California Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in California.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in California
Average Cost of Trade School in California
Most trade programs in California are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In California, regional cost differences and strong licensing standards can affect both program length and total training expenses across the state.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $9,178 higher than in-state on average.
| California Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $1,471 |
|---|---|
| California Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $10,649 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in California
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
California Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- California trade timelines often follow structured pathways: 6–24 months for school-based training, and 3–5 years for many apprenticeships that combine paid work with related instruction.
- California rules can be highly trade- and scope-specific. Many contractor-level roles and certain regulated trades require licensing, documented experience, and exams. Local permitting and inspection can also apply—verify with state licensing and local building departments.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in California
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in California. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $26.42 | $1,057 | $4,580 | $54,960 |
| AV Technician | $32.85 | $1,314 | $5,694 | $68,328 |
| Carpenter | $25.73 | $1,029 | $4,460 | $53,518 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $35.46 | $1,418 | $6,146 | $73,757 |
| CNC Machinist | $24.34 | $974 | $4,219 | $50,627 |
| Construction | $25.83 | $1,033 | $4,477 | $53,726 |
| Concrete Finisher | $28.32 | $1,132 | $4,907 | $58,886 |
| Diesel Technician | $29.40 | $1,176 | $5,096 | $61,152 |
| Electrician | $31.13 | $1,245 | $5,396 | $64,750 |
| Heavy Equipment | $25.41 | $994 | $4,306 | $51,676 |
| HVAC Technician | $28.64 | $1,148 | $4,973 | $59,676 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $28.31 | $1,132 | $4,907 | $58,889 |
| Ironworker | $26.97 | $1,079 | $4,674 | $56,093 |
| Lineworker | $42.24 | $1,689 | $7,322 | $87,866 |
| Marine Mechanic | $29.27 | $1,171 | $5,073 | $60,837 |
| Mason | $27.51 | $1,100 | $4,768 | $57,221 |
| Plumber | $32.99 | $1,291 | $5,595 | $67,136 |
| Roofer | $24.68 | $987 | $4,278 | $51,334 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $26.12 | $1,015 | $4,399 | $52,786 |
| Welder | $24.97 | $998 | $4,323 | $51,876 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
How Easy It Is to Find Trade Jobs in California
Entry difficulty: More competitive, with higher regulatory barriers. California offers abundant trade job opportunities, but entry can be more challenging due to statewide licensing requirements, strong union presence in some trades, and higher competition in major metro areas. Workers who navigate credentialing successfully often benefit from steady long-term demand.
Unlike states where trade access is driven primarily by employer-based training or industrial maintenance, California’s demand is closely tied to large-scale construction, utilities, energy systems, and ongoing retrofitting of existing infrastructure. Strict building codes, environmental regulations, and seismic standards require skilled, credentialed trades across nearly all sectors.
California’s size and economic diversity mean trade demand is constant, but pathways into the field often require more upfront training, apprenticeships, or licensing compared to lower-regulation states.
What Actually Drives Trade Hiring in California
- Regulation-driven construction and retrofits: Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work is heavily influenced by code compliance and energy standards.
- Infrastructure and utility systems: Power grids, water systems, and public works projects require continuous skilled trade labor.
- Seismic and environmental upgrades: Ongoing retrofitting of buildings sustains long-term trade demand.
- Large-scale public projects: Transportation and municipal construction generate steady union and non-union trade work.
Where Trade Jobs Are Concentrated — and Why
- Los Angeles and Southern California: Dense population, commercial development, and infrastructure projects support broad trade demand.
- Bay Area: High-value commercial construction, utilities, and retrofitting drive demand for licensed trades.
- Central Valley and Inland regions: Logistics, agriculture-related facilities, and utilities create steady trade employment.
Construction, Utilities, and Regulatory Anchors
California’s trade workforce is supported by continuous construction, maintenance, and compliance requirements rather than short-term growth cycles:
- Commercial and residential construction — Ongoing development and renovation tied to population and housing needs.
- Utilities and energy infrastructure — Skilled trades maintain complex power, water, and renewable energy systems.
- Public works and transportation — Long-term projects sustain electrical, mechanical, and civil trades.
How Trade Workers Actually Get Hired in California
Trade jobs in California are commonly accessed through formal training pipelines and structured apprenticeship systems:
- State-approved apprenticeships: A primary entry path for electricians, plumbers, and other licensed trades.
- Trade schools and community colleges: Required preparation for licensing and certification exams.
- Contractor hiring: Employers typically require proof of credentials before on-site work.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Opportunities in California
California has a strong union presence in many skilled trades, particularly on large commercial and public projects. Non-union opportunities also exist, especially in residential and small commercial work, but licensing and compliance requirements apply across both pathways.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship with classroom instruction and on-the-job training | Primarily on-the-job training; structure varies by employer |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scale with scheduled raises | Pay increases based on performance, experience, or employer policy |
| Benefits | Typically includes health insurance, pension, and retirement plans | Benefits depend on employer; may be limited or optional |
| Job Mobility | Dispatch-based work; access to prevailing-wage public projects | Direct hiring; project-based mobility varies by contractor |
| Best Fit For | Those seeking structured training and higher wage ceilings | Those prioritizing faster entry or residential/service work |