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Construction Trades

Only 36 colleges in the country offer Construction Trades, which means graduates enter the workforce from a smaller, more specialized pool. Median earnings four years out: $93,761.

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About Construction Trades

Construction Trades is a focused area of study within Construction. Graduates typically earn around $93,761 four years out, a strong return for a focused credential. The program is available at 36 colleges across the U.S., from community colleges to research universities. About 232 students complete this program each year, most earning a certificate. Training is practical and skills-based, with a fast path from classroom to job site.

Median Earnings · 4yr: $93,761
Colleges Offering: 36
Graduates / Year: 232
Avg Net Price / yr: $9,854

How Much Do Construction Trades Graduates Earn?

Construction Trades graduates earn $93,761 four years out, well above average for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $75,124 and $114,233.

$93,761

4-Year National Median

Well above average for college graduates.

$99,249

4-Year Institutional Median

Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size.

Earnings Range

There is a wide earnings spread across Construction Trades graduates. Region and union membership drive the gap more than any other factor. Union jobs in high-cost metros pay significantly more than non-union positions elsewhere.

$75,124 25th pct.

$93,761 Median

$114,233 75th pct.

Why This Program Pays Off Fast

Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $93,761 against an estimated $39,416 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.

Based on outcomes from 1 schools. Colleges with fewer than 30 graduates are excluded from national averages.

Who Studies This? Credential Breakdown

Of the 232 students who complete Construction Trades programs each year, the majority (61%) earn a certificate degree. The breakdown below shows the full credential distribution.

61% 39%

Certificate 61%

Associate's 39%

What Can You Do With a Construction Trades Degree?

Construction Trades connects to 8 occupations in the job market. Facilities Managers leads at $106,660/yr median. Expand any card to see daily responsibilities, in-demand skills, and 10-year growth projections.

↗ +3.8%

Facilities Managers

$106,660

$82K $139K 25th–75th pct.

Bachelor's degree 13,200 openings/yr 156K employed nationally

↗ +5.5%

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

$103,020

$82K $119K 25th–75th pct.

Postsecondary nondegree award 2,000 openings/yr 21K employed nationally

↗ +1.7%

Signal and Track Switch Repairers

$92,460

$80K $99K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 800 openings/yr 9K employed nationally

↗ +5.3%

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

$79,920

$63K $101K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 74,400 openings/yr 812K employed nationally

↗ +3.1%

Mechanic Supervisors

$79,860

$63K $101K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 52,400 openings/yr 618K employed nationally

↘ -0.8%

Construction and Building Inspectors

$74,690

$59K $95K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 14,800 openings/yr 147K employed nationally

↗ +2.1%

Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians

$64,950

$51K $81K 25th–75th pct.

Associate's degree 5,500 openings/yr 69K employed nationally

↗ +4.5%

Plumber & Pipefitter

$63,800

$50K $85K 25th–75th pct.

High school diploma or equivalent 44,000 openings/yr 466K employed nationally

Top Colleges for Construction Trades

The 10 colleges below are ranked by how many Construction Trades students they graduate each year. Scroll right to compare acceptance rate, net price, and median earnings side by side.

#	College	Graduates	Acceptance	Net Price/yr	Earnings 10yr
1	Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, IN · Public	16	Open	$7,258	$37,186
2	Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Jacksboro Jacksboro, TN · Public	14	Open	$12,746	$36,449
3	Pickens Technical College Aurora, CO · Public	11	Open	$6,600	$39,210
4	Mitchell Technical College Mitchell, SD · Public	7	Open	$13,460	$50,743
5	Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Harriman Harriman, TN · Public	6	Open	$11,148	$31,591
6	Fort Hays Tech North Central Beloit, KS · Public	4	Open	$12,393	$46,928
7	Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Pulaski Pulaski, TN · Public	4	Open	$15,269	$40,368
8	Macomb Community College Warren, MI · Public	1	Open	$1,618	$41,596
9	Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Perkinston, MS · Public	1	Open	$6,962	$33,017
10	Southern Maine Community College South Portland, ME · Public	1	Open	$11,086	$41,661

View all colleges

Ranked by Construction Trades graduate volume. Scroll right to compare key stats. Read our methodology →

Plan Your Path

Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Construction Trades program, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find schools that match your profile.

College ROI Calculator

See if a Construction Trades degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.

College Cost Calculator

Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.

Compare Colleges

Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.

College Match Quiz

Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.

Construction Trades Degree: Pros & Cons

Strong earnings and positive career growth make Construction Trades a solid option. The 4 strengths and 3 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS.

PROS

Strong median salary Graduates earn $93,761 nationally four years out, placing this field above most degree programs in the country.
Positive job outlook Related careers project up to +5.5% job growth over the next 10 years, a solid signal for long-term demand.
Strong hiring volume Related occupations generate more than 207,100 job openings per year combined, creating consistent demand for graduates.
High upside potential Top earners (75th percentile) in this program reach $114,233, a strong ceiling for high performers.

CONS

Licensure often required Many positions in this field require trade licenses, certifications, or apprenticeship completion. These add time and cost beyond the academic credential.
Declining roles in some areas 1 related career show negative 10-year employment projections. Research specific roles before committing.
Limited program availability Only 36 colleges offer this program nationally, which may limit geographic flexibility when choosing a school.

Construction Trades Degree: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Construction Trades graduates earn?

Construction Trades graduates earn a national median of $93,761 four years after completing their program. The middle 50% of earners fall between $75,124 and $114,233. Where you land typically depends on employer, role, and location.

What jobs can you get with a Construction Trades degree?

Construction Trades degree holders pursue careers including Facilities Managers, which pays a median of $106,660/yr. Scroll down to the Career Paths section to see wages and job growth projections for every related occupation.

How long does a Construction Trades program take?

Most Construction Trades certificate programs take one to two years of full-time study. Some are available in as little as one semester at community colleges.

How many colleges offer Construction Trades?

36 colleges and universities in the United States offer Construction Trades programs. Options range from community colleges with certificates and associate degrees to research universities with doctoral tracks.

Is a Construction Trades degree worth it?

With a median 4-year salary of $93,761 and an average net price of roughly $9,854/yr, a Construction Trades degree can pay off well, especially at lower-cost schools and in high-demand roles. Use the Top Colleges section below to compare specific programs before deciding.

What is the difference between Construction Trades and Construction?

Construction Trades is a focused concentration within the broader Construction field. The Construction major covers the full discipline; this program narrows the curriculum to Construction Trades-specific courses, skills, and career tracks. If you already know this is the direction you want, the specialized program gives you a more targeted credential.

What skills do employers look for in Construction Trades graduates?

Employers hiring Construction Trades graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, and hands-on problem-solving. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.

Is graduate school worth it for Construction Trades graduates?

With a median salary of $93,761, graduate study in Construction Trades can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly rewards an advanced credential.

What is the job outlook for Construction Trades graduates?

The job outlook for Construction Trades graduates is moderate overall. Related occupations project an average of +3.2% job growth over the next 10 years. Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay is among the strongest-growth roles at +5.5%. Growth varies by role and location, so check the Career Paths section for projections on each specific occupation.