Trade Schools in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco, CA has 5 schools with trade and career programs in this directory: 1 public and 4 private. Together they graduated 676 students from these programs in the latest federal count.

Published program tuition runs from $4,690 to $23,600, with a median of $15,626 across the 8 programs that report a program price.

Graduates earned a median of $34,512 one year after finishing, where the Department of Education reports earnings for the program.

The largest programs by graduates are at City College of San Francisco, San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Inc and San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork.

5
Schools
676
Graduates last year
$15,626
Median program tuition
$34,512
Median earnings, 1 yr after

All 5 schools in San Francisco, CA

Sorted by size. Tap a name for details.

City College of San Francisco

San Francisco, CA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Aviation Maintenance, CNA and Dental Assistant and 11 more
Average net price
$5,852
Completion rate
40%
Type
Public

Bay Area Medical Academy

San Francisco, CA

Programs
Medical Assistant
Average net price
$32,426
Completion rate
44%
Type
Private for-profit

Cinta Aveda Institute

San Francisco, CA

Programs
Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetician and Massage Therapy
Average net price
$19,183
Completion rate
64%
Type
Private for-profit

Also within 30 miles of San Francisco

Hilltop Beauty School

Daly City, CA

Programs
Cosmetology and Nail Technician
Average net price
$22,426
Completion rate
82%
Type
Private for-profit

Moler Barber College

Oakland, CA

Programs
Barber, Cosmetology and Esthetician
Average net price
$25,305
Completion rate
63%
Type
Private for-profit

College of Alameda

Alameda, CA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Aviation Maintenance, Dental Assistant and Diesel Mechanic
Average net price
$294
Completion rate
31%
Type
Public

Unitek College

South San Francisco, CA

Programs
LPN and Medical Assistant
Average net price
$31,483
Completion rate
75%
Type
Private for-profit

Laney College

Oakland, CA

Programs
Carpentry, Cosmetology, HVAC and Machinist and CNC and 1 more
Average net price
$9,315
Completion rate
30%
Type
Public

Skyline College

San Bruno, CA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Cosmetology, EMT and Paramedic and Esthetician and 3 more
Average net price
$616
Completion rate
47%
Type
Public

Merritt College

Oakland, CA

Programs
EMT and Paramedic, LPN and Medical Assistant
Average net price
$6,360
Completion rate
26%
Type
Public

College of Marin

Kentfield, CA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, Dental Assistant, Machinist and CNC and Medical Assistant
Average net price
$23,388
Completion rate
40%
Type
Public

Contra Costa College

San Pablo, CA

Programs
Auto Mechanic, EMT and Paramedic and Medical Assistant
Average net price
$25,657
Completion rate
37%
Type
Public

Carrington College-San Leandro Campus

San Leandro, CA

Programs
Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding and Pharmacy Technician
Average net price
$46,849
Completion rate
56%
Type
Private for-profit

Common questions

How much does trade school training cost in San Francisco, CA?

The median published tuition is $15,626 (range $4,690 to $23,600, 8 programs reporting). The lowest listed prices are at San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology Inc ($4,690), San Francisco School of Massage & Bodywork ($10,250) and Bay Area Medical Academy ($16,184). Public community and technical colleges often charge less but report tuition per year rather than per program, so check each school's net price calculator.

How long does trade school school take?

Programs that report a length take a median of 10 months to finish (4 to 13 months). Certificates are shorter; associate degrees usually take about two years.

How much do trade school graduates earn?

Across 8 programs with reported outcomes, the median graduate earned $34,512 one year after finishing (U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard). Earnings vary by program and local labor market.

Are there public trade school programs in San Francisco, CA?

Yes. 1 public school offer it, including City College of San Francisco.

Data: U.S. Department of Education: IPEDS 2024-25 and College Scorecard (October 2026 release). Listings change; confirm details with the school before you go. How this directory is built.