Enriching Education - Where in the U.S. Are Apprenticeships in Educational Services Thriving? New Study Reveals Top 10 States

 A new study highlighted that Hawaii has the strongest apprenticeship environment in educational services nationwide.

The research by the e-learning platform eLearning Industry analyzed key apprenticeship indicators across all U.S. states using data from Apprenticeship USA. It examined two primary metrics: Apprentice Count per 100,000 residents aged 20–24 (scored out of 40 points) and Average Hourly Wage for Apprentices, 2021–2025 (scored out of 60 points). These metrics were totaled to rank the states from highest to lowest on a 100-point scale, with higher scores indicating stronger apprenticeship ecosystems in educational services.

Hawaii leads with an apprenticeship score of 87.3/100. The Aloha State maintains the nation’s highest intensity of educational services and apprenticeships, averaging 6,409 apprentices annually (7,359 per 100,000 residents aged 20–24). Hawaii recorded its highest apprentice hourly wage in 2025 at $20.24 and its lowest in 2021 at $18.33, with an annual average of $19.33.

Oregon ranks second with an apprenticeship score of 81.1/100. Averaging 10,398 apprentices per year (4,065 per 100,000 residents aged 20–24), Oregon combines strong participation with leading pay levels. The Beaver State’s highest apprentice hourly wage occurred in 2024 at $24.31, and the lowest in 2023 at $23.90, with an annual average of $24.14.

Washington secures third place with an apprenticeship score of 80.5/100. With an annual average of 20,137 apprentices (4,149 per 100,000 residents aged 20–24), the Evergreen State couples scale with competitive pay. Its top apprentice hourly wage was in 2025 at $24.54, with the lowest in 2021 at $22.28, with an annual average of $23.71.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson from eLearning Industry commented:

"The research reveals that Hawaii, Oregon, and Washington are exemplary models of apprenticeship strength in educational services, combining robust program participation with competitive wages to accelerate early-career growth.

"The data further suggests that states with both high apprentice density and strong pay tend to create clearer pathways into education careers, improving retention and building capacity across school systems.

"To strengthen apprenticeship outcomes elsewhere, states should expand employer–provider partnerships, align funding with wage progression, and streamline entry routes so more young professionals can train, earn, and advance."

Minnesota ranks fourth with an apprenticeship score of 77.4/100. The North Star State averaged 11,348 apprentices annually (3,192 per 100,000 residents aged 20–24). Minnesota’s highest apprentice hourly wage was in 2025 at $26.21, and the lowest was in 2021 at $22.70; the 2021–2025 average is $24.54.

Alaska ranks fifth with an apprenticeship score of 77.1/100. Averaging 2,078 apprentices per year (4,216 per 100,000 residents aged 20–24), the Last Frontier State pairs concentrated participation with steady wage growth. Its highest apprentice hourly wage came in 2025 at $23.54, and the lowest in 2021 at $20.77, for a 2021–2025 average of $22.18.

Connecticut ranks sixth with an apprenticeship score of 73.2/100, followed by Missouri, which ranks seventh with 73.2/100. Maryland ranks eighth with 72.1/100, Nevada, ranking ninth, scores 69.2/100, and Iowa, in the tenth spot, earns 68.8/100.

Table of Extended Results: 

The study was conducted by eLearning Industry, a trusted platform that provides expert content and tailored marketing solutions to help eLearning platforms, HR software companies, and corporate training providers grow and engage their target audience.

Post courtesy of https://elearningindustry.com/ 

Methodology

The study analyzed key apprenticeship indicators across all U.S. states using data from Apprenticeship USA. It examined two primary metrics: Apprentice Count per 100,000 residents aged 20–24 (scored out of 40 points) and Average Hourly Wage for Apprentices, 2021–2025 (scored out of 60 points). These metrics were totaled to rank the states from highest to lowest on a 100-point scale, with higher scores indicating stronger apprenticeship ecosystems in educational services.

Data Sources

• Apprenticeship Data → https://www.apprenticeship.gov/data-and-statistics/apprentices-by-state-dashboard 
• Research Dataset → https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Cw4GgxiJdaKX6poM2NGXYfxsfksFcd9Kv66P2W3ArPk/edit?gid=0#gid=0 
• Study by → https://elearningindustry.com/