Trade Schools in Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids boasts a robust healthcare sector, anchored by major systems like Spectrum Health and Mercy Health Saint Mary's. This strong demand for skilled medical professionals is reflected in the local trade school offerings, with programs in Registered Nursing and Practical Nursing being particularly relevant for direct entry into the area's largest employers. The city's growing medical device manufacturing and research industries also create opportunities for specialized allied health roles.
Beyond healthcare, Grand Rapids maintains a diverse economy including manufacturing, furniture design, and a significant food processing industry. While not always top earners, trades supporting these sectors – such as welding, HVAC, or culinary arts – provide consistent local employment. The presence of a strong justice system further supports training in areas like Criminal Justice and Corrections, aligning with regional needs for public safety professionals.
Grand Rapids Trade Schools Map
4 trade schools in Grand Rapids, MI.
All Trade Schools in Grand Rapids
4 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.
| School | Programs | Avg Earnings | Avg Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids Community College | 18 | $41,688/yr | 70 |
| Davenport University | 4 | $42,774/yr | 60 |
| Ross College-Grand Rapids North | 3 | $26,575/yr | 52 |
| Empire Beauty School-Michigan | 1 | $16,062/yr | 42 |
Top Programs in Grand Rapids
Highest-earning trade programs by first-year graduate earnings in Grand Rapids.
| Program | School | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technology | Grand Rapids Community College | $70,622/yr | 76 |
| Nursing | Grand Rapids Community College | $69,764/yr | 85 |
| Criminal Justice | Grand Rapids Community College | $59,278/yr | 89 |
| Practical Nursing | Davenport University | $55,249/yr | 67 |
| Precision Metalworking | Grand Rapids Community College | $50,089/yr | 66 |
| Drafting & Design Technology | Grand Rapids Community College | $49,865/yr | 58 |
| Business | Davenport University | $49,530/yr | 68 |
| Criminal Justice | Grand Rapids Community College | $48,049/yr | 78 |
| Allied Health Professions | Grand Rapids Community College | $46,280/yr | 67 |
| Practical Nursing | Grand Rapids Community College | $45,946/yr | 81 |
Programs by Category
Skilled Trades (5 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction Management Technology | Grand Rapids Community College | 75 | $33,914/yr |
| Electrical Installation | Grand Rapids Community College | 72 | $34,972/yr |
| Vehicle Repair Technology | Grand Rapids Community College | 71 | $37,927/yr |
| Precision Metalworking | Grand Rapids Community College | 66 | $50,089/yr |
| Precision Metalworking | Grand Rapids Community College | 63 | $34,042/yr |
Healthcare (12 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Grand Rapids Community College | 85 | $69,764/yr |
| Practical Nursing | Grand Rapids Community College | 81 | $45,946/yr |
| Medical Assisting | Grand Rapids Community College | 68 | $32,171/yr |
| Practical Nursing | Davenport University | 67 | $55,249/yr |
| Allied Health Professions | Grand Rapids Community College | 67 | $46,280/yr |
| Dental Assisting | Grand Rapids Community College | 63 | $45,543/yr |
| Medical Assisting | Grand Rapids Community College | 61 | $33,836/yr |
| Health Administration | Ross College-Grand Rapids North | 60 | $28,495/yr |
| Health Administration | Davenport University | 58 | $35,569/yr |
| Medical Assisting | Ross College-Grand Rapids North | 52 | $25,879/yr |
| Medical Assisting | Davenport University | 49 | $30,748/yr |
| Dental Assisting | Ross College-Grand Rapids North | 43 | $25,352/yr |
Engineering & Technology (3 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Production Technology | Grand Rapids Community College | 76 | $70,622/yr |
| IT Management | Grand Rapids Community College | 75 | $36,189/yr |
| Drafting & Design Technology | Grand Rapids Community College | 58 | $49,865/yr |
Criminal Justice & Public Safety (2 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice | Grand Rapids Community College | 89 | $59,278/yr |
| Criminal Justice | Grand Rapids Community College | 78 | $48,049/yr |
Personal Services (3 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts | Grand Rapids Community College | 72 | $27,630/yr |
| Culinary Arts | Grand Rapids Community College | 66 | $24,473/yr |
| Cosmetology | Empire Beauty School-Michigan | 42 | $16,062/yr |
Business & Office (3 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | Grand Rapids Community College | 77 | $41,712/yr |
| Business | Davenport University | 68 | $49,530/yr |
| Accounting | Grand Rapids Community College | 68 | $35,538/yr |
Family & Consumer Sciences (1 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Development & Family Studies | Grand Rapids Community College | 56 | $25,539/yr |
Other Programs (1 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | Grand Rapids Community College | 51 | $33,777/yr |
More Trade Schools in Michigan
View all trade schools in Michigan or browse all cities with trade schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Data
This page analyzes 30 trade and vocational programs at 4 schools in Grand Rapids, MI 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.