Careers You Can Pursue After Trade School

The jobs you can pursue after trade school are even more varied and numerous than nationwide programs. The trades, in general, are lacking in skilled talent and are anxious for qualified talent. These trade school certificate jobs include home services, medical jobs, and transportation jobs. 

Many Americans can live comfortably with the income from these trade school jobs. In addition, many of these trade school certificate programs take less than two years to complete. This makes the value of a trade school certificate higher than one might think.

Here are some of the best jobs you can get with a trade school certificate.

Home Services Skilled Trades with a Trade School Certificate

There are many home service businesses struggling to fill positions. These include HVAC technicians, electricians, and plumbers, all showing a potential job growth rate of 2 to 7 percent. All three of these trade school careers require on-the-job training through an apprenticeship program with an average duration of 2 to 5 years. 

Here is a breakdown of the entry-level (lowest 10%) and median salaries for home service skilled trade jobs:

• HVAC Technician – Entry level = $34,320 per year; Median salary $48,630 per year

• Electrician – Entry level = $37,020 per year; Median salary $60,040 per year

• Plumber – Entry level = $36,700 per year; Median salary $59,730 per year

HVAC technicians must earn a trade school certificate in a program lasting 6 months to 2 years before entering an apprenticeship program. Electricians and plumbers do not have to attend a trade school, but doing so reduces the time in apprenticeship and increases starting wages.

Medical Skilled Trades with a Trade School Certificate

A nursing program typically requires an associate’s degree, but other healthcare professions only require a trade school certificate. A phlebotomist career requires less than 1 year of trade school and is expected to grow by 10% through 2031, higher than the national average. It is the easiest and most in-demand medical job you can get with a trade school certificate. Entry-level wages start at $28,990 with a median salary of $37,380 per year.

Massage therapy is another short trade school program lasting from 8 weeks to 2 years, depending on your state's education and licensing requirements. Entry-level massage therapists earn at least $24,450 per year with a median salary of $46,910 annually. The need for massage therapists is expected to increase by 20% by 2031, more than double the national average job growth outlook. 

Radiology technicians are also in high demand, with a 6% growth rate projected for 2031. The average pay and time to trade school certificate completion vary by state, but the general rule is a 2-year program with an internship. The 10% lowest earning radiology techs earn $46,850 per year, and the median salary of a radiologist is $61,370 per year. Finally, dental hygienists take a 2-year trade school program culminating in a certificate as a prerequisite for the required licensure exams. A 9% job growth is expected by 2031, and the median salary is $77,810 per year.

Other jobs you can get in one year or less at a trade school

You can get two additional jobs with a trade school certificate that should be mentioned. Commercial truck drivers and auto mechanics are in-demand jobs with a very stable job market. Commercial truck drivers earn their trade school certificate within 3 to 6 months, while auto mechanics study in trade school for 6 months to one year. The average entry-level salary for these jobs is $30k, with a median salary of $46,880 for auto mechanics and $48,310 per year for commercial truck drivers.

What is the value of a trade school certificate?

A trade school certificate holds a lot of value for those who do not want to attend college or want to enter the workforce as soon as possible. NSHSS members can access resources to determine if trade school is right for them. Trade school certificates, particularly those with shorter programs, are much less expensive than a 4-year degree. The cost of these schools varies, but NSHSS Community College and Trade School scholarships can be used to complete these trade school certificates.