For decades, families in America have pushed their students to obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher. Dismissing trades as old-fashioned or inadequate for funding one’s livelihood, student enrollment in trade schools has declined over the last 20 years. As a result, many industries in the United States started seeing their last skilled tradespeople retire without replacements in view. Thus, there is a recent increase in demand for individuals skilled in trades like aeronautical mechanics, welding, nursing, and masonry.
This demand was brought to America’s attention in 2018 when Donald Trump signed one of his first policies just after entering office. On July 31 of that year, Trump reinstated the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act by signing the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This act aims to empower America’s students with more awareness and access to technical education and training for jobs of increasing demand that do not require a typical university degree but, rather, a trade school education.
So what are the top trade schools offering high-demand training with great income-earning potential? Here are the top eleven trade schools in America with information about what type of trade you can learn and how much you can expect to earn.
11 Top Trade Schools
1. Bates Technical College
Bates Technical College in Washington is a strong option for becoming a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technician. Once you start working in the field, techs can expect to earn an average of about $47,000 a year. As you gain tenure and expertise in HVAC, your salary may go as high as $80-$90K annually. Learn more about Bates Technical College.
2. Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College in Indiana offers one of the country’s top electrical engineering technology programs. With an associate’s degree or certificate from this school, graduates are prepared for careers in computing, network communications, mechanical and electrical power systems, robotics, energy management, and transportation technologies, wherein they can expect to earn between $45K to $60K annually. Learn more about Ivy Tech Community College.
3. Coastal Pines Technical College
Coastal Pines Technical College in Georgia makes becoming a nurse fast and affordable. Students can pursue a one-semester nurse aide certificate, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) diploma, or an Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) degree. Depending on the level of their study and where they are hired, graduates of these programs can count on earning between $35K to $70K annually. Learn more here about Coastal Pines Technical College.
4. Williamson College of the Trades
Williamson College of the Trades in Pennsylvania can prepare students for a variety of construction-specific trades such as masonry, carpentry, electrical, and landscape management. Depending on the certificate earned and trade practiced, graduates can plan to earn $29K to $90K annually. Learn more about Williamson College of the Trades.
5. Lincoln Culinary Institute
Lincoln Culinary Institute in Maryland prepares aspiring chefs with technical cooking courses plus other programming to enhance their roles by way of mathematics, science, and business management. After graduation, culinary artists working in the food service industry make an average of about $45K to $60K annually. Learn more about Lincoln Culinary Institute.
6. The Aveda Institute
The Aveda Institute in Ohio provides students interested in cosmetology with an all-natural, holistic program featuring in-class and hands-on learning. The institute offers programs in more than 60 cities in the United States, and cosmetology graduates can expect to make about $50K a year. Learn more about The Aveda Institute here.
7. The Dallas School of Flowers
The Dallas School of Flowers in Texas offers educational programs for students who seek to become certified florists. Classes are held inside a wholesale floral facility where hands-on learning is a given. Certified florists typically earn between $30K to $50K a year; however, if you own a floral shop, you could make more. Learn more about The Dallas School of Flower Design.
8. The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics in Pennsylvania prepares students for some of the most lucrative trade careers in the country. Students can earn certificates in aircraft and avionics equipment maintenance. These technicians make between $40K to $110K each year. To learn more about the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, go here.
9. Apex Technical School
Apex Technical School in New York is the country’s top school for becoming a plumber. With a high demand for pipefitting and plumbing skills, plumbers can plan to always have a job and earn an average of $50K a year. Learn more about Apex Technical School here.
10. Automotive Training Center
Automotive Training Center (ATC) in Pennsylvania trains aspiring auto mechanics through accredited, ASE-certified instruction. ATC assists with employment as part of their alliance with the auto dealers alliance in Philadelphia. Whether a graduate works in the Philadelphia area or elsewhere in the country, their salary will be between $39K to $60K a year. Learn more about Automotive Training Center here.
11. Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech in New Jersey offers a whole host of technical programs, and of them, their dental assistant program is top-notch. The program features dental simulation situations and other hands-on training that help prepare students to get into the field working and earning fast. Dental assistants earn between $30K to $59K a year. To learn more about Lincoln Tech, go here.
We’ve listed just a few of America’s top trade schools today, highlighting only a handful of the many trades in demand. As long as we plan to build and live in homes, drive or fly to our favorite destinations, receive skilled healthcare, and enjoy the many amenities life has to offer, we need skilled tradespeople. If you’d like to take advantage of the increasing market by getting certified in a trade of interest, check out this guide for more information.