Best Trade Schools in the U.S. for 2025

If you want the education for a successful career without losing so much time and money, you should check out some of the best trade schools in the United States.

A halfway mark between high school and a full university, trade, or technical institute is designed to help high school graduates get the knowledge and credentials they need for vital careers in technical positions that require specialized skills.

But with all the different trades and trade schools available, how do you decide which is the best for you?

Check out ten of the best trade schools in the United States in our list below to discover what you want and need in a trade school before choosing a school of your own to help you with your trade-focused career journey.

Featured Trade Schools in the United States

These are some of the best trade schools in the United States for adults who want to find careers in the healthcare, construction, automotive, electrical, transit, and housing industries.

No matter where you live in the U.S., you can find a trade school in your state or online.

1. Johnson College

Johnson College is a private technical school in Pennsylvania that offers associate's degrees and certificates to students in the area.

Johnson College offers 18 different associate's degree programs and 4 certificate courses in fields like welding technology, veterinary nursing, architectural design, HVAC technology, and computer information technology.

Any students interested in careers in the automotive, electrical, construction, or health industries can find good trade programs here.

2. Wake Technical Community College

Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) is a public community college in North Carolina that has multiple campuses across Wake County.

Though operating as a community college focused on associate's degrees and university transfers, Wake Tech also offers trade programs and workforce training opportunities like apprenticeships and work-based learning credits.

Wake Tech also uses Propel, a training initiative with accelerated programs that can be completed in three to six months and allow students to obtain state credentials for in-demand trade positions.

3. The North Dakota State College of Science

The North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) is a public college that's part of the North Dakota University System.

Whether you want a full degree, a diploma, or a certificate, you can find trade education in these industries and subjects at NDSCS:

Education
Hospitality
Construction
Health science
Information technology
Transportation
Manufacturing
Law
Human services

Online programs are also offered in many of these subjects for interested students.

4. Rosedale Technical College

Rosedale Technical College (Rosedale Tech) is a trade school in Pennsylvania that aims to help students obtain employment in trade industries through hands-on training programs and ample support.

Rosedale Tech wants to help students make the most of their tactile skills by teaching them how to work in automotive, home, and other technology repair and maintenance positions.

In-demand trade career certifications offered by Rosedale Tech include:

Automotive technology
HVAC
Welding
Electrical
Collision repair

5. The Carolinas College of Health Sciences

The Carolinas College of Health Sciences (CCHS) is a public two-year college in North Carolina that focuses on providing students the education they need to succeed in healthcare positions through in-person and online courses.

This college helps students become nurses, phlebotomists, libratory scientists, and more through certificates and associate's degree programs.

Students can also take non-credit courses to help them learn how to use MRI technology or become better project managers.

6. North Central Kansas Technical College

North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC) is a public technical school in Kansas that offers more than 20 degree options with programs ranging from business management to pharmacy technician.

Students at NCKTC can become nurse aides, pharmacy techs, carpenters, welders, business managers, IT professionals, and more through certificate, associate's, and accelerated degree programs.

7. The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science

The Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science (PIMS) is a Pennsylvania-based education institution offering funeral service programs for students interested in working in morgues or funeral homes.

Students at PIMS can earn either an Associate in Specialized Technology Degree in Funeral Service Arts and Sciences, an Associate in Specialized Business Degree, or a Diploma in Embalming and Funeral Directing.

8. Atlantic Technical College

Atlantic Technical College (ATC) is a public secondary and post-secondary institution in Florida that offers as many as 35 in-demand trade programs for adults and high school students.

Trade programs offered at ATC are grouped into seven general occupational clusters that are currently in high demand. These clusters include:

Architecture and construction
Health science
Manufacturing
Information technology
Business management and administration
Hospitality and tourism
Transportation, distribution, and logistics

9. Moraine Park Technical College

Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) is a public technical college in Wisconsin that's part of the Wisconsin Technical College System and has multiple campuses and regional centers throughout the state to help nearby students complete trade programs.

At MPTC, students can learn everything from how to become a medical assistant to how to be an HVAC technician through more than 100 programs offered in person or online.

Apprenticeships are also available for interested students who'd like to gain work experience alongside their education.

10. The Dakota County Technical College

The Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) is a public two-year technical institution in Dakota County, Minnesota that's accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students at DCTC can earn degrees or certifications in administrative support, marketing and sales, business, construction and manufacturing, transportation, health, and education.

Most programs offer credits for prior learning, and some can even be done entirely online.

Common Trade Jobs in the United States

Some of the most common in-demand trade jobs available in the United States include:

All of these jobs require some level of education and certifications or licensure, are extremely valuable to the community, and are currently well-paying, in-demand positions in the U.S.

How Much Does Trade School Cost in the United States?

The cost of trade schools in the United States differs a bit depending on whether the school is private, public, two-year, or less than two-year institutions.

That said, the average yearly cost for all trade schools in the U.S. ranges from $4,000 to $15,500 in tuition and fees.

Two-year public trade schools are the most cost-effective, while private for-profit schools are the most expensive regardless of whether they're two-year or fewer institutions.

Are There Online Trade Schools in the United States?

Yes, there are online trade schools in the United States.

In addition to some of the schools on our list, such as the North Dakota State College of Science or the Carolinas College of Health Sciences, there are technical and community colleges in nearly every area that offers online trade programs for interested students.

Online trade courses offered by schools include programs in early childhood education, human resource management, accounting, pharmacy, plumbing, and cosmetology.

Find Trade Schools Near You

There are numerous options for trade schools in the U.S. Find a trade school near you today.