Trade Schools in Erie, PA

3 schools · 13 programs · Avg earnings $31,891/yr

Erie's economy, historically rooted in manufacturing and lake-based industries, is increasingly diversified with strong healthcare and advanced manufacturing sectors. This shift creates demand for skilled trades across various fields. Training in areas like Precision Metal Working directly supports local manufacturers, while programs in Electrical and Power Transmission Installations address infrastructure and industrial needs.

The city's robust healthcare system, including major employers like UPMC Hamot and LECOM, drives significant demand for skilled medical professionals. Programs such as Registered Nursing and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions prepare graduates for immediate entry into these critical roles, contributing directly to Erie's community health and economic stability.

Schools
3
Programs
13
Avg Grad Earnings
$31,891/yr
Avg Score
50/100

Erie Trade Schools Map

3 trade schools in Erie, PA.

Great Lakes Institute of Technology Erie Institute of Technology Inc Mercyhurst University

All Trade Schools in Erie

3 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
Great Lakes Institute of Technology 7 $27,415/yr 48
Erie Institute of Technology Inc 4 $31,504/yr 48
Mercyhurst University 2 $48,332/yr 58

Top Programs in Erie

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

Program School Earnings Score
Nursing Mercyhurst University $64,009/yr 65
Allied Health Professions Great Lakes Institute of Technology $45,373/yr 57
Practical Nursing Great Lakes Institute of Technology $41,229/yr 64
Electrical Installation Erie Institute of Technology Inc $38,674/yr 60
Environmental Technology Erie Institute of Technology Inc $38,031/yr 49
Medical Assisting Mercyhurst University $32,656/yr 50
Medical Assisting Great Lakes Institute of Technology $27,108/yr 53
Precision Metalworking Erie Institute of Technology Inc $25,942/yr 42
Dental Assisting Great Lakes Institute of Technology $24,398/yr 43
Vehicle Repair Technology Erie Institute of Technology Inc $23,370/yr 43

Programs by Category

Skilled Trades (3) Healthcare (7) Engineering & Technology (1) Personal Services (1) Agriculture & Natural Resources (1)

Skilled Trades (3 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Electrical Installation Erie Institute of Technology Inc 60 $38,674/yr
Vehicle Repair Technology Erie Institute of Technology Inc 43 $23,370/yr
Precision Metalworking Erie Institute of Technology Inc 42 $25,942/yr

Healthcare (7 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Nursing Mercyhurst University 65 $64,009/yr
Practical Nursing Great Lakes Institute of Technology 64 $41,229/yr
Allied Health Professions Great Lakes Institute of Technology 57 $45,373/yr
Medical Assisting Great Lakes Institute of Technology 53 $27,108/yr
Medical Assisting Mercyhurst University 50 $32,656/yr
Dental Assisting Great Lakes Institute of Technology 43 $24,398/yr
Massage Therapy Great Lakes Institute of Technology 38 $19,364/yr

Engineering & Technology (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Environmental Technology Erie Institute of Technology Inc 49 $38,031/yr

Personal Services (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Cosmetology Great Lakes Institute of Technology 42 $16,280/yr

Agriculture & Natural Resources (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Veterinary Technology Great Lakes Institute of Technology 38 $18,155/yr

More Trade Schools in Pennsylvania

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in Erie?
There are 3 accredited trade and vocational schools in Erie, PA, offering a total of 13 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Erie?
The highest-earning programs in Erie include Nursing, Allied Health Professions, Practical Nursing, with graduates earning $64,009 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Erie worth it?
Trade school programs in Erie average $31,891 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 13 trade and vocational programs at 3 schools in Erie, PA 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.