Washington Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
All Trade Schools & Apprenticeships / Washington Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Washington
Average Cost of Trade School in Washington
Paying for trade school in Washington can include higher living expenses in certain areas. While some programs are affordable, licensing steps and required coursework can increase the final price. Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $3,898 higher than in-state on average.
| Washington Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $5,098 |
|---|---|
| Washington Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $8,996 |
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.
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Washington
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you train on the job and complete required instruction. In many cases, the employer covers tuition or class fees while you earn wages. You may still need to budget for tools, safety gear, and travel.
Paying for Trade School in Washington
Even with paid apprenticeships, many students still look for help covering school-related costs. State scholarships, workforce funding, and employer tuition programs can make a real difference. These options are often combined rather than used alone. Washington scholarships
If those sources don’t fully cover costs, some students look at private education loans and compare repayment terms carefully before borrowing: Compare private student loan rates
Washington Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Washington trade timelines often follow formal apprenticeships. Many entry-level programs run 6–24 months, while apprenticeships commonly take 3–5 years depending on required hours and coursework.
- Licensing and certification rules vary by trade and scope. Some work may require licensing and exams, with permitting/inspection often local—verify requirements with Washington authorities and your local jurisdiction.
- 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, require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Want to see what trades pay in Washington?
View the Washington skilled trade salary table (hourly, monthly, and annual pay) plus job outlook context.
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Washington.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Top Apprenticeship Programs in Washington
Explore the most trusted Apprenticeship programs available in Washington.
Matrix Service is seeking a Laborer Apprentice to join its team in Bellingham, Washington.
The Ironworkers Local 86 Apprenticeship program provides a structured pathway into the ironworking trade while allowing apprentices to earn wages and receive full benefits during training.
The Pacific Northwest Ironworkers and Employers Apprenticeship and Training Committee (PNIEATC) administers a registered apprenticeship program for individuals pursuing careers in the ironworking trade.
The OR & SW Washington Roofers and Waterproofers Apprenticeship Program provides certified union training for individuals seeking long-term careers in the roofing and waterproofing trades across Portland, Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All Pro Plumbing NW LLC offers a full-time Apprentice Plumbing Technician opportunity designed for individuals who are actively progressing through Washington State’s plumbing trainee pathway.
Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center is a regional career and technical education hub located in Everett, Washington, serving students from multiple school districts across Snohomish and Island counties.
Leading Automotive Programs in Washington
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Charter College – Lacey is a private career college focused on accelerated, workforce-oriented education for students seeking practical skills and fast entry into professional and technical careers.
Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) is a long-established public technical college in Lakewood, Washington, with roots dating back more than 85 years.
Bates Technical College – South Campus is one of multiple specialized campuses operated by Bates Technical College in Tacoma, Washington, and serves as a focused training site for hands-on, occupation-driven technical education.
Renton Technical College (RTC) is a well-established public technical college serving the greater Seattle and South King County region with career-focused education and workforce training.
UEI College in Tacoma, Washington is a career-focused trade school designed to help students quickly gain practical skills for entry-level employment in high-demand industries.
Green River College is a public community college located in Auburn, Washington, with a strong reputation for applied technical education and workforce preparation.
Everett Community College (EvCC) is a leading provider of hands-on technical and workforce training in Washington state, offering high-quality trade programs designed to prepare students for immediate entry into skilled career fields.
Cascadia Technical Academy (CTA) is a regional career and technical education center serving high school students across Southwest Washington.
Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech), located in the heart of the Seattle metropolitan region, is a leading provider of hands-on technical education for students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
Leading Construction Programs in Washington
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Perry Technical Institute is one of Washington’s most respected hands-on technical training schools, offering immersive programs that prepare students for high-demand careers across the skilled trades.
Olympic College in Bremerton is a well-established technical and academic institution that offers a strong selection of skilled-trade programs designed to meet the workforce needs of Washington’s growing construction, manufacturing, automotive, and mechanical industries.
Best Healthcare Programs in Washington
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Pima Medical Institute – Renton is a career-focused private college specializing exclusively in healthcare education and allied health training.
Leading HVAC Programs in Washington
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Northwest HVAC/R Training Center in Spokane, Washington is a specialized technical institution dedicated entirely to training future professionals in the heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration trades.