Trade Schools in San Francisco, California
Updated September 12, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
San Francisco is best known as a tech hub, but the city and surrounding Bay Area also depend on skilled trades. With high wages, a strong union apprenticeship system, and career colleges focused on healthcare, construction, and IT support, San Francisco offers excellent options for students looking to bypass a four-year degree.
Top Trade Schools in San Francisco
| School | Programs Offered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| City College of San Francisco (CCSF) | Automotive, Construction, Welding, Culinary, Nursing, IT | Affordable, accredited, and one of the largest community colleges in California |
| UEI College – San Francisco (Hayward campus nearby) | HVAC, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting | Career-focused programs in under 12 months |
| Carrington College – San Leandro (near SF) | Dental Assisting, Medical Billing, Vocational Nursing | Specialized healthcare programs |
| Bay Area Medical Academy (San Francisco) | Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Tech | Healthcare-only career training |
| Job Corps – Treasure Island (San Francisco) | Construction, Welding, Culinary, Healthcare, IT | Tuition-free training for eligible youth ages 16–24 |
| Silicon Valley Career Tech (accessible from SF) | Construction, Auto Tech, Welding, IT | High school + adult vocational programs in the Bay Area |
Apprenticeships in San Francisco
- IBEW Local 6 (San Francisco) — Inside wireman electrical apprenticeship with paid training.
- UA Local 38 Plumbers & Pipefitters — Apprenticeships in plumbing, pipefitting, and HVACR.
- Carpenters Local 22 (San Francisco) — Paid apprenticeships in carpentry, drywall, finishing.
- Operating Engineers Local 3 — Heavy equipment and crane operator apprenticeships serving the Bay Area.
Trade Job Salaries in San Francisco (2025)
| Trade Career | Entry-Level | Average | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $26/hr ($54k) | $37/hr ($77k) | $47/hr ($97k) |
| HVAC Technician | $24/hr ($50k) | $34/hr ($71k) | $43/hr ($90k) |
| Welder | $21/hr ($44k) | $30/hr ($63k) | $38/hr ($79k) |
| CDL Truck Driver | $24/hr ($50k) | $32/hr ($67k) | $41/hr ($85k) |
| Diesel Mechanic | $25/hr ($52k) | $34/hr ($71k) | $43/hr ($90k) |
| Medical Assistant | $18/hr ($37k) | $24/hr ($50k) | $29/hr ($60k) |
(Source: BLS, California EDD, 2025)
Licensing Steps in California
Electricians
- Register as trainee → Complete trade school/apprenticeship → Pass California state certification exam.
HVAC
- No license for entry-level techs; CSLB C-20 Contractor License required for independent work.
Plumbers
- Apprenticeship or program → Document hours → Apply for CSLB C-36 Plumbing Contractor License.
Healthcare (LVN)
- Graduate from BVNPT-approved program → Pass NCLEX-PN → Apply for LVN license.
Why San Francisco Works for Trade Students
- High wages. Bay Area trades consistently earn some of the highest pay in the U.S.
- Union presence. Strong apprenticeship system in plumbing, electrical, and carpentry.
- Healthcare demand. UCSF, Kaiser, and Sutter Health drive steady hiring for allied health graduates.
- Green energy growth. San Francisco policies fuel demand for electricians, solar installers, and HVAC techs.
Financial Aid in San Francisco
- California College Promise Grant (community college fee waivers)
- Federal Pell Grants & FAFSA for Title IV programs
- WIOA funds through San Francisco Workforce Development Board
- Paid apprenticeships that reduce costs and provide benefits
FAQs
Which trades pay the most in San Francisco?
Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC contractors often exceed $90k annually with overtime.
What’s the fastest trade program in San Francisco?
Medical assisting, HVAC, and phlebotomy can be completed in under a year.
Can I work while in school?
Yes. Many schools offer evening/weekend programs, and apprenticeships provide full wages during training.
San Francisco offers high wages, strong union apprenticeships, and diverse trade school programs, making it one of the most rewarding places in California to start a skilled trade career.
Explore Related Topics:
Notice an update we should make?
We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.
Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
.svg){kind=logo}