Trade Schools in Merced, CA

3 schools · 14 programs · Avg earnings $36,845/yr

Merced's economy is strongly influenced by agriculture and its growing healthcare sector, driven by regional demand and the presence of UC Merced. Vocational training here often aligns with these critical local needs. Programs like Registered Nursing are particularly relevant, preparing students for well-compensated roles in the area's hospitals and clinics, which are significant employers.

Beyond healthcare, opportunities exist in public service and support roles. Training in Criminal Justice and Corrections can lead to positions within local law enforcement or correctional facilities, which are stable employers in the Central Valley. The trade school landscape in Merced provides focused education to meet these immediate workforce demands.

Schools
3
Programs
14
Avg Grad Earnings
$36,845/yr
Avg Score
65/100

Merced Trade Schools Map

3 trade schools in Merced, CA.

Merced College Milan Institute-Merced Sierra College of Beauty

All Trade Schools in Merced

3 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
Merced College 8 $46,552/yr 75
Milan Institute-Merced 4 $21,133/yr 47
Sierra College of Beauty 1 $12,331/yr 41

Top Programs in Merced

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

Program School Earnings Score
Nursing Merced College $107,024/yr 92
Allied Health Professions Merced College $78,871/yr 81
Practical Nursing Merced College $47,114/yr 83
Psychology Merced College $34,441/yr 67
Social Sciences Merced College $34,168/yr 77
Practical Nursing Merced College $31,349/yr 76
Criminal Justice Merced College $31,050/yr 78
Precision Metalworking Merced College $27,541/yr 62
Liberal Arts & Humanities Merced College $27,413/yr 58
Dental Assisting Milan Institute-Merced $25,255/yr 43

Programs by Category

Skilled Trades (1) Healthcare (7) Criminal Justice & Public Safety (1) Personal Services (2) Other Programs (3)

Skilled Trades (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Precision Metalworking Merced College 62 $27,541/yr

Healthcare (7 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Nursing Merced College 92 $107,024/yr
Practical Nursing Merced College 83 $47,114/yr
Allied Health Professions Merced College 81 $78,871/yr
Practical Nursing Merced College 76 $31,349/yr
Health Administration Milan Institute-Merced 54 $21,331/yr
Medical Assisting Milan Institute-Merced 51 $24,563/yr
Dental Assisting Milan Institute-Merced 43 $25,255/yr

Criminal Justice & Public Safety (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Criminal Justice Merced College 78 $31,050/yr

Personal Services (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Cosmetology Milan Institute-Merced 41 $13,386/yr
Cosmetology Sierra College of Beauty 41 $12,331/yr

Other Programs (3 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Social Sciences Merced College 77 $34,168/yr
Psychology Merced College 67 $34,441/yr
Liberal Arts & Humanities Merced College 58 $27,413/yr

Nearby Cities with Trade Schools

More Trade Schools in California

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in Merced?
There are 3 accredited trade and vocational schools in Merced, CA, offering a total of 14 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Merced?
The highest-earning programs in Merced include Nursing, Allied Health Professions, Practical Nursing, with graduates earning $107,024 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Merced worth it?
Trade school programs in Merced average $36,845 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 14 trade and vocational programs at 3 schools in Merced, 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.