WA School Directory
Browse 12 accredited trade schools and vocational training programs in Washington
12
Schools
9
Cities
15
Trade Programs
Washington has one of the most generous state-level financial aid programs in the country — the Washington College Grant — which can cover full tuition for eligible low-income students at public and many private trade schools. The system is anchored by 34 community and technical colleges including Bates Technical College (Tacoma), Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Renton Technical College, Bellingham Technical College, and Clover Park Technical College, plus Perry Technical Institute (Yakima) on the private side.
Washington's trade demand spans Boeing's aerospace supply chain (electricians, welders, machinists), the Seattle/Puget Sound construction boom, the Port of Seattle/Tacoma for CDL and logistics, and growing semiconductor, solar, and battery work. Apprenticeships are particularly strong — Washington has one of the highest rates of registered apprenticeship in the country, especially in construction trades.
Based on hiring activity, employer demand, and program enrollment in WA.
Strong IBEW Local 46 (Seattle) apprenticeship plus aerospace and tech-sector commercial work
Puget Sound housing growth and commercial retrofitting demand
Port of Seattle/Tacoma drayage and statewide freight volume
Boeing supplier base, shipbuilding (Vigor), and aerospace demand
UW Medicine, Providence, and Swedish Health drive Seattle-area hiring
Typical range
$4,500–$18,000
Total tuition
Listed school avg.
$7,775
Across 12 schools
Schools listed
12
In 9 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 WA varies by program. Here's what you'll typically need to legally work in each field after training:
| Trade | WA Requirement |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Washington L&I Electrician Trainee → Journey Level Electrician license; statewide exam required |
| Plumber | Washington L&I Plumber Trainee → Journey Level Plumber license; statewide exam required |
| HVAC Technician | Washington L&I 06A or 06B HVAC Specialty Electrical license; EPA 608 required |
| CDL | Class A/B issued by Washington DOL; ELDT-compliant training required |
| Cosmetology | 1,600 hours + Washington Department of Licensing exam |
Public technical and community college tuition averages $115-$140 per credit hour, putting most trade diplomas in the $4,500-$10,000 range. The Washington College Grant covers full tuition for eligible residents at public and many private schools — among the most generous state aid in the country. Private trade schools run $12,000-$18,000.
No — they're separate. The Pell Grant is federal need-based aid; the Washington College Grant is state-level need-based aid. They can be combined. WCG can effectively cover what Pell doesn't, leaving many eligible students with $0 tuition at public trade schools.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Bates Technical College, and Bellingham Technical College all run respected HVAC programs. Perry Technical Institute in Yakima is a private school with a strong reputation and direct employer placement.
For most construction trades in Washington, registered apprenticeships are an excellent path — you earn while you learn over 4-5 years, graduate as a journeyman with no debt, and Washington has one of the strongest apprenticeship infrastructures in the U.S. Trade school gets you to work faster as a helper or non-union worker, and is a good complement if no apprenticeship slot is available.
9600 College Way North, Seattle, WA 98103
$5,500
9,000 students
9709 Third Avenue NE, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98115
$17,863
450 students
1701 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
$5,500
16,000 students
6000 16th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98106
$5,500
9,500 students
With 12 options to compare, choosing the right trade school takes some research. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating programs in WA: