GITNUXREPORT 2026

Trade School Statistics

Trade schools are seeing growing and diverse enrollment leading to strong job placement and wages.

Rajesh Patel

Team Lead & Senior Researcher with over 15 years of experience in market research and data analytics.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

The national trade school graduation rate averaged 72.5% for 2022 cohorts.

Statistic 2

Welding programs reported an 81% completion rate in 2023.

Statistic 3

In 2021, HVAC trade school completion stood at 78.3%.

Statistic 4

Cosmetology schools achieved 85% graduation rates on average in 2022.

Statistic 5

Automotive trade programs had a 74% completion rate for 2023 entrants.

Statistic 6

Electrical apprenticeships completed at 92% rate in 2022.

Statistic 7

Culinary trade schools reported 68% completion in 2021.

Statistic 8

Plumbing programs had 79.4% graduation rates in 2023.

Statistic 9

CDL truck driving schools completed 88% of students in 2022.

Statistic 10

Medical assisting trade programs reached 82% completion in 2021.

Statistic 11

Dental assisting had 84.7% graduation rate in trade schools 2023.

Statistic 12

Barbering programs completed at 76% rate in 2022.

Statistic 13

Construction management trade certificates had 71% completion in 2021.

Statistic 14

Massage therapy programs reported 77.2% graduation in 2023.

Statistic 15

Phlebotomy trade courses completed 91% in 2022.

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Esthetician schools achieved 83% completion rates in 2021.

Statistic 17

Carpentry apprenticeships had 89.5% completion in 2023.

Statistic 18

EMT training programs completed 86% of enrollees in 2022.

Statistic 19

HVAC short-term certificates had 75.8% graduation in 2021.

Statistic 20

Nail technician programs reported 80% completion in 2023.

Statistic 21

Machining trade schools had 73% graduation rates in 2022.

Statistic 22

Pharmacy technician programs completed 79.3% in 2021.

Statistic 23

Welding certificate programs had 82.1% completion in short-term formats 2023.

Statistic 24

Trade schools in Texas saw 74.2% average completion rate in 2022.

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California vocational programs reported 70.9% graduation for 2021 cohorts.

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Florida trade schools achieved 76.5% completion in 2023.

Statistic 27

New York CTE programs had 78% graduation rate in 2022.

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85% of trade school graduates were employed within 6 months in 2022.

Statistic 29

Trade school welding grads earned median $48,000 starting salary in 2023.

Statistic 30

92% employment rate for HVAC trade graduates 6 months post-2022.

Statistic 31

Automotive trade school grads had 88% placement rate in 2023.

Statistic 32

Electrical trade program completers saw 95% employment within 3 months 2022.

Statistic 33

Cosmetology graduates achieved 87% job placement in 2021.

Statistic 34

CDL grads from trade schools had 94% employment rate in trucking 2023.

Statistic 35

Plumbing trade grads earned $52,500 median first-year in 2022.

Statistic 36

Medical assisting trade grads had 91% employment in healthcare 2021.

Statistic 37

Dental assisting completers saw 89.4% placement rate 2023.

Statistic 38

Culinary arts grads employed at 82% within 6 months 2022.

Statistic 39

Construction trade grads had 90% employment rate in 2021.

Statistic 40

Massage therapy grads achieved 85.7% job placement 2023.

Statistic 41

Phlebotomy trade grads employed 93% in labs 2022.

Statistic 42

EMT trade program grads had 87.2% placement in 2021.

Statistic 43

Barbering grads saw 84% employment rate 2023.

Statistic 44

Machinist trade grads earned $46,200 median starting 2022.

Statistic 45

Pharmacy tech trade grads had 88.5% employment 2021.

Statistic 46

Esthetician grads achieved 86% job placement 2023.

Statistic 47

Carpentry grads employed 91.3% within 4 months 2022.

Statistic 48

Nail tech trade grads had 83.9% placement rate 2021.

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Trade school grads in Texas had 89% employment rate 2023.

Statistic 50

In 2022, U.S. trade schools reported a total enrollment of 16.3 million students in postsecondary vocational programs, up 2.1% from 2021.

Statistic 51

Trade school enrollment among Hispanic students increased by 8.4% between 2019 and 2022, reaching 2.1 million students.

Statistic 52

In 2021, 45% of trade school enrollees were aged 25-34, making it the largest age demographic group.

Statistic 53

Female enrollment in trade schools grew to 32% of total students in 2023, a 15% rise since 2015.

Statistic 54

Rural areas accounted for 28% of trade school enrollment in 2022, with 4.2 million students.

Statistic 55

In 2020, 12% of trade school students were veterans, totaling 1.95 million enrollees.

Statistic 56

Black or African American students comprised 14.7% of trade school enrollment in 2022, equating to 2.4 million.

Statistic 57

Online trade school programs saw 22% enrollment growth in 2023, reaching 3.6 million students.

Statistic 58

In 2022, California trade schools enrolled 2.8 million students, the highest in the nation.

Statistic 59

Part-time trade school students made up 58% of enrollment in 2021, totaling 9.4 million.

Statistic 60

Asian American enrollment in trade schools hit 6.3% or 1.03 million students in 2022.

Statistic 61

Trade school enrollment in welding programs reached 850,000 students in 2023.

Statistic 62

In 2021, 37% of trade school enrollees held high school diplomas only.

Statistic 63

Midwest region trade schools enrolled 3.9 million in 2022, 24% of national total.

Statistic 64

First-generation college students comprised 52% of trade school enrollment in 2023.

Statistic 65

Trade school HVAC programs enrolled 620,000 students in 2022.

Statistic 66

In 2020, low-income students (under $30k household) were 41% of trade school enrollees.

Statistic 67

Automotive trade school enrollment peaked at 1.1 million in 2023.

Statistic 68

Northeast trade schools saw 1.8 million enrollments in 2022.

Statistic 69

In 2021, 19% of trade school students were over 40 years old.

Statistic 70

Cosmetology programs enrolled 1.4 million students in trade schools in 2022.

Statistic 71

Texas trade schools had 1.9 million students in 2023.

Statistic 72

In 2022, 27% of trade school enrollees were full-time working adults.

Statistic 73

Electrical trade programs enrolled 950,000 in 2021.

Statistic 74

Florida's trade school enrollment was 1.6 million in 2022.

Statistic 75

In 2023, 8.2% of trade school students were international.

Statistic 76

Plumbing trade enrollment reached 410,000 students in 2022.

Statistic 77

New York trade schools enrolled 1.2 million in 2021.

Statistic 78

In 2022, 34% of trade school enrollees had some college credit prior.

Statistic 79

Culinary arts programs had 780,000 enrollees in trade schools in 2023.

Statistic 80

Average trade school tuition was $15,200 for diploma programs in 2022.

Statistic 81

62% of trade school students received Pell Grants in 2023.

Statistic 82

Average student loan debt for trade grads was $12,800 in 2022.

Statistic 83

Trade school net price after aid averaged $10,500 in 2021.

Statistic 84

45% of trade programs cost under $10,000 total in 2023.

Statistic 85

Workforce Innovation grants covered 28% of trade school costs in 2022.

Statistic 86

Average certificate program cost $8,900 in trade schools 2021.

Statistic 87

71% of trade students used federal aid in 2023.

Statistic 88

Trade school associate degrees averaged $28,400 tuition 2022.

Statistic 89

Scholarships reduced trade school costs by avg $3,200 per student 2021.

Statistic 90

In-state trade tuition averaged $4,200/year in public schools 2023.

Statistic 91

34% of trade students debt-free upon graduation 2022.

Statistic 92

Private trade school tuition avg $18,700 for diplomas 2021.

Statistic 93

GI Bill covered 100% tuition for 78% veteran trade students 2023.

Statistic 94

Trade school books/supplies cost avg $1,450/year 2022.

Statistic 95

Employer tuition assistance used by 22% trade students 2021.

Statistic 96

Online trade programs avg $9,800 total cost 2023.

Statistic 97

California trade schools avg net price $11,200 in 2022.

Statistic 98

Texas vocational aid averaged $5,600 per student 2021.

Statistic 99

Florida trade tuition avg $14,100 for 2023 programs.

Statistic 100

Trade schools ROI averaged 25% salary increase post-grad 2022.

Statistic 101

56% trade students received institutional grants avg $2,900 2021.

Statistic 102

Welding program avg cost $12,500 in 2023.

Statistic 103

National median wage for trade occupations grew 4.8% to $47,200 in 2023.

Statistic 104

Demand for welders projected 45,800 new jobs by 2032.

Statistic 105

HVAC technicians shortage estimated 110,000 by 2025.

Statistic 106

Automotive service techs needed 69,000 annually through 2032.

Statistic 107

Electricians projected 73,500 openings per year 2022-2032.

Statistic 108

Plumbers demand 42,600 new jobs by 2032.

Statistic 109

Construction laborers short 462,000 workers by 2024.

Statistic 110

Wind turbine techs growth 45% faster than average to 2032.

Statistic 111

Solar installers projected 22,100 jobs by 2032.

Statistic 112

Heavy equipment operators need 47,100 annually.

Statistic 113

Trade occupations total 15.2 million jobs in 2023.

Statistic 114

Median trade wage $48,300, 12% above national avg 2022.

Statistic 115

Manufacturing skilled trades shortage 2.1 million by 2030.

Statistic 116

Healthcare support trades like phlebotomy grow 8% to 2032.

Statistic 117

Truck drivers demand 240,000 new jobs yearly.

Statistic 118

Welders hourly median $23.50 in 2023.

Statistic 119

Apprenticeship programs created 200,000 trade jobs in 2022.

Statistic 120

Green jobs in trades projected 1 million by 2030.

Statistic 121

Construction industry needs 546,000 workers monthly 2023.

Statistic 122

Trade vets filled 15% of skilled job openings 2022.

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Women in trades increased to 10.9% of workforce 2023.

Statistic 124

Texas trades added 150,000 jobs in 2022.

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National trades unemployment rate 3.1% in 2023.

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HVAC wages avg $55,000 annually 2023.

Statistic 127

Infrastructure bill to create 1.5 million trade jobs by 2026.

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While headlines often trumpet a looming "skills gap," the truth is that a quiet revolution is already underway: a record 16.3 million students are choosing trade schools as a direct path to a successful career.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, U.S. trade schools reported a total enrollment of 16.3 million students in postsecondary vocational programs, up 2.1% from 2021.
Trade school enrollment among Hispanic students increased by 8.4% between 2019 and 2022, reaching 2.1 million students.
In 2021, 45% of trade school enrollees were aged 25-34, making it the largest age demographic group.
The national trade school graduation rate averaged 72.5% for 2022 cohorts.
Welding programs reported an 81% completion rate in 2023.
In 2021, HVAC trade school completion stood at 78.3%.
85% of trade school graduates were employed within 6 months in 2022.
Trade school welding grads earned median $48,000 starting salary in 2023.
92% employment rate for HVAC trade graduates 6 months post-2022.
Average trade school tuition was $15,200 for diploma programs in 2022.
62% of trade school students received Pell Grants in 2023.
Average student loan debt for trade grads was $12,800 in 2022.
National median wage for trade occupations grew 4.8% to $47,200 in 2023.
Demand for welders projected 45,800 new jobs by 2032.
HVAC technicians shortage estimated 110,000 by 2025.

Trade schools are seeing growing and diverse enrollment leading to strong job placement and wages.

Completion Rates

The national trade school graduation rate averaged 72.5% for 2022 cohorts.
Welding programs reported an 81% completion rate in 2023.
In 2021, HVAC trade school completion stood at 78.3%.
Cosmetology schools achieved 85% graduation rates on average in 2022.
Automotive trade programs had a 74% completion rate for 2023 entrants.
Electrical apprenticeships completed at 92% rate in 2022.
Culinary trade schools reported 68% completion in 2021.
Plumbing programs had 79.4% graduation rates in 2023.
CDL truck driving schools completed 88% of students in 2022.
Medical assisting trade programs reached 82% completion in 2021.
Dental assisting had 84.7% graduation rate in trade schools 2023.
Barbering programs completed at 76% rate in 2022.
Construction management trade certificates had 71% completion in 2021.
Massage therapy programs reported 77.2% graduation in 2023.
Phlebotomy trade courses completed 91% in 2022.
Esthetician schools achieved 83% completion rates in 2021.
Carpentry apprenticeships had 89.5% completion in 2023.
EMT training programs completed 86% of enrollees in 2022.
HVAC short-term certificates had 75.8% graduation in 2021.
Nail technician programs reported 80% completion in 2023.
Machining trade schools had 73% graduation rates in 2022.
Pharmacy technician programs completed 79.3% in 2021.
Welding certificate programs had 82.1% completion in short-term formats 2023.
Trade schools in Texas saw 74.2% average completion rate in 2022.
California vocational programs reported 70.9% graduation for 2021 cohorts.
Florida trade schools achieved 76.5% completion in 2023.
New York CTE programs had 78% graduation rate in 2022.

Completion Rates Interpretation

It appears the trades are efficiently separating the genuinely committed from the merely curious, with graduation rates suggesting you're far more likely to finish wiring a house than you are to finish plating a perfect soufflé.

Employment Outcomes

85% of trade school graduates were employed within 6 months in 2022.
Trade school welding grads earned median $48,000 starting salary in 2023.
92% employment rate for HVAC trade graduates 6 months post-2022.
Automotive trade school grads had 88% placement rate in 2023.
Electrical trade program completers saw 95% employment within 3 months 2022.
Cosmetology graduates achieved 87% job placement in 2021.
CDL grads from trade schools had 94% employment rate in trucking 2023.
Plumbing trade grads earned $52,500 median first-year in 2022.
Medical assisting trade grads had 91% employment in healthcare 2021.
Dental assisting completers saw 89.4% placement rate 2023.
Culinary arts grads employed at 82% within 6 months 2022.
Construction trade grads had 90% employment rate in 2021.
Massage therapy grads achieved 85.7% job placement 2023.
Phlebotomy trade grads employed 93% in labs 2022.
EMT trade program grads had 87.2% placement in 2021.
Barbering grads saw 84% employment rate 2023.
Machinist trade grads earned $46,200 median starting 2022.
Pharmacy tech trade grads had 88.5% employment 2021.
Esthetician grads achieved 86% job placement 2023.
Carpentry grads employed 91.3% within 4 months 2022.
Nail tech trade grads had 83.9% placement rate 2021.
Trade school grads in Texas had 89% employment rate 2023.

Employment Outcomes Interpretation

Forget the overpriced, soul-crushing, four-year hamster wheel; trade schools are quietly cornering the market on the dignified, solvent, and consistently employed adult.

Enrollment and Demographics

In 2022, U.S. trade schools reported a total enrollment of 16.3 million students in postsecondary vocational programs, up 2.1% from 2021.
Trade school enrollment among Hispanic students increased by 8.4% between 2019 and 2022, reaching 2.1 million students.
In 2021, 45% of trade school enrollees were aged 25-34, making it the largest age demographic group.
Female enrollment in trade schools grew to 32% of total students in 2023, a 15% rise since 2015.
Rural areas accounted for 28% of trade school enrollment in 2022, with 4.2 million students.
In 2020, 12% of trade school students were veterans, totaling 1.95 million enrollees.
Black or African American students comprised 14.7% of trade school enrollment in 2022, equating to 2.4 million.
Online trade school programs saw 22% enrollment growth in 2023, reaching 3.6 million students.
In 2022, California trade schools enrolled 2.8 million students, the highest in the nation.
Part-time trade school students made up 58% of enrollment in 2021, totaling 9.4 million.
Asian American enrollment in trade schools hit 6.3% or 1.03 million students in 2022.
Trade school enrollment in welding programs reached 850,000 students in 2023.
In 2021, 37% of trade school enrollees held high school diplomas only.
Midwest region trade schools enrolled 3.9 million in 2022, 24% of national total.
First-generation college students comprised 52% of trade school enrollment in 2023.
Trade school HVAC programs enrolled 620,000 students in 2022.
In 2020, low-income students (under $30k household) were 41% of trade school enrollees.
Automotive trade school enrollment peaked at 1.1 million in 2023.
Northeast trade schools saw 1.8 million enrollments in 2022.
In 2021, 19% of trade school students were over 40 years old.
Cosmetology programs enrolled 1.4 million students in trade schools in 2022.
Texas trade schools had 1.9 million students in 2023.
In 2022, 27% of trade school enrollees were full-time working adults.
Electrical trade programs enrolled 950,000 in 2021.
Florida's trade school enrollment was 1.6 million in 2022.
In 2023, 8.2% of trade school students were international.
Plumbing trade enrollment reached 410,000 students in 2022.
New York trade schools enrolled 1.2 million in 2021.
In 2022, 34% of trade school enrollees had some college credit prior.
Culinary arts programs had 780,000 enrollees in trade schools in 2023.

Enrollment and Demographics Interpretation

Amid a quiet revolution in education, trade schools are becoming a dynamic and essential engine of the American economy, serving a richly diverse army of adult learners, veterans, and first-generation students who are pragmatically and passionately opting to build their futures with their hands as much as with their minds.

Financial Aspects

Average trade school tuition was $15,200 for diploma programs in 2022.
62% of trade school students received Pell Grants in 2023.
Average student loan debt for trade grads was $12,800 in 2022.
Trade school net price after aid averaged $10,500 in 2021.
45% of trade programs cost under $10,000 total in 2023.
Workforce Innovation grants covered 28% of trade school costs in 2022.
Average certificate program cost $8,900 in trade schools 2021.
71% of trade students used federal aid in 2023.
Trade school associate degrees averaged $28,400 tuition 2022.
Scholarships reduced trade school costs by avg $3,200 per student 2021.
In-state trade tuition averaged $4,200/year in public schools 2023.
34% of trade students debt-free upon graduation 2022.
Private trade school tuition avg $18,700 for diplomas 2021.
GI Bill covered 100% tuition for 78% veteran trade students 2023.
Trade school books/supplies cost avg $1,450/year 2022.
Employer tuition assistance used by 22% trade students 2021.
Online trade programs avg $9,800 total cost 2023.
California trade schools avg net price $11,200 in 2022.
Texas vocational aid averaged $5,600 per student 2021.
Florida trade tuition avg $14,100 for 2023 programs.
Trade schools ROI averaged 25% salary increase post-grad 2022.
56% trade students received institutional grants avg $2,900 2021.
Welding program avg cost $12,500 in 2023.

Financial Aspects Interpretation

While the sticker price might make you sweat, the heavy lifting from grants and aid means most trade school graduates can build their careers without being buried in debt.

Workforce Impact

National median wage for trade occupations grew 4.8% to $47,200 in 2023.
Demand for welders projected 45,800 new jobs by 2032.
HVAC technicians shortage estimated 110,000 by 2025.
Automotive service techs needed 69,000 annually through 2032.
Electricians projected 73,500 openings per year 2022-2032.
Plumbers demand 42,600 new jobs by 2032.
Construction laborers short 462,000 workers by 2024.
Wind turbine techs growth 45% faster than average to 2032.
Solar installers projected 22,100 jobs by 2032.
Heavy equipment operators need 47,100 annually.
Trade occupations total 15.2 million jobs in 2023.
Median trade wage $48,300, 12% above national avg 2022.
Manufacturing skilled trades shortage 2.1 million by 2030.
Healthcare support trades like phlebotomy grow 8% to 2032.
Truck drivers demand 240,000 new jobs yearly.
Welders hourly median $23.50 in 2023.
Apprenticeship programs created 200,000 trade jobs in 2022.
Green jobs in trades projected 1 million by 2030.
Construction industry needs 546,000 workers monthly 2023.
Trade vets filled 15% of skilled job openings 2022.
Women in trades increased to 10.9% of workforce 2023.
Texas trades added 150,000 jobs in 2022.
National trades unemployment rate 3.1% in 2023.
HVAC wages avg $55,000 annually 2023.
Infrastructure bill to create 1.5 million trade jobs by 2026.

Workforce Impact Interpretation

The data screams that America's economic engine is literally rusting shut while we all stand around arguing about college debt, completely ignoring the fact that we desperately need people who can actually build, fix, and weld the world back together.

Sources & References

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