Find accredited IT training programs near you
$62,760
Avg. Salary
9%
Job Growth
6-24 months
Program Length
475
Schools Listed
IT and networking trade programs prepare you for help desk, network administration, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure roles. Unlike a 4-year CS degree, these programs focus on industry certifications (CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+, CCNA) that employers actively hire for.
IT suits people who like troubleshooting and learning new technology constantly. The pay is strong, the work is mostly indoors, and remote/hybrid work is common at the senior level. Soft skills (clear communication, customer service) often matter more than people expect.
Help desk: 10-30 tickets a day across software, hardware, password resets, and account issues. Network admin: monitor switches/routers/firewalls, troubleshoot connectivity, plan upgrades. Cybersecurity: review SIEM alerts, investigate incidents, manage vulnerabilities. Cloud roles: provision and maintain AWS/Azure/GCP resources.
Earning certifications like CompTIA A+ and Network+ can increase your employability and qualify you for higher-paying positions. Many IT training programs include certification prep as part of the curriculum.
IT is not one job β it's a family of related roles. Choosing a specialization early can shape your training, certifications, and earning ceiling.
Most common entry point. CompTIA A+ is the standard.
CCNA, Network+. Switches, routers, firewalls.
Security+, CySA+, BTL1. Highest growth area.
Cloud certifications. Strong remote-work potential.
Linux, Windows Server, virtualization.
Local hiring conditions matter more than national averages. These states currently have the strongest combination of employer demand, training infrastructure, and pay.
Largest data center market in the U.S. (NoVa)
Austin and DFW tech corridor
Highest IT wages, especially Bay Area
Atlanta data center expansion and tech hiring
Data center and semiconductor IT roles
$62,760
National median salary
9%
10-year job growth
6-24 months
Typical training length
Realistic pay range
$45,000β$95,000
Entry to experienced
Training cost range
$4,000β$18,000
Public to private programs
2276 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Graniteville, SC 29829
$6,000
12 months
View Details β3405 Highway 231 South, Ozark, AL 36360
$10,150
18-24 months
View Details β1247 Jimmie Kerr Road, Graham, NC 27253
$5,056
2 years
View Details β1415 E. Tudor Road, Anchorage, AK 99507
$16,245
11 months
View Details β843 4th Street, Kotzebue, AK 99752
$8,217
9 months
View Details β809 Second Ave, Seward, AK 99664
$4,929
9 months
View Details βShowing 6 of 475 schools. Select a state in the sidebar to view all schools in your area.
Certificate programs run 6-12 months. Associate degrees run 18-24 months. Many people combine a short program with self-study for CompTIA certifications and skip the degree entirely.
For motivated self-starters, certifications alone (A+, Network+, Security+) can land entry-level jobs. Trade school helps if you want structure, a built-in network of peers, and an externship/lab environment to build hands-on experience.
For entry roles: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+. For networking: CCNA. For cybersecurity: Security+, CySA+. For cloud: AWS Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals as a starting point.