What Are Skilled Trade Certifications?
Here, we’ll discuss the answer to the question, “Are skilled trade certifications worth it?” Well, of course, they are but it’s also important to note that these aren’t for everybody. Cost, job opportunities, and salary potential are among their key considerations.
What are skilled trade certifications in the first place? These are credentials that showcase technical knowledge and skills in skilled trades. Skilled tradespeople gained their technical abilities through classroom instruction and practical experience.
If you’re interested in becoming a skilled tradesman, you’ll find many places that offer programs. Look for them in community colleges, tech-voc schools, and labor unions. Private trade schools, industry training centers, and online programs are also popular.
Featured Programs
Here are the most popular skilled trades that you can choose from. Be sure to consider your interests and goals, and their job demand and salary potential.
- Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems.
- HVAC technicians work on heating and cooling systems.
- Welders join metal parts using welding machines.
- Plumbers install, repair, and maintain water, gas, and drainage systems.
- Mechanics diagnose and repair vehicle systems.
You can also become a cosmetologist or a heavy equipment operator, among others. If you want to be in healthcare, you can become a dental hygienist, LPN/LVN, or MLT. In the energy sector, consider wind turbine technician or power line installer jobs.
Why are more and more people asking about the skilled trade certification value? The rising costs of a college degree and a changing job market are oft-cited reasons.
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The Benefits of Skilled Trade Certifications
Did you know that there were about 4 million students in skilled trades programs in 2023? Indeed, enrollment in trade school increased by 4.9% (2020-2023). This is only one proof that more people see the value of skilled trade certifications.
This isn’t surprising because skilled trade certifications offer many practical benefits. If these benefits resonate with you, then it’s time to consider them seriously.
Quick Entry into the Workforce
Skilled trades programs can be completed in 6-24 months. In contrast, it takes 4-6 years to complete a college degree program. The shorter you spend your time studying for a trade, the faster you can enter the workforce. You’ll then be able to earn sooner than if you pursued a college degree.
Plus, you can earn even when you’re studying for a skilled trade. Electricians, plumbers, and elevator installers earn while they learn as apprentices.
Lower Upfront Cost Than a Four-Year Degree
Tuition inflation is real – it has generally outpaced economic inflation for decades. The average annual cost of tuition and fees ranged from $11,011 to $43,505 (2024-2025). The average federal student debt for borrowers 24 years old and younger is over $14,000/student.
In contrast, trade school costs significantly less at $3,000 to $15,000 per student for an entire program. Average federal student debt is also lower at $5,965/year.
Being employed sooner also means that you can recoup your costs faster, too. Paying your student loans sooner and getting your returns faster are possible, too.
Growing Demand in Industries
There’s a wide range of industries where skilled tradespeople are in high demand. The construction and manufacturing industries are popular workplaces.
Look for well-paying jobs in the energy and utilities, healthcare, and beauty sectors. Check out the telecommunications and IT industries. Find great career opportunities in the culinary and hospitality sectors, too.
But it’s also important to remember that these benefits don’t come without challenges. The physical demands, high risk of injury, and long working hours are a few examples. There are also the upfront costs for the tools and equipment and the cost of continuous training.
Skilled Trades vs. Traditional College Degrees
Making the skilled trades vs. college degree choice isn’t a black-and-white decision. There’s no right or wrong choice here – only what’s best for you.
While the skilled trades have their benefits, so do college degrees. Doing a cost-and-benefit analysis is then a must when you’re choosing between them.
Here’s how the skilled trades and college degrees stack up against each other.
Cost Comparison
Skilled trade certification programs are typically more affordable than college degree programs. The actual cost will depend on the type of trade, program length, and location. Plus, paid apprenticeships offset the cost of training.
In contrast, a college student spends $38,270 per year on average (EDI, 2025). Over the course of four years, this amount skyrockets to more than $155,000, excluding interest on student loans.
Time Commitment
Again, skilled trades certification programs have shorter time-to-completion (6-24 months). Many skilled trades have apprenticeships, so it’s possible to start a career sooner, too.
But with college degrees, it’s an average of four years to completion. But it can be anywhere between three years (accelerated) and six years (part-time).
Career Outcomes and Earnings
Skilled tradespeople can look forward to stable, well-paying, and in-demand careers. Their salaries increase with experience, too, and many have their own businesses.
According to BLS Education Pays, the higher the educational attainment, the higher the median wages. So, college graduates tend to enjoy higher average lifetime earnings.
Then again, not every college major pays well. Technology, engineering, and healthcare degrees are among the most well-paid degrees. Humanities and liberal arts degrees lag behind.
So, which is the “better path”? Both are good choices, but your choice will depend on your interests and goals. Go for skilled trades if you’re looking for more affordable costs, faster workplace entry, and more physical work.
How Much Do Trade Certifications Cost?
Knowing the cost means knowing the trade school return on investment. First, get a general idea of the initial investment of trade school. Tuition and fees, tools and supplies, and certification fees are foremost. Add your incidental costs and living expenses, too.
Then, compare your initial investment with the skilled trade expected annual salary. You’ll have an idea of the return on investment.
Let’s say you spent $10,000 on earning a skilled trade certification. Your expected salary is $60,000 per year. The ROI is 500% in the first year of working. This means you’ve earned back your initial investment five times over in only one year of work.
Typical Tuition Ranges
Consider these general cost estimates for various skilled trades training. Again, your actual costs will vary depending on the school, too (i.e., public or private):
| Carpenters | $2,000 – $8,000 |
| Electricians | $3,000 – $10,000 |
| Plumbers | $3,000 – $9,000 |
| HVAC technicians | $4,000 – $15,000 |
| Welders | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Automotive technicians | $5,000 – $12,000 |
Note that these are only for tuition and fees. Add your living expenses to the total.
Other Costs: Tools, Supplies & Certification Fees
Be sure to add the cost of your tools and supplies for training, too. These can cost between $500 and $2,000 and up.
Then, there are exam and certification fees to consider. Add $100 to $500 for these items. Ask your employer or sponsor if they can cover these costs.
Where to Find Affordable Options
If cost is still an issue, you’ll find many affordable skilled trade programs. Community colleges, public tech-voc schools, and union training programs are the best options.
The bottom line: With excellent skilled trade job opportunities, it’s possible to recoup your costs quickly. Then, you’ll enjoy high returns sooner, usually within a year or so.
Can You Get Financial Aid for Trade School?
Yes, there are many options for financial aid for trade schools. This means further lowering your total cost of training for a skilled trade. But you have to be proactive in finding, applying, and maximizing financial aid.
FAFSA and Trade Schools
Apply for FAFSA even if you don’t think you’ll qualify. Federal student aid will result in reduced costs via the Pell Grant, which doesn’t need to be repaid. The maximum award is $7,395 for 2024-2025, but it can change every year.
The FAFSA is also the gateway for federal student loans and state-based aid. California’s Grant C, the Tennessee Promise, and Michigan Reconnect are examples.
Scholarships and Grants for Skilled Trades
Many public and private organizations are also offering scholarships and grants, including:
- Labor unions
- Community-based foundations
- Industry associations
Specific examples include:
- Mike Rowe WORKS Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship
- Imagine America Foundation Scholarships for Trade Schools
- NCCER Build Your Future Scholarships
You can use these awards for tuition and tools, among others.
Employer-Sponsored Training
Many employers also provide their employees with subsidized or free skilled trades training. In-house training programs, tuition reimbursement, and apprenticeship sponsorships are examples.
These are intended to meet workforce demands and critical skills gaps. Many employers also use them to retain employees and boost their skills.
Job Opportunities and Salary Potential
The skilled trade salary potential varies depending on the trade, location, and experience level. But it’s safe to say that skilled tradespeople enjoy well-paying jobs.
In-Demand Skilled Trades
Labor shortages are common in many skilled trades, especially with retiring workers. But with more young people entering these fields, it can be a thing of the past.
If you want to fast-track your trades career, look into these in-demand jobs:
- Automotive technicians
- Carpenters
- Electricians
- Heavy equipment operators
- HVAC technicians
- Industrial machinery mechanics
- Plumbers
- Solar panel installers
- Welders
- Wind turbine technologists
Read industry journals. Ask around in your community about in-demand skilled trade jobs. Look into online job boards to determine job demand. In-demand skilled trades can change over time, so it’s best to stay updated.
Average Salaries for Skilled Trades
How long does it take to get certified in a trade? It’s important to consider this question before being dazzled by the average salaries below. Remember that training time will have an impact on when you can start earning.
Again, exact annual salaries vary by experience, specialization, and location:
| Automotive technician | $44,000–$60,000 |
| Carpenter | $50,000–$70,000 |
| Electrician | $60,600–$76,600 |
| Heavy equipment operator | $50,000–$75,000 |
| HVAC technician | $52,300–$74,500 |
| Industrial machinery mechanic | $50,000–$70,000 |
| Plumber | $65,000–$82,000 |
| Solar panel installer | $47,000–$82,000 |
| Welder | $40,000–$60,000 |
| Wind turbine technician | $52,000–$135,000 |
Growth Outlook for Trade Careers
Skilled trade career growth for the above jobs based on BLS data (2023-2033) are:
| Automotive technician | 3% |
| Carpenter | 4% |
| Electrician | 11% |
| Heavy equipment operator | 4% |
| HVAC technician | 9% |
| Industrial machinery mechanic | 15% |
| Plumber | 6% |
| Solar panel installer | 48% |
| Welder | 2% |
| Wind turbine technician | 60% |
Indeed, you can’t lose whatever skilled trade you choose.
Who Should Consider a Skilled Trade Certification?
Skilled trade programs usually target high school graduates or individuals with a GED. But these programs also welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds.
In fact, every individual should consider skilled trades before dismissing them. Skilled trades offer high earning potential, in-demand jobs, and job independence.
If you fall into one of these categories, all the more reason that you should consider them.
Career changers
Take advantage of high demand and good salaries by transitioning into a skilled trade. Reinvent yourself, too, in the process.
Hands-on learners
Skilled trades training emphasizes learning by doing and gaining hands-on skills. Being able to build, create, and fix will be in your future.
Students looking for fast, affordable training
College isn’t for everybody because of the significant time and cost commitment. Skilled trades training is short, affordable, and leads to well-paying jobs sooner.
Final Take: Are They Worth It?
Yes, skilled trade certifications are worth every second and cent. You’ll spend less on becoming a skilled tradesman than on a college degree. Then, you’ll gain in-demand skills that open opportunities for well-paying jobs. There’s a high demand for skilled tradespeople in diverse industries, too.
But the skilled trades aren’t for every Tom, Dick, and Harry. You must have the right mix of interests, traits, and goals to thrive. A day on the job means getting your hands dirty and doing physical work. Then again, the rewards are worth it.