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Best Trade Schools by State (2026 Guide)
If you’re ready to train for a high-demand career without the time and cost of a four-year degree, trade school can be your launchpad. But choosing the right program matters-especially at the state level.
Many trades (like electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and welding) are licensed or regulated by state agencies. That means going to school in your state is often the best way to align with local licensing, employer needs, and job networks.
In this guide, we break down the top accredited trade schools in every U.S. state, using data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, BLS, and recognized accreditors like ACCSC and DEAC.
Whether you’re a high school grad, career switcher, or adult learner, this is your starting point.
✅ Looking for nationwide rankings? Check out our Best Trade Schools in the U.S.
Why Choose a State-Accredited Trade School?
Choosing a trade school in your home state can offer:
- Faster path to licensing (especially in regulated trades like HVAC or cosmetology)
- Lower tuition through in-state rates
- Job placement support with local employers and unions
- Proximity to hands-on learning sites
Need help evaluating programs? Read How to Choose a Trade School
Best Trade Schools by State
Start with Your State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
This list is updated regularly to reflect new program accreditations and outcomes.
Best Trade Schools in California
California’s demand for skilled trades spans renewable energy, construction, and healthcare.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UEI College | Multiple Locations | HVAC, Welding, Dental Assisting | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Los Angeles Trade-Technical College | Los Angeles, CA | Electrician, Culinary Arts, Automotive | WASC | Visit Site |
| San Diego City College | San Diego, CA | Nursing, HVAC, Cosmetology | WASC | Visit Site |
| North American Trade Schools | Ontario, CA | Welding, Electrician | ACCSC | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Texas
Texas excels in oil, HVAC, welding, and electrical trades.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TSTC (Texas State Technical College) | Multiple Campuses | Welding, HVAC, Robotics | SACSCOC | Visit Site |
| South Texas Vocational Technical Institute | San Antonio, TX | HVAC, Medical Billing, Welding | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Lincoln Tech | Grand Prairie, TX | Automotive Tech, CNC Machining | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Houston Community College | Houston, TX | Welding, Electrical, Plumbing | SACSCOC | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Florida
Florida has strong job growth in HVAC, maritime, and allied health trades.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida Technical College | Orlando, FL | HVAC, Welding, Cosmetology | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Erwin Technical College | Tampa, FL | Electrician, HVAC, Practical Nursing | COE | Visit Site |
| Fort Myers Technical College | Fort Myers, FL | Automotive Tech, Medical Assisting | COE | Visit Site |
| Pinellas Technical College | Clearwater, FL | HVAC, Marine Mechanic | COE | Visit Site |
Florida residents may qualify for the Workforce Education Grant. Visit OSFA for state aid options.
Best Trade Schools in New York
New York offers robust programs in medical, construction, and cosmetology trades.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apex Technical School | New York, NY | Plumbing, Welding, Electrical | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Alfred State College | Alfred, NY | Automotive Tech, Electrical, HVAC | MSCHE | Visit Site |
| Erie 1 BOCES | Buffalo, NY | HVAC, Electrical, Cosmetology | NYSED | Visit Site |
| Monroe College | Bronx, NY | Allied Health, Business, Tech | MSCHE | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Illinois
Manufacturing, automotive, and medical assisting are strong trade paths in Illinois.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coyne College | Chicago, IL | HVAC, Electrical, Medical Billing | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn, IL | Welding, Auto Tech, EMT | HLC | Visit Site |
| Midwest Technical Institute | Springfield, IL | Welding, HVAC/R, Truck Driving | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Elgin Community College | Elgin, IL | CNC, Auto Tech, HVAC | HLC | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Arizona
Arizona’s booming construction and automotive sectors drive demand for skilled trades.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Automotive Institute | Glendale, AZ | Automotive Tech, HVAC | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Gateway Community College | Phoenix, AZ | Welding, Construction Tech | HLC | Visit Site |
| Pima Community College | Tucson, AZ | HVAC, Automotive, CNC | HLC | Visit Site |
| Universal Technical Institute | Avondale, AZ | Automotive, Diesel, Welding | ACCSC | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Colorado
Colorado excels in green energy, welding, and skilled construction trades.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emily Griffith Technical College | Denver, CO | Welding, HVAC, Culinary | COE | Visit Site |
| Red Rocks Community College | Lakewood, CO | Electrician, HVAC, Water Quality | HLC | Visit Site |
| Pickens Technical College | Aurora, CO | Automotive, Construction, Cosmetology | COE | Visit Site |
| Lincoln Tech | Denver, CO | Diesel, Welding, HVAC | ACCSC | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Connecticut
Connecticut has growing demand in HVAC, dental assisting, and electrical trades.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porter and Chester Institute | Stratford, CT | HVAC, Plumbing, Dental Assisting | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Lincoln Tech | East Windsor, CT | Automotive, Electrical, HVAC | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Asnuntuck Community College | Enfield, CT | Welding, Machine Tech | NECHE | Visit Site |
| Industrial Management Training Institute | Waterbury, CT | Electrician, HVAC | State Approved | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Georgia
Georgia leads in aviation, automotive, and HVAC training programs.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altierus Career College | Norcross, GA | HVAC, Medical Assistant | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Savannah Technical College | Savannah, GA | Welding, Automotive, Cosmetology | COE | Visit Site |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College | Clarkston, GA | HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical | COE | Visit Site |
| South Georgia Technical College | Americus, GA | Aviation Maintenance, Welding | COE | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Indiana
Indiana has strong industrial trades, including CNC machining and HVAC.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivy Tech Community College | Statewide, IN | HVAC, Electrical, Welding | HLC | Visit Site |
| Lincoln Tech | Indianapolis, IN | Auto Tech, CNC, HVAC | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Vincennes University | Vincennes, IN | Industrial Maintenance, Machining | HLC | Visit Site |
| Fortis College | Indianapolis, IN | HVAC, Medical Billing | ACCSC | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Maryland
Maryland’s top trades include welding, HVAC, and truck driving.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North American Trade Schools | Baltimore, MD | Welding, HVAC, Electrical | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Lincoln Tech | Columbia, MD | HVAC, Auto Tech, Electrician | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Community College of Baltimore County | Baltimore, MD | HVAC, Welding, Transportation | MSCHE | Visit Site |
| All-State Career School | Baltimore, MD | Truck Driving, Welding | ACCSC | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Michigan
Michigan trades are centered around automotive, manufacturing, and skilled maintenance.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIAT College of Technology | Canton, MI | Aviation, Wind, HVAC | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Oakland Community College | Bloomfield Hills, MI | Auto Tech, Electrical | HLC | Visit Site |
| Grand Rapids Community College | Grand Rapids, MI | HVAC, Welding | HLC | Visit Site |
| Dorsey College | Multiple Locations | Medical, HVAC, Electrical | ACCSC | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Nevada
Nevada’s top programs include HVAC, electrician training, and allied health.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Southern Nevada | Las Vegas, NV | HVAC, Automotive, Welding | NWCCU | Visit Site |
| Nevada Career Institute | Las Vegas, NV | Medical Assistant, Billing | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Truckee Meadows Community College | Reno, NV | HVAC, Welding, Auto Tech | NWCCU | Visit Site |
| Advanced Training Institute | Las Vegas, NV | HVAC, Electrician | ACCSC | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in New Jersey
New Jersey supports trades in HVAC, plumbing, and welding.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Tech | Union, NJ | Auto Tech, HVAC | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Eastwick College | Ramsey, NJ | Plumbing, Welding | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Ocean County Vocational Technical School | Toms River, NJ | Electrical, HVAC | State Approved | Visit Site |
| Pennco Tech | Blackwood, NJ | Welding, Auto Tech | ACCSC | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is strong in diesel, HVAC, welding, and construction trades.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tulsa Tech | Tulsa, OK | HVAC, Welding, Auto Tech | COE | Visit Site |
| Oklahoma Technical College | Tulsa, OK | Diesel, HVAC | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Metro Technology Centers | Oklahoma City, OK | Construction, Cosmetology | COE | Visit Site |
| Francis Tuttle Technology Center | Oklahoma City, OK | Electrician, Welding | COE | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Pennsylvania
PA has exceptional programs in construction, HVAC, and machining.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology | Lancaster, PA | Welding, Construction, HVAC | MSCHE | Visit Site |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport, PA | Auto Tech, Electrical | MSCHE | Visit Site |
| Orleans Technical College | Philadelphia, PA | HVAC, Carpentry | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Triangle Tech | Multiple Locations | Welding, Electrical, HVAC | ACCSC | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Tennessee
Tennessee invests heavily in public technical colleges and skilled trades.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology | Statewide, TN | HVAC, Welding, LPN | COE | Visit Site |
| Nashville State Community College | Nashville, TN | Auto Tech, Electrical | SACSCOC | Visit Site |
| Fortis Institute | Cookeville, TN | HVAC, Medical Billing | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Walters State Community College | Morristown, TN | Welding, HVAC | SACSCOC | Visit Site |
Best Trade Schools in Virginia
Virginia’s trade schools support HVAC, welding, and mechatronics careers.
| Trade School | Location | Top Programs | Accreditation | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tidewater Tech | Norfolk, VA | Welding, HVAC | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| Centura College | Virginia Beach, VA | Electrician, HVAC | ACCSC | Visit Site |
| New River Community College | Dublin, VA | Welding, Mechatronics | SACSCOC | Visit Site |
| Thomas Nelson Community College | Hampton, VA | Welding, HVAC | SACSCOC | Visit Site |
Regional Standouts
- Texas: Known for its strong investment in workforce development through TSTC.
- California: Leading in solar, electrical, and green trades.
- Florida: Offers robust state financial aid and training in HVAC and maritime.
- Illinois: Midwest hub for advanced manufacturing and technical training.
FAQs
What is the best trade school in my state?
It depends on your career goals. Use our state listings above to find top schools by program and location.
How do I find accredited trade schools near me?
Search through College Scorecard or use this guide. Always verify with ACCSC, DEAC, or your state education agency.
Do community colleges count as trade schools?
Yes-many offer certificate and associate programs in trades like welding, HVAC, and healthcare.
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.