Best Trade Schools in Archer, Florida (2026 Guide)

Updated June 20, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Here are the best schools in Archer. This guide shows accredited options nearby, program lengths, and the Florida licensing steps you must follow. It’s built for high school grads and career changers. Demand for skilled trades remains strong across Florida, especially in construction and building services1234.

Compare Trade Schools Near Archer, Florida

Most programs are within a short drive in Gainesville, Ocala, Starke, and Lake City. All schools below are accredited or state-approved5.

How We Rank Schools

We first gather the schools closest to the city or state page you are viewing, then rank that local group by BOC Score, with the highest at the top. The BOC Score is computed from federal IPEDS and College Scorecard data; schools without enough data to score appear last.

Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry
25%
Average net price (lower is better)
20%
Retention rate
15%
Fully online availability
10%

Schools without enough federal outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score. Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.

#2

Marion Technical College

Ocala, FL 33.3 miles away BOC Score 68.1
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 76.2% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 46
  • Annual completions: 1133
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $38,674 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#3

Taylor College

Ocala, FL 34.7 miles away BOC Score 63.5
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 50.0% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 3
  • Annual completions: 47
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $67,357 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#4

Florida Gateway College

Lake City, FL 45.0 miles away BOC Score 63.5
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 55.1% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 46
  • Annual completions: 889
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $49,676 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#5

Santa Fe College

Gainesville, FL 10.9 miles away BOC Score 63.4
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 77
  • Annual completions: 1446
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $53,155 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#8

Rasmussen University-Florida

Ocala, FL 33.5 miles away BOC Score 53.3
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 46.3% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 35
  • Annual completions: 948
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $59,996 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#9

Florida School of Massage

Gainesville, FL 12.7 miles away BOC Score 36.0
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 69.0% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 1
  • Annual completions: 73
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $27,897 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#10

Summit Salon Academy-Gainesville

Gainesville, FL 9.9 miles away BOC Score 32.8
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 71.2% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 6
  • Annual completions: 146
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $28,255 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

BOC Score, tuition, graduation rate, and median graduate earnings from federal IPEDS and U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard data. Earnings are reported across all programs at the school (all majors), not a single trade. Distance is measured from the main population center in Florida.
#SchoolBOC Score (0–100)TuitionMedian grad earnings (all majors)Graduation rateOnlineDistance
168.1Contact school for pricing$38,67476%Yes*33 mi
263.5Contact school for pricing$67,35750%—35 mi
363.5Contact school for pricing$49,67655%Yes*45 mi
463.4Contact school for pricing$53,155Not reportedYes*11 mi
556.5$2,710 - $18,424Not reported44%Yes*33 mi
655.3Contact school for pricingNot reported74%—37 mi
753.3Contact school for pricing$59,99646%Yes*34 mi
836.0Contact school for pricing$27,89769%—13 mi
932.8Contact school for pricing$28,25571%—10 mi

Schools closest to the main population center in Florida are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the main population center in Florida is shown for reference. The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation, earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it. *Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is completed in person. Read the full methodology.

Median Annual Wage by Trade - Gainesville, FL's most-employed trades
Median annual wage by trade in Gainesville, FL, BLS OEWS May 2025HVAC technicians $55670; Plumbers $51600; Culinary workers $47380; Dental assistants $46340; Medical assistants $39100.HVAC technicians$55,670Plumbers$51,600Culinary workers$47,380Dental assistants$46,340Medical assistants$39,100
Trades ranked by local employment (BLS QCEW); wages are median annual pay (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025; metro area where reported, otherwise statewide).
Median annual wage by trade in Gainesville, FL
TradeMedian annual wage
HVAC technicians$55,670
Plumbers$51,600
Culinary workers$47,380
Dental assistants$46,340
Medical assistants$39,100
Median Graduate Earnings by School - Best Trade Schools in Archer, Florida (2026 Guide)
Median graduate earnings by school, Best Trade Schools in Archer, Florida (2026 Guide) (College Scorecard)Taylor College $67357; Rasmussen University-Florida $59996; Santa Fe College $53155; Florida Gateway College $49676; Marion Technical College $38674; Summit Salon Academy-Gainesville $28255.Taylor College$67,357Rasmussen University-Florida$59,996Santa Fe College$53,155Florida Gateway College$49,676Marion Technical College$38,674Summit Salon Academy-Gainesv...$28,255
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard - median earnings of all graduates at each school (not a single program).
Median graduate earnings by school for schools serving Best Trade Schools in Archer, Florida (2026 Guide)
SchoolMedian graduate earnings
Taylor College$67,357
Rasmussen University-Florida$59,996
Santa Fe College$53,155
Florida Gateway College$49,676
Marion Technical College$38,674
Summit Salon Academy-Gainesville$28,255

Cost, Earnings, and Program Length in Archer

Among the Gainesville, FL area’s most-employed trades (BLS QCEW 2024), median annual pay ranges from $39,100 to $55,670 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025); the chart above compares the five with the largest local workforces. Published tuition across the trade-relevant schools serving Archer ranges from $2,710 to $18,424 per year (IPEDS and College Scorecard); schools that do not publish a rate are marked “Contact school for pricing” in the table below. Typical culinary worker training runs 1-2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship) (TradeCareerPath program data).

Trade Schools in Nearby Cities

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician Electricians install and maintain power, lighting, and controls in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. Projects in North Central Florida keep steady demand for skilled wiremen, especially those with apprenticeship experience and safety credentials1. Many electricians progress into foreman roles, estimating, or electrical contracting.

  • HVAC Technician HVAC techs service heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems in homes, hospitals, and labs. Florida’s long cooling season creates steady work in install, service, and preventive maintenance. EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerants is a must-have, and technicians with controls or commercial refrigeration skills stand out2.

  • Welder Welders build and repair structures, piping, and equipment for construction, manufacturing, and utilities. Common employer requirements include AWS code tests, multi-process skills (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW), and ability to read prints. Field welders often earn overtime on shutdowns and new builds4.

  • Plumber Plumbers install and repair water, waste, and gas systems. In Florida, experienced plumbers often advance into contracting, service management, or specialty piping. Code knowledge and backflow, medical gas, or welding endorsements boost employability3.

Building & Construction Trades

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Flooring Installer9.5%
Plumber4.5%
Welder2.2%
Carpenter4.5%
Construction Worker7.3%

Construction Management & Inspection

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Construction Manager8.7%
Home Inspector-0.8%

Electrical & Energy Systems

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Lineworker6.6%
Wind Turbine Technician49.9%
Tower Technician8.6%
Electrician9.5%
HVAC Technician8.1%
Solar Installer42.1%

Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)4.0%
Diesel Technician2.4%
Gunsmith2.0%
CNC Machinist0.0%
Truck Driver (CDL)4.0%
Heavy Equipment Operator3.6%
Auto Mechanic4.2%
Automotive Technician4.2%
Maintenance Technician3.8%

Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)2.6%
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)2.6%
Hemodialysis Technician5.2%
Medical Assistant12.5%
Mental Health Technician20.0%
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)2.3%
Patient Care Technician2.3%
Home Health Aide17.0%

Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer13.0%
EKG Technician3.0%
Radiologic Technologist4.3%
Surgical Technologist4.5%
Optician2.9%
Dental Assistant6.4%
Sterile Processing Technician10.0%
Pharmacy Technician6.4%
Phlebotomy Technician5.6%

Healthcare: Administration & Office Support

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist7.1%
Medical Office Administrator4.2%

Therapy, Rehab & Fitness

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Occupational Therapy Assistant19.2%
Massage Therapist15.4%
Personal Trainer11.9%
Physical Therapy Aide2.8%

Animal Care & Training

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Veterinary Technician9.1%
Veterinary Assistant8.7%
Dog Trainer5.1%

Beauty & Personal Care

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Esthetician6.7%
Beauty Professional5.6%
Cosmetologist5.6%

Culinary & Hospitality Careers

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Culinary Chef7.1%
Pastry Chef7.1%

Business & Legal Support

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Paralegal0.2%
Bookkeeper-5.8%
Digital Court Reporter-0.3%

Job growth uses state projections when available and national projections (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034) when state data is unavailable. Median pay for each trade is shown in the comparison table above.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections (2024-2034). Projected U.S. change shown for each trade.

Licensing Requirements in Florida

Florida licenses contractors at the state level and often manages journeyman cards locally. Here are the basics:

  • Electrician

    • Work under a licensed electrical contractor while you train. Apprenticeship (e.g., JATC) is the fastest route to journeyman-level skill5.
    • Many counties issue journeyman licenses; check local requirements before testing.
    • To run your own business statewide, apply for Certified Electrical Contractor (EC) through the Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB) at DBPR. Requirements include verified experience, passing the technical and business exams, financial responsibility, and insurance6.
    • Keep current on National Electrical Code updates.

  • HVAC (Air Conditioning)

    • Entry-level techs can start with a postsecondary certificate and on-the-job training. EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerants7.
    • To contract work statewide, you need a Certified Class A (unlimited) or Class B (light commercial) Air Conditioning Contractor license via the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB) at DBPR. This requires experience, exams, and insurance8.
    • Many employers also value NATE or manufacturer-specific credentials.

  • Plumbing

    • Train through a school or apprenticeship and work under a licensed plumbing contractor.
    • Counties may offer journeyman plumber licensing; verify local rules.
    • To operate statewide, obtain a Certified Plumbing Contractor license through DBPR’s CILB. Experience, exam passage, financial responsibility, and insurance are required8.

  • Welding

    • Florida does not issue a state welding license. Employers typically require performance qualifications to AWS codes (such as D1.1 Structural Steel). Schools often provide AWS or NCCER performance testing opportunities9.
    • Maintain your qualifications and keep procedure records current.

  • Massage Therapy (optional local pathway)

    • Complete an approved massage program and pass the MBLEx, then apply to the Florida Board of Massage Therapy for licensure10.

  • Apprenticeship

    • Florida supports registered apprenticeships across many trades. Apprentices earn wages while accruing classroom hours and documented on-the-job experience11.

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many public colleges in Gainesville, Ocala, and the region offer hybrid schedules. General education and some theory courses are online. Labs and competencies are completed on campus.
  • Evening programs: Technical colleges often run evening Electricity, Welding, and HVAC courses to fit work schedules.
  • Apprenticeships: JATC electrical classes are typically held in the evenings with paid daytime work on job sites.
  • Certification prep: Online prep is common for OSHA-10/30, EPA 608, and trade exam reviews. Schools or apprenticeship programs will guide you to approved providers.
  • Credit for experience: Some colleges award credit toward certificates based on industry certifications (NCCER, OSHA, AWS) or prior learning assessments.

Next Steps

Footnotes and sources:

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.

References

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Electricians. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/hvac-technicians.htm ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm ↩︎ ↩︎

  4. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm ↩︎ ↩︎

  5. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (verify accreditation and programs). https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩︎ ↩︎

  6. Florida DBPR. Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board (ECLB). https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/electrical-contractors/ ↩︎

  7. U.S. EPA. Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608 ↩︎

  8. Florida DBPR. Construction Industry Licensing Board (Air Conditioning and Plumbing). https://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/construction-industry/ ↩︎ ↩︎

  9. American Welding Society. Welder Certification. https://www.aws.org/certification/page/welder-certification ↩︎

  10. Florida Department of Health. Board of Massage Therapy, Licensing. https://floridasmassagetherapy.gov/licensing/ ↩︎

  11. Florida Department of Education. Apprenticeship Programs. https://www.fldoe.org/academics/career-adult-edu/apprenticeship-programs.stml ↩︎

Data sources

Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.

DataProviderVintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)U.S. Bureau of Labor StatisticsMay 2025
Employment ProjectionsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics2024-2034
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data SystemNational Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS)2024
College Scorecard (school-level outcomes)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release
College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings)U.S. Department of Educationlatest release (updated 2026-06-12)
Occupational licensing requirementsCareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2026-02-22)
Registered apprenticeship programsCareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor)latest release (updated 2025-10-25)