Best Vocational Trade Schools in California

Trade schools prepare graduates for careers in healthcare, technology, legal services, and professional trades like plumbing and welding. Many of these careers offer strong salaries and growth potential, making trade school a good investment for many students.

During a vocational program, students take courses in their field while also completing practical training through internships or fieldwork. For example, dental hygienists build their skills through clinical hours, while veterinary technicians take labs and intern at animal hospitals. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, professionals with an occupational credential benefit from a higher employment rate than those with an academic credential.

Completing a one-year certificate or a two-year associate degree at a vocational school or community college in California prepares graduates for the workforce. While California’s community colleges make up the biggest higher education system in the country and are California’s largest workforce training providers, community colleges are not the only vocational educational options. Postsecondary students can also get career and technical education through California’s Regional Occupational Centers and Programs (ROCPs), apprenticeship programs, and adult education programs. Comprehensive high schools, magnet schools, early-college high schools, and ROCPs all provide trade education to California’s secondary students.

Many trade and technical schools in California charge lower tuition rates and offer self-paced or accelerated options. Students seeking greater flexibility can also research online vocational schools.

This guide introduces trade schools in California and lists top-ranked programs to help prospective students learn more about vocational programs. It also provides information on popular vocational programs, earning potential for trade school graduates, and scholarship opportunities for trade school students.

Trade school provides job training for careers in healthcare, the legal field, the tech sector, and other in-demand areas. Trade programs typically last 1-2 years.

Yes. Students attending accredited vocational schools in California qualify for federal financial aid and other forms of financial aid like scholarships.

Yes. Many trade schools accept transfer credits from other schools. In general, credits earned from a regionally accredited school are more likely to transfer.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Trade schools in Southern California, the Bay Area, and other parts of the state train students for in-demand careers. By choosing a top-ranked program, graduates can advance their career and increase their earning potential. Our list ranks the best vocational and trade schools in California to help prospective students find the right fit for their interests and goals.

Prospective trade school students should always check a school’s accreditation status before applying. Accreditation benefits students in several ways. Credits earned at an accredited school are more likely to transfer, and an accredited degree meets more professional licensure and certification requirements. Students enrolled in accredited schools also qualify for federal financial aid.

Accredited schools meet high standards for granting certificates and degrees. To earn accreditation, schools voluntarily submit to a rigorous review from an independent accrediting agency. This review evaluates the school’s student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic mission. Accredited institutions repeat the process on a regular basis to maintain their status.

California trade schools, colleges, and universities may hold regional or national accreditation. Community colleges and research universities typically pursue regional accreditation, which remains the highest standard in postsecondary education. In California, the WASC Senior College and University Commission grants accreditation to four-year institutions, while the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges grants accreditation to two-year colleges.

Vocational and trade schools often pursue national accreditation from an organization like the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Other specialized accreditation agencies include the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which grants accreditation to online schools, including online vocational schools in California.

In addition to accreditation, private trade schools should also hold licensure from the state. In California, the Bureau for Private and Postsecondary Education regulates private vocational and trade schools.

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

For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that technical and trade occupations earn an average salary of around $59,000 per year. Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations earn $58,500 per year, while healthcare practitioners make over $56,000 per year. Management occupations earn over $137,000 per year.

Students considering trade and vocational schools in California can look up California wage estimates for state-specific information. For example, dental hygienists in California earn over $118,000 per year, while respiratory therapists earn an average of over $103,000 per year.

Many vocational careers offer strong job growth. The BLS projects faster-than-average job growth for dental hygienists, respiratory therapists, and HVAC technicians.

Vocational programs also prepare graduates for in-demand careers in STEM. Over one-third of STEM professionals do not hold a bachelor’s degree, according to the Pew Research Center. Many of these professionals work as healthcare technicians, engineering technicians, and tech workers — fields that do not require a bachelor’s degree.

Vocational and trade schools in California offer programs in allied health fields, professional trades, legal services, and other in-demand fields. Students can prepare for careers as dental hygienists, veterinary technicians, or occupational therapy assistants at a trade school. Vocational programs also prepare graduates for careers in plumbing, medical assisting, and cosmetology.

This section covers some popular vocational school programs. In addition to these options, prospective students can research other programs.

Vocational and trade schools in California often charge lower tuition rates than four-year colleges and universities. For example, California public universities cost around $8,000 per year in tuition and fees, while private universities cost over $33,000 per year, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.

In contrast, community colleges cost around $1,200 per year for California residents. By choosing an affordable vocational program, students can save thousands on their certificate or degree.

In addition, trade school students qualify for several forms of financial aid. Students enrolled in an accredited school can apply for federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA. This federal financial aid program offers loans, grants, and work-study opportunities for recipients.

Not all California technical colleges meet requirements for federal financial aid. Prospective students can check with schools to see if their students can receive federal financial aid.