Best Construction Trades institutions in the US, ranked by earnings
Compare 81 U.S. colleges offering Construction Trades by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 31 states.
About Construction Trades programs
The Construction Trades program, specifically the General specialization, prepares students for careers in the construction industry. This program is designed for individuals interested in building, engineering, and architectural fields, providing a solid foundation for those looking to enter the workforce or pursue further education in construction-related disciplines.
Students in the Construction Trades program will gain essential skills in areas such as building and construction, mechanical systems, and project management. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication, ensuring graduates are well-equipped to meet industry demands.
Top 8 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honolulu Community College Honolulu, HI Public · Associate degree | $86,741 | 144 | 25% | — | $12,500 |
| 2 | Charter College Anchorage, AK Private for-profit · Associate degree | $52,820 | 20 | 56% | $26,789 | $13,862 |
| 3 | Perry Technical Institute Yakima, WA Private not-for-profit · Certificate degree | $39,366 | 22 | 79% | $24,069 | $7,892 |
| 4 | Great Oaks Career Campuses Cincinnati, OH Public · Certificate degree | $39,297 | 9 | 90% | — | $9,500 |
| 5 | Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center Minneapolis, MN Private not-for-profit · Certificate degree | $28,440 | 231 | 64% | $17,453 | $9,322 |
| 6 | Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES Liverpool, NY Public · Certificate degree | $24,129 | 24 | 73% | — | $8,233 |
| 7 | Apex Technical School Long Island City, NY Private not-for-profit · Certificate degree | $23,562 | 140 | 78% | $17,771 | $9,500 |
| 8 | Lake Land College Mattoon, IL Public · Certificate degree | $12,838 | 422 | 58% | — | $5,500 |
Offered across 31 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaiilimited | 1 | $86,741 | Honolulu Community College |
| Alaskalimited | 2 | $52,820 | Charter College |
| Washingtonlimited | 1 | $39,366 | Perry Technical Institute |
| Ohio | 3 | $39,297 | Great Oaks Career Campuses |
| Minnesota | 3 | $28,440 | Summit Academy Opportunities Industrialization Center |
| New Yorklimited | 2 | $24,129 | Onondaga Cortland Madison BOCES |
| Illinois | 7 | $12,838 | Lake Land College |
| New Jerseylimited | 2 | — | — |
| Arkansas | 6 | — | — |
| Arizonalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Californialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Colorado | 9 | — | — |
| Georgialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Indianalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michigan | 3 | — | — |
| Missouri | 5 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nevadalimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Oregon | 6 | — | — |
| South Dakotalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Texaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginia | 6 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Wyominglimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Mexicolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Idaholimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 47-1011, First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers, and its national outlook.
The job outlook for careers in construction trades is promising, with an expected growth rate of 5.3% and approximately 74,400 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is $78,690, and typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required for entry into the field.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Construction Trades programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Inspect work progress, equipment, or construction sites to verify safety or to ensure that specifications are met.
- Read specifications, such as blueprints, to determine construction requirements or to plan procedures.
- Supervise, coordinate, or schedule the activities of construction or extractive workers.
- Assign work to employees, based on material or worker requirements of specific jobs.
- Coordinate work activities with other construction project activities.
- Estimate material or worker requirements to complete jobs.
Tools & technology
Concentrations within Construction Trades
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Construction Trades, GeneralCIP 46.0000
A program that generally prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the building, inspecting, and maintaining of structures and related properties
Common questions
What types of jobs can I get with a Construction Trades program?+
Graduates can pursue various roles in construction, including project management, site supervision, and skilled trades positions.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in speaking, active listening, critical thinking, and reading comprehension, among others.
Is there a demand for construction trades professionals?+
Yes, the demand is strong, with a projected growth rate of 5.3% in the field.
What education do I need to enter this field?+
Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required to start a career in construction trades.
Related programs
Other programs in the same field of study.
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