Trade school vs college: salary aspect

Susan Fernandez May 05 2022

Any student about to graduate from high school has to make a decision: what's next? You can go to college and get a degree, or you can go to trade school for a specific skill set. But which one actually pays off in the long run?

There's no easy answer when it comes to deciding between college and trade school. It really depends on your individual goals and circumstances. But if you're trying to figure out which option is likely to lead to a higher salary down the road, here's what you need to know.

Trade school vs college salary

In general, a trade school graduate makes $42,000 per year. Over the course of thirty years, the gap between that graduate and a four-year college graduate shrinks to just $90,000. But it's not just about the money. College graduates have a lower unemployment rate, and they're more likely to find a job that matches their skill set. They also tend to receive better benefits and have more opportunities for career advancement.

There are pros and cons to both trade school and college. It's important to weigh all of your options before making a decision. But if you're looking at the bottom line, trade school is a great option for those who want to get started in their career quickly and make a good salary.

Trade schools are a great way to get started in your career quickly. They are usually shorter than college, so you can get into the workforce sooner. And since trade schools focus on specific skills, you'll be more likely to find a job that matches your skillset.

But there are some downsides to trade school. One is that you may not make as much money as someone with a college degree. College graduates make an average of $1,000 more per year than trade school graduates. And over the course of thirty years, the gap between college and trade school salaries shrinks to just $90,000.

Another downside to a trade school is that you may not have as many job options. College graduates have a lower unemployment rate and they're more likely to find a job that matches their skill set. They also tend to receive better benefits and have more opportunities for career advancement.

So, which is better? College or trade school? It really depends on your individual goals and circumstances. If you're looking at the bottom line, trade school is a great option for those who want to get started in their career quickly and make a good salary. But if you're looking for more job options and better benefits, college may be the better choice.

Do trades make more than college degrees?

Despite this, a significant number of trade school graduates get jobs in the construction industry and make significantly higher salaries than those predicted by their degrees. In fact, many college graduates are surprised to find that they make less money than their counterparts who went to trade school.

This is because while a college degree may be necessary for some jobs, it is not always the best indicator of someone's ability to do a job well. A four-year degree does not guarantee that a person will be good at their job, but a trade school certification does show that the person has the skills necessary to excel in their field.

Is it better to learn a trade or go to college?

If you're seeking skills that are job-specific, trade school is unquestionably the superior approach. When you consider the expense of your education, however, trade school may be a better route. If you want to learn about research or pursue a broad interest in knowledge at a college campus, you could succeed.

It really depends on what you want to get out of your education. There are many successful people who never went to college, and there are many successful people who did not complete their degrees. The important thing is that you find an educational path that works for you and that will help you achieve your goals.

So, it is better to learn a trade or go to college? If you're looking for job-specific skills, trade school is the superior option. However, if you want to learn about research or pursue a broad interest in knowledge, college may be the better choice. It really depends on your individual goals and circumstances. Whichever route you choose, make sure it's the right fit for you.

Why are trades better than college?

Beginning a trade offers personal fulfillment, high-income potential, and job security. Trade schools are typically less expensive and require less time than four-year degrees. Trades are in great demand, but continuous education is critical to maintaining competitiveness.

A college degree may not guarantee you a job, but a trade certification does show that the person has the skills necessary to excel in their field. Many college graduates are surprised to find that they make less money than their counterparts who went to trade school.

So, if you're looking for job-specific skills, trade school is the superior option. However, if you want to learn about research or pursue a broad interest in knowledge, college may be the better choice. It really depends on your individual goals and circumstances. Whichever route you choose, make sure it's the right fit for you.

Are trade jobs worth it?

Even those who are concerned about the high cost of education feel that while the expense may be prohibitive, it is always worth it since it will enhance their lifetime earnings potential. Attending trade school may be a great way to get started in your career quickly and make a good salary.

Trade jobs are growing twice as fast as other occupations in the United States, and the average salary for a trade worker is more than $50,000. That’s good news for those who are considering a career in the trades.

There are many reasons to choose trade over college. The most obvious reason is the cost. Trade school is cheaper than college, and you can get started in your career sooner. In addition, trade jobs tend to be more stable than other occupations. College graduates often find themselves underemployed or unemployed, but people with trade skills will always be in demand.

So, if you’re looking for a well-paying job that doesn’t require a four-year degree, a trade might

Is college worth going to?

It is generally acknowledged that attending college opens the door to brighter professions, especially in terms of pay. Let's look at the United States as an example. Adults with a college education in the United States earn around 570,000 USD more over their lives than those who only have a high school diploma.

While a college degree is not a necessity for some jobs, such as electricians or plumbers, it is typically required for most white-collar professions. A college degree may also lead to better job prospects and job security.

So, if you want to earn a good salary and have job security, attending college is worth it. However, if you're looking for a trade that does not require a four-year degree, trade school may be the better option. It really depends on your individual goals and circumstances. Whichever route you choose, make sure it's the right fit for you.

What trade jobs pay the most?

Well, there are many different trades, and each has its own salary range.

  1. Radiation Therapists: They are responsible for administering radiation treatments to cancer patients. The median salary for this profession is $80,000.
  2. Nuclear Medicine Technologists: This trade is considered to be one of the highest-paying ones. They use radioactive drugs to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. The median salary for this profession is $75,000.
  3. Dental Hygienists: Every time you go to the dentist, they clean your teeth. The median salary for this profession is $70,000.
  4. Petroleum Engineers: They work in the oil and gas industry and are responsible for finding new ways to extract these natural resources. The median salary for this profession is $137,000.
  5. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians: You might not think about this trading job at first, but in fact, they play a vital role in our lives. They help to develop, test and manufacture electrical and electronic equipment. The median salary for this profession is $64,000.
  6. Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians: This trade is quite important and interesting. They are responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft. The median salary for this profession is $64,000.

So, as you can see, there are many different trades that pay well. It really depends on what you're interested in and what you're willing to do. There are many options out there, so make sure to research them all before making a decision.

Do jobs that require degrees really have better earning potential than skilled trades?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, median yearly earnings for individuals with a bachelor's degree were $55,000 in the United States. Employees with only a high school education earned an average of $34,000 per year, whereas those who had completed some college but no degree made around $37,000.

In terms of job security, those with a college degree fare better than those without one. In the United States, the unemployment rate for individuals with a bachelor's degree was 2.4% in 2019, whereas the rate for high school graduates was 3.7%.

So, while jobs that require degrees typically have better earning potential and job security, there are many well-paying trade jobs that don't require a four-year degree. It really depends on your individual goals and circumstances. Whichever route you choose, make sure it's the right fit for you. At the same time, the potential of each job should be researched before any decisions are made.

What other aspects affect the salary?

If you decided on college or trade school, there are still some facts that can affect your salary, like the degree you get. For example, if you want to become an engineer, you can earn a lot more money with a master's degree than with only a bachelor's degree.

Experience is also important. The more experience you have in your field, the higher your salary will be. And of course, where you work matters as well. If you want to earn more money, look for jobs in big cities or at companies that are doing well financially.

The field of study you choose can also affect your earnings. Some fields, like business and engineering, tend to pay more than others, like education or social work. For instance, those students who graduate with a degree in business can expect to earn more than those who study social work.

Social skills are important, too. Those who are able to network and build relationships tend to earn more than those who don't. And finally, it's important to be proactive and always be on the lookout for new opportunities.

Finally, the ability to be able to work hard and be dedicated to your job also matters. If you want to earn a good salary, you need to show employers that you're worth it. So, don't be afraid to put in the extra effort and go the extra mile.

So, if you're looking to make the most money possible, it's important to consider all of these factors before making your decision. And remember, there's no one right answer for everyone. It's important to choose the path that's right for you.

Bottom line

So, trade schools and college salaries can vary quite a bit. It really depends on the field you choose and other factors, like experience and location. Do your research to figure out which route is right for you. And remember, no matter what you choose, dedication and hard work are key to success.