Missouri Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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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 Missouri
Average Cost of Trade School in Missouri
Most trade programs in Missouri 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 Missouri, demand is often strongest around major metros and industrial hubs, with steady needs in service and infrastructure trades statewide.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $4,136 higher than in-state on average.
| Missouri Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $4,605 |
|---|---|
| Missouri Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $8,741 |
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 Missouri
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.
Missouri Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Missouri trade programs commonly take 6–18 months to reach entry-level, while apprenticeships frequently last 3–5 years as you complete required hours and related instruction.
- Licensing varies by trade and location. Some trades and contractor work may require licensing and exams, and local permitting/inspection applies in many areas—verify requirements for the work you plan to perform.
- 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 Missouri
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Missouri. 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 | $25.14 | $1,006 | $4,360 | $52,275 |
| AV Technician | $31.27 | $1,251 | $5,420 | $65,042 |
| Carpenter | $24.50 | $978 | $4,237 | $50,840 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $33.74 | $1,349 | $5,848 | $70,179 |
| CNC Machinist | $23.18 | $927 | $4,018 | $48,214 |
| Construction | $24.60 | $984 | $4,264 | $51,168 |
| Concrete Finisher | $26.97 | $1,079 | $4,675 | $56,098 |
| Diesel Technician | $28.02 | $1,121 | $4,857 | $58,282 |
| Electrician | $29.69 | $1,188 | $5,146 | $61,755 |
| Heavy Equipment | $24.25 | $937 | $4,061 | $48,736 |
| HVAC Technician | $27.26 | $1,092 | $4,734 | $56,803 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $26.94 | $1,078 | $4,670 | $56,041 |
| Ironworker | $25.66 | $1,025 | $4,442 | $53,302 |
| Lineworker | $40.18 | $1,607 | $6,964 | $83,567 |
| Marine Mechanic | $27.87 | $1,115 | $4,831 | $57,927 |
| Mason | $26.19 | $1,048 | $4,539 | $54,475 |
| Plumber | $31.51 | $1,220 | $5,286 | $63,436 |
| Roofer | $23.65 | $946 | $4,099 | $49,192 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $25.03 | $958 | $4,148 | $49,782 |
| Welder | $23.88 | $952 | $4,126 | $49,514 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why Missouri Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Missouri’s trade economy is supported by manufacturing, logistics, utilities, transportation infrastructure, and steady residential and commercial construction. Central geography, major river ports, rail hubs, and interstate corridors drive ongoing demand for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, pipefitters, and construction trades across the state.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Missouri students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- St. Louis metro area: Manufacturing, utilities, healthcare construction, and infrastructure upgrades.
- Kansas City metro area: Logistics facilities, commercial construction, data centers, and transportation projects.
- Springfield: Manufacturing support, residential construction, and regional service trades.
- Rural Missouri: Ongoing demand for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and utility maintenance work.
Major Employers and Contractors in Missouri
Tradespeople in Missouri frequently work with employers tied to manufacturing, utilities, and infrastructure, including:
- Boeing (St. Louis) — Aerospace manufacturing supporting electricians, welders, and industrial maintenance trades.
- Ameren Missouri — Electrical utility infrastructure and power generation work.
- Burns & McDonnell — Kansas City–based engineering and construction firm supporting large infrastructure projects.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Missouri
Missouri offers a balanced mix of union and non-union trade opportunities. Union representation is common on large commercial, manufacturing, and public works projects, while non-union contractors dominate residential construction and service trades.
Union Apprenticeships in Missouri
Union apprenticeship programs are widely used for commercial construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure-focused careers.
- IBEW Local 1 — Electrical apprenticeships serving the St. Louis metro area.
- IBEW Local 124 — Electrical training covering Kansas City and surrounding regions.
- UA Local 562 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships based in St. Louis.
- SMART Local 2 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication apprenticeships serving Missouri.
- Carpenters Local 1827 — Commercial and industrial carpentry training programs.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union trade routes are common throughout Missouri, particularly in residential construction, service HVAC, electrical contracting, and maintenance roles. Many employers offer direct hire positions with on-the-job training and advancement opportunities.
Both union and non-union paths can lead to stable trade careers in Missouri. Union apprenticeships often provide access to higher-wage commercial and industrial projects, while non-union routes offer flexibility and faster entry into the workforce.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship with classroom and jobsite instruction | 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 employer |
| Project Types | Manufacturing, utilities, public works, commercial | Residential, service, small commercial projects |
| Best Fit For | Workers seeking structured training and higher-wage work | Workers prioritizing flexibility and faster entry |