Best Trade Schools in Chicago, Illinois

Start here to compare accredited trade schools near Chicago. This guide links to programs, state licensing steps, and related career paths so you can get job-ready quickly in Illinois.


How to Get Started in Chicago

  • Compare schools and program lengths above
  • Check your state licensing steps: Illinois
  • Explore careers: Skilled trades hub
  • Ask each school about tuition, schedules, and embedded certifications (EPA 608, NCCER, ASE)

Top Trade Schools in Chicago

#1

Adler University

Chicago, IL In-state option

Located in Chicago, IL Adler University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Emergency Management.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

American Academy of Art College

Chicago, IL In-state option

Located in Chicago, IL American Academy of Art College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Digital Media Technology, Graphic Design, and Photography.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

American Islamic College

Chicago, IL In-state option

Located in Chicago, IL American Islamic College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include career-aligned certificates and diplomas.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL In-state option

Located in Chicago, IL School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Fashion Design.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Augustana College

Rock Island, IL In-state option

Located in Rock Island, IL Augustana College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Graphic Design, Information Technology Systems, and Interior Design.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#6

Aurora University

Aurora, IL In-state option

Located in Aurora, IL Aurora University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity, and Facilities Management.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#7

Southwestern Illinois College

Belleville, IL In-state option

Located in Belleville, IL Southwestern Illinois College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Accounting Technology, and Bookkeeper.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#8

Black Hawk College

Moline, IL In-state option

Located in Moline, IL Black Hawk College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Illinois Trade Career Outlook

Building & Construction Trades

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Welder $49,730 2.2%
Plumber $96,200 4.5%
Flooring Installer $69,240 9.5%
Construction Worker $64,890 7.3%
Carpenter $76,410 4.5%

Construction Management & Inspection

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Home Inspector $73,050 -0.8%
Construction Manager $108,570 8.7%

Electrical & Energy Systems

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Wind Turbine Technician $62,580 49.9%
Tower Technician $75,590 -3.1%
Solar Installer $44,890 42.1%
Lineworker $105,970 6.6%
HVAC Technician $71,620 8.1%
Electrician $96,360 9.5%

Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Truck Driver (CDL) $59,790 4.0%
Maintenance Technician $54,220 3.8%
Heavy Equipment Operator $96,980 3.6%
Gunsmith $53,500 2.4%
Diesel Technician $62,750 2.4%
CNC Machinist $56,700 0.0%
Automotive Technician $50,450 4.2%
Auto Mechanic $50,450 4.2%
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) $79,700 4.0%

Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Patient Care Technician $44,750 2.3%
Mental Health Technician $48,550 20.0%
Medical Assistant $45,490 12.5%
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) $66,030 2.6%
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $66,030 2.6%
Home Health Aide $36,310 17.0%
Hemodialysis Technician $49,570 5.2%
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) $44,750 2.3%

Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Surgical Technologist $62,510 4.5%
Sterile Processing Technician $47,100 10.0%
Radiologic Technologist $77,890 4.3%
Phlebotomy Technician $45,620 5.6%
Pharmacy Technician $44,610 6.4%
Optician $41,230 2.9%
EKG Technician $73,600 3.0%
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer $97,810 13.0%
Dental Assistant $47,430 6.4%

Healthcare: Administration & Office Support

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Medical Office Administrator $45,200 4.2%
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist $49,420 7.1%

Therapy, Rehab & Fitness

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Physical Therapy Aide $34,790 2.8%
Personal Trainer $50,290 11.9%
Occupational Therapy Assistant $63,710 19.2%
Massage Therapist $60,640 15.4%

Animal Care & Training

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Veterinary Technician $47,860 9.1%
Veterinary Assistant $37,310 8.7%
Dog Trainer $34,560 5.1%

Beauty & Personal Care

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Esthetician $38,580 6.7%
Cosmetologist $34,800 5.6%
Beauty Professional $34,800 5.6%

Culinary & Hospitality Careers

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Pastry Chef $38,414 7.1%
Culinary Chef $38,414 7.1%

Business & Legal Support

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Paralegal $62,290 0.2%
Digital Court Reporter $76,030 -0.3%
Bookkeeper $48,840 -5.8%

Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; job growth uses state projections when available and national projections when state data is unavailable.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. State data (Illinois) shown where available; national OEWS values used when state data is unavailable. Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.


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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

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.

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