Best Trade Schools in Missouri for 2025
Explore fantastic training programs and degrees for everything from HVAC, information technology, welding, carpentry, and plumbing from the best trade schools in Missouri.
You'll find great schools in Missouri offering trade programs like electrical and HVAC training as well as construction, aviation, welding, manufacturing, and architecture.
The key is locating the program in your area that aligns with your training and career goals.
If you're not sure which school suits your needs, keep reading to review some of the best trade schools in Missouri.
Featured Trade Schools in Missouri
Are you interested in enrolling in a trade school in your area? Here is a list of the top trade schools in Missouri.
1. American Trade School
American Trade School in Saint Ann trains students to gain entry and advance in the electrical and HVAC trades.
The school gives students the procedures, skills, and techniques needed to excel in these professional trades.
Qualified students also receive higher-level technical skills.
Students can utilize the school's career services for help with resume writing, interviewing skills, and guidance for securing HVAC and electrical jobs.
The HVAC program is recognized by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, St. Louis Chapter.
2. State Technical College of Missouri
At State Technical College of Missouri in Linn, students can take advantage of more than 35 degree and certificate programs.
The college offers dozens of technical degrees in civil construction technology, digital marketing, diesel technology, aviation maintenance, welding technology, and nursing.
Students can enjoy access to more than 500 industry partners and the school's 99% job placement rate.
The school also boasts the highest graduation rate in the state.
3. Ranken Technical College
Ranken Technical College students can choose from certificate and degree programs in construction, electrical, automotive, manufacturing, architecture, and information technology.
Vocational associate degrees are available in diesel technology, industrial technology, HVAC, electrical automation technology, and carpentry.
Ranken offers technical bachelor's degrees in architectural technology and applied management.
The college has locations in St. Louis, Troy, Perryville, and Ashland.
Enrollees can find great job opportunities at companies like Sears Automotive, Verizon Wireless, The Boeing Company, Anheuser-Busch, Inc., and Aerotek.
4. The Academy of Pet Careers
The Academy of Pet Careers in Saint Charles is a pet career school offering six certifications and three career paths.
Programs include the In-Person Veterinary Assistant School, In-Person Dog Training School, In-Person Dog Groom School, and Online Dog Training School.
All programs take five or fewer months to complete.
Job assistance is available via the academy's network of pet businesses and alumni. Off-campus housing is offered to students traveling from out of town.
5. Pike-Lincoln Technical Center
Pike-Lincoln Technical Center located in Eolia offers career and technical programs alongside adult and community education.
Career and technical programs include 3D modeling and animation, auto service technology, health sciences, welding technology, and law enforcement.
Students interested in adult and community education can consider options like phlebotomy, robotics, EMT, EMT-B, paramedic, and practical nursing.
The technical center boasts 95% job placement. Most programs provide students with the opportunity to earn an industry credential.
6. Midwest Technical Institute
Midwest Technical Institute provides hands-on training to students who want to enter or advance in their careers.
Students can complete programs in fewer than one year while also enjoying flexible class schedules, employee preparation, and career placement.
Program options include HVAC/R technician, dental assisting, phlebotomy, medical assisting, cosmetology, massage therapy, and welding and pipefitting.
The institute's Missouri campus is located in Springfield. Illinois campuses are located in Springfield, East Peoria, and Moline.
7. Crider's Institute of Welding Technology
At Crider's Institute of Welding Technology in Grain Valley, students can enroll in Master Welding and Hobby Welding programs.
The institute offers a 16-week course that enables students to earn certification in as few as four months.
Its 24-week course provides students with advanced pipe welding certification.
Students can take advantage of flexible scheduling and tuition assistance.
After earning certification from this school, students will be qualified for jobs in industries like aircraft, automotive, pipeline, and shipbuilding.
8. Savvy Coders
Savvy Coders prepares students for technical careers in as few as 12 weeks.
The school's courses are designed for students who want to code while gaining experience from trained instructors in a virtual classroom experience.
Courses include Full Stack Development, Data Analytics + Python, and Cybersecurity + Ops.
Students will take classes via Zoom with interactions outside of the classroom being handled in Slack.
After graduating, Savvy Coders students secure roles at Bank of America, Boeing, Panera Bread, and MasterCard.
9. Wichita Technical Institute
Wichita Technical Institute is home to programs for students interested in healthcare and technical programs.
The institute is based in Wichita, Kansas, and has another location in Topeka. Students in Missouri can find a WTI location in Joplin.
The Joplin campus delivers programs in HVAC, computer technology and network administration, medical assisting, and pharmacy tech.
Students needing career assistance can get help with resume writing, mock interviews, and more from the institute's Career Services Department.
10. Midwest Institute
Midwest Institute located in Earth City delivers programs for students looking for careers in medical assisting, dental assisting, massage therapy, and veterinary tech.
Most programs are available in person, providing students with hands-on experience.
The school also offers online courses with flexible scheduling, access to the classroom 24/7, and the ability to chat with classmates.
Students at this institute can take advantage of financial aid opportunities, including federal student aid and military tuition assistance.
Common Trade Jobs in Missouri
As you think about which of the top trade schools in Missouri you want to attend, it's important to consider the career you'd like to pursue.
Here is a brief look at some common trade jobs in Missouri:
- Plumber
- Welder
- Carpenter
- Automobile technician
- Aircraft electrician
- HVAC technician
- Professional pet groomer
- Cosmetologist
Additional trade jobs that are commonly found in Missouri include electrical, information technology, heavy machinery, massage therapy, and construction administration.
How Much Does Trade School Cost in Missouri?
The cost of attending one of the best trade schools in Missouri depends on factors like whether you're attending full-time vs. part-time and whether you're taking a course or enrolling in a program.
For instance, American Trade School charges $19,000 for the entire program.
At Ranken Technical College, students pay $675 per technical credit hour.
At Savvy Coders, students take bootcamps that are worth $8,500 to $14,500 each.
Some trade schools provide opportunities to secure financial aid or offer scholarships or military tuition assistance.
You can also look into tuition reimbursement if you're working while attending school.
This employee benefit reimburses students for some or all tuition costs each year.
Are There Online Trade Schools in Missouri?
Yes, you can find several online trade schools in Missouri.
For example, students attending The Academy of Pet Careers can enroll in the Dog Training School and take courses in a self-paced online environment.
At Midwest Institute, students can navigate programs in an online/hybrid format that delivers in-person learning alongside online courses.
Savvy Coders delivers its courses in an online environment with classes being held in Zoom.
Explore Trade Schools Today
If you're interested in starting a new career or taking an existing career in your trade to new heights, don't wait any longer to get started.
Enroll in one of the top trade schools in Missouri.