Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Holland Webb
By
Updated on October 15, 2024
Edited by
Trade schools in California can prepare you for market-aligned careers in high-demand fields. Learn more about what trade school can do for you.

Vocational trade schools offer a formal setting where students learn marketable job skills. For example, trade schools in California can prepare you for careers in fast-growing industries like healthcare, construction, engineering, and technology.

Community colleges that offer education in the trades are also called trade schools. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, enrollment grew 17.6% at these institutions from 2023 to 2024.

Use our guide below to learn more about the top California trade schools, how to choose the right school for you, and what you can expect to earn after graduation.

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Best California Trade Schools

#1 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Cerritos College

  • Location-markerNorwalk, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,288
  • Out-of-state$8,708
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled22,287
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment32%
  • AccreditationNo
#2 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Southwestern College

  • Location-markerChula Vista, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,288
  • Out-of-state$7,420
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled19,231
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment34%
  • AccreditationNo
#3 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Long Beach City College

  • Location-markerLong Beach, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,472
  • Out-of-state$9,952
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate69%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled24,127
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment29%
  • AccreditationNo
#4 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Palomar College

  • Location-markerSan Marcos, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,288
  • Out-of-state$8,848
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate67%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled23,874
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment38%
  • AccreditationNo
#5 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Ventura College

  • Location-markerVentura, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,340
  • Out-of-state$7,344
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled12,696
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment40%
  • AccreditationNo
#6 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Oxnard College

  • Location-markerOxnard, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,340
  • Out-of-state$7,344
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate72%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled7,464
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment38%
  • AccreditationNo
#7 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Santa Rosa Junior College

  • Location-markerSanta Rosa, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,282
  • Out-of-state$8,128
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled19,101
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationNo
#8 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

De Anza College

  • Location-markerCupertino, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,395
  • Out-of-state$9,360
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate79%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled18,669
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment36%
  • AccreditationNo
#9 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Bakersfield College

  • Location-markerBakersfield, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,288
  • Out-of-state$7,700
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled26,380
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment31%
  • AccreditationNo
#10 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Fullerton College

  • Location-markerFullerton, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,104
  • Out-of-state$6,360
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled22,613
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment27%
  • AccreditationNo
#11 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Orange Coast College

  • Location-markerCosta Mesa, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,104
  • Out-of-state$7,752
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate75%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled20,042
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment18%
  • AccreditationNo
#12 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

American River College

  • Location-markerSacramento, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$0
  • Out-of-state$7,824
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled31,265
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment35%
  • AccreditationNo
#13 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Imperial Valley College

  • Location-markerImperial, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,104
  • Out-of-state$6,024
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled8,511
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment27%
  • AccreditationNo
#14 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Foothill College

  • Location-markerLos Altos Hills, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,395
  • Out-of-state$9,360
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled15,123
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment55%
  • AccreditationNo
#15 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Modesto Junior College

  • Location-markerModesto, CA
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,104
  • Out-of-state$7,464
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention RateN/A
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled18,068
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment47%
  • AccreditationNo
#16 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

San Bernardino Valley College

  • Location-markerSan Bernardino, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$0
  • Out-of-state$0
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate64%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled14,872
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment39%
  • AccreditationNo
#17 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Diablo Valley College

  • Location-markerPleasant Hill, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,288
  • Out-of-state$8,540
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate77%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled19,871
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment36%
  • AccreditationNo
#18 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Saddleback College

  • Location-markerMission Viejo, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,288
  • Out-of-state$9,548
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate76%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled19,709
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment59%
  • AccreditationNo
#19 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

College of San Mateo

  • Location-markerSan Mateo, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,362
  • Out-of-state$9,006
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate70%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled8,163
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment28%
  • AccreditationNo
#20 Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Ohlone College

  • Location-markerFremont, CA
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$1,104
  • Out-of-state$7,464
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate83%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled8,900
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment49%
  • AccreditationNo

Why Consider a California Trade School?

  • Shorter Programs: Unlike four-year academic degrees, trade school programs often take between several months and two years to complete.
  • Lower Costs: According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for the 2022-23 school year, the average annual tuition cost for in-state learners at two-year public schools in California was $1,286. In contrast, average tuition for the same students at four-year public schools was $8,637 — almost $7,500 more expensive per year.
  • High-Demand Careers: Trade school can prepare you for in-demand careers, including jobs like plumber, carpenter, and health technologist.
  • Fewer Admission Requirements: Most trade schools only require a high school diploma or GED certificate for admission.
  • Local Marketability: Trade school programs often align with the local job market, so your degree is immediately marketable in your area.

How Accreditation Works for Trade Schools in California

Accreditation offers multiple benefits. Credits you earn at an accredited school are more likely to transfer, and accredited degrees meet more professional licensure and certification requirements. Students enrolled in accredited schools also qualify for federal financial aid.

Who Accredits California Trade Schools?

Like community colleges and four-year institutions, California’s trade schools may hold institutional accreditation, the highest standard in postsecondary education.

In California, the regional institutional accreditor, WASC Senior College and University Commission, grants accreditation to four-year schools, while the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges grants accreditation to two-year colleges.

Vocational and trade schools can also hold accreditation from national organizations, such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

Trade School Approval and Licensure

Private trade schools should also hold state approval and licensure. California’s Bureau for Private and Postsecondary Education regulates private vocational and trade schools.

Popular Trade Jobs In California: Career Outlook

Trade school graduates work in healthcare, technology, hospitality, and many other industries. As a result, their career and salary outlook varies by field.

For example, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that installation, maintenance, and repair occupations earned a median wage of $61,650 in California in 2023, and protective service professionals made a median $49,370. That same year, dental hygienists in California earned a median salary of $120,640, and respiratory therapists made a median $101,200.

Vocational programs also prepare graduates for in-demand careers in STEM. According to the National Science Foundation, as of 2021, only 48% of STEM professionals hold a bachelor’s degree or higher — workers with associate degrees, technical education, or no college comprise the rest of the STEM roles. Jobs in these fields that require a technical education but not a bachelor’s degree include healthcare technician, engineering technician, and electrician.

6 Popular Trade Jobs In California
JobProjected Growth in California (2022-32)Average Annual Wage in California (2023)Degree, License, or Certificate Required
Radiation Therapist10%$156,310Associate degree
Dental Hygienist15.2%$120,640Associate degree
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers24.1%$119,120Associate degree
Respiratory Therapist20%$101,200Associate degree
Electrician13.3%$77,470License
HVAC Technician11.2%$62,230Certificate or associate degree
Source: BLS, Projection Central

How Much Is Trade School In California?

Vocational and trade schools in California often charge lower tuition rates than four-year colleges and universities. According to NCES data from the 2022-23 academic year, California public schools averaged $8,637 per year in tuition and fees for in-state learners, while private colleges and universities averaged $42,017 yearly.

In contrast, public two-year schools in the state averaged $1,286 annually for California residents. By choosing an affordable vocational program, you can save thousands on your certificate or degree.

Average Cost of Public 2-Year Schools in California
Institution TypeAverage Tuition and Required Fees in CaliforniaAverage Tuition and Required Fees Nationwide
Public 2-Year (In-State)$1,286$3,598
Public 2-Year (Out-of-State)$9,338$8,565
Source: NCES

How to Pay for Trade School: Financial Aid Opportunities

Students enrolled at an accredited trade school can apply for federal financial aid — including loans, grants, and work-study opportunities — by completing the FAFSA. However, not all California technical colleges meet the requirements for federal financial aid, so investigate each prospective school’s eligibility before applying.

To help pay for your trade school education, explore all available funding resources, including private scholarships, California student grants, employer tuition assistance, and schools’ own institutional aid.

Popular Online Programs

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Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Schools in California

Is there financial aid available for trade schools in California?

Yes, students attending accredited vocational schools in California can qualify for federal financial aid and other forms of financial aid, such as scholarships. The California Student Aid Commission is a helpful resource for state residents and offers extensive information on state-funded scholarships, grants, and awards.

What do trade schools in California offer?

You can pursue one of many trade-related vocations at a California-based trade school, including HVAC technician, electrician, mechanic, dental hygienist, or nuclear technologist. Some programs conclude with a certificate, while others confer an associate degree.

How many trade schools and community colleges are in California?

California’s Department of Industrial Relations has approved 79 trade schools in the state that actively accept new students and offer training. NCES data reveals there are 243 California schools that are authorized to offer certificates and associate degrees that take two or more years, and 191 institutions that offer programs that take fewer than two years.

How do I get into a trade school in California?

To qualify for admission to a trade school in California, you must generally be 17-18 years old and hold a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some trade schools have an inclusive admission policy, so they do not require a high school diploma or its equivalent for admission.

How long is trade school for electricians in California?

To take the general electrician exam in California, you need 720 hours of instruction from an approved training program, such as a trade school, followed by 8,000 hours of work experience. The trade school component can take under a year, but the work experience usually takes 4-5 years.