Trade Schools in Salinas, CA

4 schools · 10 programs · Avg earnings $30,623/yr

Salinas, at the heart of California's agricultural industry, offers vocational training aligned with the region's economic backbone. The demand for skilled trades in food processing, packaging, and agricultural technology is consistent, supporting roles in equipment maintenance, logistics, and supply chain operations. Additionally, the city's healthcare sector, anchored by organizations like Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, creates a need for support staff.

Beyond agriculture and healthcare, Salinas also shows a strong local interest in animal care, with Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians programs preparing graduates for roles in the area's numerous veterinary clinics and animal services. Business Operations Support and Assistant Services also feature prominently, reflecting the administrative needs across various local businesses and agricultural enterprises.

Schools
4
Programs
10
Avg Grad Earnings
$30,623/yr
Avg Score
58/100

Salinas Trade Schools Map

4 trade schools in Salinas, CA.

Central Coast College Hartnell College CET-Salinas Waynes College of Beauty

All Trade Schools in Salinas

4 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
Central Coast College 3 $31,707/yr 54
Hartnell College 3 $35,080/yr 68
CET-Salinas 2 $27,532/yr 54
Waynes College of Beauty 1 $15,728/yr 42

Top Programs in Salinas

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

Program School Earnings Score
Practical Nursing Hartnell College $63,321/yr 88
Criminal Justice Hartnell College $34,648/yr 79
Business Operations Support Central Coast College $34,301/yr 60
Medical Assisting Central Coast College $33,709/yr 58
Medical Assisting CET-Salinas $32,056/yr 57
Veterinary Technology Central Coast College $27,112/yr 44
Business Operations Support CET-Salinas $23,009/yr 52
Liberal Arts & Humanities Hartnell College $22,681/yr 52
Liberal Arts & Humanities Hartnell College $19,671/yr 52
Cosmetology Waynes College of Beauty $15,728/yr 42

Programs by Category

Healthcare (3) Criminal Justice & Public Safety (1) Personal Services (1) Business & Office (2) Agriculture & Natural Resources (1) Other Programs (2)

Healthcare (3 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Practical Nursing Hartnell College 88 $63,321/yr
Medical Assisting Central Coast College 58 $33,709/yr
Medical Assisting CET-Salinas 57 $32,056/yr

Criminal Justice & Public Safety (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Criminal Justice Hartnell College 79 $34,648/yr

Personal Services (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Cosmetology Waynes College of Beauty 42 $15,728/yr

Business & Office (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Business Operations Support Central Coast College 60 $34,301/yr
Business Operations Support CET-Salinas 52 $23,009/yr

Agriculture & Natural Resources (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Veterinary Technology Central Coast College 44 $27,112/yr

Other Programs (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Liberal Arts & Humanities Hartnell College 52 $22,681/yr
Liberal Arts & Humanities Hartnell College 52 $19,671/yr

Nearby Cities with Trade Schools

More Trade Schools in California

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in Salinas?
There are 4 accredited trade and vocational schools in Salinas, CA, offering a total of 10 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Salinas?
The highest-earning programs in Salinas include Practical Nursing, Criminal Justice, Business Operations Support, with graduates earning $63,321 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Salinas worth it?
Trade school programs in Salinas average $30,623 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 10 trade and vocational programs at 4 schools in Salinas, 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.