10 Best Trade Schools inDes Moines, IA

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Des Moines is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful and dynamic cities in Iowa.

The city offers amazing schools and colleges that will help you start the career of your choice.

Additionally, the students have access to many excellent trade schools that will give them the chance to quickly start a new career.


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1Aveda Institute

Aveda Institute is among the most professional and dynamic places to start a brand new career in the field of beauty. The programs available are very high-quality and they are provided by some of the best trainers in the field of cosmetology and beauty. The trainers will carefully guide you through all the training and educational steps to be an amazing professional.

The study materials are great and they are the perfect simulation for your future career. In addition, the students will have full access to all the study materials available at this school and they will be assisted during job hunting.

The admission process is very simple and you can even enroll online. The documents needed differ based on the program and for some of them, you will need to provide not only your ID/driver’s license but also a medical record.

The tuition fee differs based on the program and one of the cheapest is around 13000 USD and it includes all the needed materials and costs. The programs are eligible for financial aid and the school also offers financial planning.

Courses offered

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthiology
  • Massage Therapy

Contact information


2Iowa School of Beauty

Iowa School of Beauty is the perfect place to take your love for beauty and esthetics and transform them into a career. The is unique in the state of Iowa and it offers many branches all over the state, the ones in Des Moines being one of the largest.

The trainers are extraordinary professionals that will make sure you follow all the sanitary and safety procedures when making your clients beautiful and they will also teach you the business principles behind the cosmetology career and not only. Also, you will also be assisted during the state examination period and in finding the best job for your career dreams.

The admission process is very simple and you can even enroll online. The documents needed differ based on the program and for some of them, you will need to provide not only your ID/driver’s license but also a medical record.

The tuition fee differs based on the program and one of the cheapest is 4400 USD and the most expensive is around 19000 USD but most of the programs are eligible for financial aid.

Courses offered

  • Nail technology
  • Massage therapy
  • Esthetics
  • Cosmetology

Contact information


3Iowa Association of Realtors

Iowa Association of Realtors is an extraordinary institution that offers interested students the chance to become successful and accredited realtors, one of the most dynamic practical professions. The main advantage of this trade school is that it offers you the chance to start an independent career on your own and have a high-paid career.

During the short and intensive classes, you will learn all the skills and knowledge needed to pass the state certification test and start a new career. In addition, if you are already a realtor, the school gives you the chance to refresh your license. New students will be taught by excellent trainers and teachers that will explain to you all the legal duties and limitations of this profession.

The admission process involves paying the tuition and submitting the required documents like birth certificate, high school diploma or an equivalent, ID/driver’s license, and proof of Iowa residency.

The tuition fee greatly depends on factors like financial aid eligibility, previous experience, and the program of your choice. To find out more about the tuition fee, please contact the admission office.

Courses offered

  • Realtor training

Contact information


4Body Wisdom Therapy Massage School

Body Wisdom Therapy Massage School is an excellent place to start a new career in the exciting and dynamic field of massage therapy. This institution has an excellent vision that tries to comprise all the principles of massage and well-being and teach the students the best methods to take care of any type of pain or muscle and joint pathology.

The program curriculum is very dynamic and it includes the most popular types of relaxation and medical massage techniques that will help you take care of all your patients. The reflexology program is an excellent career choice and booster that will help you expand your business and take extraordinary care of your future patients.

The admission process is very simple and you will only need to pay an enrollment fee, be at least 18 years old and submit your ID/driver’s license and medical records.

The tuition fee is very affordable and it depends based on the program of your choice and whether or not you are eligible for financial aid. Overall, the tuition fee for the programs ranges between 13000 to 20000 USD.

Courses offered

  • Massage therapy
  • Reflexology certificate

Contact information


5iOWA iBROW iLASH Academy & Spa

iOWA iBROW iLASH Academy & Spa, powered by Tammy Johnson is a unique institution that offers some of the most interesting and high-paid make-up and beauty classes in the whole state of Iowa. The purpose of the programs and classes is to offer the students the chance to upgrade their skills and start amazing new career opportunities.

The duration of all the classes is very short and you will learn new skills and techniques sometimes in a matter of just a few days. The trainers are very professional and dedicated and they will carefully guide you through all the needed educational steps to make sure that you are fully ready for your new career.

The admission is very simple and you will have to be at least 18 years to apply. The application form also requires your high school diploma or an equivalent and your ID/driver’s license.

The tuition fee greatly differs based on the program of your choice and whether or not you qualify for financial aid or scholarships. Overall, the cheapest program is 500 USD and the most expensive is 3400 USD.

Courses offered

  • Hyaluron pen course
  • Ombre eyebrow
  • Lash lamination and many more

Contact information


6American College of Hairstyling – Des Moines

With over 100 years of experience and tradition, the American College of Hairstyling is the perfect place to get a brand new career in the fields of barbering and hairstyling. The college is recognized all over the country as an excellent educator and it has branches in almost every state. The branch in Des Moines is among the largest and it offers excellent resources and facilities.

The training programs are state-approved and they take a very short time to complete. During the few weeks of training, you will acquire all the needed skills, confidence, and taste in beauty to start an amazing new career on your own or work in a salon.

The admission is very simple and you will have to be at least 18 years to apply. The application form also requires your high school diploma or an equivalent and your ID/driver’s license.

The tuition fee greatly differs based on the program of your choice and whether or not you are eligible for financial aid or special scholarships. The tuition is around 24000 USD but there are many financial plans available to help you out.

Courses offered

  • Barbering
  • Hairstyling
  • Hair design

Contact information


7Kaplan University – Des Moines Campus

Kaplan University is one of the top private educational facilities in the United States and it has many branches all over the country. This school has both state and national accreditation that will give you the chance to work in any state and any city. The teachers and educators are amazing and they will carefully teach you all the needed skills and knowledge.

The curriculum is very modern and integrative and it includes the newest techniques and care protocols that will help you quickly get the skills and knowledge needed to start a new and amazing career. The trade programs also have special admission criteria for military students, helping everyone get the career they deserve.

The admission for this course is very simple. You have to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or an equivalent. In addition, you will also need to submit a medical background for the medical programs.

The tuition fee for this school differs based on the program and whether or not you are qualified for financial aid. To find out more about the tuition fee please contact the admission office.

Courses offered

  • Nursing assistant
  • Registered nurse
  • Fire protection technology and many more

Contact information


8DMACC Urban Campus

An excellent place to learn practical skills and also get theoretical formation, Des Moines Area Community College is an excellent education choice. This school offers amazing trade programs that offer the chance to start a career in just a few months. Besides this amazing opportunity, the school also offers student-friendly leisure activities and special scholarships for certain student categories.

The practice booths and areas are all modern and besides the work done there, you will also get to work in a real-life environment with your trainers and teachers and learn everything needed to easily pass the state exam and get a new job.

The admission is very simple and you will have to be at least 18 years to apply. The application form also requires your high school diploma or an equivalent and your ID/driver’s license. For certain programs, you will also be asked for medical and vaccination records.

The tuition fee is charged per credit hour, one hour for an Iowa resident being 174 USD and 348 USD for an out-state student. There are also many scholarships and financial aid programs that can help you easily pay for your studies.

Courses offered

  • Automotive technology
  • Diesel technology
  • Nursing and many more

Contact information


9Kirkwood Community College

Offering a very modern and diverse program curriculum, Kirkwood Community College is an amazing place to start a brand new career in the state of Iowa and build skills that will last for a lifetime. The campus is located in an excellent area for student life and you will have access to many fun and interesting activities throughout your studies.

All the trainers and teachers are dedicated and professional experts that will guide you through all the needed training and class education. You can also benefit from many scholarships and financial aid plans to get the tuition stress off your mind.

The admission process is very simple and it consists of submitting your application form, paying the tuition, submitting your ID/driver’s license, and having a high school diploma or equivalent.

The tuition fee depends on the program of your choice, the schedule, and your financial aid eligibility. To learn more about the tuition fee please contact the admission office.

Courses offered

  • Paraeducator
  • Nursing assistant
  • Agricultural technology and many more

Contact information


10Hawkeye Community College

With a story that first starts in 1966, Hawkeye Community College managed to train thousands of respected professionals that shapes the state of Iowa over the years. The vision and mission of this college are to offer all the students, no matter the previous work experience and education the chance to turn around their future and start a brand new career.

You will be pleasantly surprised by the modern campus and dorms and by the amazing atmosphere that will make your stay here extraordinary. In addition, students have full access to all the amenities and facilities on campus during their education and during the exam period.

The admission process is very easy and you will need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or an equivalent. In addition, you may be requested for an ID/driver’s license and for additional documents if you want to apply for financial aid.

The tuition fee greatly differs based on the program and schedule of your choice and on your financial aid eligibility. To have an overall idea regarding the tuition, the average tuition for some of the longest programs is around 28000 USD, without scholarships or financial aid.

Courses offered

  • Accounting
  • Veterinary assistant
  • Agricultural technology and many more

Contact information


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants1,160$60,550$29.11$82,360$44,940
Medical Records Specialists470$47,850$23.01$60,680$37,070
Nursing Assistants3,960$36,400$17.5$43,680$30,670
Dental Assistants680$51,110$24.57$66,770$38,150
Medical Assistants1,090$43,350$20.84$49,140$35,910
Phlebotomists340$37,820$18.18$44,670$32,190
Electricians2,230$62,650$30.12$97,130$37,550
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters1,640$66,110$31.79$89,310$36,750
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics1,640$49,260$23.68$76,630$29,420
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers1,150$56,310$27.07$80,160$35,900
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

These schools offer something suitable for everyone, including you.

Choose what best suits you and build a bright new career path!


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