The Analysis

Trade data,
without the hype.

Honest, numbers-first guides on which trade programs pay off, what skilled trades actually earn, and what the data says about vocational ROI — built on College Scorecard, BLS, and DOL RAPIDS.

verified Federal-data sourced · Updated monthly
balance
Featured · ROI Analysis

Trade School vs College: Pros, Cons & ROI Compared

Trade school vs college compared side by side using BLS earnings data, average debt loads, and breakeven analysis. Which path pays off faster, which earns more long-term, and who should choose what.

calendar_todayMar 20, 2026 schedule9 min read databaseBLS · College Scorecard
Read analysis arrow_forward
More Analysis
leaderboard
Trade Rankings

Best Trades to Get Into in 2026 (By Salary & Job Growth)

We ranked 12 trades by salary, job growth, training time, and AI resistance using BLS data. Electricians, HVAC techs, and plumbers top the list. Includes program costs and a trades vs. college comparison.

calendar_todayMar 6, 2026 schedule12 min
bolt
Career Path

How to Become an Electrician — Step by Step Path

The apprenticeship path from zero experience to journeyman: state licensing, IBEW vs. non-union, wage progression, and realistic timelines based on actual DOL RAPIDS data.

calendar_todayFeb 22, 2026 schedule8 min

Want to check a specific trade school or program?

Compare 12,699 trade programs at 3,286 schools by earnings, ROI, and AI-resilience. Or browse 672+ live apprenticeship openings across 20 trades.

Explore Trade Programs Browse Apprenticeships
insights