial technician. The school also developed a training partnership with Mazada and works with area industries on specific training needs.
Suncoast Technical College
- Type: Public
- Cost: $6,287
- Admissions: Open admissions
- Graduation: 4-24 months
- Accreditations: Council on Occupational Education
The 40 technical programs offered at this school include careers in business, information technology, public services, industrial technologies, and healthcare. About 1,000 students are enrolled at any given time. Students learn in a skills-based environment, with state-of-the-art equipment and job placement assistance.
Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Memphis
- Type: Public
- Cost: $6,121
- Admissions: Open admissions
- Graduation: 2-20 months
- Accreditations: Council on Occupational Education
TCAT-Memphis serves about 1,400 students across 25 programs. The school offers certificates and diplomas in aviation and avionics maintenance, automotive fields, cosmetology and barbering, and healthcare. Instructors provide individualized instruction, measuring student competency in career-focused skills.
Treasure Coast Technical College
- Type: Public
- Cost: $6,703
- Admissions: Open admissions
- Graduation: 3-12 months
- Accreditations: Council on Occupational Education
TCTC offers career training for in-demand healthcare careers such as pharmacy technician, phlebotomy, and practical nursing. It also provides welding certification. The school provided about 75 students with hands-on, career-focused training in 2021.
Other Notable Trade Schools
- Aims Community College: Tuition and fees, $1,826, in-district and $10,418, out-of-state
- Alexandria Technical & Community College: Tuition and fees, $5,910
- Carolinas College of Health Sciences: Tuition and fees, $15,814
- Fox Valley Technical College: Tuition and fees, $4,746 in-state and $6,861 out-of-state
- Holmes Community College: Tuition and fees,$3,510 in-state and $6,210, out-of-state
- IBMC College: Tuition and fees, $14,580
- Manhattan Area Technical College: Tuition and fees, $7,650
- Mt. San Antonio College: Tuition and fees, $1,352 in-state and $10,032 out-of-state
- North Central Kansas Technical College: Tuition and fees, $7,692
- Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics: Tuition and fees, $16,650
- San Jacinto College: Tuition and fees, $1,872 in-district and $5,040 out-of-state
- Southeast Technical College: Tuition and fees, $7,650
- Texas State Technical College: Tuition and fees, $6,950 in-state and $11,369 out-of-state
- Wallace Community College: Tuition and fees, $4,800 in-state and $8,790 out-of-state
- White Mountains Community College: Tuition and fees, $7,050 in-state and $15,300 out-of-state
What Is Trade School?
What is trade school? Trade schools offer career-specific training. Without many general education courses, you will focus on the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in your industry.
Trade schools go by various names, including career colleges, technical colleges, and vocational schools. You may find trade programs offered by community colleges, especially in areas of healthcare or manufacturing.
Some trade schools offer industry certifications, while others may offer associate degrees in applied science.
What Is Offered at Trade School?
Trade school careers include construction, manufacturing, personal services, healthcare support, or administrative training. The best trade schools may offer a variety of career-focused programs or focus on a specific industry, such as aviation technology or beauty schools.
Often, the local industry impacts what career tracks trade schools offer. The schools work closely with area employers to determine the need for new programs. Industry advisors and partners ensure their curriculum reflects current practices.
Are There Online Trade School Programs?
Yes, you can find some online trade school programs. Courses include interactive classes, videos, and online learning labs. The best online trade schools combine lectures and classroom projects with real-world learning, such as hands-on labs, apprenticeships, or externships.
Online trade schools can offer greater flexibility to pursue training for a new career. Schools offer a variety of online trade school programs, depending on your interests. Some schools also offer articulation agreements with traditional colleges, making it easier to return to school later.
Featured Certificate Vocational Trade Schools
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Is the Difference Between Trade School and College?
The percentage of students considering college has fallen in recent years. A May 2022 survey found that 51% of high school students considered college after graduation, dropping 20% from 2020 to 2022. Half of the students were interested in postsecondary training, however.
When choosing between a trade school and college, consider your career goals, finances, and time commitment. The best trade schools offer you value for their time and money and can offer advantages over a four-year college.
Trade School
Often less expensive than traditional college
Graduate in 3-12 months, depending on the program
Curriculum focused on a specific career path
Four-Year College
Greater variety of courses and degree options
Earning a degree requires 2-4 years, sometimes longer
Overall higher average lifetime earnings
How Much Does Trade School Cost?
As a college student, you can pay an average of $35,551 in college costs each year. Multiply that by four. In a trade school, you can pay an average of $33,000 for the total career-focused program, which may take at least two years.
By going to trade school, you can often avoid burdensome student loan debt. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average college student borrows about $30,000 to finance their education.
Despite the lower cost of trade school vs. college, you may still need help financing your education. Many programs qualify for federal financial aid. National, state, and community organizations can support you through trade school with targeted scholarship opportunities. Some companies may also offer training and educational support.
Featured Certificate Vocational Trade Schools
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Financial Aid for Trade School
Both scholarships and grants offer educational funding that you do not have to repay. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to confirm eligibility for federal, state, and local financial aid programs. Programs must meet a 15-week minimum to qualify for the Pell Grant.
Scholarships for Trade Programs
College and Trade/Technical School Scholarships
- Qualifications: Open to full-time undergraduate students at a college or vocational-technical school with a minimum 2.5 GPA. You must be pursuing a manufacturing career, including trades and specialties
- Award Amount: $1,500-$2,500
- Application Deadline: March and September
- The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association Foundation awards this scholarship to assist with tuition, books, and school fees
National Association of Women in Construction Trades Scholarship
- Qualifications: Open to students enrolled in a construction-related degree or associate degree program
- Award Amount: $500-$2,500
- Application Deadline: February 28
- You need a 3.0 GPA or higher to be considered
Vocational Scholarship Program of the American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO
- Qualifications: High school seniors may apply for this scholarship to pursue training in vocational and skilled trades careers
- Award Amount: Up to $3,000
- Application Deadline: March 31
- The organization also awards $2,000 for the "Best Essay."
Federal Grants for Trade Programs
Pell Grant
- Qualifications: Undergraduate students with financial needs as shown by the FAFSA
- Award Amount: Up to $6,895, to be used for tuition or other educational expenses
- Application Deadline: FAFSA is accepted beginning October 1 each year
- Grant amounts depend on the expected family contribution, cost of attendance, and status as a full-time or part-time student
Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant
- Qualifications: Available to students with the most financial need as shown by the FAFSA
- Award Amount: $100-$4,000 a year
- Application Deadline: FAFSA is accepted beginning October 1 each year
- Not all schools participate in the FSEOG grant program, and funds are limited. Be sure to apply for aid early to qualify for campus grant funds.
Trade School Careers
The best trade schools train you to enter a well-paying and fast-growing career. According to the BLS, many trade school careers need thousands of new employees each year.
Workers with some postsecondary training earned a median annual salary of $46,750 as of 2021. However, many skilled workers earn more. Some of the top-earning and fastest-growing skilled trades include:
- Electricians: 2021 median salary, $60,040
- Aircraft mechanics: 2021 median salary, $65,550
- Truck drivers: 2021 median salary, $48,310
- Bookkeepers: 2021 median salary, $45,560
- Licensed practical nurses: 2021 median salary, $48,070
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Trade Schools
Is it worth going to trade school?
The best trade schools offer students career-focused training and the path to a rewarding career. When considering trade school vs. college, consider the time required, the cost of attendance, and the jobs available for graduates.
The average trade school charges $33,000 for an entire program, though many programs charge less. You can often graduate in less than a year and begin working in their field immediately.
The quick entry into the skilled workforce could be an advantage. Trade school careers include fast-growing healthcare, trucking, and automotive service jobs. Top-paying trade school careers include electricians and aircraft mechanics.
What is the best paying trade job?
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians report a median salary of $65,550. These technicians ensure aircraft operate safely by performing preventative maintenance, repairing defective parts, and diagnosing mechanical programs.
These specialized mechanics train at schools approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. In addition to the training program, which can require up to two years to complete, aircraft mechanics must pass FAA certifications.
The scheduled air transportation industry reports the highest pay for aircraft mechanics, with a median salary of $96,320 as of May 2021, according to the BLS. Avionics technicians working in aerospace product and parts manufacturing earned a median salary of $78,700 the same year.
What do you call a degree from a trade school?
Trade schools use various terms to describe a trade school degree. Some schools refer to their programs as certificate programs. Others may refer to diplomas. The document's name matters less than the industry skills gained during the program and any recognized industry certifications included in the course.
The best trade schools help you achieve industry certification, such as Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification. Industry certifications validate your expertise and knowledge in your career field.
Other careers require state licensing before you can begin work. Trade schools prepare you for licensing exams, including building contractors, licensed practical nurses, and cosmetologists.
