Best Trade Schools in Madison, Wisconsin

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


How to Get Started in Madison

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

Top Trade Schools in Madison

#1

VICI Beauty School

Greenfield, WI In-state option

Located in Greenfield, WI VICI Beauty School is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Beauty Cosmetology, Cosmetologist, and Esthetician.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

Alverno College

Milwaukee, WI In-state option

Located in Milwaukee, WI Alverno College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Art and Design Foundations and Procurement Purchasing Management.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Madison Area Technical College

Madison, WI In-state option

Located in Madison, WI Madison Area Technical College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Bellin College

Green Bay, WI In-state option

Located in Green Bay, WI Bellin College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Physical Therapy Aide, Radiologic Technologist, and Radiologic Technology.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Beloit College

Beloit, WI In-state option

Located in Beloit, WI Beloit College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Data Analytics Technology, Environmental Science Technology, and Interior Design.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#6

Blackhawk Technical College

Janesville, WI In-state option

Located in Janesville, WI Blackhawk Technical 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

#7

Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI In-state option

Located in Milwaukee, WI Cardinal Stritch University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include career-aligned certificates and diplomas.

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  • 6801 N Yates Rd Milwaukee, WI 53217-3985

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#8

Carroll University

Waukesha, WI In-state option

Located in Waukesha, WI Carroll University is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Art and Design Foundations, and Graphic Design.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

Wisconsin Trade Career Outlook

Building & Construction Trades

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Welder $55,630 2.2%
Plumber $78,510 4.5%
Flooring Installer $61,200 9.5%
Construction Worker $51,980 7.3%
Carpenter $60,390 4.5%

Construction Management & Inspection

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Home Inspector $70,700 -0.8%
Construction Manager $113,170 8.7%

Electrical & Energy Systems

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Wind Turbine Technician $62,580 49.9%
Tower Technician $60,150 -3.1%
Solar Installer $48,440 42.1%
Lineworker $104,420 6.6%
HVAC Technician $62,030 8.1%
Electrician $75,090 9.5%

Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Truck Driver (CDL) $57,380 4.0%
Maintenance Technician $51,470 3.8%
Heavy Equipment Operator $72,650 3.6%
Gunsmith $54,930 2.4%
Diesel Technician $60,190 2.4%
CNC Machinist $52,030 0.0%
Automotive Technician $50,990 4.2%
Auto Mechanic $50,990 4.2%
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) $72,260 4.0%

Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Patient Care Technician $43,250 2.3%
Mental Health Technician $38,760 20.0%
Medical Assistant $47,610 12.5%
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) $61,040 2.6%
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $61,040 2.6%
Home Health Aide $34,140 17.0%
Hemodialysis Technician $49,370 5.2%
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) $43,250 2.3%

Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Surgical Technologist $65,870 4.5%
Sterile Processing Technician $46,170 10.0%
Radiologic Technologist $76,200 4.3%
Phlebotomy Technician $45,230 5.6%
Pharmacy Technician $43,620 6.4%
Optician $43,320 2.9%
EKG Technician $68,630 3.0%
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer $100,730 13.0%
Dental Assistant $48,000 6.4%

Healthcare: Administration & Office Support

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Medical Office Administrator $46,880 4.2%
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist $55,270 7.1%

Therapy, Rehab & Fitness

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Physical Therapy Aide $35,700 2.8%
Personal Trainer $42,490 11.9%
Occupational Therapy Assistant $58,400 19.2%
Massage Therapist $57,530 15.4%

Animal Care & Training

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Veterinary Technician $45,340 9.1%
Veterinary Assistant $34,990 8.7%
Dog Trainer $40,360 5.1%

Beauty & Personal Care

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Esthetician $29,880 6.7%
Cosmetologist $36,550 5.6%
Beauty Professional $36,550 5.6%

Culinary & Hospitality Careers

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Pastry Chef $38,499 7.1%
Culinary Chef $38,499 7.1%

Business & Legal Support

Trade Median Salary Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Paralegal $56,520 0.2%
Digital Court Reporter $64,360 -0.3%
Bookkeeper $48,860 -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 (Wisconsin) 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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