10 Best Trade Schools inMissouri

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Trade schools offer hands-on learning and real-world instruction to students who want to build a rewarding career but can’t afford to spend 4 years in college.

This page compiles information about some of the best trade schools in Missouri.

Our aim is to help you gather the information you need before choosing the best place to start your vocational training.

From welding to massage therapy and cosmetics there are many trades you can learn in just a few months.

Let’s read more about the best trade schools in Missouri:


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1State Technical College of Missouri

The State Technical College of Missouri aims to prepare students for profitable employment and a life of learning.

The public two-year college has a statewide mission specializing in technical education.

The College offers over 35 programs in advanced technical training for emerging and traditional technologies.

The school’s programs are training students for the following industries: agriculture, business, construction, electronics/computer technology, health science, industrial/manufacturing technology, transportation technology, utility technology.

State Technical College of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Fees. Tuition is determined by the student’s residency classification, the number of semester hours, method of delivery, and program.

For example, an in-state resident would pay $175.25 per credit hour, while a non-resident welding technology student would pay $590.50/credit hour.

Other fees also vary by program, method of delivery and the number of semester hours. Financial aid is also available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

Some of the programs offered at State Tech are:

  • Powersports Technology
  • Agriculture & Turf Equipment
  • Business Administration
  • Accounting
  • Civil Engineering Technology
  • Heavy Equipment Operations
  • Computer Application Development
  • Electronics Engineering Technology
  • Dental Assisting Technology
  • Drafting and Design Engineering Technology
  • Welding Technology
  • Automotive Collision Technology
  • Aviation Maintenance
  • Electric Power Generation Technology
  • Nuclear Reactor Operations Option
  • Nursing

Contact information:

  • State Technical College of Missouri is located at One Technology Drive, Linn, MO 65051
  • Phone: 573.897.4656
  • Website: https://www.statetechmo.edu

2Cement Truck Driving Academy

With over 100 years of combined experience in transportation, Clement Truck Driving Academy is providing training for future professional drivers.

Enrollment. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have held a driver’s license for the past three years within the United States

They can reside in any state except Illinois, Maryland or South Carolina (if you live in these states, you must obtain your Commercial Driver’s License in your respective state).

Prospective students must have a birth certificate (original or certified copy) to get a permit from the DMV and to take your CDL test.

They also must understand highway traffic signals and signs and have basic fundamental skills to read, write and speak English.

Applicants must be lawful, permanent residents of the United States or have a current valid VISA or work permit to work in the United States.

Prospective students must obtain a 7-year MVR with no convictions in the past 3 years of any of the following: DUI, refusal to take a chemical test, hit and run, leaving the scene of an accident, or careless/reckless driving.

They are also asked to take and pass a DOT physical and drug test.

Fees. Tuition for the 160-hour Class A training program is $3,895. Tuition of the 80-hour Class B training program is $2,550. The school also provides 1-week and 2-week refreshing classes for $1,750 and 2,550 respectively. Financial aid is also available.

Courses offered:

  • Class A CDL Training
  • Class B CDL Training
  • 1-week Refresher
  • 2-week Refresher

Contact information:


3Crider’s Institute of Welding

Crider’s Institute of Welding is training future certified welders in Grain Valley, Missouri.

The Institute provides a 12:1 student-teacher ratio, giving students more one-on-one instruction.

The school assists students in finding employment throughout their welding career.

The school offers a flexible schedule with 3 shifts. Grades are calculated based on written tests, and hands-on test: 80% hands-on performance and 20% written test.

The school has a 6,000 sq ft. facility, which includes welding lab, classroom, offices, and break room.

Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age, have a high school diploma, or high school equivalency, and good eyesight, using corrective lenses if necessary. Students under 18 must have a parent, guardian, or guarantor co-sign the admission form.

Fees. Tuition for the 20-week Pipe Welding Certification Course is $14,995. The enrollment fee is $100. Hobby welding classes are $285.

Crider’s Institute privately funds students who have no other means to pay for training with their payment plan option.

Courses offered:

  • Pipe Welding Certification Course
  • Hobby Welding

Contact information:


4WellSpring School of Allied Health

With over 30 years of history in the Kansas area, WellSpring is offering classes in the field of natural health and wellness.

School instructors provide students with hands-on experience and advice from the real world, giving them the skills they need to be successful in their future careers.

The school is certified by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.

WellSpring is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

Enrollment. In order to enroll, you should first complete a form on the school’s website. An admissions representative will then contact you to discuss your career goals, course outlines and schedules, costs and any other questions you may have.

Fees. Tuition and fees vary by program. Financial aid is available to students who qualify.

Courses offered:

  • Massage Therapy Certificate
  • Massage Master Therapist Degree (AOS)
  • Fitness & Nutrition Coaching Degree (AOS)
  • Fitness Training Certificate
  • Nutrition and Wellness Coaching Certificate
  • Medical Assisting Certificate
  • Medical Assisting Degree (AOS)
  • Continuing Education

Contact information:

  • The Kansas City campus is located at 9140 Ward Parkway, Suite 100, Kansas City, MO 64114
  • Phone: 816-278-5850
  • The Springfield campus is located at WellSpring School of Allied Health
    229 East Commercial Street, Springfield, MO 65803
  • Phone: 417-250-2520
  • Website: https://wellspring.edu

5Respond Right EMS Academy

Respond Right EMS Academy offers EMS education for future emergency responders

The school uses the best equipment and a real ambulance to simulate real-life situations.

School instructors are experienced firefighters and paramedics.

Respond Right is an authorized American Heart Association (AHA) Training Center.

Respond Right EMS Academy is an approved training entity through the Missouri Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

The Respond Right EMS Academy / St. Charles Community College Consortium is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.

Enrollment. Requirements vary by program. Applicants to the Paramedic course need, among other things, two recommendation forms. A copy of the driver’s license, birth certificate or state ID is also required. Applicants also need a copy of social security card and copy of the vaccination records.

Fees. The Registration fee is $150. The total cost varies between $525 and 10,325, depending on the program.

Payment plans, loans, and scholarships are also available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • EMT Basic Program
  • EMT Basic Refresher
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Paramedic Program
  • Paramedic Refresher

Contact information


6The Academy of Pet Careers

The Academy of Pet Careers (APC) is providing classes for future professional dog groomers and trainers.

Founded in 1993, the Academy operates in unison with Petropolis Pet Resort, St. Louis’ premier pet care facility.

The Academy offers a Dog Grooming School, a Dog Training School, an Animal Behaviour School and a Pet Business School.

All the programs offer flexible scheduling and open enrollment.

Students can choose between part-time and full-time options.

The school offers job placement support for graduates.

The Academy also has an externship program that gives students an opportunity to find potential future employers.

Enrollment. After a tour of the Academy for Pet Careers, you can begin the application process. New students may begin class in the first week of each month throughout the year if the class capacity allows.

Fees. The application fee is $50. Tuition varies by program. The Academy of Pet Careers has many financial aid options for qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Dog Grooming School:
    • Bather/Brusher
    • Assistant Groomer
    • Professional Groomer
  • Dog Training School
    • Professional Trainer
    • Specialized Trainer
  • Animal Behavior Program
    • Behavior Management in the Workplace
    • Behavior Seminar
    • Study Abroad: Street Dogs of Mexico
  • Pet Business School

Contact information:


7The Salon Professional Accademy

The Salon Professional Academy of St. Louis is training future salon and spa professionals in the beauty and body care industry.

Academy students are educated by passionate and accomplished professionals, using an innovative curriculum that blends professional techniques with practical retail and business-building skills.

Students have the chance to practice on real salon guests.

All tools and equipment are included in the tuition cost.

The school’s curriculum incorporates practical knowledge from today’s most successful masters in hair care, skincare, makeup, and total body care.

Along with cutting & styling techniques Cosmetology students also learn salon business systems, client retention, proper consultation & communication techniques and resume writing & interview skills.

Students will also test their knowledge with a mock State Board exam.

Esthetics students get an understanding of the Advanced Science of Skincare.

They also learn the latest spa facials, waxing and body treatments, aromatherapy and phytotherapy, the advanced Science of Exfoliation and Chemical Peels and retail sales development.

Fees. The total cost is $15,995 for the Cosmetology program and $12,995 for the Esthetics program. Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics

Contact information:

  • The school is located at 3141 West Clay St, St. Charles, MO 63301
  • Phone: 636.541.9757
  • Website: https://tspastlouis.com

8Recording Connection

Recording Connection in St. Louis offers programs for those who want to learn music production, hip hop and beat making or live music in St. Louis.

The school works directly with accomplished industry professionals at fully-equipped recording studios.

From day one, students work as an extern in a real-world studio, getting mentored by an industry professional.

In this way, students learn one-on-one from someone who has been there and done it all before.

Tutoring is available to students for the entire time they are enrolled in the program.

Personal, hands-on lab time is built into the program.

Students will have plenty of access to the latest and best equipment available.

Enrollment. Prospective students can schedule a tour visit at a local studio by filling out a form on the school’s website.

Fees. Total tuition costs are between $12,860 and $16,220, depending on the program. Scholarships and grants are also available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

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

Contact information:


9Bryan University

Bryan University is providing career training programs to students since 1982.

The University has two campuses: in Springfield MO and in Rogers AR.

Bryan’s business, technical, wellness, and medical programs in Springfield provide students with the knowledge and hands-on skills they need to be successful in their chosen careers.

Bryan University is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) to award Diploma and Associate degrees at both campuses.

Bryan University is approved to offer campus-based and hybrid programs at both campuses.

The Springfield campus is also approved to offer fully online programs.

Program length varies.

The Medical Assistant Diploma program lasts 50 weeks while the Personal Trainer Diploma program lasts 40 weeks.

Fees. Tuition at Bryan University is $360 per credit hour. Book charges and resource fees are not included in this price. Financial aid is also available to students who qualify.

Courses offered:

The Springfield campus is offering the following diploma programs:

  • Business Administration
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Office Assistant
  • Personal Trainer

The campus also offers the following Associate’s Degree Programs:

  • Business Administration & Management
  • Computer Information Systems – Networking
  • Criminal Justice
  • Exercise Specialist
  • Medical Administrative Specialist
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Billing and Coding

Contact information


10St. Charles Flying Service, Inc.

St. Charles Flying Service is the only FAA Approved Part 141 Flight School in The St. Louis Metro Area.

The school was founded in 1968 and has since helped thousands of people reach their aviation goals.

The flight school is offering training in single and multi-engine aircraft from Light Sport to Airline Transport Pilot, ground school courses, VA approved flight training utilizing GI Bill and more.

St. Charles Flying Service offers various accelerated multi-engine courses, all approved under Part 141 of the Federal Regulations.

All of the courses are approved by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education of the State of Missouri.

Enrollment. Applicants must see an FAA-approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for their medical exams.

Fees. Training fees vary by program and aircraft. Usually, Sports Certificate ranges from $3,000-$5,000 and a Private Pilot Certificate ranges between $5,000-7,000.

Courses offered:

  • Veterans Programs
  • Light Sport Flying
  • Multi-Engine/ATP
  • Groud School

Contact information:


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants5,930$58,040$27.91$79,830$36,920
Medical Records Specialists3,520$49,020$23.57$68,350$30,630
Nursing Assistants28,540$32,760$15.75$38,880$25,500
Dental Assistants6,660$42,260$20.32$48,770$31,920
Medical Assistants12,810$36,720$17.66$45,330$29,670
Phlebotomists1,990$37,020$17.80$44,950$30,640
Electricians11,620$64,400$30.96$92,090$37,610
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters8,610$65,950$31.71$100,470$36,110
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics16,340$44,630$21.46$67,530$28,250
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers7,580$60,270$28.98$92,670$31,680
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Missouri, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

Missouri trade schools offer many high-quality educational programs in various fields.

Before deciding to enroll in a program, it is essential to ensure that the school is accredited and the courses are trustworthy.

Also, you should take into account relevant information such as completion rate, job placement rate, licensure rate, and student testimonials.