What Is Trade School? Areas of Study, Careers, and Benefits

Trade schools (sometimes called vocational or technical schools) are educational institutions that offer programs to prepare students for specific technical careers or trades, such as plumbing or the culinary arts. They focus on hands-on, practical training, and are often much shorter in length than a college degree program.

Learn more about trade schools, including who benefits from attending them, the different programs available to study, and the jobs you can pursue after attending one.

What is trade school?

Trade schools are often considered an educational alternative to a four-year college degree. They focus on building knowledge and practical abilities in a skilled trade, such as welding, cosmetology, construction, HVAC, or health services. Unlike colleges, they do not require general education courses, which often take two years to complete before starting your major, so students can begin working in their chosen trade more quickly.

Upon completion, trade school awards a diploma or certificate demonstrating your knowledge and preparedness.

Who is trade school for?

Anyone can attend trade school to develop the knowledge and skills needed to pursue specific trades, but it can be particularly beneficial for:

• Hands-on learners: People who prefer practical, applied learning over theoretical classroom study

• Career-focused individuals: Those who want to enter the workforce quickly with specific job skills

• Career changers: Adults looking to develop new skills for a career transition

• Cost-conscious students: People seeking more affordable education options with less student debt

• Technical-minded people: Those interested in mechanical, electrical, or technical work

Trade school costs and time to completion

In many cases, trade school can be significantly less expensive than the cost of college. Total average costs range from $12,100 for public trade schools to $20,000 for for-profit trade schools [1]. Costs can also vary by program. For instance, the average trade school cost to become a vet tech is $10,5,00, whereas the average trade school cost to become an automotive technician is $22,300.

The length of the trade school program depends on your particular program. While some trade school programs take as little as eight weeks to complete, others can take up to two years. However, both are shorter than a four-year bachelor's program.

Types of trade school programs

Trade schools offer many different types of programs, such as technical, vocational, and career programs, depending on the field you choose to study. While some trade schools have programs spread across one campus, others have more than one campus to serve a variety of programs. 

Various examples of trade school programs you can choose from include:

• Cosmetology: Learn how to apply makeup, perform manicures and pedicures, and cut and style hair. This program also prepares you for beautician or cosmetology state licensing exams. 

• Carpentry: Learn various construction skills, including wall, flooring, and roofing systems. You'll also get experience with hand and power tools, learn to read blueprints and other construction drawings, and discover the latest safety principles and procedures in carpentry. 

• Culinary arts: Discover how to work in professional kitchens by participating in classes, cooking labs, and on-the-job training. In addition to learning cooking methods, you'll study restaurant accounting, food purchasing, safety, and sanitation. 

• Health care: Learn the skills and knowledge necessary for a particular health care job. Specific health care programs at trade schools include exercise science, massage therapy, medical coding, dental assistance, nursing assistance, and medical assistance. 

• Mechanical: Learn the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a particular mechanical trade. Various mechanical programs you can find at trade school include auto technician, blacksmith, electrician, pipefitter, and HVAC technician. 

4 benefits of trade school

As an alternative to college, trade school has a number of benefits. Let's review some of them.

1. Financial benefits

Trade schools are often more affordable. The average cost of four-year college tuition and fees totals $38,270 yearly, according to 2024 statistics from the Education Data Initiative [2]. While the cost of trade school varies depending on the vocation and type of school you attend, you will still likely pay less than if you were to attend college.

2. Quicker pace

The pace of education is another advantage that trade schools have over a typical four-year college. Depending on the program, trade school programs usually take a few months to two years to complete, which means you will get into the workforce more quickly than someone completing a four-year degree.

That faster pace comes from the hands-on focus a trade school offers. Because trade schools have no general education requirements, they structure learners’ time in a way that focuses on practical knowledge and skills needed to become a professional in their field.

3. High demand

Skilled trades are in demand. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers in the construction industry are expected to grow faster than average through 2033 [3]. Another advantage of a trade job is that the supply currently needs to meet the demand for work, specifically in construction. Additionally, jobs in green energy are growing rapidly, with 30 million new jobs set to emerge worldwide by 2030, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA) [4].

4. Well-paying careers

The careers you can pursue after trade school will depend on the program you study because trade school is meant to focus your knowledge and skills in a particular area, such as HVAC systems, plumbing, automotive technology, or the culinary arts. That being said, many of the trades are in demand, as mentioned above, and they also tend to pay well, given that they are often crucial services people need to hire.

5 jobs for trade school graduates

The skilled trades encompass a wide variety of jobs. Take note that many trades require state licensure to legally practice, particularly those involving public safety, health, or regulated services.

Below are five different jobs for which you can attend trade school. Salary data is from Glassdoor as of July 2025. 

1. Electrician

Average annual salary: $72,642

As an electrician, you will maintain, install, and repair electrical systems. You will work to supply electricity and power to appliances, outlets, and communication systems, installing new systems or repairing old ones. This field requires knowledge of federal, state, and local building codes to ensure the safety of the systems you install and repair.

2. Licensed practical nurse

Average annual salary: $76,690

As a licensed practical nurse (LPN), you will work with registered nurses (RNs) to provide basic patient care in health care settings. In this role, you will keep records, change bandages, help with bathing and dressing, and communicate greater health needs to RNs and doctors. Depending on the state where you provide care, you may be able to do other tasks, such as starting IVs or giving medications.

3. Auto mechanic

Average annual salary:$72,005

As an auto mechanic, you will repair and maintain cars and trucks. You can work on everything from mechanical systems, engines, and transmissions to car maintenance, such as tire changes, oil changes, and brake pad replacement. You should know technical manuals and have the skills to diagnose and fix problems. You increasingly work with electronic systems and are learning new skills to repair electric vehicles. 

4. Hair stylist

Average annual salary: $69,671

A hair stylist is a licensed beauty professional who provides a wide range of hair services, including cutting, coloring, styling, and treating hair while also offering expert advice on hair care and maintenance to their clients. Beyond their technical skills with hair, stylists must excel at customer service, stay current with trending styles and techniques, maintain a clean and safe work environment, and often manage their own client relationships and scheduling, particularly if they work as independent contractors or salon owners.

5. IT technician

Average annual salary: $61,125

As an IT technician or computer support specialist, you will help organizations and individual computer users with basic information technology support issues. In this role, you assist in network maintenance, testing, and support. You also set up new computers, maintain older ones, update and install software, and show users how to use software. 

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