10 Best Trade Schools inWashington

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This page compiles information about 10 of the best trade schools in Washington State.

The schools in this list prepare students for employment in various fields, such as cosmetology, massage therapy, welding, and dental assisting.

There are many opportunities open to students who want to pursue a career in a specific trade or industry.

In order to be sure that you choose the right program you have to decide what profession you want to follow and thoroughly research all the schools that offer training in your chosen field.

We invite you to read further and see what Washington trade schools have to offer.


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1Perry Technical Institute

Perry Technical Institute is a private, non-profit educational institution which provides 13 specialized technical training programs.

Founded in 1939, the Institute offers programs designed to produce qualified employees for in-demand jobs.

Perry Technical Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Enrollment. The first step is to contact an Admissions representative in writing, by telephone, or through the website to request information about the program of your choice and to schedule a tour of the school facilities.

Fees. Total costs for 12-month programs vary between $19,500 and $21,845, depending on the program.

The 18-month Business Technology & Accounting program costs $32,506.

Total costs for two-year programs range between $41,210 – $46,335

Financial assistance is also available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Agriculture Equipment Technician (12 months)
  • Automotive Technician (12 months)
  • Business Technology & Accounting (18 months)
  • Construction (12 months)
  • Electrical Technology (2 years)
  • Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Technology (2 years)
  • Information Technology & Communication Systems (2 years)
  • Instrumentation & Industrial Automation Technology (2 years)
  • Medical Assistant (12 months)
  • Medical Office Administration and Coding (12 months)
  • Plumbing Technician (12 months)
  • Precision Machining & Manufacturing (12 months)
  • Welding Technology (12 months)

Contact information:


2West Coast Training

West Coast Training provides construction companies and workers with heavy equipment training and certification programs.

WCT students complete four-to-eight weeks of training per class; classes can be combined into Training Programs.

The school offers small class sizes and practical, hands-on training programs.

The school’s Heavy Equipment Operation course follows the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) curriculum and meets all its training requirements.

West Coast Training also offers additional seminars and refresher courses.

The Crane Operator courses result in certification by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

West Coast Training is licensed by the State of Washington and is an Accredited Training Unit of the National Center for Construction Education and Research.

Enrollment. The first step is to call or e-mail the school.

An Admissions Advisor will contact you and help you find the program that will best help you reach your goals.

Fees. Training fees vary by program.

Financial assistance is also available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • NCCER Certified Heavy Equipment Operator.
  • NCCCO Certified Crane Operator & Rigger
  • NCCCO Certified Mobile Crane Operator

Contact information:


3Evergreen Beauty College

Evergreen Beauty College is training students who want to build a career in cosmetology.

The College has 5 schools in Washington State: in Mount Vernon, Everett, North Seattle, Renton, and Yakima.

By attending one of Evergreen’s schools, students learn everything they need to know to pass the licensing exam in their particular field of study.

The programs combine classroom training with hands-on experience in the Student Salons and Spas.

The College also offers a training program that teaches students foundational business principles.

Evergreen is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.

Enrollment. Applicants must be over 16 years of age.

They need a high-school diploma or equivalent and a copy of a valid state or federal issued photo ID.

Fees. Total training costs range between $7,645 – $20,160, depending on the program.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology
  • Barbering
  • Esthetics
  • Master Esthetics
  • Make-Up Artistry
  • Nail Technology
  • Hair Design
  • Eyelash Extensions
  • Instructor Training

Contact information:

  • Mount Vernon Location: 509 S 1st Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
  • Everett Location: 802 SE Everett Mall Way, Ste A, Everett, WA 98208
  • North Seattle location: 18336 Aurora Ave N, Ste #103, Shoreline, WA 98133
  • Renton location: 1222 Bronson Way N, Ste #230, Renton, WA 98057
  • Yakima Location: 401 North First Street, Yakima, WA 98901
  • Phone: 425-336-5120
  • Website: https://www.evergreenbeauty.edu

4Divers Institute of Technology

Divers Institute of Technology trains quality divers since 1968.

Since its beginning, the Institute has been Veteran Owned and Veteran Operated.

The Divers Institute of Technology offers an intensive, 7-month Commercial Diver program.

Divers Institute is one of only four programs in the United States to offer an International Certification, the CSA.

The school offers an intensive, hands-on, and measurable curriculum and industry experienced instructors.

Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age upon graduation.

Prospective students need a high school diploma, transcript or GED.

They must complete a dive physical and have the ability to swim 400 meters unassisted.

Students must be proficient in English speaking, reading, and writing.

Fees. The total cost of attendance is approximately $43,200; this includes full-time tuition and fees ($25,900), allowances for books and supplies, room and board, food and utilities as well as personal transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.

The exact cost is determined by the student’s lifestyle.

Financial aid is also available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Commercial Diver program

Contact information:

  • Divers Institute of Technology is located at 1341 N. Northlake Way, Suite 150, Seattle, WA 98103
  • Phone: (800) 634-8377
  • Website: https://www.diversinstitute.edu

5Commercial Driver School

Commercial Driver School is a privately owned, commercial driver’s license school with four campuses in Washington-state: Auburn, Lakewood, Olympia, and Port Orchard.

Experienced instructors provide classroom and on-the-road training for individuals who want to earn or renew their Class A, B, or C CDL’s.

Course duration varies by program:

During the Class, A CDL program students receive 160 hours of training.

Class B “Bus”, requires 110 hours of training while Class B “Truck”, is comprised of 80 hours of training.

Class C, requires 94 hours of training.

Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Washington state driver’s license, proof of US residency and a copy of the 5-year driving abstract record from the Department of Licensing.

Students must pass the Department of Transportation physical and drug screen after enrollment.

Fees. Training fees vary by program; financial aid is available to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Class A CDL
  • Class B Buss
  • Class B Truck
  • Class C

Contact information:

  • Port Orchard Campus: 1386 SE Lund Ave., #3, Port Orchard, WA 98366
  • Phone: 360-373-1114
  • Auburn Campus: 4305 Auburn Way N, Auburn, WA 98002
  • Phone: 253-236-8599
  • Lakewood Campus: 11000 34th Ave. South, Lakewood, WA 98499
  • Phone: 253-983-0200
  • Lacy Campus: 6800 Martin Way E, Olympia, WA 98516
  • Phone: 360-819-4841
  • Website: https://cdstruckschool.com

6Northshore Dental Assisting Academy

Northshore Dental Assisting Academy is offering training programs for future dental assistants.

During 22 weeks of training, students develop the skills necessary to begin a new career as a dental assistant in Washington state.

The Dental Assisting course runs for 22 consecutive Fridays or Saturdays and is divided into two parts: classroom lecture and hands-on training.

In addition to the classes, the school also provides an open lab on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Students will gain clinical experience working on mannequins, students, and student-supplied volunteer patients.

Students that satisfactory complete all coursework will receive a Certificate of Achievement.

The school also provides job referral and placement assistance.

Enrollment. Applicants need a high school diploma or GED.

Prospective students will be asked to participate in a precourse interview.

High school seniors may take this course while attending school if they submit a letter from their guidance counselor stating that the student is on track to graduate.

Fees. The total cost of the program is $4,950.

The tuition includes all training and visual aids, lab materials, and dental supplies, use of all lab equipment and instruments as well as new X-ray equipment.

Contact information:


7Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics

Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics has been training future massage therapists since 1979.

The school is licensed by the Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

At Alexandar School of Natural Therapeutics classes are limited to 20 students; there is no more than a 10:1 student-to-instructor ratio for hands-on exercises and 40:1 for the lecture.

After successfully completing the 722-hour Massage Program, graduates will receive Certification that will enable them to sit for the MBLEx which is required for licensure in Washington and most other states.

The school is approved by WTCEB for Veterans Benefits, the school is also approved by the Washington State Department of Health, Board of Massage and is an NCBTMB assigned school.

Enrollment. The admissions process begins with an interview and a school tour.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma, GED or pass an approved ability-to-benefit test.

Students should be in appropriate physical condition to practice massage.

Fees. The approximate total program cost is $13,580.

Financial aid is also available to qualifying students.

Contact information:


8Radiance Dental Assisting Academy

Founded in 2008, Radiance Dental Assisting Academy has helped hundreds of students launch their Dental Assisting careers.

In addition to classroom training, the Academy offers students the opportunity to observe real dental procedures at the school’s on-site affiliated dental practice.

The program consists of 144 hours of study and hands-on training.

The school offers small classes with 1:1 instruction.

Students can choose between flexible night and weekend class schedules.

The school’s head instructor has over 25 years of experience in the field.

After the 144 hours of training, students have the opportunity to complete their required 32-hour internship at the onsite dental practice.

Each student may assist in two procedures that their family member will receive free of charge.

All family members of enrolled students receive a 30% discount on treatment at the on-site dental practice.

Radiance Dental Assisting Academy is Certified and Licensed by the State of Washington Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board.

Enrollment. Prospective students can apply by completing a form on the school’s website.

Fees. Tuition is $3,995; payment options and financial assistance are also available.

Courses offered:

  • 12-Week Dental Assisting Program

Contact information:


9Health Professionals Institute

Health Professionals Institute is providing training programs for future caregiving professionals.

The programs combine the spirit and compassion of care-giving with the latest techniques and technology.

The school has two locations in Washington: one in Federal Way and one in Kent.

Enrollment. Students must be at least 18 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent.

US Students must pass an entrance exam with 75% passing grade; foreign students must pass the CELSA test with 75%.

Other requirements also apply, depending on the program.

Course length depends on the program: the Home Care Aide program can be completed in 2 weeks, while the Medical Assistant Course lasts 9 months.

Fees. The registration fee is between $50-$100.

Tuition varies by program: the Home Care Aide Program costs $510 while the Medical Assistant Program costs $13,000.

Financial aid is also available for qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Medical Assistant
  • Medication Assistant
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Bridge Programs
  • Home Care Aide
  • ECG Technician
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Continuing Education

Contact information:


10Aveda Institute Portland

Aveda Institute is offering training for future beauty-industry professionals.

The school offers a 1600-hour Cosmetology Program and a 600-hour Esthiology Program at its Vancouver Campus.

Cosmetology students can choose between part-time and full-time schedules.

The Esthiology Program is available only full-time.

Aveda Institute is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences.

All school instructors are licensed as both practitioners and instructors in their field of practice by the State of Washington.

Enrollment. Applicants need a photo ID, a Social Security Card, a high school diploma or GED.

Prospective students must pass a Basic Skill Exam and schedule a phone interview with the school’s Director.

Applicants must submit a non-refundable $20 application fee along with the completed application.

Fees. The registration fee is $100.

Tuition and fees sum up to $14,900 for the Cosmetology program and $7,350 for the Esthiology program.

Financial aid is available for qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology
  • Hair Design Program
  • Esthiology Program

Contact information:

  • The Vancouver campus is located at Aveda Institute Portland,
    Vancouver Campus, 6615 NE 4th Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98661
  • Phone: 360.326.0567
  • Website: https://www.avedapdx.com

Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants8,020$72,590$34.90$106,510$47,960
Medical Records Specialists3,960$58,480$28.12$81,790$38,460
Nursing Assistants28,270$42,430$20.40$50,170$35,620
Dental Assistants11,290$50,430$24.24$60,650$37,140
Medical Assistants18,300$50,350$24.21$61,890$39,120
Phlebotomists2,220$47,090$22.64$61,340$37,600
Electricians19,120$85,190$40.96$134,570$47,880
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters11,430$78,550$37.77$129,500$43,620
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics11,740$56,260$27.05$78,180$37,020
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers7,390$65,340$31.41$94,240$44,030
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Washington, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

If you decided that vocational training is the path you want to follow, then there are a multitude of options for you to choose from.

Before choosing a specific training program, it is very important to ensure that the school is trustworthy and accredited by government institutions.

The right trade school can be your key to a successful career, so take your time a choose wisely!