A college degree is often seen as an achievement that can lead to promising job prospects. Typically, obtaining a degree requires several years of full or part-time attendance. On the other hand, trade schools offer similar opportunities to traditional colleges. Just like there are numerous colleges across the United States, there are also many trade schools available. One notable advantage of trade schools is their efficiency. With a trade school education, students can achieve the dream of gainful employment, like those attending a 4-year institution, but in a considerably shorter time and at lower costs.
Going to Trade School?
There are many different types of trade schools, and they often vary in duration. Learning a trade requires hours of training and practice. Generally, the rule of thumb is that trade schools only teach a very particular curriculum, which is solely designed to teach a person the specific skills that will allow them to enter the workforce, at some level or other.
Trade school programs vary by length of study. Most trade school diploma programs take between three months and one year. Though associate degree programs will usually take a bit longer - between 18 and 24 months to complete - there are also programs that are incredibly short.
What Are Some Different Types of Trade School and Program Durations?
Because there are so many different types of tradesand because these trades differ so widely in terms of information that needs to be covered, program lengths also vary widely. Even within a trade, students have choices as to the type of program that they want. Welders, for instance, can earn a diploma in welding technology in between seven months and one year. Welding students could also pursue an associate degree in the science of welding technology, which usually takes between 16 and 24 months.
There are commercial driving license (CDL) licensing programs that last three weeks, though, on average, it takes about seven weeks to earn a CDL. On the other end of the spectrum, earning an associate degree in medical assisting takes between 18 and 24 months.
For students who want to enter the health profession but don't want to pursue an associate degree, there are accelerated online CMA certificate programs that only take a few short months. A medical assisting diploma takes about one year to earn.
How Much Does a Trade School Cost?
The tuition costs of trade schools vary, according to size and scope of the course. Because trades consist of many different things across many different industries, the resources necessary to learn some might be much more expensive than others. Some might require more time, as well.
Tuition for welding schools typically starts around $5,000. In-person classroom phlebotomy training costs anywhere from $700 to $1,400, depending on the course. Associate degree programs in diagnostic medical sonography can cost anywhere from $6,000 to $40,000 and could last from two to four years.
Who Should Attend a Trade School?
Trades schools are for anybody who is interested in learning a skill quickly so that they can go out into the world and start earning money with it. There are so many options that suit different personalities and motivations that there is something for everyone.
FAQs
Trade school programs typically last between one to four years depending on the subject matter, although some are far shorter.
How long do most trade school programs take to complete? ›
Trade schools allow students to gain specialized training and start stable careers more quickly than four-year college degree programs. Trade schools almost always charge less in tuition and fees than traditional colleges and universities. Students can complete most trade school programs within 1-2 years.
How long does it take to learn a trade? ›
The duration of apprenticeships varies depending on the trade and can range from one to five years. Apprenticeships provide a unique opportunity to learn from experienced professionals while earning a wage.
How much is trade school in NYC? ›
Average Cost of Trade Schools in New York
The total costs comprise an average tuition cost of $16,000 - $22,000 and an average accommodation cost of $12,000 - $18,000.
Does GPA matter for trade school? ›
Trade schools usually do not require a minimum GPA, standardized test scores, or prerequisite education. Trade schools often require applicants to possess a high school diploma or GED certificate, but some institutions accept applicants who have not completed a high school education.
What trade is the highest paying? ›
Highest Paying Trades
- Highest Paying Trades. ...
- Construction Management – Median salary $98,890 per year. ...
- Elevator Installers and Repairers – Average journeyman's salary is $97,900 per year. ...
- Aircraft Mechanics – Average salary $71,115 per year. ...
- Boilermakers – Range from $58,500 to $84,000 per year.
What is the hardest trade to learn? Electrical and HVAC trades require intensive technical training, which can be difficult to learn. Electrician schools teach students how to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems.
Is 25 too late to learn a trade? ›
The journey of continuous learning and skill acquisition never ends. Embracing this mindset opens up endless possibilities, making any time the right time to start anew. The stories of countless individuals who've pivoted to new careers around age 25 are a testament to the power of resilience and learning.
What is the shortest trade to learn? ›
What is the shortest trade school? Medical assistant programs generally take the least amount of time to complete. Students can finish their training in as little as eight weeks.
Is 35 too late to learn a trade? ›
It's Never Too Late for a New Career
A fresh career can be pursued at any time. Taking advantage of education at any age allows you to follow your passions and opens doors to new opportunities and personal improvement.
Trade schools prepare you for a real career immediately upon graduation. These jobs demand specific training and skillsets, which puts skilled trades and allied health professionals in high demand. Even better, many vocational school graduates' earnings may be comparable to their peers from four-year colleges.
What is the best trade school job? ›
List of Highest Paying Trade School Jobs
- Web Developer and Digital Designer. Median annual salary: $60,127. ...
- Dental Hygienist. Median annual salary: $63,596. ...
- Building and Home Inspector. ...
- Electrician. ...
- Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter. ...
- Air Traffic Controller. ...
- Computer Programmer. ...
- Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer.
Data Summary. Average tuition and fees for trade school cost around $15,000. Trade schools' annual net costs range from $12,000-$20,000, depending on the school type.
Is a 2.0 GPA good? ›
The answer is No. The national average for a GPA is around 3.0 and a 2.0 GPA puts you below that average. A 2.0 GPA means that you've gotten only C-s and D+s in your high school classes so far. Since this GPA is significantly below a 2.0, it will make things very difficult for you in the college application process.
Is doing a trade worth it? ›
Another benefit of pursuing a skilled trade is saving on education costs. Bachelor's degrees can be expensive; the National Center for Education Statistics reports that annual tuition and fees at public, four-year schools averaged about $9,700 in the 2021–22 academic year, totaling $38,800 for a full degree.
What's a 2.0 GPA in high school? ›
A 2.0 GPA, or grade point average, is considered a “C” grade, or 75%. It indicates that your average letter grade in all of your high school classes up until this point have been Cs.
What trade takes the shortest amount of time? ›
What is the shortest trade school? Medical assistant programs generally take the least amount of time to complete. Students can finish their training in as little as eight weeks.
How long does it take to trade full-time? ›
Many people put in multiple years before breaking into consistent (or even any) profitability. It takes at least a year to consistently make money from day trading or swing trading, if working at it full-time or with a mentor, and only working one (maybe two) strategies. Six months is the quickest; most take longer.
What is the best trade to learn? ›
What are some of the best trades to learn that pay well? Some of the best trade jobs that pay well include construction manager, elevator repairer, radiation therapist, and nuclear medicine technologist. Construction managers earn a median annual salary of nearly $105,000 and have a strong job outlook.
