Best Trade Schools in Atlantic Beach, Florida (2026 Guide)

Updated June 20, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Here are the best schools in Atlantic Beach. This page shows accredited options nearby, program lengths, and what each school does best. You will also see Florida licensing steps and pay trends so you can plan your next move. Jacksonville’s shipyards, ports, healthcare, and construction create steady demand for skilled workers in the Beaches area1.

Compare Trade Schools Near Atlantic Beach, Florida

All schools below are accredited or state recognized. Drive times are from Atlantic Beach and the Jacksonville metro.

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

Paul Mitchell the School-Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL 8.7 miles away BOC Score 58.2
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
  • 4624 Town Crossing Drive, Suite 155 Jacksonville, FL 32246
  • (904) 713-2700
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 81.9% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 2
  • Annual completions: 140
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $32,122 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#3

Jacksonville University

Jacksonville, FL 11.4 miles away BOC Score 54.3
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 53.7% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 13
  • Annual completions: 165
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $77,058 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#6

Jones Technical Institute

Jacksonville, FL 12.6 miles away BOC Score 38.5
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 71.1% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 14
  • Annual completions: 887
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $37,942 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#7

Concorde Career Institute-Jacksonville

Jacksonville, FL 12.1 miles away BOC Score 38.0
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 48.0% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 15
  • Annual completions: 365
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $40,001 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#8

First Coast Barber Academy

Jacksonville, FL 14.8 miles away BOC Score 31.3
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Admission rate: 90.0%
  • Graduation rate: 61.7%
  • Programs offered: 3
  • Annual completions: 12
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $21,283 (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
158.2Contact school for pricing$32,12282%—9 mi
247.2Contact school for pricingNot reportedNot reported—10 mi
345.4Contact school for pricingNot reportedNot reported—10 mi
438.5Contact school for pricing$37,94271%—13 mi
538.0Contact school for pricing$40,00148%—12 mi
631.3Contact school for pricing$21,28362%—15 mi
7Not ratedContact school for pricingNot reportedNot reported—14 mi
8Not ratedContact school for pricingNot reportedNot reported—15 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 - Jacksonville, FL's most-employed trades
Median annual wage by trade in Jacksonville, FL, BLS OEWS May 2025Radiologic technologists $77110; Medical assistants $42600; Phlebotomy technicians $38380; Nursing assistants $37760; Patient care technicians $37760.Radiologic technologists$77,110Medical assistants$42,600Phlebotomy technicians$38,380Nursing assistants$37,760Patient care technicians$37,760
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 Jacksonville, FL
TradeMedian annual wage
Radiologic technologists$77,110
Medical assistants$42,600
Phlebotomy technicians$38,380
Nursing assistants$37,760
Patient care technicians$37,760
Median Graduate Earnings by School - Best Trade Schools in Atlantic Beach, Florida (2026 Guide)
Median graduate earnings by school, Best Trade Schools in Atlantic Beach, Florida (2026 Guide) (College Scorecard)Concorde Career Institute-Jacksonville $40001; Jones Technical Institute $37942; Paul Mitchell the School-Jacksonville $32122; First Coast Barber Academy $21283.Concorde Career Institute-Ja...$40,001Jones Technical Institute$37,942Paul Mitchell the School-Jac...$32,122First Coast Barber Academy$21,283
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 Atlantic Beach, Florida (2026 Guide)
SchoolMedian graduate earnings
Concorde Career Institute-Jacksonville$40,001
Jones Technical Institute$37,942
Paul Mitchell the School-Jacksonville$32,122
First Coast Barber Academy$21,283

Cost, Earnings, and Program Length in Atlantic Beach

Among the Jacksonville, FL area’s most-employed trades (BLS QCEW 2024), median annual pay ranges from $37,760 to $77,110 per year (BLS OEWS, May 2025); the chart above compares the five with the largest local workforces. Typical medical assistant training runs 9-12 months (certificate or diploma) (TradeCareerPath program data).

Trade Schools in Nearby Cities

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician New construction, retrofits, and shipyard work keep electricians busy across Jacksonville and the Beaches. The median pay for electricians nationwide was about 1,590 in 2023, with solid opportunities for overtime and advancement1. Apprenticeships help you earn while you learn.

  • HVAC/R Technician Florida’s climate means year‑round work in cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration. Many employers require EPA Section 608 certification for refrigerant handling2. National median pay was about 7,300 in 20231. Technicians who can diagnose variable‑speed and heat pump systems are in high demand.

  • Welder Welders support marine, construction, manufacturing, and repair shops linked to JAXPORT and Naval Station Mayport. Entry‑level roles often seek AWS or NCCER credentials. National median pay was about 8,940 in 20231.

  • Plumber Growth in residential and commercial building drives steady need for plumbers and pipefitters. The 2023 national median for plumbers was about 1,5501. Licensed contractors can scale into higher‑margin jobs and service contracts.

Explore each career path and training options on our trade hub: All Trades. Start with Electrician, HVAC, Welding, and Plumbing.

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 through the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Some trades also have local journeyman rules. Always confirm current requirements with the state board.

  • Electrician (Contractor)

    • Board: DBPR Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board3.
    • Path: Complete an apprenticeship or equivalent experience. Typical benchmark is 4 years of verifiable experience.
    • Exams: Pass the Electrical trade exam plus Business & Finance.
    • License types: Certified Electrical Contractor (EC, statewide) or Registered (ER, local jurisdictions).
    • Other: Background screening, financial responsibility, insurance, and continuing education.

  • HVAC/Air Conditioning (Contractor)

    • Board: DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board3.
    • Path: 4 years of experience or a combination of experience and education.
    • Exams: Trade exam plus Business & Finance. Class A (unlimited) or Class B (limited to 25 tons/500,000 BTU).
    • Federal: EPA Section 608 certification required to handle refrigerants2.
    • Other: Insurance, financial stability, and CE.

  • Plumbing (Contractor)

    • Board: DBPR Construction Industry Licensing Board3.
    • Path: 4 years of experience or equivalent with education credits.
    • Exams: Plumbing trade plus Business & Finance.
    • License types: Certified (statewide) or Registered (local).
    • Other: Insurance, background, and CE.

  • Welding

    • Florida does not issue a statewide welder license.
    • Employers and projects may require certifications such as AWS D1.1 Structural Steel, ASME Section IX, or NCCER Welding credentials45.
    • OSHA 10/30 cards are often preferred for job sites.

Local note: Some counties and municipalities manage journeyman cards and local registrations. Check with the City of Jacksonville Building Inspection Division before you start work on permitted jobs.

Online & Flexible Options

Hands‑on trades require in‑person labs, but many schools now blend theory online with shop training on campus.

  • FSCJ, Keiser, and Concorde offer hybrid formats for general education and theory classes6.
  • OSHA safety, basic electrical theory, HVAC controls, and blueprint reading often have online modules.
  • For HVAC, you can prepare for EPA Section 608 with online study, then test in person through an approved proctor2.
  • For electricians and plumbers moving toward contractor status, Business & Finance exam prep is commonly available online through approved providers.

How to Choose a School

  • Verify accreditation and state approval. Check ACCSC, ABHES, COE, or SACSCOC listings and DBPR where relevant73.
  • Look at outcomes. Review completion, licensure pass rates, and placement on College Navigator6.
  • Tour the labs. Inspect welding booths, HVAC trainers, electrical panels, and diagnostic tools.
  • Ask about externships and employer partners in Jacksonville and the Beaches.
  • Confirm exam prep and included certifications (EPA 608, OSHA 10/30, NCCER, AWS).
  • Map the commute from Atlantic Beach to class and lab sites. Traffic matters on Atlantic, Beach, and I‑295.

Next Steps

Set up campus tours at two or three schools. Bring your questions, see the labs, and pick the schedule that fits your life. That is the fastest way to get from Atlantic Beach to a good job in 2025.

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 Employment and Wages and Occupational Outlook, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/ and https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

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

  3. Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR), Licensing for Electrical, Air Conditioning, and Plumbing, https://www.myfloridalicense.com ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  4. American Welding Society (AWS) Certifications, https://www.aws.org ↩︎

  5. NCCER Credentials and Registry, https://www.nccer.org ↩︎

  6. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator, https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ ↩︎ ↩︎

  7. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) School Directory, https://www.accsc.org ↩︎

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)