Trade Schools in Pasadena, CA

5 schools · 9 programs · Avg earnings $35,780/yr

Pasadena's robust healthcare sector, anchored by institutions like Huntington Hospital and Kaiser Permanente, creates consistent demand for skilled medical professionals. Trade programs in Registered Nursing and Practical Nursing directly address this need, preparing graduates for immediate entry into a vital local industry. The city's strong research and technology presence, including Caltech and JPL, also supports a broader range of technical and administrative roles.

Beyond healthcare, Pasadena's diverse economy features a significant service industry and a growing focus on sustainable infrastructure. Programs like Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician align with the ongoing need for skilled trades in both commercial and residential settings. Business Administration and Management programs provide foundational skills applicable across Pasadena's varied small businesses and corporate operations.

Schools
5
Programs
9
Avg Grad Earnings
$35,780/yr
Avg Score
66/100

Pasadena Trade Schools Map

5 trade schools in Pasadena, CA.

Pasadena City College Institute of Culinary Education Integrity College of Health Paul Mitchell the School-Pasadena Capstone College

All Trade Schools in Pasadena

5 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
Pasadena City College 5 $38,841/yr 75
Institute of Culinary Education 1 $22,759/yr 60
Integrity College of Health 1 $51,193/yr 68
Paul Mitchell the School-Pasadena 1 $15,126/yr 42
Capstone College 1 $38,740/yr 50

Top Programs in Pasadena

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

Program School Earnings Score
Nursing Pasadena City College $90,156/yr 91
Practical Nursing Integrity College of Health $51,193/yr 68
HVAC Technology Capstone College $38,740/yr 50
Social Sciences Pasadena City College $29,847/yr 73
Criminal Justice Pasadena City College $28,492/yr 76
Psychology Pasadena City College $24,894/yr 61
Culinary Arts Institute of Culinary Education $22,759/yr 60
Business Administration Pasadena City College $20,816/yr 73
Cosmetology Paul Mitchell the School-Pasadena $15,126/yr 42

Apprenticeships in Pasadena

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

Programs by Category

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

Skilled Trades (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
HVAC Technology Capstone College 50 $38,740/yr

Healthcare (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Nursing Pasadena City College 91 $90,156/yr
Practical Nursing Integrity College of Health 68 $51,193/yr

Criminal Justice & Public Safety (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Criminal Justice Pasadena City College 76 $28,492/yr

Personal Services (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Culinary Arts Institute of Culinary Education 60 $22,759/yr
Cosmetology Paul Mitchell the School-Pasadena 42 $15,126/yr

Business & Office (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Business Administration Pasadena City College 73 $20,816/yr

Other Programs (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Social Sciences Pasadena City College 73 $29,847/yr
Psychology Pasadena City College 61 $24,894/yr

Nearby Cities with Trade Schools

More Trade Schools in California

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in Pasadena?
There are 5 accredited trade and vocational schools in Pasadena, CA, offering a total of 9 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Pasadena?
The highest-earning programs in Pasadena include Nursing, Practical Nursing, HVAC Technology, with graduates earning $90,156 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Pasadena worth it?
Trade school programs in Pasadena average $35,780 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 9 trade and vocational programs at 5 schools in Pasadena, 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.