Whether you’re just out of high school or are looking for a career change later in life, you should consider all your options. One alternative that shouldn’t be overlooked is trade school programs. Going to trade school provides a wide array of career opportunities that make it easy to find something you’ll love and that you can take pride in.

Here, the team at Pennco Tech, with trade school campuses in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, discusses high-paying trade school jobs.

What Is a Trade School?

Trade schools, also known as vocational schools, are specialized institutions that allow students to get an in-depth education largely focused on a single skill set. Trade schools are post-secondary institutions, meaning they are for students who have a high school diploma or equivalent. The programs are typically geared toward technical jobs and help give students the knowledge and training they will need to find success in their chosen fields. Because trade school programs are so specialized, they allow students to get into the working world quicker than traditional colleges or universities, often in two years or less.

Why Choose Trade School?

If you envision college as the only way to get a higher education, you need to think twice. Trade schools provide some of the same opportunities but have some special perks, including:

Affordability

Many people want to go to (or go back to) school but worry about the cost. Colleges and universities can be expensive, which is a great reason to look to alternatives like trade schools. Trade schools provide a high-quality education for a fraction of the cost of some colleges, allowing you to focus on your training rather than worry about how you’re going to pay for it.

Quick Curriculum

Whether you work part-time, have a family to take care of, or just don’t know what you want to do in life, some people don’t have four years to spend on their education. That’s why trade schools offer thoughtfully designed programs dedicated to the aspects you need to know. This helps you get out into the workforce much quicker.

Stable Careers

Many of the industries that trade schools cater to are those that provide job stability. Electricians, mechanics, and medical assistants are professions that aren’t going away anytime soon. This means you can trust the skills you’re learning will be useful well into the future.

What Are Some High-Paying Trade School Jobs?

Another great reason to consider trade school is the opportunity to find a high-paying job. Some professions that offer great pay are:

Electricians

Becoming an electrician not only provides you with an incredibly useful skill set that can come in handy in your own home but with a generous paycheck as well. As of May 2023, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that electricians can earn an average pay of over $70,000 a year in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The projected annual job growth is 11% through 2033, making it a growing field.

Plumbers and Pipefitters

Homes and commercial and industrial facilities all rely on piping to get water and waste where it needs to go, so they need plumbers and pipefitters. The BLS estimates plumbers and pipefitters can earn an average of nearly $70,000 a year in PA and nearly $100,000 a year in NJ.

HVAC Technicians

Those who work with heating and cooling systems are invaluable to society. According to BLS, HVAC repair techs made an average of over $58,000 a year in Pennsylvania and over $65,000 in New Jersey, as of May 2023. The job outlook for HVAC technicians projects a faster-than-average growth of 9% over the decade, which means more open positions in the future.

Welders

Welding is the process of using equipment to cut, join, or repair metal components. According to United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the annual mean wage for welding machine setters, operators, and tenders is around $43,910 a year in Pennsylvania and around $51,940 a year in New Jersey. This competitive earning potential makes enrolling in a welding program a smart choice.

Get Your Trade School Education at Pennco Tech

Trade school careers provide rewarding opportunities. Getting quality training and education from Pennco Tech in Bristol, PA, or Blackwood, NJ, helps you qualify for entry-level positions that can lead to high-paying skilled trade jobs. We provide extensive programs with in-depth classes taught by experienced instructors. Once you’ve graduated, you’ll have the abilities and understanding you need to excel in your field.

Our career services department offers a wide range of resources to help students prepare for life after graduation, and our financial aid department helps students who qualify find ways to afford education through loans, grants, and more. If you’re interested in any of our programs or have questions regarding enrollment, contact us today.