Is the training worth it?

Compare the lifetime payoff of an apprenticeship or trade school against starting an unskilled job today. Drag the sliders — the math updates live.

Trade

Training path

You earn ~55% of full pay while training.

Program cost$2,000

Program length4 yrs

Expected pay after training$30/hr

Alternative: unskilled starting wage$18/hr

The verdict

You pull ahead after year 5.

10 years cumulative earnings

$533,875

$400,710

20 years cumulative earnings

$1,344,606

$865,750

40 years cumulative earnings

$3,710,888

$2,031,790

With trainingWithout training

Assumptions: 2.5%/yr raises after training, 1.5%/yr without; 2,080 hrs/yr. Tuition counted up front. Real life varies — this is a planning sketch, not financial advice.