Looking to start a new career without spending years in school? Trade schools offer fast, focused training for in-demand jobs. This list of fast trade school programs includes those ranging from about 1 month to 1 year in length. The following programs don’t take a lot of time or money to complete, and a few of them can even be taken online. The jobs these trade school programs can lead to have good salaries, and the most recent salary information (released by BLS in April of 2024) is noted below.
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Fast Trade School Programs with Good Pay
The salaries listed below are the average 2023 pay from the official BLS website. Keep in mind, entry level pay is less, but as you gain experience, your paycheck will increase to match. In some areas, jobs like truck driver and HVAC technician are moving very fast and may be paying more in your area than this list would indicate. Find a local trade school now.
We list more than just skilled trade programs in this article since many types of career training programs are available at local trade schools.
Electrician
- Electrician training programs typically last about one year and prepare individuals to install, maintain, and repair electrical systems. Average annual salary: $61,590.
Try the Electrical Practice Test.
Pharmacy Technician
- Training programs for pharmacy technicians often take less than a year, preparing individuals to assist pharmacists in dispensing medications. Average annual salary: $37,970.
Read: What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
Truck Driver
- Commercial driver’s license (CDL) training programs are fast! They take 3-6 weeks to complete. Average pay: $55,990 per year. The truck driver shortage as of the time of this update is estimated at 60,000 drivers.
Read: Commercial Truck Driver Job Description and Training
Diesel Mechanic
- Diesel mechanic training programs take 6 months to 1 year to finish, but some schools do offer 2 year associate’s degree programs. Average pay: $59,920 per year.
Read: What Does a Diesel Mechanic Do?
Medical Assistant
- Certified medical assistant programs can take as little as 8 weeks to a few months to complete. This is another career where you can stay in school longer, up to an associate’s degree. Average pay: $43,350 per year.
Find a medical assistant school near you.
Dental Assistant
- Dental Assistant programs take 9 months to 1 year for certification training. Average pay: $47,350 per year. There are online dental assistant programs available in many states.
Read: What Does a Dental Assistant Do? (& How to Become One)
Home Health Aide
- Home Health Aide courses are fast, generally taking only 3 months. Average pay: $33,380 per year.
Read: What Does a Home Health Aide Do?
Medical Coder
- Medical coding programs take about 8 weeks to a few months to complete and it’s a popular online course that you can complete at your own pace. Average pay: $53,690.
Read: What Does a Medical Coding Specialist Do?
Certified Nursing Assistant
- Certified Nursing Assistant college courses take 6-12 weeks to complete, also a popular online course. Average pay: $39,610 per year.
HVAC Technician
- HVAC school programs take about 6 months to 1 year to finish. Average pay: $59,620 per year or $27.55 per hour. HVAC jobs are plentiful in many areas like Florida, Texas, and California.
Read: What Does an HVAC Technician Do?
Phlebotomist
- Phlebotomy Technician training takes around 1 year of college classes. Average pay: $43,130 per year. Phlebotomist is also a career that requires some hands-on training, but hybrid classroom-online courses may be available.
Find a phlebotomy school near you.
Plumber
- Plumbing trade school programs take about 1 year of school, then you start your apprenticeship. Average pay: $67,840 per year.
Read: Plumber Job Description (& How to Become One)
Welding Technician
- Welding programs can be completed in 7 to 12 months, equipping students with skills in various welding techniques. Average annual salary: $48,940.
Read: What Does A Welder Do?
The program times listed above are estimates based on hours of credit needed or other references from our partner trade schools and technical colleges. We will update the salary information when the new numbers are posted on the BLS website, so check back periodically.
Trade schools offer quick pathways to steady work. Whether you want to fix engines, care for patients, or wire up buildings, there’s a fast track for you. Find a local trade school now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of fast trade school programs are available?
Available programs include truck driving, diesel mechanics, healthcare professions like medical assistant and dental assistant, skilled trades such as electrician and HVAC technician, and more.
How long do these trade school programs take to complete?
Program durations range from 1 month to 1 year, designed for quick entry into the workforce.
What are the potential salaries after completing these programs?
Salaries vary by field, with certain professions offering average annual salaries from $30,000 to over $50,000.
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Reference and more reading:
If you’re looking for medical and healthcare programs only, check this post out: https://topnursing.school/3-to-6-month-and-1-year-medical-training-programs/
Stephen you seem to have a lot of know where to look for info. I’m in a spot of trying to find something maybe medical specifically transplant field as I’m a transplant patient but have a lot of my own medical stuff to keep in mind. Ex electrician which that job entails to much I need to steer clear of now days.
KR, this page has a searchable table maybe search it for ideas https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm