Trade Schools in Bakersfield, CA

6 schools · 31 programs · Avg earnings $33,783/yr

Bakersfield's economy is deeply rooted in agriculture and energy, but healthcare and logistics are also significant drivers. This creates a consistent demand for skilled tradespeople and healthcare professionals. Local trade schools offer programs designed to directly feed into these essential sectors, providing practical training for immediate entry into the workforce.

Given the region's strong agricultural and industrial presence, programs like Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies are particularly relevant. The expanding healthcare sector also supports robust offerings in Registered Nursing and Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants, reflecting a clear local need for qualified medical support staff.

Schools
6
Programs
31
Avg Grad Earnings
$33,783/yr
Avg Score
54/100

Bakersfield Trade Schools Map

6 trade schools in Bakersfield, CA.

San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield UEI College-Bakersfield Milan Institute-Bakersfield Glendale Career College-North-West College-Bakersfield Lyle's College of Beauty Bakersfield College

All Trade Schools in Bakersfield

6 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 11 $36,592/yr 56
UEI College-Bakersfield 7 $21,154/yr 48
Milan Institute-Bakersfield 3 $18,988/yr 43
Glendale Career College-North-West College-Bakersfield 2 $61,145/yr 63
Lyle's College of Beauty 1 $11,556/yr 41
Bakersfield College 1 $86,312/yr 91

Top Programs in Bakersfield

Highest-earning trade programs by first-year graduate earnings in Bakersfield.

Program School Earnings Score
Nursing Glendale Career College-North-West College-Bakersfield $96,185/yr 74
Nursing Bakersfield College $86,312/yr 91
Allied Health Professions San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield $69,391/yr 62
Heavy Equipment Technology San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield $55,314/yr 58
Practical Nursing San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield $51,744/yr 68
Electrical Installation San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield $43,388/yr 62
HVAC Technology San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield $40,861/yr 52
HVAC Technology San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield $40,368/yr 51
Electrical Installation San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield $39,410/yr 61
Criminal Justice San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield $33,361/yr 63

Apprenticeships in Bakersfield

Another path · Earn while you learn
19 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Bakersfield
Apprentices earn wages during training and graduate debt-free. See all California apprenticeships → for wages by trade.

Programs by Category

Skilled Trades (7 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Electrical Installation San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 62 $43,388/yr
Electrical Installation San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 61 $39,410/yr
Heavy Equipment Technology San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 58 $55,314/yr
HVAC Technology San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 52 $40,861/yr
HVAC Technology San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 51 $40,368/yr
Vehicle Repair Technology UEI College-Bakersfield 47 $22,329/yr
HVAC Technology UEI College-Bakersfield 40 $23,433/yr

Healthcare (15 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Nursing Bakersfield College 91 $86,312/yr
Nursing Glendale Career College-North-West College-Bakersfield 74 $96,185/yr
Practical Nursing San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 68 $51,744/yr
Allied Health Professions San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 62 $69,391/yr
Health Administration San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 59 $27,553/yr
Health Administration San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 58 $26,452/yr
Health Administration UEI College-Bakersfield 56 $23,259/yr
Medical Assisting San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 53 $27,132/yr
Medical Assisting San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 52 $26,897/yr
Medical Assisting Glendale Career College-North-West College-Bakersfield 52 $26,106/yr
Medical Assisting Milan Institute-Bakersfield 51 $24,563/yr
Medical Assisting UEI College-Bakersfield 48 $20,254/yr
Dental Assisting San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 45 $27,039/yr
Dental Assisting UEI College-Bakersfield 39 $17,746/yr
Massage Therapy Milan Institute-Bakersfield 38 $19,016/yr

Criminal Justice & Public Safety (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Criminal Justice San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 63 $33,361/yr
Criminal Justice UEI College-Bakersfield 56 $23,849/yr

Personal Services (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Cosmetology Milan Institute-Bakersfield 41 $13,386/yr
Cosmetology Lyle's College of Beauty 41 $11,556/yr

Business & Office (3 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Business Operations Support San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 56 $28,691/yr
Business Operations Support San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 56 $27,731/yr
Business Operations Support UEI College-Bakersfield 49 $17,210/yr

Agriculture & Natural Resources (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Veterinary Technology San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 46 $29,721/yr
Veterinary Technology San Joaquin Valley College-Bakersfield 43 $27,027/yr

More Trade Schools in California

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in Bakersfield?
There are 6 accredited trade and vocational schools in Bakersfield, CA, offering a total of 31 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Bakersfield?
The highest-earning programs in Bakersfield include Nursing, Nursing, Allied Health Professions, with graduates earning $96,185 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Bakersfield worth it?
Trade school programs in Bakersfield average $33,783 in first-year graduate earnings, with many programs offering positive ROI within the first year. Most trade careers offer strong job security due to hands-on work requirements.

About This Data

This page analyzes 31 trade and vocational programs at 6 schools in Bakersfield, CA using earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024–2034).

School locations shown on the map are based on official institutional addresses. Graduate earnings represent median first-year earnings for certificate and associate degree completers.

Data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034. Last updated 2026.