Minnesota Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Minnesota.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Minnesota
Average Cost of Trade School in Minnesota
Most trade programs in Minnesota are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Minnesota, cold-climate building systems can drive consistent demand for HVAC, electrical, and building maintenance trades.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $746 higher than in-state on average.
| Minnesota Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $6,383 |
|---|---|
| Minnesota Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $7,129 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Minnesota
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Minnesota Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- In Minnesota, many trade certificates take 6–18 months, while apprenticeships commonly last 3–5 years depending on required hours and related instruction.
- Licensing requirements vary by trade and locality. Some trades require licensing and exams, while permitting/inspection can be local—verify requirements with Minnesota agencies and your city/county.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Minnesota
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Minnesota. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $26.22 | $1,049 | $4,546 | $54,549 |
| AV Technician | $32.61 | $1,304 | $5,652 | $67,829 |
| Carpenter | $25.54 | $1,022 | $4,427 | $53,123 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $35.19 | $1,408 | $6,099 | $73,195 |
| CNC Machinist | $24.16 | $967 | $4,188 | $50,253 |
| Construction | $25.64 | $1,026 | $4,444 | $53,331 |
| Concrete Finisher | $28.11 | $1,124 | $4,872 | $58,469 |
| Diesel Technician | $29.19 | $1,168 | $5,059 | $60,715 |
| Electrician | $30.91 | $1,236 | $5,358 | $64,293 |
| Heavy Equipment | $25.23 | $986 | $4,273 | $51,278 |
| HVAC Technician | $28.43 | $1,139 | $4,937 | $59,238 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $28.10 | $1,124 | $4,871 | $58,454 |
| Ironworker | $26.77 | $1,070 | $4,639 | $55,666 |
| Lineworker | $41.93 | $1,677 | $7,267 | $87,207 |
| Marine Mechanic | $29.06 | $1,162 | $5,035 | $60,392 |
| Mason | $27.31 | $1,092 | $4,734 | $56,805 |
| Plumber | $32.77 | $1,280 | $5,546 | $66,554 |
| Roofer | $24.52 | $981 | $4,250 | $51,002 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $25.95 | $1,009 | $4,371 | $52,446 |
| Welder | $24.80 | $992 | $4,299 | $51,584 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why Minnesota Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Minnesota’s trade economy is supported by steady residential and commercial construction, manufacturing, utilities, healthcare expansion, and public infrastructure investment. Consistent demand exists for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, pipefitters, welders, carpenters, and industrial maintenance trades—particularly across the Twin Cities metro.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Minnesota students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul: Commercial construction, healthcare systems, higher education facilities, and transit projects.
- Rochester: Healthcare-driven construction and mechanical trades tied to large medical campuses.
- Duluth: Port operations, utilities, and regional infrastructure maintenance.
- Statewide: Ongoing need for service trades, utilities, and public works across smaller cities and rural communities.
Major Employers and Contractors in Minnesota
Tradespeople in Minnesota frequently work with employers tied to healthcare, construction, manufacturing, and utilities, including:
- Mortenson Construction — Minneapolis-based contractor active in commercial, healthcare, and infrastructure projects nationwide.
- Xcel Energy — Utility infrastructure and electrical maintenance work across the state.
- 3M — Manufacturing facilities supporting industrial maintenance and skilled mechanical trades.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Minnesota
Minnesota has a strong union presence, particularly in commercial construction, utilities, manufacturing, and public works. Non-union contractors are also common in residential construction, service trades, and smaller commercial projects.
Union Apprenticeships in Minnesota
Union apprenticeship programs are widely used for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure-focused trade careers.
- IBEW Local 292 — Electrical apprenticeships serving the Minneapolis metro area.
- IBEW Local 110 — Electrical training covering Saint Paul and surrounding regions.
- UA Local 15 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships based in Minneapolis.
- SMART Local 10 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication apprenticeships serving Minnesota.
- Carpenters Local 322 — Commercial and industrial carpentry training programs.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union trade routes are common throughout Minnesota, particularly in residential construction, service HVAC, electrical contracting, and maintenance roles. Many employers provide direct hire opportunities with on-the-job training and advancement based on experience.
Both union and non-union paths can support long-term trade careers in Minnesota. Union apprenticeships often provide access to higher-wage commercial projects, while non-union routes offer flexibility and quicker entry into the workforce.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship with classroom and jobsite training | Employer-based, hands-on training |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scales with scheduled increases | Pay growth based on experience or employer policy |
| Benefits | Health insurance and retirement plans commonly included | Benefits vary by contractor |
| Project Types | Commercial, healthcare, utilities, public works | Residential, service, small commercial projects |