Trade Schools in Washington, DC

9 schools · 14 programs · Avg earnings $43,982/yr

Washington, DC's economy is heavily influenced by the federal government, non-profits, and a growing tech sector. This environment creates consistent demand for skilled professionals in specialized support roles. Programs in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management are particularly relevant, given the city's robust cybersecurity and IT infrastructure needs across government agencies and private contractors.

Beyond federal operations, the city also supports a significant healthcare and research community. Training in Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions aligns well with the numerous hospitals and research institutions in the metropolitan area, providing essential technical skills for the local medical and scientific workforce.

Schools
9
Programs
14
Avg Grad Earnings
$43,982/yr
Avg Score
59/100

Washington Trade Schools Map

9 trade schools in Washington, DC.

Career Technical Institute Strayer University-Global Region Strayer University-District of Columbia American University The Salon Professional Academy-Washington DC Saint Michael College of Allied Health Bennett Career Institute George Washington University University of the District of Columbia

All Trade Schools in Washington

9 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
Career Technical Institute 3 $23,241/yr 54
Strayer University-Global Region 2 $52,982/yr 68
Strayer University-District of Columbia 2 $52,982/yr 68
American University 2 $51,857/yr 52
The Salon Professional Academy-Washington DC 1 $19,048/yr 43
Saint Michael College of Allied Health 1 $74,782/yr 74
Bennett Career Institute 1 $20,316/yr 44
George Washington University 1 $40,630/yr 46
University of the District of Columbia 1 $75,609/yr 77

Top Programs in Washington

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

Program School Earnings Score
Bioethics University of the District of Columbia $75,609/yr 77
Practical Nursing Saint Michael College of Allied Health $74,782/yr 74
IT Management Strayer University-District of Columbia $61,810/yr 68
IT Management Strayer University-Global Region $61,810/yr 68
Linguistics American University $52,493/yr 48
Political Science American University $51,222/yr 56
Business Strayer University-District of Columbia $44,154/yr 69
Business Strayer University-Global Region $44,154/yr 69
Clinical Laboratory Science George Washington University $40,630/yr 46
IT Management Career Technical Institute $24,935/yr 54

Apprenticeships in Washington

Another path · Earn while you learn
141 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Washington
Apprentices earn wages during training and graduate debt-free. See all District of Columbia apprenticeships → for wages by trade.

Programs by Category

Healthcare (4) Engineering & Technology (4) Personal Services (2) Business & Office (2) Other Programs (2)

Healthcare (4 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Bioethics University of the District of Columbia 77 $75,609/yr
Practical Nursing Saint Michael College of Allied Health 74 $74,782/yr
Health Administration Career Technical Institute 54 $20,308/yr
Clinical Laboratory Science George Washington University 46 $40,630/yr

Engineering & Technology (4 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
IT Management Strayer University-District of Columbia 68 $61,810/yr
IT Management Strayer University-Global Region 68 $61,810/yr
Information Sciences Career Technical Institute 55 $24,482/yr
IT Management Career Technical Institute 54 $24,935/yr

Personal Services (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Cosmetology Bennett Career Institute 44 $20,316/yr
Cosmetology The Salon Professional Academy-Washington DC 43 $19,048/yr

Business & Office (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Business Strayer University-District of Columbia 69 $44,154/yr
Business Strayer University-Global Region 69 $44,154/yr

Other Programs (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Political Science American University 56 $51,222/yr
Linguistics American University 48 $52,493/yr

Nearby Cities with Trade Schools

More Trade Schools in District of Columbia

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in Washington?
There are 9 accredited trade and vocational schools in Washington, DC, offering a total of 14 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Washington?
The highest-earning programs in Washington include Bioethics, Practical Nursing, IT Management, with graduates earning $75,609 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Washington worth it?
Trade school programs in Washington average $43,982 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 14 trade and vocational programs at 9 schools in Washington, DC 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.