Vocational Trade Schools in Massachusetts

Trade schools, sometimes referred to as vocational or tech schools, offer skills-based educational programs that prepare students for specific occupations in areas like plumbing, welding, cosmetology, and technology.

Trade school students enjoy many benefits compared to students in four-year programs. For instance, trade school programs take 1-2 years to complete, allowing students to enter the workforce faster than students in four-year programs. Additionally, professionals with an occupational credential enjoy higher employment rates than professionals with an academic credential, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

This guide ranks the best vocational schools in Massachusetts to help students find the right program for their needs. This page also provides information on potential careers and salaries for trade school graduates and lists scholarship opportunities for trade school students in Massachusetts.

The list below ranks the best vocational schools in Massachusetts to help students find the right program for their needs. Continue reading to learn more about each school, including accreditation status, available programs, and financial aid opportunities.

Trade schools provide career-focused training in areas like allied health and technology, while colleges focus more on academic training.

Trade schools offer career-focused programs that prepare students for jobs in areas like cosmetology, technology, and allied health.

Potential jobs for vocational school graduates include paralegal, aircraft mechanic, computer technician, and cosmetologist.

Cost varies by school and program, but trade school programs cost an average of $33,000 for the entire program.

All schools need a state license to operate. Students should also check the accreditation status of their prospective schools. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to factors like faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and academic rigor.

Students benefit from accreditation in several ways. For example, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid, and many schools only accept degrees and transfer credits from accredited institutions. Additionally, many professional licenses and certifications require an accredited degree.

Schools may hold regional or national accreditation. Regional accreditation typically applies to nonprofit, degree-granting institutions. The New England Commission on Higher Education provides regional accreditation to Massachusetts schools. National accreditation applies to for-profit, vocational, and technical schools. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges grants national accreditation to over 650 trade and technical schools nationwide. Other specialized accrediting agencies include the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which accredits online schools.

Salary varies by factors like industry, location, and role, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that trade school occupations pay an average of $68,480 per year. Trade school graduates in certain industries can earn significantly higher salaries. For example, elevator repair professionals earned a median annual salary of $102,420 in 2023. The BLS also projects faster-than-average job growth for many trade school occupations, such as electrician (11%), HVAC technician (9%), and plumber (6%).

Job location also impacts salary and career potential. The states that hire the highest number of trade school graduates include Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, and Iowa. Students should research the salary potential and projected job growth for their intended career.

Trade school graduates can pursue diverse careers in areas like allied health, technology, legal services, and cosmetology. The following list outlines some potential careers for trade school graduates.Dental Hygienist Schools

Dental hygienists conduct dental exams to protect patients’ teeth and educate patients about oral health. These professionals typically need an associate degree. Dental hygienists need a state license to practice, so dental hygienist programs typically prepare students to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, which is part of the licensure process. Only students who complete an accredited program can sit for the exam. The Commission on Dental Accreditation serves as the main accrediting agency for these programs.

Dental hygienists earned an annual median pay of $87,530 in 2023, which is much higher than the annual median pay for all occupations. In addition, the BLS projects a 9% growth rate for jobs in this sector between 2023 and 2033.

Students can take advantage of many financial aid opportunities to help offset the cost of their education, such as loans, scholarships, and grants. To qualify for federal financial aid, students must submit the FAFSA every year. However, only students at accredited schools qualify for federal aid. Postsecondary institutions, private organizations, and professional associations also offer financial aid opportunities.

Unlike loans, scholarships and grants do not require repayment, making them ideal forms of financial aid. The following section outlines several scholarship opportunities for trade school students in Massachusetts.

Students at trade schools in Massachusetts can take advantage of many scholarship opportunities. The following list outlines several scholarships for vocational students in the state, but students can research additional opportunities based on factors like their field, school, and identity.

Trade and Vocational Schools