Trade Schools in Palm Desert, CA

3 schools · 11 programs · Avg earnings $28,488/yr

Palm Desert's economy thrives on tourism, hospitality, and a growing healthcare sector, driven by a significant retiree population and seasonal visitors. This creates demand for skilled professionals in various service industries. Local trade programs often reflect these needs, preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce.

Considering the area's demographics and demand for quality medical services, programs like Registered Nursing are particularly relevant. Additionally, with a robust service and retail sector, training in Criminal Justice and Corrections can lead to roles supporting public safety and security across the valley.

Schools
3
Programs
11
Avg Grad Earnings
$28,488/yr
Avg Score
57/100

Palm Desert Trade Schools Map

3 trade schools in Palm Desert, CA.

College of the Desert Milan Institute-Palm Desert International School of Beauty Inc

All Trade Schools in Palm Desert

3 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
College of the Desert 5 $41,294/yr 73
Milan Institute-Palm Desert 4 $20,876/yr 46
International School of Beauty Inc 2 $11,697/yr 39

Top Programs in Palm Desert

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

Program School Earnings Score
Nursing College of the Desert $91,848/yr 91
Criminal Justice College of the Desert $32,482/yr 79
Liberal Arts & Humanities College of the Desert $30,417/yr 58
Business Administration College of the Desert $25,934/yr 77
Psychology College of the Desert $25,792/yr 59
Medical Assisting Milan Institute-Palm Desert $25,267/yr 51
Dental Assisting Milan Institute-Palm Desert $24,473/yr 43
Health Administration Milan Institute-Palm Desert $22,700/yr 55
Cosmetology International School of Beauty Inc $14,530/yr 42
Massage Therapy Milan Institute-Palm Desert $11,065/yr 36

Programs by Category

Healthcare (6) Criminal Justice & Public Safety (1) Personal Services (1) Business & Office (1) Other Programs (2)

Healthcare (6 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Nursing College of the Desert 91 $91,848/yr
Health Administration Milan Institute-Palm Desert 55 $22,700/yr
Medical Assisting Milan Institute-Palm Desert 51 $25,267/yr
Dental Assisting Milan Institute-Palm Desert 43 $24,473/yr
Massage Therapy Milan Institute-Palm Desert 36 $11,065/yr
Massage Therapy International School of Beauty Inc 36 $8,864/yr

Criminal Justice & Public Safety (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Criminal Justice College of the Desert 79 $32,482/yr

Personal Services (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Cosmetology International School of Beauty Inc 42 $14,530/yr

Business & Office (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Business Administration College of the Desert 77 $25,934/yr

Other Programs (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Psychology College of the Desert 59 $25,792/yr
Liberal Arts & Humanities College of the Desert 58 $30,417/yr

Nearby Cities with Trade Schools

More Trade Schools in California

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in Palm Desert?
There are 3 accredited trade and vocational schools in Palm Desert, CA, offering a total of 11 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Palm Desert?
The highest-earning programs in Palm Desert include Nursing, Criminal Justice, Liberal Arts & Humanities, with graduates earning $91,848 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Palm Desert worth it?
Trade school programs in Palm Desert average $28,488 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 11 trade and vocational programs at 3 schools in Palm Desert, 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.