(NewsNation) — While many sectors of higher education are seeing fewer students register for classes, many trade programs are thriving across the U.S.
Trade schools are programs with courses that prepare students directly for their intended jobs without a bachelor’s or more advanced degree from a four-year university.
Students often work while they learn, and because coursework in a vocational program is trade-specific, students may not need to register for general education courses that fall outside their desired career.
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Mechanic and repair trade programs saw an enrollment increase of 11.5% from spring 2021 to 2022, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. In construction trades, enrollment grew 19.3%, and in culinary programs, it increased 12.7%. Meanwhile, overall enrollment declined 7.8% at public two-year colleges and 3.4% at public four-year institutions.
Quickest-to-learn trades
Electrician
Training duration: About 10 months
Median Annual Salary: $60,240
HVAC Mechanic/Installer
Training duration: Six months, up to two years
Median Annual Salary: $51,390
Phlebotomist
Training duration: About a year
Median Annual Salary: $38,530
Truck Driver
Training duration: Three to six months
Median Annual Salary: $49,920
Data courtesy: Forbes Advisor
Highest-paying trades
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many pay at least $80,000 or even $90,000 a year.
Elevator/Escalator Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $99,000
Power Plant Operators
Median annual salary: $97,570
Train drivers, subway and streetcar operators
Median Annual Salary: $88,260
Chemical plant and system operators
Median Annual Salary: $82,670
NewsNation’s Cassie Buchman and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
