Vocational Trade Schools in Pennsylvania
Why Choose Trade School?
Trade schools in Pennsylvania offer career-focused training in fields like healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and legal services. Trade school jobs include medical assistant, electrician, paralegal, physical therapist assistant, and paramedic. Vocational programs also train cosmetologists, chefs, dental hygienists, and respiratory therapists.
Pursuing a vocational certificate or degree helps professionals increase their earning potential and begin careers in high-demand areas. During a vocational program, students build career-ready skills in the classroom and through laboratory or clinical requirements.
Vocational programs offer several benefits compared to four-year academic programs. Earning a vocational certificate or degree generally takes 1-2 years, meaning students finish their program and enter the workforce faster. As a result, vocational training typically costs less than a bachelor’s degree.
In addition, professionals with an occupational credential benefit from a higher employment rate than those with an academic credential, according to data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Many trade schools offer self-paced or accelerated options designed for busy students, and a growing number provide online vocational programs that maximize flexibility.
Our ranking lists the best vocational schools in Pennsylvania to help prospective students find the right fit to reach their career goals. This page also provides career and salary data for trade school occupations, introduces popular vocational programs, and lists scholarship opportunities for trade students in Pennsylvania.
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Vocational Trade Schools in Pennsylvania
Trade schools in Pennsylvania offer vocational training for careers in high-demand fields. By choosing a top-ranked vocational program, professionals can advance their education and increase their earning potential, often in under two years. The following list ranks the best vocational schools in Pennsylvania.
Bucks County Community College
Newtown, PA- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,920
- Out-of-state$11,880
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled7,480
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment44%
- AccreditationYes
Lehigh Carbon Community College
- Schnecksville, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,360
- Out-of-state$9,540
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate56%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,843
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment37%
- AccreditationYes
Community College of Allegheny County
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,960
- Out-of-state$10,440
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled16,031
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Community College of Philadelphia
- Philadelphia, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,632
- Out-of-state$11,448
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate60%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled15,996
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Butler County Community College
- Butler, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,570
- Out-of-state$9,570
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate61%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled3,176
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment28%
- AccreditationYes
Northampton County Area Community College
- Bethlehem, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,420
- Out-of-state$9,630
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate59%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled9,800
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment38%
- AccreditationYes
Montgomery County Community College
- Blue Bell, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,640
- Out-of-state$12,960
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,309
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment36%
- AccreditationYes
Luzerne County Community College
- Nanticoke, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,040
- Out-of-state$12,060
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate55%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,920
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment30%
- AccreditationYes
Harrisburg Area Community College
- Harrisburg, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,660
- Out-of-state$8,010
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled17,422
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment42%
- AccreditationYes
Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
- Johnstown, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$6,210
- Out-of-state$9,540
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate52%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,752
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment22%
- AccreditationYes
Community College of Beaver County
- Monaca, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,720
- Out-of-state$14,580
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate54%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled2,149
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment35%
- AccreditationYes
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
- Lancaster, PA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$8,200
- Out-of-state$8,200
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate73%
- Acceptance Rate89%
- Students Enrolled1,347
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment0%
- AccreditationYes
Delaware County Community College
- Media, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$7,500
- Out-of-state$11,250
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate62%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled10,703
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment39%
- AccreditationYes
Manor College
- Jenkintown, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$16,922
- Out-of-state$16,922
- In-State$9,600
- Out-of-state$9,600
- Retention Rate48%
- Acceptance Rate86%
- Students Enrolled746
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment53%
- AccreditationYes
Peirce College
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$14,400
- Out-of-state$14,400
- In-State$13,896
- Out-of-state$13,896
- Retention Rate50%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,178
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment89%
- AccreditationYes
Reading Area Community College
- Reading, PA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$8,040
- Out-of-state$9,060
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate63%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled4,280
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment34%
- AccreditationYes
Lackawanna College
- Scranton, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$15,300
- Out-of-state$15,300
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate100%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,991
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Rosedale Technical College
- Pittsburgh, PA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$14,395
- Out-of-state$14,395
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate70%
- Acceptance Rate60%
- Students Enrolled362
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Mercyhurst University
- North East, PA
- 2 year
- Campus
- In-State$17,400
- Out-of-state$17,400
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate58%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled612
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online EnrollmentN/A
- AccreditationYes
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
- Indiana, PA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
- In-State$9,570
- Out-of-state$13,890
- In-State$9,288
- Out-of-state$13,932
- Retention Rate72%
- Acceptance Rate93%
- Students Enrolled10,559
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment31%
- AccreditationYes
How We Rank Schools
Accredited Schools Online uses trusted data from sources like the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools based on quality, affordability, and reputation. When ranking schools, we look at factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition and other costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation.
Explore our rankings methodology to learn more about how we rank schools.
FAQ About Vocation and Trade Schools
What is the difference between a trade school and a college?
Trade schools provide job-oriented training for careers in healthcare, the skilled trades, construction, and other fields. Colleges generally focus on academic programs, although many also offer vocational programs.
What can you learn at a trade school?
Trade schools educate students in areas like allied health, technology, and the skilled trades. Specialized trade schools offer training in cosmetology and the culinary arts.
What are examples of vocational jobs?
Vocational jobs include careers in the skilled trades like electrician, HVAC technician, and mechanic. In the allied health field, vocational jobs include medical assistant, occupational therapy assistant, and respiratory therapist. Other occupational jobs include paralegal, cosmetologist, and paramedic.
How much does a trade school cost?
The cost of vocational programs varies depending on the program length and school. Trade school students can research the most affordable vocational programs, including public community colleges with vocational programs.
Accreditation and Licensing for Trade Schools
Prospective trade school students should always check a school’s accreditation and licensure status before applying. By avoiding non-accredited, non-licensed schools, also known as diploma mills, students can make sure their vocational training prepares them for the workforce.
Accredited schools meet high standards for educating students. To earn accreditation, colleges and universities voluntarily submit to a rigorous review from an independent, nonprofit accrediting agency. During the review, the accrediting agency measures the school’s student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and graduation requirements.
Choosing an accredited school helps students. Credits earned from an accredited institution are more likely to transfer, and only students at accredited schools can receive federal financial aid. Accreditation continues to matter after graduation. Many professional licenses and certifications require an accredited degree.
In Pennsylvania, schools that offer vocational programs may hold regional or national accreditation. Community colleges and four-year universities often hold regional accreditation. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education grants regional accreditation in Pennsylvania.
Trade and vocational schools in Pennsylvania often pursue national accreditation from specialized accrediting agencies like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, which awards accreditation to over 650 trade and technical schools. Similarly, the Distance Education Accrediting Commission grants accreditation to online schools. Accrediting agencies should always hold approval from the Department of Education.
In addition to accreditation, postsecondary institutions should hold a license to operate in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Education approves technical schools, community colleges, and universities in the state.
Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates
Many trade school careers provide strong salaries and job growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports much faster-than-average projected job growth for dental hygienists, medical equipment repairers, and HVAC technicians between 2023 and 2033.
The salary for trade school careers varies depending on the industry and location. Overall, technical and trade school occupations pay an annual mean salary of $68,480.
According to 2023 BLS statistics, on the lower end of the salary scale for trade school careers, personal care and service occupations collective pay an average median salary of about $38,400 per year, while on the high end, management occupations earn about $137,000 annually. In the healthcare field, healthcare practitioners and technical workers make about $70,000 per year and healthcare support occupations earn about $38,000 per year.
Location also influences salaries. For example, in Pennsylvania, BLS wage estimates report that electricians earn a mean annual wage of about $73,000 per year — substantially more than the national mean salary of about $68,000 for the profession. In the allied health field, healthcare practitioners and technical professionals in Pennsylvania earned a mean annual salary of $97,160, slightly lower than the national mean of $102,060.
Students considering trade schools in Pennsylvania can research salary and job growth data for their specific field.
What Kinds of Trade School Programs Are Available?
Trade school programs prepare students for in-demand careers in allied health, skilled trades, legal services, and emergency services. For example, graduates work as dental hygienists, paralegals, and radiology technicians. A vocational certificate or degree combines classroom learning and fieldwork to prepare graduates for the workforce.
This section introduces some popular trade school programs but is not an exhaustive list. In addition to these programs, prospective students can research vocational programs for electricians, cosmetologists, engineering technologists, and construction managers.
Dental Hygienist SchoolsDental hygienists provide preventive dental care and examine patients for signs of oral diseases. They apply treatments to protect teeth, take dental X-rays, and report findings to dentists. Dental hygienists also educate patients about oral hygiene.
Vocational schools in Pennsylvania train dental hygienists in associate programs. During these programs, students take courses in dental health, periodontics, and oral pathology. Dental hygienists also complete clinical and laboratory training.
The BLS reports that dental hygienists earned a median annual salary of $87,530 in 2023, with much faster-than-average projected job growth between 2023 and 2033. In every state, dental hygienists require a license in order to practice. The Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry licenses dental hygienists.
Learn more about dental hygienist programs.
- Mechanic Schools
Mechanics inspect and repair cars and trucks. Mechanics use computerized diagnostic equipment to identify problems, examine critical parts in a vehicle, and repair or replace worn parts. They also perform basic maintenance and explain automotive problems to clients.
An automotive service technology certificate or associate degree prepares graduates for mechanic jobs. During these programs, students take courses in engine performance, automotive repair, and electronic systems. They also complete fieldwork.
BLS 2023 data revealed that auto service mechanics earned a median salary of $47,770. Pursuing certification from an organization like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence can help mechanics demonstrate specialized training in areas like automatic transmissions, diesel engines, and brakes.
Learn more about mechanic programs.
- Paralegal Schools
Paralegals help lawyers prepare for trials and manage cases. They conduct legal research, write legal documents such as contracts, and assist lawyers during trials. Paralegals can also file briefs and appeals with the court. Some paralegals specialize in an area like corporate law or litigation.
Many paralegals earn a vocational certificate or degree in paralegal studies. During these programs, students take courses in legal writing, contract law, legal research, and corporate law. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who complete professional certification.
Paralegals benefit from slow but steady job growth. In 2023, paralegals and legal assistance earned a median annual salary of nearly $61,000.
Learn more about paralegal programs.
- Radiology Technician Schools
Radiology technicians, also called radiologic technologists, use diagnostic imaging equipment like X-rays to take images. They prepare patients for procedures, position patients to capture the correct image, and evaluate images for quality. Radiology technicians must also follow safety procedures to protect patients.
Most positions require an associate degree in radiography. During these programs, students take courses in patient care, anatomy, radiation physics, and image evaluation. Most programs also incorporate clinical work.
Pennsylvania does not require a professional license for radiologic technicians. However, most radiology technicians earn certification from The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists. BLS data shows that radiologic technologists and technicians earned a median annual salary of $73,410 in 2023, with faster-than-average projected job growth between 2023 and 2033.
Learn more about radiology technician programs.
Financial Aid for Trade School Students
Financial aid in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs helps trade school students pay for their certificate or degree.
The federal financial aid program awards loans and grants to qualifying students. Applicants must complete the FAFSA to receive federal financial aid, and only certain schools meet Department of Education requirements to distribute federal aid.
Unlike loans, scholarships and grants support students financially with no obligation to repay the award. Students pursuing career and technical training can apply for scholarships to make their program more affordable. The following section introduces scholarships for trade school students.
