AZ School Directory
Compare 39 accredited trade schools across 8 cities — tuition, programs, and AZ licensing rules
39
Schools
8
Cities
15
Trade Programs
Arizona has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing trade school markets thanks to Phoenix-area population growth, the chip manufacturing buildout (TSMC, Intel), and steady demand for HVAC technicians in the desert climate. The Maricopa Community Colleges system, Pima Medical Institute, Refrigeration School (RSI), and UTI Avondale anchor the training landscape.
Arizona's HVAC labor market is one of the tightest in the country — extreme summer heat creates year-round residential and commercial work. Semiconductor fab construction in north Phoenix has driven a surge in demand for electricians, welders, and pipefitters. Healthcare trades remain strong across Phoenix and Tucson.
Based on hiring activity, employer demand, and program enrollment in AZ.
Highest year-round HVAC demand in the country due to desert climate
TSMC and Intel fab builds need thousands of electricians through 2027
Banner Health, HonorHealth, and rapid Valley population growth
Semiconductor fab construction and solar/utility-scale projects
UTI Avondale is a national automotive training hub
Typical range
$5,000–$20,000
Total tuition
Listed school avg.
$14,172
Across 39 schools
Schools listed
39
In 8 cities
See our full trade school cost guide for state-by-state breakdowns and a deeper look at how to fund your training.
Trade licensing in AZ varies by program. Here's what you'll typically need to legally work in each field after training:
| Trade | AZ Requirement |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Arizona ROC license required for contractors; journeyman certification industry-recognized but not state-mandated |
| Plumber | ROC license for contractors; no state journeyman license required |
| HVAC Technician | EPA 608 required; Arizona ROC for HVAC contractors |
| CDL | Class A/B issued by Arizona MVD; ELDT-compliant training required |
| Cosmetology | 1,000 hours + Arizona State Board of Cosmetology exam |
HVAC programs in Arizona typically run 6-12 months for a certificate or up to 24 months for an associate degree. The Refrigeration School (RSI) in Phoenix offers a popular 7-month program. EPA 608 certification is required to handle refrigerants.
Most major trade schools in Phoenix — including Maricopa Community Colleges, Pima Medical Institute, RSI, and UTI Avondale — are accredited and accept federal financial aid. Always verify accreditation with the school directly before enrolling.
Starting salaries vary by trade: HVAC techs $40,000-$50,000, electricians $50,000-$65,000, welders $44,000-$55,000, medical assistants $36,000-$42,000. Experienced trade workers in the Phoenix metro often earn 20-30% more than the national average.
Median listed tuition across 24 Arizona schools that publish a price is $16,415, ranging from $2,700 to $43,750. The table below breaks that down by program — every figure comes from the tuition these schools publish, not a national average.
| Program | Programs | Median tuition | Range | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🩺 Medical Assistant | 23 | $16,415 | $2,500–$21,047 | 9-12 months |
| 🦷 Dental Assistant | 18 | $18,220 | $2,500–$21,293 | 9-12 months |
| ❄️ HVAC Technician | 14 | $11,844 | $2,700–$24,470 | 6-24 months |
| 💊 Pharmacy Technician | 14 | $17,352 | $2,700–$21,047 | 6-12 months |
| ⚡ Electrician | 12 | $11,844 | $2,500–$45,050 | 9-24 months |
| 🚗 Automotive Technician | 11 | $6,500 | $3,500–$45,050 | 6-24 months |
| 🐾 Veterinary Technician | 11 | $18,128 | $16,415–$19,949 | 18-24 months |
| 🔥 Welding | 10 | $5,500 | $2,500–$25,090 | 6-18 months |
| 💇 Cosmetology | 10 | $16,000 | $9,500–$17,500 | 9-15 months |
| 💻 IT & Networking | 10 | $4,000 | $2,500–$7,500 | 6-24 months |
| 🪚 Carpentry | 9 | $5,500 | $3,500–$21,047 | 6-24 months |
| 👨🍳 Culinary Arts | 7 | $4,000 | $2,500–$7,500 | 6-24 months |
| 💆 Massage Therapy | 6 | $19,886 | $2,700–$21,047 | 6-12 months |
| 🚚 CDL Training | 3 | — | — | 3-8 weeks |
| 🔧 Plumbing | 1 | $2,700 | $2,700 | 9-24 months |
Based on the 39 schools listed on Trade Schools Review in Arizona. Median is calculated across programs with a published tuition figure; schools that quote on request are excluded. Confirm current pricing with the school.
The lowest published tuition among Arizona schools in our directory. Public community and technical colleges dominate this list — they charge in-district rates for the same credentials private career colleges sell at several times the price.
Phoenix, AZ · Public Community College
$2,700
listed tuition
Phoenix, AZ · Public Community College
$2,700
listed tuition
Mesa, AZ · Community College
$3,500
listed tuition
Mesa, AZ · Community College
$3,500
listed tuition
Tucson, AZ · Community College
$3,500
listed tuition
Tucson, AZ · Community College
$3,500
listed tuition
Mesa, AZ · Public Career & Technical School District
$8,500
listed tuition
Scottsdale, AZ · Private Career College
$15,800
listed tuition
Phoenix has the most options in the state with 14 schools. Pick a city to compare local programs, tuition, and schedules.
2111 South Alma School Road, Suite 20-22, Mesa, AZ 85210
$17,500
250 students
1001 West Southern Avenue Suite 130, Mesa, AZ 85210
$20,000
492 students
7360 East Tahoe Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85212
$3,500
4,500 students
1601 West Main Street, Mesa, AZ 85201
$8,500
6,000 students
1833 West Southern Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85202
$3,500
19,000 students
957 South Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ 85202
$16,415
721 students
957 South Dobson Road, Mesa, AZ 85202
$16,415
721 students
1420 West Southern Avenue, Mesa, AZ 85202
$17,000
800 students
410 E. Bell Rd., Suite G-100, Phoenix, AZ 85022
N/A
N/A students
2149 W Dunlap Ave, Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85021
$16,187
1,088 students
2149 W Dunlap Ave, Ste 100, Phoenix, AZ 85021
$16,187
1,088 students
1245 E Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85034
N/A
N/A students
108 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
N/A
N/A students
3423 West Bethany Home Road, Phoenix, AZ 85017
N/A
N/A students
1202 W Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85013
$2,700
N/A students
13430 N Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85029
$16,415
830 students
13430 N Black Canyon Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85029
$16,415
830 students
8825 W Larkspur Dr, Peoria, AZ 85381
N/A
N/A students
1310 W Auto Dr, Tempe, AZ 85284
N/A
N/A students
7050 S 24th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042
$2,700
N/A students
4210 East Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034
$23,625
1,417 students
2828 N 36th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
N/A
N/A students
5441 East 22nd Street, Suite 125, Tucson, AZ 85711
$18,500
600 students
201 N. Bonita Ave., Suite 101, Tucson, AZ 85745
$20,000
437 students
3030 East Speedway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ 85716
$16,200
250 students
6251 S. Wilmot Road, Tucson, AZ 85756
N/A
N/A students
1255 North Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85709
$3,500
31,000 students
2202 West Anklam Road, Tucson, AZ 85709
$3,500
12,000 students
3300 South Park Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85713
$0
22,000 students
2121 North Craycroft Road, Building 1, Tucson, AZ 85712
$18,000
2,676 students
2121 North Craycroft Road, Building 1, Tucson, AZ 85712
$18,000
2,676 students
3000 N Dysart Rd, Avondale, AZ 85392
N/A
N/A students
10695 West Pierce Street, Avondale, AZ 85323
$43,750
2,628 students
With 39 options to compare, choosing the right trade school takes some research. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating programs in AZ: