How Much Does Trade School Cost?

Trade careers are diverse, spanning the construction, healthcare, and technological industries. They can be highly satisfying and financially rewarding. Plus, you don’t need a four-year degree to start working and earning money.

This report covers the average price tag for the non-degree credential you’ll need to land a trade job. It also explains some of the expenses you might not have accounted for.

In 2022-2023, the average annual cost of trade school was $15,070.^{Note Reference [1]} That’s according to the tuition and fees data recorded by the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDs).

For comparison, the average tuition and fees for a four year degree in 2021-2022 were $19,800 per year, or over $79,000 for four years.^{Note Reference [3]} Trade certificate programs can take less than a year to complete or up to two years.

You can complete your trades training and education at different types of schools, which vary in cost.

The average cost of trade school differs for different career paths.^{Note Reference [1]}

If you’re considering going to trade school, remember that you’ll have other costs in addition to tuition. These costs can make a difference in your budget.

Like a degree-granting program, the classes you take in trade school may require textbooks, technology, and other classroom supplies. Trades programs may also include costs for tools or equipment you need for class.

According to IPEDS, in year, trade schools estimated that books and supplies cost students anywhere from $850-$2,500, and an average of $1,720.^{Note Reference [1]}

Very few trade and technical colleges offer on-campus housing. Among those that did in 2022-2023, the average cost for a year of room and board was about $9,690.^{Note Reference [1]}

That could be lower than average rent prices. Trade schools estimated that the average cost of living off-campus (and not staying with family) was about $10,760 for one year.^{Note Reference [1]}

Your state might require you to complete an apprenticeship to work in some trades —even if you attend trade school.

You might be thinking, Wait, I thought apprenticeships were supposed to pay me. That’s right, but you still may have some costs to cover, such as:

If you’re attending trade school full time, you’re not working full time. So technically, you’re missing out on earnings in the short term. However, there could be a payoff in store for the long term.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), workers with just a high school diploma made a median salary of roughly $41,850 in 2022. Workers with a postsecondary non-degree award, like a trade certificate, earned a median salary of $45,790.^{Note Reference [2]} That’s an extra $3,940 a year.

It’s also important to consider job growth and average salaries in your prospective trade.

Beyond the salary numbers, a career in trades can be rewarding and entrepreneurial. In 2021, Angi’s Skilled Trades in America report showed:^{Note Reference [5]}

That depends. In general, more education corresponds with higher pay for entry-level positions.^{Note Reference [2]} Why? Because having a degree may qualify you for more and higher-paying jobs. Plus, a 2023 Workday report found that workers with bachelor’s degrees earned 15% more than non-degree workers in the same jobs.

However, bachelor’s degrees also come at a higher price, requiring many students to take on student loan debt. And some jobs just don’t require a four-year degree.

Bottom line: If your goal is to make the most money with the least debt, consider earning a lower-cost, high-value bachelor’s degree. But if you want to pursue a trade because it’s the career path and lifestyle you want, you probably won’t need a bachelor’s degree. So why spend the money?