Best Trade Schools in Mississippi

• Trade schools offer specialized programs that train you to work in skilled careers.
• Trade school students can graduate without large student loan debt.
• Many trade jobs pay higher salaries than the national average.
• Students attending accredited trade schools can receive financial aid, including scholarships and grants.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual mean wage for workers in Mississippi was $42,700. Many trade careers in the state offer salaries near or above that average. For example, electricians and aircraft mechanics earn annual salaries much higher than $40,000.

Those who attend trade school can often graduate with little to no debt and still earn a competitive salary. Many trade school programs offer on-the-job training in highly skilled careers. In Mississippi, many trade careers are projected to experience growth.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Trade Jobs and Salaries in Mississippi

Mississippi has a variety of trade jobs that offer competitive salaries and opportunities. The following careers are some of the highest-employed trade jobs in Mississippi that don't require a college degree.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Healthcare jobs are projected to increase in the next decade due to public health crises and an increasingly aging population. Becoming an LPN can provide a competitive salary with little to no school debt. Many bridge programs allow LPNs to become registered nurses, making it easier and more affordable for LPNs to continue their education.

CDL Driver

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

CDL drivers earn a higher median pay than the average Mississippi worker. You can become a CDL driver in as little as 4-7 weeks by completing training and taking the CDL exam. CDL drivers can drive commercial trucks, school buses, and delivery trucks.

Welder

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

You can become a welder by completing a certificate program or an on-the-job apprenticeship. Some high schools offer welding courses and programs so you can complete your welder education for little to no cost. The BLS projects about 49,200 open welding positions a year, which is about average for all jobs.

Trade Schools in Mississippi

Unlike four-year college degree programs that require credits from different disciplines, trade schools provide specialized training in one career field. The goal of trade schools is for students to finish with the necessary training and experience to work in a high-skilled career.

Any job that requires extensive technical skills and training can be considered a trade. Typically, trade jobs require specific certification or licensure but do not require a bachelor's degree. These careers can span a variety of industries, including healthcare, construction, and technology.

According to Georgetown University, southern states like Mississippi have the highest concentration of jobs for skilled workers without a college degree.

Average Cost of Trade School in Mississippi

The average cost of trade schools in Mississippi is much lower than that of a bachelor's degree program.

Source: U.S. News & World Report, National Center for Education Statistics

On average, those who complete a bachelor's degree earn more than those who finish a trade program or earn an associate degree. However, the difference in average earnings may not be that much less, especially when you factor in the cost of education.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Mississippi

Financial aid is available for students attending accredited trade schools. By submitting the Federal Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA), you may qualify for federal aid and financial assistance like grants and loans. Some states provide special funding for students enrolling in trade schools. Often, you can find scholarships specific to your area of study.

Pureland Supply Vocational and Skilled Trade Scholarship

• Qualifications: Students must be accepted into an accredited vocational trade school, technical school, vocational college, or community college and demonstrate the ability to explain why they chose their course of study and how this trade is an integral part of our world. Applicants must be enrolled in a craft, trade, or labor program.
• Amount: $500
• Deadline: May 1, 2023
• Requirements: Along with a completed application, students must submit an essay, transcripts, and a letter of recommendation.

BeautySchoolsDirectory.com Beauty & Wellness Professionals Scholarship

• Qualifications: This scholarship is available to any first-time or continuing education student studying a beauty or wellness field like cosmetology, massage therapy, or nail design. Even part-time students can apply.
• Amount: $2,500 for tuition and educational expenses, including books and housing
• Deadline: September 1, 2022
• The scholarship is awarded in a lottery system where all eligible applicants are placed into a pool, and one is randomly selected. The scholarship is open multiple times a year.

Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship

• Qualifications: Students who will be enrolled full-time in an automotive program at a trade school or college are eligible for this scholarship. Students must have a 3.0 GPA. Scholarships are awarded based on financial need. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation with their application.
• Amount: The scholarship amount varies, but the total can be applied towards tuition and lab fees.
• Deadline: Applications must be postmarked or completed online by June 30.
• Applicants do not need to be first-year students to apply but must show acceptance into a program at an accredited college, university, trade school or technical school.

Accreditations in Mississippi

Schools earn accreditation from third-party organizations that evaluate their academic rigor and instructional quality. When choosing a trade school, you should consider the school's accreditation status and the type of accreditation. You might be unable to sit for the licensing exam in many trades if your program isn’t accredited.

Trade schools are accredited by national organizations like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

Apprenticeships in Mississippi

Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training in skilled trades. Typically, those in an apprenticeship take some coursework and must study for licensing exams. Although some may complete an apprenticeship instead of going to a trade school, some trade school grads choose to enter an apprenticeship for more experience and connections.

Mississippi created the Mississippi Apprenticeship Program (MAP) to match interested trade workers to growing businesses in the state. MAP aids businesses in creating registered apprenticeship programs that meet state qualifications.

High school students in Mississippi can take advantage of career and technical education through vocational schools. High schools have also partnered with trade schools so students can earn credits while in high school.

Frequently Asked Questions About Technical Schools in Mississippi

How many trade schools are in the state of Mississippi?

Mississippi has at least 12 trade schools and 15 community colleges. Some schools offer multiple locations throughout the state. Prospective students can choose between trade schools or community colleges specializing in a specific job field like cosmetology.

What is the highest paying trade in Mississippi?

Many trade careers offer competitive salaries in Mississippi. Electrical trade careers are often the highest-paying in Mississippi. According to the BLS, electrical and electronic drafters earned an annual mean salary of $67,090 in 2021. Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians earned even more at $69,070 annually.

How long do most trade schools take?

When attending a trade school, how long training takes depends on your program. Some programs can be completed in a few months, while others can take a year or more.

Top Trade Schools in Mississippi