Trade Schools in San Francisco, CA

5 schools · 7 programs · Avg earnings $37,437/yr

San Francisco’s economy is a hub for technology and innovation, but it also boasts a robust healthcare sector and a significant creative arts presence. This diverse economic landscape creates a strong demand for skilled trades across various fields. Training in areas like Registered Nursing or Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services directly supports the city’s numerous hospitals and clinics.

Beyond healthcare, San Francisco's vibrant culture and tourism industry also offer opportunities. Programs in Design and Applied Arts align with the city's strong creative economy and the need for skilled professionals in various design-driven industries. Additionally, the personal care sector, supported by programs in Cosmetology, serves both residents and visitors in this high-demand urban environment.

Schools
5
Programs
7
Avg Grad Earnings
$37,437/yr
Avg Score
51/100

San Francisco Trade Schools Map

5 trade schools in San Francisco, CA.

Academy of Art University Bay Area Medical Academy Cinta Aveda Institute San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Inc City College of San Francisco

All Trade Schools in San Francisco

5 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
Academy of Art University 3 $28,976/yr 41
Bay Area Medical Academy 1 $38,505/yr 60
Cinta Aveda Institute 1 $17,592/yr 43
San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Inc 1 $19,002/yr 43
City College of San Francisco 1 $100,031/yr 91

Top Programs in San Francisco

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

Program School Earnings Score
Nursing City College of San Francisco $100,031/yr 91
Medical Assisting Bay Area Medical Academy $38,505/yr 60
Software Development Academy of Art University $30,273/yr 49
Film & Photography Academy of Art University $30,178/yr 36
Design Academy of Art University $26,478/yr 37
Cosmetology San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Inc $19,002/yr 43
Cosmetology Cinta Aveda Institute $17,592/yr 43

Apprenticeships in San Francisco

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

Programs by Category

Healthcare (2) Engineering & Technology (1) Personal Services (2) Arts & Design (2)

Healthcare (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Nursing City College of San Francisco 91 $100,031/yr
Medical Assisting Bay Area Medical Academy 60 $38,505/yr

Engineering & Technology (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Software Development Academy of Art University 49 $30,273/yr

Personal Services (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Cosmetology San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Inc 43 $19,002/yr
Cosmetology Cinta Aveda Institute 43 $17,592/yr

Arts & Design (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Design Academy of Art University 37 $26,478/yr
Film & Photography Academy of Art University 36 $30,178/yr

Nearby Cities with Trade Schools

More Trade Schools in California

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in San Francisco?
There are 5 accredited trade and vocational schools in San Francisco, CA, offering a total of 7 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in San Francisco?
The highest-earning programs in San Francisco include Nursing, Medical Assisting, Software Development, with graduates earning $100,031 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in San Francisco worth it?
Trade school programs in San Francisco average $37,437 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 7 trade and vocational programs at 5 schools in San Francisco, 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.