Trade Schools in San Jose, California
Updated September 12, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
San Jose, the largest city in Silicon Valley, isn't just about tech - it's also a strong hub for skilled trades. With booming construction, high demand for electricians and HVAC techs, and healthcare expansion, San Jose offers lucrative opportunities for students pursuing vocational training.
Top Trade Schools in San Jose
| School | Programs Offered | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose City College | Welding, Automotive, HVAC, Nursing, IT | Affordable, accredited, strong local partnerships |
| Evergreen Valley College | Automotive Tech, Nursing, IT, Construction Pathways | Public college with workforce programs |
| Institute for Business & Technology (IBT – Santa Clara) | HVAC, Medical Assisting, IT, Business | Private trade school near San Jose |
| Carrington College – San Jose | Dental Assisting, Medical Billing, Vocational Nursing | Healthcare-focused, Title IV eligible |
| UEI College – San Jose | HVAC, Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant | Short-term programs with flexible schedules |
| Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) | High school + adult trade pathways in automotive, construction, IT | Strong vocational options for younger students |
Apprenticeships in San Jose
- IBEW Local 332 Electrical Apprenticeship (San Jose) - Paid inside wireman program with classroom + fieldwork.
- UA Local 393 Plumbers & Pipefitters (San Jose) - Apprenticeships in plumbing, HVAC, pipefitting, welding.
- Carpenters Local 405 Training - Paid apprenticeships in carpentry, drywall, flooring.
- Operating Engineers Local 3 - Heavy equipment apprenticeships with statewide training centers accessible to San Jose residents.
Trade Job Salaries in San Jose (2025)
| Trade Career | Entry-Level | Average | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $25/hr ($52k) | $36/hr ($75k) | $46/hr ($95k) |
| HVAC Technician | $23/hr ($48k) | $33/hr ($69k) | $42/hr ($87k) |
| Welder | $20/hr ($42k) | $29/hr ($61k) | $38/hr ($79k) |
| CDL Truck Driver | $23/hr ($48k) | $32/hr ($66k) | $41/hr ($85k) |
| Diesel Mechanic | $24/hr ($50k) | $33/hr ($68k) | $42/hr ($87k) |
| Medical Assistant | $18/hr ($37k) | $23/hr ($48k) | $28/hr ($58k) |
(Source: BLS, California EDD, 2025)
Licensing Steps in California
Electricians
- Register as a trainee → Complete program or apprenticeship → Pass state exam.
HVAC
- No state license for technicians; C-20 CSLB Contractor license required for independent work.
Plumbers
- Apprenticeship or training → Accumulate hours → Apply for CSLB C-36 Plumbing license if contracting.
Healthcare (LVN)
- Graduate from BVNPT-approved program → Pass NCLEX-PN → Apply for state licensure.
Why San Jose Works for Trade Students
- High wages. San Jose tradespeople earn some of the highest salaries in California due to cost of living.
- Construction growth. New housing, data centers, and commercial projects keep electricians and HVAC techs in demand.
- Healthcare jobs. Hospitals like Kaiser Permanente and Regional Medical Center provide steady career paths.
- Union presence. Strong local apprenticeships in electrical, plumbing, and carpentry ensure paid training opportunities.
Financial Aid in San Jose
- California College Promise Grant for community colleges
- Pell Grants and FAFSA for Title IV programs
- WIOA funds through work2future (San Jose workforce board)
- Apprenticeships that pay wages while covering tuition costs
FAQs
Which trades pay the most in San Jose?
Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs often exceed $90k annually with experience.
What's the fastest trade program in San Jose?
Medical assisting, HVAC, and welding programs can be finished in 9–12 months.
Can I work while training?
Yes. Apprenticeships pay wages, and most colleges and private schools offer evening programs.
San Jose offers some of the highest-paying skilled trade jobs in the country, supported by strong apprenticeships and community-college pathways. For students who want to combine fast training with top wages, it's one of California's best choices.
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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.
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