Select a program of interest and we’ll connect you with trade schools that match your goals.
Choosing a trade school in Florida isn't just about finding a classroom-it's about preparing for a licensed, in-demand career in less time and for less money than a four-year degree. Florida's Career and Technical Education (CTE) system, regulated by the Florida Department of Education, connects students to real pathways in fields like construction, healthcare, logistics, cosmetology, marine mechanics, and more.
Accreditation ensures your education meets quality standards accepted by employers and licensing boards. Most skilled trades in Florida-HVAC, electrical, cosmetology, and plumbing-require state licensure or certification. Completing a state-approved program is often the first step toward qualifying for the exam.
Florida's top trade schools are accredited by:
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Wind Turbine Technician | $62,580 | 49.9% |
| Welder | $49,430 | 2.2% |
| Solar Installer | $46,130 | 42.1% |
| Plumber | $50,540 | 4.5% |
| Lineworker | $92,460 | 6.6% |
| Home Inspector | $65,340 | -0.8% |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $48,780 | 3.6% |
| HVAC Technician | $50,580 | 8.1% |
| Flooring Installer | $51,064 | 9.5% |
| Electrician | $53,100 | 9.5% |
| Construction Worker | $40,820 | 7.3% |
| Carpenter | $48,080 | 4.5% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Gunsmith | $46,330 | 2.4% |
| Diesel Technician | $60,420 | 2.4% |
| CNC Machinist | $50,570 | 0.0% |
| Automotive Technician | $48,520 | 4.2% |
| Auto Mechanic | $48,520 | 4.2% |
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | $75,460 | 4.0% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $50,000 | 4.0% |
| Construction Manager | $103,320 | 8.7% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Technician | $40,380 | 9.1% |
| Surgical Technologist | $61,030 | 4.5% |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $44,070 | 10.0% |
| Radiologic Technologist | $71,190 | 4.3% |
| Physical Therapy Aide | $33,520 | 2.8% |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $38,570 | 5.6% |
| Pharmacy Technician | $39,640 | 6.4% |
| Personal Trainer | $37,420 | 11.9% |
| Patient Care Technician | $36,850 | 2.3% |
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | $45,990 | 7.1% |
| Medical Assistant | $41,380 | 12.5% |
| Massage Therapist | $49,880 | 15.4% |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $60,080 | 2.6% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $60,080 | 2.6% |
| EKG Technician | $64,000 | 3.0% |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $81,240 | 13.0% |
| Dental Assistant | $47,060 | 6.4% |
| Certified Nursing Assistant | $36,850 | 2.3% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Pastry Chef | $38,724 | 7.1% |
| Culinary Chef | $38,724 | 7.1% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Paralegal | $60,280 | 0.2% |
| Esthetician | $38,060 | 6.7% |
| Digital Court Reporter | $50,540 | -0.3% |
| Cosmetologist | $29,760 | 5.6% |
| Bookkeeper | $47,980 | -5.8% |
| Beauty Professional | $29,760 | 5.6% |
| Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Trainer | $36,190 | 5.1% |
Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; national data shown when state medians are unavailable.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. State data (Florida) shown where available; national OEWS values used when state data is unavailable. Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.
Florida's year-round heat and strict licensing laws mean HVAC techs are consistently in demand. Most of the schools listed offer EPA 608 certification training and may prepare you for NATE exams.
Programs like those at Orange Tech and Atlantic Tech offer marine technology training, with coastal employers hiring year-round. These schools often partner with local marinas and aviation maintenance companies.
Explore more in our Trade School Guide series:
Some of the best trade schools include Florida State College at Jacksonville, McFatter Technical College, Atlantic Technical College, Orange Technical College, and Erwin Technical College-each accredited and known for strong job placement or licensing outcomes.
According to the Florida DEO, the most in-demand trades include HVAC technicians, electricians, marine mechanics, CNC machinists, and medical assistants.
Yes. Some schools partner directly with unions like IBEW, UA, and NCCER-certified contractors. This can lead to paid apprenticeships that combine education with on-the-job training.
By choosing a state-approved, accredited trade school and researching outcomes like employer partnerships and licensing prep, you can launch a stable career in one of Florida's booming industries.
