Career Training Path › Washington › Bates Technical College
Bates Technical College
Tacoma, Washington · Public technical college · Training programs available:
Address: 1101 S Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405 · Phone: (253) 680-7000 · School website ↗ · Verify on College Scorecard ↗
No accreditor sanctions in the last 36 months
Bates Technical College is a public trade school in Tacoma, WA offering phlebotomy, diesel mechanics, and EMT training, accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Per the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, median earnings 10 years after entry are $50,051; completion rate and median graduate debt are not reported for this campus.
Cost of attendance is not reported in federal data for Bates Technical College; contact the school for current tuition. Federal financial aid can be used here, and about 11.5% of students receive Pell Grants.
What these trades pay once you're working
| Occupation | Starting (10th pct) | Median | Experienced (75th) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phlebotomists | $39,410 | $48,880 | $58,370 |
| Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists | $54,720 | $77,900 | $92,880 |
| Emergency medical technicians | $37,290 | $52,690 | $56,580 |
| Nursing assistants | $42,500 | $49,180 | $57,930 |
| Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses | $64,230 | $83,150 | $93,970 |
| Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers | $47,980 | $63,020 | $73,650 |
| Medical assistants | $46,540 | $59,290 | $63,590 |
| Automotive service technicians and mechanics | $39,470 | $57,270 | $76,960 |
| HVAC and refrigeration mechanics and installers | $48,810 | $75,660 | $93,970 |
| Electricians | $52,170 | $95,220 | $121,530 |
| Construction laborers | $39,930 | $57,720 | $72,160 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | $50,010 | $64,760 | $75,530 |
| Dental assistants | $46,280 | $58,090 | $62,340 |
| Chefs and head cooks | $49,920 | $76,010 | $81,540 |
| Machinists | $48,360 | $66,160 | $80,340 |
| Barbers | $52,540 | $61,150 | $75,160 |
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wages for everyone employed in the occupation in Washington (May 2025; national where the state figure is not published). The program table below shows what this campus's own graduates earned in their first year, whatever job they took.
Trade programs at this campus
| Program | Credential | Grads / yr | Earnings, yr 1 | Earnings, yr 2 | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | Certificate, under 300 hours | 117 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 102 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 61 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants | Associate degree | 58 | not reported | $42,682 | not reported |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants | Certificate, under 300 hours | 52 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | Associate degree | 16 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 15 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Associate degree | 15 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers | Associate degree | 13 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) | Associate degree | 13 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Associate degree | 13 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Carpenters | Associate degree | 10 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Associate degree | 10 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 9 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Ground Transportation | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 8 | not reported | $48,432 | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, 2–4 years | 8 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 6 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Associate degree | 6 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services | Associate degree | 5 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions | Associate degree | 5 | not reported | $33,993 | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 5 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services | Associate degree | 4 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Associate degree | 4 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Associate degree | 4 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians | Associate degree | 4 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 3 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 2 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Certificate, 1–2 years | 2 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services | Associate degree | 2 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Ground Transportation | Certificate, under 300 hours | 2 | not reported | $48,432 | not reported |
| Building/Construction Finishing, Management, and Inspection | Associate degree | 1 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 1 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) | Certificate, 2–4 years | 1 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
| Precision Metal Working | Certificate, 300–899 hours | 1 | not reported | not reported | not reported |
Earnings are median wages and self-employment income reported to the IRS (W-2 and Schedule SE) for graduates who received federal aid and were working and not enrolled, measured in the calendar year after finishing. They are pay only: health insurance, retirement contributions and other benefits are not included.
Graduates per year from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey. Earnings and debt are College Scorecard field-of-study medians for graduates of this program at this campus (reported at the 4-digit program level, so closely related programs share a figure); "not reported" means too few graduates were counted to publish a figure.
About this school
Bates Technical College is a public trade and career-training campus located in Tacoma, Washington. It is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, along with program-specific accreditors including the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation, the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, and the National League for Nursing's Commission for Nurse Education Accreditation. Because it participates in Title IV federal aid, students here can use FAFSA-based financial aid, including Pell Grants. The college offers 34 programs across trade families such as phlebotomy, diesel mechanics, EMT training, CNA and LPN programs, welding, medical assisting, auto mechanics, HVAC, electrician training, construction trades, CDL training, dental assisting, culinary arts, CNC machining, and barbering. Its most-completed programs are phlebotomy classes (132 completers), diesel mechanic training (117 completers), and EMT & paramedic training (61 completers).
Federal data show 578 trade completers out of an undergraduate enrollment of 1,813. The state average completion rate is reported at 66.1%, though Bates' own completion rate and its comparison to that state average are not reported for this campus in federal data. Median earnings 10 years after entry are $50,051. Median debt among graduates is not reported for this campus in federal data, nor is the annual cost of attendance. About 11.5% of students receive Pell Grants.
This campus, set in a midsize city, offers a mix of short certificate-style programs and longer technical tracks across many trades, which may suit both new entrants and adult career changers, though specific program lengths and scheduling formats are not reported for this campus in federal data. To verify accreditation status and review updated outcome figures, consult the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard or contact the college directly.
Questions students ask
What trade and career programs does this campus offer?
Bates Technical College offers 34 programs, with the most completions in phlebotomy classes, diesel mechanic training, and EMT & paramedic training. Other program families include welding, HVAC, electrician training, CNA/LPN programs, and culinary arts.
Is this school accredited, and by whom?
Yes. Bates Technical College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, plus specialized accreditors for dental, occupational therapy, and nursing programs.
Can I use federal financial aid (FAFSA, Pell Grants) at this school?
Yes, this school participates in Title IV federal aid programs, so students can use FAFSA-based aid including Pell Grants.
What share of students finish their program here, and how does that compare to the state?
The campus completion rate and its comparison to the state average are not reported for this campus in federal data. The state average completion rate is 66.1%.
How much debt do graduates of this school typically carry?
Median debt for graduates is not reported for this campus in federal data. Contact the school or check the College Scorecard for updates.
What do graduates of this school earn?
Median earnings 10 years after entry are $50,051, per the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
How much does it cost to attend for a year?
Annual cost of attendance is not reported for this campus in federal data. Contact the school directly for current tuition figures.
Is this a public, non-profit, or for-profit school, and why does that matter?
Bates Technical College is a public institution, which often means lower published tuition rates than for-profit schools, though specific costs are not reported here.
How long do the programs here take to complete?
Program lengths are not reported for this campus in federal data; contact the school for details on individual program schedules.
How do I verify this school's accreditation and outcomes myself?
You can review accreditation status and outcome data through the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard at the provided link, or contact the college directly.
Is this school a good fit for an adult changing careers?
The school offers a range of trade programs, but specific fit for adult career changers—such as evening or flexible scheduling—is not reported for this campus in federal data.
What license or certification will I need after finishing a program here?
Licensing or certification requirements after completing programs are not reported for this campus in federal data; contact the school for specifics.
How do I contact the school or apply?
You can reach Bates Technical College at (253) 680-7000 or visit https://www.batestech.edu/ for application details.
How does this campus compare with other schools offering the same trade nearby?
Comparative data with other nearby trade schools is not reported for this campus in federal data; consult the College Scorecard to compare institutions directly.
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Data: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) 2022-23 Completions survey; College Scorecard June 2026; Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), September 2026. Figures are the U.S. Department of Education's official measures, not Career Training Path's opinion. Tuition, schedules and program availability change — confirm with the school before enrolling.