Introduction: Understanding Your Options After High School
If you’re a high school senior, you’re likely thinking about your plans after graduation. You have two main choices – attending a trade school or pursuing a college degree. Whatever choice you make will impact your future life and career.
There’s no right or wrong choice either. Both trade school and college have their unique advantages and disadvantages. A careful weighing of these pros and cons is a must for informed decision-making.
Your personal aspirations, career goals, and resources must be your primary considerations. But you must also consider a crucial factor: trade school vs college salary and career. You are, after all, planning on pursuing post-secondary education to earn a living.
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In the following sections, we’ll discuss the definitions of trade school and career. We’ll also look at their pros and cons based on earning potential and career outcomes. In the end, you should be able to make an informed decision.
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What Is Trade School?
Trade schools are also known as technical-vocational schools. These are post-secondary colleges that offer skills-centric, job-focused training for skilled professions. Their training programs combine classroom instruction and practical skills training.
These professions are in a wide range of disciplines, too. Think from aviation technology to zoological maintenance.
The hands-on experiences occur in laboratories, workspaces, and workplaces. Laboratories can be physical facilities and virtual spaces. Apprenticeships and internships are common, too.
Students learn the specific technical skills that their future jobs demand. Plumbing students learn pipe installation and repair and plumbing schematics. Aspiring electricians learn electrical wiring and circuitry and blueprint reading.
Trade school students also learn transferable skills besides technical skills. These include attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and customer service skills.
Trade schools can either be standalone institutions or part of community colleges. Examples of standalone trade schools are Universal Technical Institute and Lincoln Tech. Austin Community College and Miami Dade College are notable for their trade programs.
Trade schools accept individuals as young as 16 years old. But they must meet other admission requirements. These may include a high school diploma or GED, entrance exam, and placement test.
Their programs are usually shorter in duration, from six months to two years. Graduates can then enter the workforce sooner. Many trade schools also offer part-time and evening classes for greater flexibility. Students can pursue employment and meet their personal obligations during their training periods.
Trade schools offer certificate, diploma, and licensure programs. Students gain the training and technical skills to meet certification/licensure requirements. These include Licensed Practical Nurses, commercial truck drivers, and electricians.
A few examples of the skilled professions that trade schools offer training for.
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician
- Automotive Technician
- Carpenter
- Cosmetologist
- Dental Hygienist
- Diesel Mechanic
- Electrician
- HVAC Technician
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Plumber
Choosing from these skilled professions can be confusing. You may want to discuss your options with your parents and career counselor first. Be sure to do your research on their specific job duties, salaries, and market demand, too.
What Is College?
Colleges and universities offer college education or higher education. These institutions offer undergraduate and graduate programs, namely:
- Associate degrees (undergraduate two-year degrees)
- Bachelor’s degrees (undergraduate four-year degrees)
- Master’s degrees (graduate degrees that can take 1-2 years to complete)
- Doctoral degrees (post-graduate degree that requires several years of intensive study and research)
Students pursuing a college education choose from a wide range of disciplines, including:
- Arts and humanities – fine arts, philosophy, history, and literature
- STEM – natural sciences, social sciences, life sciences, engineering, and mathematics
- Business, finance, and economics
- Education
- Social work
- Health sciences – nursing, medicine, and dentistry
Such is the wide range of college degree programs that there’s one for every interest. Both traditional and non-traditional majors are available. Examples of lesser-known majors are cannabis cultivation, puppetry, and adventure education.
College degree programs feature intensive curricula that combine general education, core and concentration, and elective courses. Didactic coursework combined with experiential learning experiences contribute to a well-rounded education.
Students learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, and laboratory sessions. Internships, study-abroad opportunities, and community immersions are common. Exams, projects, essays, and presentations are common assessment tools.
Bachelor’s degree programs enable students to gain broad knowledge and skills in a specific field. There’s equal emphasis on technical and transferable skills development.
Comparing Salaries: Trade School vs. College
There’s a significant difference between the trade school vs. college salary, all things being equal. Trade school salaries tend to be lower than college degree salaries, on average. Here’s a simple comparison between the two salaries.
| Field of Study | Trade School Programs/Occupations and Average Annual Salary | College Degree Programs/Occupations and Average Annual Salary |
| Nursing | Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) – $45,774 Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) / Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) – $59,730 | Bachelor of Science – Nursing (RN-BSN)/ Registered nurses – $86,070 |
| Automotive Technology/Engineering | Mechanics – $50,077 | Automotive engineers – $134,636 |
| Electrical Technology/Engineering | Electricians – 61,590 | Electrical engineers – $106,950 |
| Plumbing/Sanitation Engineering | Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters – $61,550 | Health and safety engineers – $103,690 |
| Construction Management | Construction foreman – $68,267 | Construction managers – $104,900 |
| Paralegal Studies/Law | Paralegals – $59,820 | Lawyers – $145,760 |
Keep in mind that these are average annual salaries. Actual salaries will differ based on several factors, including:
- Geographical location
- Size and type of organization
- Type of industry
- Job title and duties
- Work experience
- Bonuses, incentives, and other financial perks
For example, registered nurses earn between $63,720 and over $132,680 per year. More clinical experience and professional credentials translate to higher salaries.
When choosing between trade school vs college, consider the Education Pays information (BLS). The median weekly earnings for the following groups are as follows:
- Some college, no degree: $992
- Associate degree: $1,058
- Bachelor’s degree holders: $1,493
There’s a significant $435 difference in median weekly earnings between associate and bachelor’s degree holders. It translates to $20,880 per year (48 working weeks).
So, if a higher earning potential is your basis for the trade school-college choice, go for college. Remember, nonetheless, that getting your desired college-related salary takes time.
Career Growth and Job Security
Many trade school careers require certification/license as skilled manpower. For this reason, these are among the most in-demand and highest-paying jobs. Ultrasonographers, dental hygienists, cable technicians, and solar installers are examples.
Their specialized skills are the primary reason for their jobs being in such high demand. Trade school training enabled them to gain job-specific technical skills.
Trade school careers are also in high demand because of their importance in daily life. Mechanics, electricians, and plumbers offer services that make modern life easy.
There’s also a steady demand for trade professionals due to their labor-intensive nature. Blue-collar trades aren’t as susceptible to automation and outsourcing as white-collar jobs.
Trade jobs also offer more flexibility in work settings and hours. Skilled workers find gainful employment in the public and private sectors. Businesses, hospitals, and government agencies are popular employers. Many also work as independent contractors.
Not all college careers require a certification or license. This makes it easier to enter the workforce before or soon after graduation. Most college graduates start their careers in entry-level positions and advance with more work experience. Career advancement also happens with advanced education and professional development.
Job demand, however, differs depending on the field of study. For this reason, it’s crucial to research the most in-demand occupations if you’re interested in job security. Check out business, healthcare, engineering, and computer science and information technology occupations.
College graduates also have excellent international job prospects. This is particularly true in the above-mentioned fields, thanks to their globalized education. Their transferable skills developed through internships are also applicable across diverse industries.
The bottom line: Both trade and college careers are in high demand and offer job security. The trick is to find the best career that aligns with your interests and goals.
Benefits of Choosing Trade School
There are many benefits of trade school that high school seniors and graduates must consider.
- The hands-on training equips students with job-specific technical skills for entry-level jobs. Every course is directly related to the job students are training for. Students are more likely to succeed because of it.
- Trade school programs have shorter durations, usually two years or less. If you don’t have the patience for a four-year degree, then choose a trade program.
- The shorter duration means faster entry into the workforce. You can earn a living as soon as you graduate in as short as six months. It is particularly useful for individuals who want to contribute to family income ASAP.
- Trade school programs have more affordable tuition than college programs. When combined with the shorter time-to-completion, it’s a win-win situation. Plus, many trade schools offer financial aid, such as the New England Institute of Technology.
- The average salary for trade school graduates is $67,149 per year (ZipRecruiter, July 2024). The median yearly salary for all occupations is $48,060 (BLS, May 2023). Indeed, trade professionals earn a good living.
- Trade school jobs are in high demand and provide job security. Even in the most challenging times, these jobs resist significant fluctuations because of their essential functions.
Indeed, the number of trade schools has increased by 1.9% since 2022 because more people recognize these benefits.
Benefits of Choosing College
There are many benefits of college, too, which makes it a popular option for many high school seniors and graduates.
- College jobs usually have higher earning potential, particularly when employment benefits are considered. These include health insurance, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement.
- However, the average salary for college graduates – $47,749 a year (ZipRecruiter, July 2024) – is lower than for trade jobs. This disparity doesn’t last long when college graduates establish their professional careers and move up the corporate ladder. Management occupations that require a bachelor’s degree have a median wage of $116,880 per year (BLS, May 2023).
- Studies have shown that college graduates are more likely to enjoy higher job security and satisfaction. A college education also expands your network, opens professional development opportunities, and provides advantages for your family.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Future
Trade school and college are the main education options after high school. Whatever your choice, it’s the right choice if it’s based on your unique interests and goals. Keep in mind that whatever your choice, it will affect your future earning potential.
Trade school programs offer specialized technical training in diverse in-demand fields. These are more affordable and have shorter college programs.
College programs provide students with a broad education and training in specific fields. Students spend 2-4 years in these programs and pay more in tuition and fees. But their career opportunities offer higher earning potential and better advancement.
Where do you see yourself in the future? The decision is yours to keep, but remember that it’s one that you should be proud of.