10 Best Trade Schools inChicago, IL

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Renowned all over the world for its amazing economy, Chicago is a great place to be.

The city offers amazing trade schools that will help you easily start a flourishing career.

These schools offer the students the chance to start a new job in a matter of just a few months.



1HVAC Technical Institute

With a story that starts in 1994, HVAC Training Institute is one of the best places in the Chicago area to start a new career in the field of residential and commercial refrigeration. All the programs available at this institute are very short and intensive and they have the main purpose sending you into the work field as fast as possible.

The school has state accreditation and your diploma will also be recognized all over the country, giving you the chance to take your skills and career dreams all over the country. Also, all the trainers and educators are respected and active refrigeration technician that will teach you all their tips, tricks, and knowledge. In addition, all the equipment and materials used are very modern and identical to the ones you will use at work.

The admission process is very simple and it consists of submitting your application form, paying the tuition, submitting your ID/driver’s license, and having a high school diploma or equivalent.

The tuition fee depends on the program of your choice, the schedule, and your financial aid eligibility. To learn more about the tuition fee please contact the admission office.

Courses offered

  • HVAC Technician
  • HVAC/R Technician
  • Light Commercial refrigeration
  • Electrical technician

Contact information


2West Chicago Professional Center

West Chicago Professional Center is one of the most welcoming and friendly places to start a new career and future. The teachers are very friendly and professional and they have the skills to teach in English, Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian, making this school an excellent place to study if you are not native in English.

The programs are focused on hands-on skills and knowledge that will help you get a new career in just a few weeks. Also, there are special admission and payment facilities for military students and there are many funding options. The materials, textbooks, and resources are very modern and you will have full access to all the resources on campus during your studies.

The admission is very easy and you will need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or an equivalent. In addition, you may be requested for an ID/drivers license and for additional documents if you want to apply for financial aid.

The tuition fee greatly differs based on the program and schedule of your choice and on your financial aid eligibility. To learn more about the tuition fee please contact the admission office.

Courses offered

  • HVAC technician
  • Electrical technician
  • Combined course

Contact information


3Lincoln College of Technology

With more than 75 years of experience and expertise, Lincoln Tech is an amazing place to start your education and pursue a new career. Besides the usual degree programs, the college also offers some of the most intensive and professional trade programs that will help you get a new career in just a few weeks of training.

The campus located in the Chicago area is famous for its study and leisure facilities and it also offers the opportunity to study in both English and Spanish. The students will benefit from some of the most skilled and friendly educators and teachers and from extremely modern practice areas and materials. Also, at the end of your studies, you will be assisted during the state exam period and with job hunting.

The admission process is very easy and you will need to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or an equivalent. In addition, you may be requested for an ID/driver’s license and for additional documents if you want to apply for financial aid.

The tuition fee greatly differs based on the program and schedule of your choice and on your financial aid eligibility. To have an overall idea regarding the tuition, the average tuition price for Lincoln Tech is around 14000 USD.

Courses offered

  • Automotive technology
  • Collision Repair and Refinishing Technology
  • Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology
  • Medical Assistant
  • Welding technology

Contact information


4Dental Academy of Chicago

If you are passionate about the world of dentistry and want to quickly start a new career in this dynamic field, the Dental Academy of Chicago is the perfect place for you. The school is famous for its flexible program and for the fact that it trained some of the most respected and skilled dental assistants in the area.

The program schedule is very flexible and you will get the chance to choose the best study manner for your needs. In addition, the school also offers some extra short programs that will help you further refine your skills. Financial aid is available at this school and there are many student cathegories that can apply.

At the end of your studies you will also be assisted with finding the best position for your skills and knowledge.

The admission process is made of document submission and an extrance dexterity test. You will have to be at least 18 years old or at least 16 with the approval of your parent/guardian to enroll.

The tuition fee greatly differs based on the program and schedule of your choice and on your financial aid eligibility. To learn more about the tuition fee please contact the admission office.

Courses offered

  • Dental assistant

Contact information


5I Love Real Estate School

I Love Real Estate School is the ultimate place to take your passion and love for the world of real estate at the career level. From what the name says, the school is very friendly and passionate and it really, really loves real estate, being also considered one of the top places in the chicago area to start a career in this field.

The trainers and instructors are experienced real estate agents or evaluators that will share all their experience and secrets with you and teach you everything you need to know about the real estate world. Also, students who can’t attend live session can also finish their program partially or fully online.

In addition, you will also get the chance to see your trainers and instructors in action during shadowing days.

The admission proccess is very easy and it can be done online. You will need to be at least 18 years old and provide an ID/drivers license and a high school diploma or an equivalent.

The tuition fee is very low and it can be afforded by all students. One of the cheapest programs at this school costs around 600 USD.

Courses offered

  • Real estate pre-license
  • Real estate post-license

Contact information


6Chicago School of Shoemaking

If you are interested in leather crafts, then the Chicago School of Shoemaking is the perfect place for you to start a new and flourishing career in this beautiful and amazing field. Besides the amazing teachers and educators that have vast experience in this field, you will also benefit from some of the very best materials in this craft.

The school has excellent practice facilities that will teach you everything about the field of leather making and take you from the noob level to the level at which you can practice this craft as a career. Also, the school also offers special classes for special products after the graduation, helping you get the best chances to build an amazing career.

The admission proccess is very easy and it can be done online. You will need to be at least 18 years old and provide an ID/drivers license and a high school diploma or an equivalent.

The tuition fee varies a lot based on the program of your choice, previous training and whether or not you have a scholarship. To learn more about this field please contact the admission office.

Courses offered

  • Leatherwork
  • Shoemaking

Contact information


7Chicago Professional Center

Chicago Professional Center is an excellent place to start a new and amazing career in the field of electrical crafts and HVAC. The programs are very diverse and they aim to offer you a new profession in the fastest time possible. Besides this amazing advantage, you can also benefit from many scholarships and military students have great facilities.

The school is renowned for having amazing materials, resources, and practice booths that will help you quickly build amazing skills and learn the best techniques. The trainers are very friendly and dedicated and they are motivated to help every student acquire all the skills and knowledge to get a high-paid job or start a business of your own.

The admission process is very simple. You will have to be at least 18 years old to apply and submit your ID/drivers license to prove your age. Besides this, you need to have a high school diploma or an equivalent.

The tuition price differs based on the program of your choice and whether or not you qualify for financial aid and scholarships.

Courses offered

  • HVAC
  • Maintenance
  • Electrician and many more

Contact information


8Roofing School of Illinois

Tackling the need of knowledge in one of the fastest-developing fields, Roofing School of Illinois offers the students the chance to get ready for the certification exam in just 3 days. The school is recognized all over the state and nation-wide, giving you the chance to work wherever your heart desires.

The curriculum is provided by some of the best professionals in this field. It contains techniques, saftey masures and all the skills needed to quickly get all the chances to get a job in this dynamic field or start a new career as an independent contractor.

The school will also assist you during the exam period and with all the needed information and support during the job-hunting process.

The admission for this course is very simple. You have to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or an equivalent.

The tuition price differs based on the program of your choice and whether or not you qualify for financial aid and scholarships.

Courses offered

  • Roofing

Contact information


9Americare Technical School

Americare Technical School is a great place to polish your nurising and medical skills and start a new career in this field. This school offers all the students the chance to easily and quickly start a new career, no matter the previous career experience and job.

The school is accredited by the state of Illinois and it also offers nation-wide recognition, giving you the guarantee that you can work in the city you desire. The absolvents of this school are respected professionals and they are some of the best nursing professionals.

The resources available at this school are very modern and they perfectly simulate the challenges and situations you will have during your career.

The admission for this course is very simple. You have to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or an equivalent. In addition, you will also need to submit a medical background.

The tuition fee for this school differs based on the program and whether or not you are qualified for financial aid. On average, the price for a program at this school is 800 USD.

Courses offered

  • Basic nursing assistant
  • Practical nursing assistant

Contact information


10Illinois Dental Careers

With a very modern and contemporary approach to the dentistry field, Illinois Dental Careers is an amazing place to jump-start a new career in this field. The school guarantees the best quality for your tuition fee and it also offers financial aid and special scholarships.

The trainers and educators are all active professionals in this field and they will teach you all the tips, tricks, and knowledge needed to take care of any type of patient. The students will also get the chance to practice their skills directly near the patient and under the guidance of their dedicated teachers.

The admission consists of paying the tuition fee and then submitting the required documents like the ID/driver’s license and the medical record.

The tuition for the programs from this school differs based on the length and whether or not you are eligible for financial aid. The average cost for a program is around 3400 USD.

Courses offered

  • Dental assistant
  • Orthodontic assistant and many more

Contact information


Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants13,520$64,820$31.16$97,510$47,760
Medical Records Specialists3,320$56,150$26.99$79,710$37,420
Nursing Assistants41,870$42,430$20.4$47,540$36,990
Dental Assistants11,290$43,330$20.83$56,380$28,170
Medical Assistants16,210$44,200$21.25$54,870$35,280
Phlebotomists5,340$44,940$21.61$50,550$33,350
Electricians15,860$91,560$44.02$119,670$49,900
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters12,540$92,060$44.26$121,720$50,260
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics20,200$56,010$26.93$83,030$31,200
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers7,840$71,060$34.16$111,990$40,250
* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

These are some of the top trade schools in Chicago and a great starting point.

Choose the career that best suits you and good luck!


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