Chicago is one of the largest cities in the U.S as well as one of the most diverse cities in which to live and work. The art, architecture and history make Chicago an enjoyable place to live, with plenty of opportunities to be entertained and educated.
If you are interested in this city to begin your vocational career journey, you will be happy to know that it's home to some of the best trade schools, the highest-paying vocational careers and some of the fastest-growing industries.
Top Industries in Chicago
The projected economic growth for Chicago is better than most might expect. Since 2018, the unemployment rate has dropped and income growth and job gains have exceeded expectations.
Some of the largest employers in Chicago include:
- Northwestern Memorial Healthcare
- Advocate Aurora Health
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- John Deere
- AT&T
The biggest industries in Chicago include:
Why is Chicago Good for Trade and Vocational Students?
With so many hospitals and health care providers in Chicago and its surrounding areas, many of the trade schools in Chicago focus on health-related programs.
Some of the top vocational and technical schools in Chicago are:
Northwestern School of Professional Studies - While many think of Northwestern as a university for those looking to obtain a four year (or more) degree, here's some happy news. Northwestern also offers professional programs as well. At the Northwestern School of Professional Studies, students can study cybersecurity, accounting, divorce mediation, languages, human resources and health care.
Coyne College - For those who want to learn a trade, Coyne has a number of programs to choose. Programs include medical assisting, electrical construction and planning or maintenance, and pharmacy technician. Credits from another accredited school can be transferred to this school. Such a transfer is nice for those who have recently moved to the Chicago area without first finishing their trade education.
If you're looking to learn more about pursuing a trade or vocational career, continue exploring the various pages and sources on our site!
Learn More about Chicago
Demographics | Total Population | 2,718,555 |
Education and Earnings | # Enrolled in College | 152,922 |
| Median Earnings Without High School Degree | $22,652 | |
| Median Earnings With High School Degree | $27,003 | |
| Median Earnings With Associate Degree | $32,602 |
Commute | Average Commute Time | 35 minutes |
| % Commutes by Walking | 6.5% | |
| % Commutes by Bicycle | 1.7% | |
| % Commutes by Public Transportation | 28.4% |
Housing | Median Housing Cost | $1,211 |
| Median Gross Rent | $1,077 | |
| Median House Value | $246,500 |