Trade Schools in Birmingham, AL

5 schools · 31 programs · Avg earnings $40,744/yr

Birmingham's economy, historically rooted in steel, has diversified significantly into healthcare and medical research, making it a regional hub for these fields. Major employers like UAB Medicine and Ascension St. Vincent's drive consistent demand for skilled professionals. Trade schools here offer strong programs directly addressing this need, particularly in nursing and allied health.

Beyond healthcare, Birmingham maintains a robust industrial and manufacturing base, creating opportunities for those in skilled trades. Programs in engineering technology are well-suited for individuals seeking to enter sectors that support the city's ongoing development and infrastructure projects.

Schools
5
Programs
31
Avg Grad Earnings
$40,744/yr
Avg Score
59/100

Birmingham Trade Schools Map

5 trade schools in Birmingham, AL.

Herzing University-Birmingham Jefferson State Community College Fortis Institute-Birmingham Lawson State Community College Strayer University-Alabama

All Trade Schools in Birmingham

5 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
Herzing University-Birmingham 9 $40,865/yr 58
Jefferson State Community College 8 $42,861/yr 60
Fortis Institute-Birmingham 5 $32,249/yr 50
Lawson State Community College 4 $40,648/yr 63
Strayer University-Alabama 2 $52,982/yr 68

Top Programs in Birmingham

Highest-earning trade programs by first-year graduate earnings in Birmingham.

Program School Earnings Score
Nursing Herzing University-Birmingham $73,342/yr 72
Nursing Lawson State Community College $64,547/yr 81
Nursing Jefferson State Community College $63,811/yr 81
IT Management Strayer University-Alabama $61,810/yr 68
Allied Health Professions Herzing University-Birmingham $57,114/yr 65
Allied Health Professions Jefferson State Community College $51,826/yr 65
Funeral Service & Mortuary Science Jefferson State Community College $49,566/yr 57
Medical Assisting Jefferson State Community College $47,796/yr 70
Practical Nursing Herzing University-Birmingham $47,310/yr 72
Business Strayer University-Alabama $44,154/yr 69

Apprenticeships in Birmingham

Another path · Earn while you learn
95 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Birmingham
Apprentices earn wages during training and graduate debt-free. See all Alabama apprenticeships → for wages by trade.

Programs by Category

Skilled Trades (3 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Vehicle Repair Technology Lawson State Community College 67 $35,347/yr
Welding & Metalworking Lawson State Community College 62 $35,941/yr
HVAC Technology Fortis Institute-Birmingham 49 $36,485/yr

Healthcare (16 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Nursing Lawson State Community College 81 $64,547/yr
Nursing Jefferson State Community College 81 $63,811/yr
Nursing Herzing University-Birmingham 72 $73,342/yr
Practical Nursing Herzing University-Birmingham 72 $47,310/yr
Medical Assisting Jefferson State Community College 70 $47,796/yr
Allied Health Professions Herzing University-Birmingham 65 $57,114/yr
Allied Health Professions Jefferson State Community College 65 $51,826/yr
Health Administration Herzing University-Birmingham 57 $27,871/yr
Health Administration Herzing University-Birmingham 56 $30,821/yr
Health Administration Fortis Institute-Birmingham 56 $26,833/yr
Medical Assisting Herzing University-Birmingham 53 $34,039/yr
Medical Assisting Herzing University-Birmingham 53 $30,106/yr
Allied Health Professions Herzing University-Birmingham 52 $43,769/yr
Medical Assisting Fortis Institute-Birmingham 49 $25,556/yr
Clinical Laboratory Science Fortis Institute-Birmingham 48 $40,819/yr
Dental Assisting Fortis Institute-Birmingham 46 $31,554/yr

Engineering & Technology (3 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
IT Management Strayer University-Alabama 68 $61,810/yr
Computer Networking Herzing University-Birmingham 60 $43,901/yr
Engineering Technology Jefferson State Community College 56 $38,981/yr

Personal Services (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Funeral Service & Mortuary Science Jefferson State Community College 57 $49,566/yr

Business & Office (4 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Business Strayer University-Alabama 69 $44,154/yr
Business Administration Herzing University-Birmingham 60 $30,536/yr
Accounting Herzing University-Birmingham 57 $31,620/yr
Business Operations Support Jefferson State Community College 54 $25,648/yr

Agriculture & Natural Resources (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Veterinary Technology Jefferson State Community College 52 $37,085/yr

Other Programs (3 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Liberal Arts & Humanities Jefferson State Community College 44 $28,176/yr
Legal Support Services Herzing University-Birmingham 43 $39,952/yr
Liberal Arts & Humanities Lawson State Community College 42 $26,759/yr

More Trade Schools in Alabama

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in Birmingham?
There are 5 accredited trade and vocational schools in Birmingham, AL, offering a total of 31 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Birmingham?
The highest-earning programs in Birmingham include Nursing, Nursing, Nursing, with graduates earning $73,342 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Birmingham worth it?
Trade school programs in Birmingham average $40,744 in first-year graduate earnings, with many programs offering positive ROI within the first year. Most trade careers offer strong job security due to hands-on work requirements.

About This Data

This page analyzes 31 trade and vocational programs at 5 schools in Birmingham, AL using earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024–2034).

School locations shown on the map are based on official institutional addresses. Graduate earnings represent median first-year earnings for certificate and associate degree completers.

Data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034. Last updated 2026.