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

Updated June 20, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Here are the best schools in Cocoa Beach. This guide compares accredited programs nearby, lists program lengths, explains Florida licensing, and points you to next steps. It’s built for high school grads and career changers who want hands-on training and a stable career. Electricians, HVAC techs, welders, and plumbers are in steady demand in Florida, with solid job growth expected through 203212.

Compare Trade Schools Near Cocoa Beach, Florida

These accredited schools are in Cocoa Beach or within a reasonable drive on the Space Coast and Orlando area. Always confirm current start dates and program details with the school.

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

Eastern Florida State College

Melbourne, FL 11.5 miles away BOC Score 63.6
Tuition $2,496 - $11,966
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 51.6%
  • Programs offered: 85
  • Annual completions: 2413
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $49,053 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#4

The Salon Professional Academy-Melbourne

Melbourne, FL 17.4 miles away BOC Score 48.4
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 78.3%
  • Programs offered: 8
  • Annual completions: 115
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $23,567 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#5

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, FL 18.6 miles away BOC Score 46.8
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 64.5% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 14
  • Annual completions: 387
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $90,403 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#6

Osceola Technical College

Kissimmee, FL 42.9 miles away BOC Score 43.3
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 49.6% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 36
  • Annual completions: 555
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $37,201 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#7

Paul Mitchell the School-Orlando

Oviedo, FL 43.7 miles away BOC Score 34.9
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 60.3% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 3
  • Annual completions: 213
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $31,116 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#8

Full Sail University

Winter Park, FL 44.9 miles away BOC Score 22.8
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Completion rate: 47.0% (College Scorecard)
  • Programs offered: 11
  • Annual completions: 1128
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $40,367 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#9

Academy of Cosmetology

Merritt Island, FL 4.8 miles away BOC Score 12.4
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Graduation rate: 38.7%
  • Programs offered: 4
  • Annual completions: 41
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $20,608 (College Scorecard)

Source: ACCSC IPEDS College Scorecard

#10

Florida Institute of Technology-Online

Melbourne, FL 18.6 miles away
Tuition Contact school for pricing
Contact
Key stats
  • Programs offered: 8
  • Annual completions: 100
  • Median graduate earnings, 4 yrs after completing (all majors, not a single program): $90,403 (College Scorecard)
  • Online programs available

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
163.6$2,496 - $11,966$49,05352%Yes*12 mi
248.4Contact school for pricing$23,56778%—17 mi
343.3Contact school for pricing$37,20150%—43 mi
434.9Contact school for pricing$31,11660%—44 mi
512.4Contact school for pricing$20,60839%—5 mi
6Not ratedContact school for pricing$90,403Not reportedYes*19 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 - Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL's most-employed trades
Median annual wage by trade in Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL, BLS OEWS May 2025Culinary workers $50220; Medical assistants $38830; Phlebotomy technicians $37450; Nursing assistants $37070; Patient care technicians $37070.Culinary workers$50,220Medical assistants$38,830Phlebotomy technicians$37,450Nursing assistants$37,070Patient care technicians$37,070
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 Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL
TradeMedian annual wage
Culinary workers$50,220
Medical assistants$38,830
Phlebotomy technicians$37,450
Nursing assistants$37,070
Patient care technicians$37,070
Median Graduate Earnings by School - Best Trade Schools in Cocoa Beach, Florida (2026 Guide)
Median graduate earnings by school, Best Trade Schools in Cocoa Beach, Florida (2026 Guide) (College Scorecard)Florida Institute of Technology-Online $90403; Eastern Florida State College $49053; Osceola Technical College $37201; Paul Mitchell the School-Orlando $31116; The Salon Professional Academy-Melbourne $23567; Academy of Cosmetology $20608.Florida Institute of Technol...$90,403Eastern Florida State College$49,053Osceola Technical College$37,201Paul Mitchell the School-Orl...$31,116The Salon Professional Acade...$23,567Academy of Cosmetology$20,608
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 Cocoa Beach, Florida (2026 Guide)
SchoolMedian graduate earnings
Florida Institute of Technology-Online$90,403
Eastern Florida State College$49,053
Osceola Technical College$37,201
Paul Mitchell the School-Orlando$31,116
The Salon Professional Academy-Melbourne$23,567
Academy of Cosmetology$20,608

Cost, Earnings, and Program Length in Cocoa Beach

Among the Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL area’s most-employed trades (BLS QCEW 2024), median annual pay ranges from $37,070 to $50,220 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 Cocoa Beach ranges from $2,496 to $11,966 per year (IPEDS and College Scorecard); schools that do not publish a rate are marked “Contact school for pricing” in the table below. Typical medical assistant training runs 9-12 months (certificate or diploma) (TradeCareerPath program data).

Trade Schools in Nearby Cities

Skilled Trades in Demand

  • Electrician

    • Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. Demand in Florida is steady due to growth in construction and ongoing maintenance needs1. Apprenticeships and school-based training both work. Local journeyman cards are issued by cities or counties, while contractor licensing is statewide.

  • HVAC/R Technician

    • Florida’s climate drives year-round HVAC work. Technicians with EPA 608 certification and solid troubleshooting skills can advance quickly. BLS projects faster-than-average growth for HVAC mechanics and installers nationally, with strong replacement needs1.

  • Welding

    • Welding supports construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and aerospace on the Space Coast. Certifications like AWS or NCCER boost employability. Many programs teach multiple processes (SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, FCAW) to prepare you for structural and pipe welding roles3.

  • Plumbing

    • Plumbers handle installation and repair of water, waste, and gas systems. Florida’s new builds and renovations keep demand stable. Contractor licensing is at the state level; journeyman is local. Many start as apprentices or helpers and work up to contractor status42.

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

Licensing can differ by trade. Here are the basics to help you plan your path.

  • Electrician (Contractor licensing)

    • Agency: Florida DBPR - Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board4.
    • Choose license type: Certified Electrical Contractor (statewide) or Registered Electrical Contractor (county/municipality).
    • Meet experience: Typically 4 years of verifiable experience or a mix of education and experience.
    • Pass exams: Business & Finance and Technical (trade) exams.
    • Submit application, background check, credit/financial responsibility, and proof of liability and workers’ comp coverage.
    • Note: Florida does not issue a statewide journeyman license. Many counties/cities issue journeyman cards. Check local rules.

  • HVAC (Air Conditioning Contractor)

    • Agency: Florida DBPR - Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB)4.
    • License scope: Class A (unlimited), Class B (limited capacity), or specialty.
    • Experience: About 4 years of experience or combination of education and experience.
    • Exams: Trade and Business & Finance.
    • EPA 608: Required to handle refrigerants (Core + Type I/II/III as appropriate)5.

  • Plumbing (Contractor licensing)

    • Agency: Florida DBPR - CILB4.
    • Path: 4 years’ experience or education/experience mix, pass Business & Finance and trade exam, carry required insurance.
    • Local journeyman cards: Issued by counties/cities; check your local building department.

  • Welding

    • Florida has no state license for welders.
    • Employers commonly require AWS structural/pipe codes (such as D1.1) or NCCER Performance verifications3.
    • Your school or an approved test facility can schedule your weld tests.

Before you enroll, map your end goal. If you want to run your own company, target contractor-level licensing steps early (exam prep, business classes, and insurance planning).

Online & Flexible Options

  • Hybrid learning: Many schools deliver theory online and keep labs on campus. This works well for HVAC electrical theory, code, safety, and blueprint reading.
  • Evening/weekend cohorts: Public technical colleges and ACCSC-accredited schools often run night sections for working adults.
  • Exam prep: For Florida DBPR contractor exams, look for programs that include business and finance prep. For HVAC, confirm EPA 608 exam proctoring on campus5.
  • Credit vs. clock-hour: Public colleges award college credit and may stack to an A.S. Private career schools often use clock hours with focused, short-term schedules. Both can lead to the same industry certifications. Verify accreditation and transferability before you start67.

Next Steps

Cocoa Beach gives you access to Space Coast employers, public colleges, and reputable career schools within a short drive. Pick a program with strong labs, industry-recognized credentials, and a clear plan for Florida licensing. Tour the campus, talk to instructors, and ask where recent grads were hired. That homework pays off in your first job offer.

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, Employment Projections and Occupational Outlook Handbook (job growth and demand indicators for construction and extraction; installation, maintenance, and repair occupations). ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (statewide employment and replacement needs). ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. NCCER, Credentials and Performance Verification (industry-recognized craft certifications for construction trades). ↩︎ ↩︎

  4. Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR): Electrical Contractors’ Licensing Board and Construction Industry Licensing Board (state contractor license requirements). ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  5. U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification (requirements to handle refrigerants). ↩︎ ↩︎

  6. U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator (institutional accreditation and program listings for public colleges in Florida). ↩︎

  7. Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Directory of Accredited Institutions (institutional accreditation for UTI, AIM, Southern Technical College). ↩︎

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)