10 Best Trade Schools inBirmingham, AL

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Birmingham, the largest city in Alabama, is home to many great trade schools that prepare students for employment in some of the most in-demand industries.

This page compiles information about 10 of the most reputable trade schools in the region.

Our list includes schools that prepare students for a variety of professions, including dental assisting, massage therapy, cosmetics, real estate and more.

If vocational training is a path you want to follow, then read our list, do your own research and select the program that best fits your educational needs.



1Birmingham Dental Assistant School

Birmingham Dental Assistant School is providing a 12-week training program for future dental assistants.

The program consists of 12 consecutive Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

In addition to the classes, students are required to complete a 40-hour externship at a local dental office.

The school’s hands-on curriculum was designed by experienced dentists and dental assistants.

Birmingham Dental Assistant School is a division of Vandelay Education, LLC and Licensed and regulated by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education, and Alabama Commission on Higher Education.

Enrollment. The first step is to contact the school’s office and schedule an in-person meeting.

Applicants should be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or GED.

Prospective students without these documents can still enroll but they will need to take a short placement test.

An up-to-date immunization record is also required along with a government-issued photo ID.

Fees. Tuition is $3,350, if paid in full.

The school also offers two payment plans.

Contact information:


2Dental Training Academy

Dental Training Academy offers a comprehensive 8-week course for future dental assistants.

The program is given 4 times a year, on Saturdays for 8 consecutive weeks; each class is 8 hours per week.

The school offers students a voluntary 12-24 hours of practical on-the-job training as well as opportunities to watch and work with real dentists in practicing offices.

Classes are taught by experienced instructors in a state-of-the-art dental office.

The Academy’s dental assistant program trains students in chairside assisting, dental software, digital radiography, front office duties and much more.

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be certified Dental Assistants.

This Certification will be an asset when seeking employment as dental assistants.

The Dental Training Academy is licensed by the Alabama Community College System.

Fees. Tuition for the program is $3,699.

Applicants can receive a $500 discount if they register 6 weeks or more before the course starts.

Need-based scholarships are also available.

Contact information:

  • Dental Training Academy: 2320 7th Avenue South, Suite B Birmingham, Alabama 35233
  • Phone: 205.900.2020
  • Website: https://dtaedu.com

3Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes

The Aveda Arts & Sciences Institute offers training programs for those who want to build a career in the beauty industry.

Aveda students learn in real-world salon and spa environments.

Graduates who complete the Cosmetology or Esthiology programs will be prepared to take the required state examinations to become licensed.

The school is accredited by National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS) and certified by the U.S. Department of Educations.

The Birmingham school is also licensed by the Alabama Board of Cosmetology & Barbering.

Enrollment. Applicants can visit the school in person, call, send a message, or access a full online application on the school’s website.

Prospective students will be contacted by a member of the admissions team to discuss the best options.

Fees. The application fee is $50.

Tuition is $16,000 for the Cosmetology program, $12,500 for the Esthiology program and $7,580/$16,145 for Instructor Training.

Financial aid is also available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

The following programs are offered at the Birmingham school:

  • Cosmetology (1,500 hours)
  • Esthiology (7,500 hours)
  • Instructor Training

Contact information:

  • Aveda Institute Birmingham: 3200 Galleria Circle,  Hoover, AL 35244
  • Phone: 205.769.3500
  • Website: https://avedaarts.edu

4Bodylogic School of Cosmetology & Esthetics

Bodylogic School of Cosmetology & Esthetics prepares students for the beauty job market.

The education course is designed to teach students a comprehensive selection of facial and body treatments.

The program includes hands-on lab training conducted in the school’s teaching clinic.

New Cosmetology classes start every 4 weeks.

Cosmetology students learn hair cutting, hair styling, hair coloring, skin care, nail care, waxing, nail tips, bleaching, manual facials, anatomy and physiology, disinfection and sanitation and much more.

The Esthetics program is structured to provide students with the latest information on skincare.

Esthetics students will learn a wide range of services; they will also get to practice using diamond dermabrasion machines.

The 650-hour Manicuring program prepares students not only for the State Board exam but also for a rewarding career as a licensed nail technician.

Bodylogic also offers a 650-hour Instructor Program.

Enrollment. Applicants can apply by downloading and filling out a form on the school’s website and sending it to the school along with an application fee.

Fees vary by program.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics
  • Manicuring
  • Instructor Program
  • Eyelash Extensions Class

Contact information:

  • The school is located at 5510 Highway 280 E, Suite 203, Birmingham, Alabama 35242
  • Phone: +1 (205) 719-6SPA
  • Website: http://bodylogicschool.com

5Birmingham School of Massage

The Birmingham School of Massage is offering a training program that prepares students to enter the workforce as massage therapists.

The program teaches students how to perform massage procedures capably and safely.

The school also offers students the necessary information and knowledge to help them understand the business, marketing, budgeting, insurance, advertising, ethical, and legal principles, issues, and concerns of the profession.

Students also learn how to communicate effectively with clients and other health care providers.

Massage therapists can work in chiropractic and orthopedic offices, health clubs, corporate settings, private practices, hair and nail salons, for professional sports teams, spas, and resorts.

Graduates must take a state examination in order to practice massage legally.

Enrollment. An admission application can be downloaded from the school’s website.

Applicants must be over 18 years of age; they need a high school diploma or copy of the G.E.D.

After a tour of the Birmingham School of Massage, students must complete an interview with a school administrator

Fees. The application fee is $500, while tuition is $7,600.

Additional expenses include massage table packages ($350-$650), sheet sets, two professional massages, books and massage supplies.

Contact information:


6International Barber School

International Barber School is one of the premier schools for barbering education in Alabama.

The school offers a 1500-hour Barbering program that can be completed in 10 months.

Classes are scheduled Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6.p.m and Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Lab classes are scheduled Monday & Tuesday 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Students receive hands-on learning during lab sessions.

International Barber School graduates are equipped with all the skills they need to excel as professional barbers.

The school was established in 2012 by Billy Gaines and Bobby Berry.

Known for their commitment to the community, the two founders received the Hidden Heroes Award from the City of Birmingham Mayor’s Office in 2016.

Enrollment. The first step is to complete a form on the school’s website.

Fees. The registration fee is $1,000, while tuition costs $4,000.

Monthly and by-weekly payment options are also available.

Courses offered:

  • Barbering program
  • Self Awareness Classes
  • Summer Youth Barbering Program
  • Etiquette Classes

Contact information:


7My Real Estate School

My Real Estate School is providing real estate licensing classes for future salespersons and brokers.

Founded in 1989, My Real Estate is the longest-running Alabama real estate school.

The school offers a combination of different instruction methods, the latest teaching techniques, convenient class schedules, and affordable pricing.

Those who want to get a real estate license in Alabama must be over 19 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED and have no felonies.

Applicants need to take and pass a 60-hour real estate pre-licensing course and pass a multiple-choice state licensing exam with a minimum score of 70%.

Fees. The real estate classroom licensing course costs $299, while the cost of the online course is $329.99

The cost of the 60-hour broker exam course is $295.

Courses offered:

  • Classroom real estate licensing course
  • Online real estate licensing course
  • Broker exam course
  • Continuing education online

Contact information:


8ABC Bartending School

ABC Bartending School prepares students to become professional bartenders/mixologists.

Students learn from experienced instructors in a real bar setting.

The school provides hands-on training, allowing students to feel comfortable and ready to work in a real bar after completing the class.

The Bartending class teaches students about liquors and definitions, alcohol and state laws, bar equipment, fruit cutting, responsible liquor service, glassware, bar set up, bar breakdown procedures and much more.

The Bartending course can be completed in 2 weeks.

The Birmingham school offers night classes and weekend classes to accommodate students’ schedules.

After graduation students receive a national bartending certificate and license that allows them to work in any type of bar.

The school also offers job placement assistance.

Enrollment. Students can enroll by completing a form on the school’s website.

Fees. The total tuition for the full bartender certification course is $295.

Courses offered:

  • Full Bartender Certification Course

Contact information:


9Recording Connection

The Birmingham Recording Connection offers students the chance to learn while working as a recording studio extern.

Students can study audio engineering, mixing, music production, live audio, electronic music-and its many sub-genres, electronic DJ and post-production audio.

Birmingham is full of learning opportunities for those who want to build a career in audio as recording engineers, live audio engineers or music producers.

Students learn through hands-on experience in a commercial audio studio equipped with the best gear and software programs.

School mentors are talented recording engineers, producers, and recording artists.

At the end of the program, students receive 12 months of Job Placement Assistance.

Fees. Total costs vary between $12,750-$16,220, depending on the program.

The prices include eBooks, all materials, all software, unlimited tutoring, access to Academic Facilitator, and career services.

Scholarships and grants are also available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Audio Engineering & Music Production
  • Advanced Audio
  • Hip Hop/Beat Making
  • Live Sound/Live Music
  • Electronic Music/ Logic Pro
  • Electronic Music/Ableton
  • Music Producing
  • Live DJ
  • Music Business

The school also offers the following workshops:

  • Post Production for Film and TV
  • Audio Certification
  • Learn from Legends

Contact information:


10Birmingham Flight Center

Birmingham Flight Center is offering flight training and aircraft rental services.

Students train under FAR Part 61 regulations, the standard set of rules for most flight training programs.

Under FAR 61 rules, students build time for each training and advance at their own pace.

A private pilot license is the first license an aspiring pilot must obtain.

This private pilot license allows you to fly during the day and night, with friends and family in Visual Flight Rules.

Students must be 16 years of age to solo and 17 years of age to get their license.

In order to get their certificate, applicants must hold a third-class medical certificate, and pass a written exam.

The next step in training is usually the Instrument Rating.

Those who want a commercial license need 250 total flight hours.

With a commercial license, you can fly people and/or cargo for personal gain.

In order to get their commercial license, applicants must be at least 18, read, write, speak, and understand English, hold a second class medical certificate, and pass a written exam.

Fees. Aircraft rental rate is $150/hour; instruction rate for primary training is $45/hour.

Courses offered:

  • The school offers the following Part 61 training programs:
  • Private Pilot
  • Instrument Rating
  • Commercial
  • Multi Engine
  • Certified Flight Instructor
  • CFI-Instruments
  • Multi-Engine Instructor
  • ATP

Contact information:


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants1,720$58,550$28.15$77,890$39,310
Medical Records Specialists570$43,920$21.12$65,060$30,000
Nursing Assistants5,830$32,800$15.77$37,480$26,910
Dental Assistants1,250$38,120$18.33$47,550$29,250
Medical Assistants4,120$36,350$17.47$46,340$28,720
Phlebotomists830$37,910$18.23$44,790$30,970
Electricians2,490$55,110$26.49$77,160$36,310
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters2,170$54,390$26.15$70,710$36,250
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics2,370$53,030$25.5$82,290$30,510
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers1,760$51,410$24.71$71,550$31,300
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Birmingham-Hoover, AL metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Trade schools, also known as vocational schools or career centers, are an educational alternative to traditional four-year colleges.

They offer programs for students who want to learn the skills needed to get a job after several months of intensive, career-focused training.

The right vocational school can help you get a better paying job or start your own business.

This is why you have to explore all your options before deciding where to start your training.

So start early and take your time!


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