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Trades and personal services


What are trades and personal services majors?

Trades and personal services programs offered at colleges typically provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career in a particular trade or service. Programs may vary in length, but most take about two years to complete. Upon successful completion of a trades or personal services program, students may be eligible for certification or licensure in their chosen field.

How much do trades and personal services majors make?

Trades and personal services graduates typically make between $47,000 and $120,000 per year. The national average of reported salaries for trades and personal services degrees is $78,000. The highest paying major within trades and personal services is Ground transportation with an average salary of $94,000. The lowest paying major within trades and personal services is Communications technicians with an average salary of $58,000.
Trades and personal services majorsAverage salarySalary
Ground transportation$94,000
Lab technician$81,000
Data processing$80,000
Communications technicians$58,000
Accounting technician and bookkeepingNo data
Aeronautics and aviation technologyNo data
Air transportationNo data
Apparel and textile scienceNo data
Aviation management and operationsNo data
Biology laboratory technicianNo data

Popular trades and personal services majors by degrees awarded

On average, around 55,100 students obtain a bachelor's degree or associate degree in all trades and personal services fields each year. In 2021, the most popular major within trades and personal services was child care provider with 275 students obtaining a bachelor's degree and 7,716 students obtaining an associate degree. The least popular major was truck, bus, and commercial vehicle operation with fewer than 5 students obtaining a bachelor's degree and fewer than 5 students obtaining an associate degree. Overall, trades and personal services is a relatively popular area of study.