Trade Schools in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma, WA has 5 schools with trade and career programs in this directory: 2 public and 3 private. Together they graduated 1,321 students from these programs in the latest federal count.

Published program tuition runs from $5,660 to $21,500, with a median of $18,700 across the 11 programs that report a program price.

Graduates earned a median of $31,259 one year after finishing, where the Department of Education reports earnings for the program.

The largest programs by graduates are at Bates Technical College, UEI College-Tacoma and Tacoma Community College.

5
Schools
1,321
Graduates last year
$18,700
Median program tuition
$31,259
Median earnings, 1 yr after

All 5 schools in Tacoma, WA

Sorted by size. Tap a name for details.

Bates Technical College

Tacoma, WA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Barber, Carpentry and CDL Truck Driving and 11 more
Average net price
$9,558
Completion rate
40%
Type
Public

UEI College-Tacoma

Tacoma, WA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Dental Assistant, HVAC and Medical Assistant and 1 more
Average net price
$30,321
Completion rate
63%
Type
Private for-profit

Tacoma Community College

Tacoma, WA

Programs
CNA, EMT and Paramedic and Medical Billing and Coding
Average net price
$19,206
Completion rate
30%
Type
Public

Summit Salon Academy

Tacoma, WA

Programs
Cosmetology and Esthetician
Average net price
$15,147
Completion rate
76%
Type
Private for-profit

Also within 30 miles of Tacoma

Clover Park Technical College

Lakewood, WA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Aviation Maintenance, CNA and Cosmetology and 11 more
Average net price
$17,744
Completion rate
41%
Type
Public

Pierce College District

Lakewood, WA

Programs
EMT and Paramedic
Average net price
$20,424
Completion rate
32%
Type
Public

Highline College

Des Moines, WA

Programs
CNA and Medical Assistant
Average net price
$18,053
Completion rate
38%
Type
Public

Green River College

Auburn, WA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Carpentry, CNA and LPN and 4 more
Average net price
$18,821
Completion rate
41%
Type
Public

Pima Medical Institute-Renton

Renton, WA

Programs
Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician and Phlebotomy
Average net price
$49,097
Completion rate
71%
Type
Private for-profit

Renton Technical College

Renton, WA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Aviation Maintenance, Carpentry and CNA and 11 more
Average net price
$18,421
Completion rate
39%
Type
Public

South Seattle College

Seattle, WA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Aviation Maintenance, Diesel Mechanic and LPN and 2 more
Average net price
$19,193
Completion rate
33%
Type
Public

Olympic College

Bremerton, WA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Barber, CNA and Cosmetology and 8 more
Average net price
$10,370
Completion rate
33%
Type
Public

South Puget Sound Community College

Olympia, WA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Dental Assistant, Machinist and CNC and Medical Assistant and 2 more
Average net price
$18,745
Completion rate
44%
Type
Public

Seattle Central College

Seattle, WA

Programs
Carpentry, CNA, Cosmetology and Dental Assistant and 3 more
Average net price
$21,132
Completion rate
33%
Type
Public

Common questions

How much does trade school training cost in Tacoma, WA?

The median published tuition is $18,700 (range $5,660 to $21,500, 11 programs reporting). The lowest listed prices are at BJ's Beauty & Barber College ($5,660), Summit Salon Academy ($13,700) and UEI College-Tacoma ($19,900). Public community and technical colleges often charge less but report tuition per year rather than per program, so check each school's net price calculator.

How long does trade school school take?

Programs that report a length take a median of 9 months to finish (5 to 14 months). Certificates are shorter; associate degrees usually take about two years.

How much do trade school graduates earn?

Across 12 programs with reported outcomes, the median graduate earned $31,259 one year after finishing (U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard). Earnings vary by program and local labor market.

Are there public trade school programs in Tacoma, WA?

Yes. 2 public schools offer it, including Bates Technical College and Tacoma Community College.

Data: U.S. Department of Education: IPEDS 2024-25 and College Scorecard (October 2026 release). Listings change; confirm details with the school before you go. How this directory is built.