NAICS 6115

Technical & Trade Schools

Technical and trade schools (NAICS 6115) provide postsecondary workforce training in skilled trades, certifications, and technical professions. Overview of the industry.

Published by VantaInsights Research·Methodology·Data Sources· AI-drafted
Built on data from Census Bureau CBP Bureau of Labor Statistics Federal Reserve FRED SEC EDGAR

Industry at a Glance

Sector-wide aggregates across all businesses classified under NAICS 6115 (2017 classification frame). For specific sub-industries within this sector, see the individual reports below.

Employment
109K
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Establishments
8,962
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Annual Payroll
$5.8B
US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Avg Annual Wage
$52,858
Derived from US Census CBP · 2023 · NAICS 2017
Market Size
$15.3B
US Census Economic Census · 2022 · NAICS 2017

Industry Overview

Technical and trade schools (NAICS 6115) represent a critical segment of the US educational services sector, providing specialized workforce development training in skilled trades and technical fields. These institutions offer postsecondary education programs that prepare students for immediate employment in industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive repair, plumbing, electrical work, cosmetology, and information technology. Unlike traditional four-year colleges, technical and trade schools emphasize hands-on instruction, apprenticeships, and industry-recognized certifications that align directly with employer needs and labor market demands. The sector includes both public institutions operated by community colleges and school districts, as well as private proprietary schools ranging from small specialized training centers to large multi-campus operators. These schools play a vital economic role by addressing persistent skilled labor shortages across industries while providing accessible pathways to middle-class careers for students seeking alternatives to traditional higher education.

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Industry Trends

01

Growing enrollment demand as students and employers increasingly prioritize skills-based training over traditional four-year degrees, particularly in response to rising tuition costs and student debt concerns.

02

Expansion of hybrid and online technical education delivery models, enabling broader geographic access while maintaining hands-on laboratory and equipment-based instruction components.

03

Increased employer partnerships and customized corporate training programs, with schools developing curricula directly aligned with specific industry certifications and emerging technology requirements.

CNC

Integration of advanced manufacturing technology and digital skills into traditional trade programs, including CNC machining, industrial automation, renewable energy installation, and IT infrastructure.

05

Enhanced focus on equity and accessibility through targeted recruitment, financial aid programs, and support services for underrepresented populations entering skilled trades.

06

Stackable credential frameworks allowing students to earn industry-recognized certificates while accumulating credits toward associate or bachelor degree completion over time.

Available Reports

1 industry report available for purchase under Technical & Trade Schools.

Technical & Trade Schools
NAICS 61151
→

Specialty Reports Available on Request

4 specialty industriesavailable on request
▾
Cosmetology & Barber Schools
611511View →
Flight Training
611512View →
Apprenticeship Training
611513View →
Other Technical & Trade Schools
611519View →

Industries

Browse deeper into the NAICS hierarchy.

611511 report

Technical & Trade Schools

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NAICS 6115? ▾
NAICS 6115 classifies technical and trade schools—educational institutions providing postsecondary instruction in skilled trades, technical professions, and occupational fields. This includes both public institutions like community college technical programs and private proprietary schools offering everything from cosmetology and automotive repair to advanced manufacturing and healthcare certifications. These schools emphasize practical, career-focused training designed to prepare students for immediate employment.
How do technical and trade schools differ from community colleges? ▾
While technical and trade schools often operate as divisions within community colleges, they specifically focus on occupational and technical training rather than general education or transfer-to-university pathways. Many standalone proprietary trade schools operate independently with specialized focus on single industries or trades. Both share the common purpose of workforce development through practical, shorter-duration programs compared to traditional four-year institutions.
What are the primary revenue sources for technical and trade schools? ▾
Revenue sources include student tuition and fees, federal and state grants and loans (including Pell Grants and student loan programs), workforce development funding from state labor departments and federal workforce programs, employer reimbursement for customized training, and government contracts for veterans training benefits. Public institutions also receive appropriations from state and local governments.
What career outcomes does the technical and trade school sector support? ▾
The sector prepares students for careers in construction trades (electrician, plumber, carpenter), automotive and diesel mechanics, healthcare professions (medical assistant, dental hygienist, nursing), information technology, cosmetology and barbering, manufacturing and industrial maintenance, HVAC systems, welding, and numerous other skilled occupations. Most graduates obtain industry-recognized certifications and enter the workforce with earning potential competitive with four-year degree holders.
How is the technical and trade school sector adapting to technology changes? ▾
Schools are integrating emerging technologies into curricula including industrial automation, renewable energy systems, advanced manufacturing processes, cybersecurity, and cloud computing platforms. Many are also adopting virtual reality and simulation-based training for hands-on skill development, investing in modern laboratory equipment, and partnering with technology vendors to ensure instructor training and curriculum currency.

Related Industries

Educational Services 611Junior Colleges 6112Colleges, Universities, & Professional Schools 6113Computer Systems Design & Related Services 5415Civic & Social Organizations 8134

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