Trade Schools in San Diego, CA
San Diego's economy thrives on its robust healthcare, biotechnology, and military sectors. This creates significant demand for skilled trades and specialized technical professionals. Programs in Dental Support Services and Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services directly align with the region's expansive healthcare networks, including major hospitals and research institutions.
The city's strong innovation ecosystem also fuels opportunities in areas requiring technical expertise. Vocational training here provides practical skills for immediate entry into fields that support San Diego's key industries, from patient care roles to technical support within growing scientific and defense enterprises.
San Diego Trade Schools Map
13 trade schools in San Diego, CA.
All Trade Schools in San Diego
13 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.
| School | Programs | Avg Earnings | Avg Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concorde Career College-San Diego | 5 | $46,365/yr | 60 |
| North-West College-San Diego | 4 | $52,064/yr | 64 |
| San Diego Miramar College | 4 | $41,037/yr | 71 |
| San Diego Mesa College | 4 | $29,851/yr | 66 |
| San Diego City College | 3 | $26,218/yr | 64 |
| CET-San Diego | 3 | $31,119/yr | 55 |
| California Institute of Arts & Technology | 1 | $48,778/yr | 55 |
| California Barber and Beauty College | 1 | $11,137/yr | 41 |
| Associated Barber College of San Diego | 1 | $12,147/yr | 41 |
| Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego | 1 | $16,464/yr | 42 |
| Pacific College of Health and Science | 1 | $19,629/yr | 34 |
| Ashford University | 1 | $25,553/yr | 50 |
| National University | 1 | $41,545/yr | 48 |
Top Programs in San Diego
Highest-earning trade programs by first-year graduate earnings in San Diego.
| Program | School | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | North-West College-San Diego | $96,185/yr | 74 |
| Criminal Justice | San Diego Miramar College | $91,647/yr | 93 |
| Dental Assisting | Concorde Career College-San Diego | $70,807/yr | 61 |
| Practical Nursing | Concorde Career College-San Diego | $60,979/yr | 70 |
| Practical Nursing | North-West College-San Diego | $59,140/yr | 70 |
| Medical Assisting | Concorde Career College-San Diego | $52,385/yr | 66 |
| Allied Health Professions | Concorde Career College-San Diego | $50,059/yr | 58 |
| Computer Engineering Technology | California Institute of Arts & Technology | $48,778/yr | 55 |
| Vehicle Repair Technology | San Diego Miramar College | $43,285/yr | 78 |
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | National University | $41,545/yr | 48 |
Apprenticeships in San Diego
Programs by Category
Skilled Trades (3 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Repair Technology | San Diego Miramar College | 78 | $43,285/yr |
| Construction Management Technology | CET-San Diego | 60 | $28,485/yr |
| Welding & Metalworking | CET-San Diego | 49 | $32,817/yr |
Healthcare (14 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | North-West College-San Diego | 74 | $96,185/yr |
| Practical Nursing | Concorde Career College-San Diego | 70 | $60,979/yr |
| Practical Nursing | North-West College-San Diego | 70 | $59,140/yr |
| Medical Assisting | Concorde Career College-San Diego | 66 | $52,385/yr |
| Dental Assisting | Concorde Career College-San Diego | 61 | $70,807/yr |
| Health Administration | Concorde Career College-San Diego | 61 | $29,797/yr |
| Allied Health Professions | Concorde Career College-San Diego | 58 | $50,059/yr |
| Health Administration | North-West College-San Diego | 58 | $26,827/yr |
| Medical Assisting | CET-San Diego | 57 | $32,056/yr |
| Medical Assisting | Concorde Career College-San Diego | 56 | $30,842/yr |
| Medical Assisting | North-West College-San Diego | 52 | $26,106/yr |
| Dental Assisting | Concorde Career College-San Diego | 47 | $29,687/yr |
| Massage Therapy | Pacific College of Health and Science | 38 | $21,955/yr |
| Massage Therapy | Pacific College of Health and Science | 31 | $17,304/yr |
Engineering & Technology (1 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Engineering Technology | California Institute of Arts & Technology | 55 | $48,778/yr |
Criminal Justice & Public Safety (2 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice | San Diego Miramar College | 93 | $91,647/yr |
| Criminal Justice | San Diego Miramar College | 71 | $22,722/yr |
Personal Services (4 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | San Diego City College | 56 | $13,445/yr |
| Cosmetology | Paul Mitchell the School-San Diego | 42 | $16,464/yr |
| Cosmetology | Associated Barber College of San Diego | 41 | $12,147/yr |
| Cosmetology | California Barber and Beauty College | 41 | $11,137/yr |
Business & Office (2 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | San Diego Mesa College | 88 | $40,642/yr |
| Business Administration | San Diego City College | 83 | $33,350/yr |
Education (1 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education | Ashford University | 50 | $25,553/yr |
Other Programs (8 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | San Diego Mesa College | 62 | $33,015/yr |
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | San Diego City College | 62 | $32,438/yr |
| Psychology | San Diego Mesa College | 62 | $26,229/yr |
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | San Diego Miramar College | 61 | $31,804/yr |
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | San Diego City College | 55 | $25,639/yr |
| Biological & Physical Sciences | San Diego Mesa College | 54 | $19,521/yr |
| Biology | San Diego Miramar College | 52 | $15,731/yr |
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | National University | 48 | $41,545/yr |
Nearby Cities with Trade Schools
More Trade Schools in California
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Frequently Asked Questions
About This Data
This page analyzes 35 trade and vocational programs at 13 schools in San Diego, 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.