Best Trade Schools in Mississippi

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual mean wage for workers in Mississippi was $42,700. Many trade careers in the state offer salaries near or above that average. For example, electricians and aircraft mechanics earn annual salaries much higher than $40,000.

Those who attend trade school can often graduate with little to no debt and still earn a competitive salary. Many trade school programs offer on-the-job training in highly skilled careers. In Mississippi, many trade careers are projected to experience growth.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Mississippi has a variety of trade jobs that offer competitive salaries and opportunities. The following careers are some of the highest-employed trade jobs in Mississippi that don’t require a college degree.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Healthcare jobs are projected to increase in the next decade due to public health crises and an increasingly aging population. Becoming an LPN can provide a competitive salary with little to no school debt. Many bridge programs allow LPNs to become registered nurses, making it easier and more affordable for LPNs to continue their education.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

CDL drivers earn a higher median pay than the average Mississippi worker. You can become a CDL driver in as little as 4-7 weeks by completing training and taking the CDL exam. CDL drivers can drive commercial trucks, school buses, and delivery trucks.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

You can become a welder by completing a certificate program or an on-the-job apprenticeship. Some high schools offer welding courses and programs so you can complete your welder education for little to no cost. The BLS projects about 49,200 open welding positions a year, which is about average for all jobs.

Unlike four-year college degree programs that require credits from different disciplines, trade schools provide specialized training in one career field. The goal of trade schools is for students to finish with the necessary training and experience to work in a high-skilled career.

Any job that requires extensive technical skills and training can be considered a trade. Typically, trade jobs require specific certification or licensure but do not require a bachelor’s degree. These careers can span a variety of industries, including healthcare, construction, and technology.

According to Georgetown University, southern states like Mississippi have the highest concentration of jobs for skilled workers without a college degree.

The average cost of trade schools in Mississippi is much lower than that of a bachelor’s degree program.

Source: U.S. News & World Report, National Center for Education Statistics

On average, those who complete a bachelor’s degree earn more than those who finish a trade program or earn an associate degree. However, the difference in average earnings may not be that much less, especially when you factor in the cost of education.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Financial aid is available for students attending accredited trade schools. By submitting the Federal Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA), you may qualify for federal aid and financial assistance like grants and loans. Some states provide special funding for students enrolling in trade schools. Often, you can find scholarships specific to your area of study.

Schools earn accreditation from third-party organizations that evaluate their academic rigor and instructional quality. When choosing a trade school, you should consider the school’s accreditation status and the type of accreditation. You might be unable to sit for the licensing exam in many trades if your program isn’t accredited.

Trade schools are accredited by national organizations like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Council on Occupational Education (COE).

Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training in skilled trades. Typically, those in an apprenticeship take some coursework and must study for licensing exams. Although some may complete an apprenticeship instead of going to a trade school, some trade school grads choose to enter an apprenticeship for more experience and connections.

Mississippi created the Mississippi Apprenticeship Program (MAP) to match interested trade workers to growing businesses in the state. MAP aids businesses in creating registered apprenticeship programs that meet state qualifications.

High school students in Mississippi can take advantage of career and technical education through vocational schools. High schools have also partnered with trade schools so students can earn credits while in high school.

Mississippi has at least 12 trade schools and 15 community colleges. Some schools offer multiple locations throughout the state. Prospective students can choose between trade schools or community colleges specializing in a specific job field like cosmetology.

Many trade careers offer competitive salaries in Mississippi. Electrical trade careers are often the highest-paying in Mississippi. According to the BLS, electrical and electronic drafters earned an annual mean salary of $67,090 in 2021. Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians earned even more at $69,070 annually.

When attending a trade school, how long training takes depends on your program. Some programs can be completed in a few months, while others can take a year or more.