Trade Schools in Tacoma, WA

3 schools · 14 programs · Avg earnings $38,759/yr

Tacoma's vocational training landscape is heavily influenced by its strong healthcare sector, driven by major employers like MultiCare and CHI Franciscan. This is reflected in the high-earning potential for programs such as Registered Nursing and Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions, which directly prepare students for in-demand roles within the city's hospitals and clinics.

Beyond healthcare, Tacoma's port activities and diverse business environment create a need for skilled administrative and service professionals. Programs in Business/Commerce, General and Accounting and Related Services equip graduates for roles supporting the city's logistics, manufacturing, and retail industries, offering solid career entry points.

Schools
3
Programs
14
Avg Grad Earnings
$38,759/yr
Avg Score
62/100

Tacoma Trade Schools Map

3 trade schools in Tacoma, WA.

Tacoma Community College Summit Salon Academy BJ's Beauty & Barber College

All Trade Schools in Tacoma

3 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
Tacoma Community College 10 $41,732/yr 65
Summit Salon Academy 1 $22,595/yr 45
BJ's Beauty & Barber College 1 $19,248/yr 43

Top Programs in Tacoma

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

Program School Earnings Score
Nursing Tacoma Community College $82,447/yr 86
Allied Health Professions Tacoma Community College $73,435/yr 73
Medical Assisting Tacoma Community College $58,382/yr 76
Legal Support Services Tacoma Community College $50,681/yr 66
Human Services Tacoma Community College $41,008/yr 57
Business Tacoma Community College $40,863/yr 76
Medical Assisting Tacoma Community College $32,779/yr 66
Accounting Tacoma Community College $29,188/yr 61
Sales & Marketing Tacoma Community College $26,283/yr 64
Liberal Arts & Humanities Tacoma Community College $25,892/yr 43

Programs by Category

Healthcare (4) Personal Services (2) Business & Office (5) Other Programs (3)

Healthcare (4 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Nursing Tacoma Community College 86 $82,447/yr
Medical Assisting Tacoma Community College 76 $58,382/yr
Allied Health Professions Tacoma Community College 73 $73,435/yr
Medical Assisting Tacoma Community College 66 $32,779/yr

Personal Services (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Cosmetology Summit Salon Academy 45 $22,595/yr
Cosmetology BJ's Beauty & Barber College 43 $19,248/yr

Business & Office (5 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Business Tacoma Community College 76 $40,863/yr
Sales & Marketing Tacoma Community College 64 $26,283/yr
Accounting Tacoma Community College 61 $29,188/yr
Business Administration Tacoma Community College 58 $20,066/yr
Accounting Tacoma Community College 58 $19,762/yr

Other Programs (3 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Legal Support Services Tacoma Community College 66 $50,681/yr
Human Services Tacoma Community College 57 $41,008/yr
Liberal Arts & Humanities Tacoma Community College 43 $25,892/yr

Nearby Cities with Trade Schools

More Trade Schools in Washington

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in Tacoma?
There are 3 accredited trade and vocational schools in Tacoma, WA, offering a total of 14 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Tacoma?
The highest-earning programs in Tacoma include Nursing, Allied Health Professions, Medical Assisting, with graduates earning $82,447 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Tacoma worth it?
Trade school programs in Tacoma average $38,759 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 3 schools in Tacoma, WA 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.