Trade School vs. College: Which is Better for Your Career Goals?

Trade schools (also called vocational or technical schools) focus on teaching you job-specific, hands-on skills.
Instead of broad general education requirements, you dive straight into the training you need for a specific career.

Common fields:

• Electrician & HVAC tech
• Welding & plumbing
• Dental hygiene
• Nursing & medical assisting
• IT support & cybersecurity
• Cosmetology & esthetics

Typical program length: 6 months to 2 years.
Average tuition: $5K–$15K per year (NCES).

The biggest advantage? You finish fast and can start earning much sooner than a 4-year grad.

‍Trade school wins on early career earnings for many roles, but college can win long-term in certain industries.

Examples of median salaries (BLS):

• Electricians: $61,590
• Dental hygienists: $78,810
• HVAC techs: $57,300
• IT support specialists: $59,660

For comparison, median salary for all bachelor’s degree holders is ~$74,000. Over a lifetime, bachelor’s grads earn ~$2.8M vs. ~$2M for associate’s degree holders (Georgetown CEW).

The gap is real — but if you work in a high-demand trade or own your own business, you can absolutely close (or even beat) it.

Right now, skilled trades are in a labor shortage — which means employers are paying more and hiring faster.

High-growth trade careers (BLS):

• Wind turbine technicians: +45% growth
• Solar PV installers: +22%
• Electricians: +9%
• Healthcare support roles: +14%

High-growth college-required careers:

• Data scientists: +35%
• Nurse practitioners: +38%
• Software developers: +25%

Both paths have “safe bets” — the key is picking an in-demand field.

Here’s where personal preference comes in.

You might thrive in trade school if:

• You prefer hands-on, practical learning.
• You want to start working (and earning) quickly.
• You’re comfortable in a technical or physical role.

You might thrive in college if:

• You enjoy academic study and research.
• Your chosen career requires a degree/licensure.
• You value the social and networking aspects of campus life.

When Trade School Might Be the Better Choice

• You want to minimize debt.
• You have a specific, in-demand skill in mind.
• You want small class sizes and more one-on-one training.
• You want to work in healthcare support, renewable energy, or skilled trades.

When College Might Be the Better Choice

• Your dream job requires a bachelor’s degree or higher (law, medicine, engineering, etc.).
• You want flexibility to move across industries.
• You see value in the alumni network, campus recruiting, and internships.

Myths to Ignore

• “Trade school is for people who can’t get into college.” False — many people choose it for the ROI and faster job entry.
• “College guarantees a high-paying job.” Not anymore — industry and major matter far more.
• “Trade jobs are all dirty and low-paying.” Plenty of trades are high-tech, clean, and well-compensated.

Hybrid Paths & Alternatives

Not every choice is all-or-nothing.

• 2-year associate’s + certifications: Get a degree, then upskill.
• Apprenticeships: Earn while you learn.
• Online programs: Stackable microcredentials.
• Reverse transfer: Start in trade school, finish with a bachelor’s later.

There’s no “one right answer” — only the right answer for you.

• If you want speed, lower cost, and direct-to-job training → trade school is hard to beat.
• If you need a degree for your field, want a broad education, or are aiming for a career with a high long-term salary ceiling → college makes sense.

The best move? Talk to people in both worlds, tour campuses and training centers, and run the numbers. Look at ROI — not just the starting salary — and factor in your own learning style.