10 Best Trade Schools inSacramento, CA

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This page includes information about some of the best trade schools in Sacramento.

The institutions presented in our list offer career-focused programs that can get you job-ready in a matter of months.

Whether you want to become a medical assistant, a licensed cosmetician or a truck driver, there are many alternatives you can choose from.

Choosing the school that will prepare you for your future career is a really big step so it’s important to gather information about all your options before deciding on a specific training program.

Let’s see what Sacramento trade schools have to offer!


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1MTI College

MTI College is a trade and vocational school with programs in healthcare, information technology, business and more.

MTI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Enrollment. Each applicant is assigned a personalized admissions counselor.

The counselor will answer your questions and walk you through the admissions and financial aid process.

Prospective students must interview with an admissions advisor, provide proof of high school graduation or GED equivalent, complete an application for admission and pass an admissions examination.

Fees. Total costs vary between $4,000-$20,750, depending on the program.

MTI College is eligible for state grants and government financial aid programs.

Courses offered:

  • Medical Assisting
  • Medical Assisting with Phlebotomy Certificate
  • Medical Billing and Coding Professional
  • Phlebotomy
  • A.A.S. Cloud Administration
  • A.A.S. Network Administration and Security
  • Technical Support Specialist
  • A.A. Paralegal Studies
  • A.A. Paralegal Studies- Online Plus
  • Legal Administrative Assistant
  • A.A. Business Administration
  • Accounting Technician
  • Administrative Office Professional
  • Barbering
  • Cosmetology
  • Advanced Makeup

Contact information:


2Asher College

Asher College is offering medical career programs, business career programs and IT career programs.

Students have access to the college’s facilities and resources, personalized instruction from experienced faculty, hands-on training, and receive support from staff and fellow students.

Asher graduates have numerous employment opportunities.

The school offers day, evening and weekend classes.

Asher College is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education Training.

Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age or have a parent or legal guardian sign the Admissions paperwork.

Prospective students must present proof of high school diploma or equivalent and must pass an entrance exam.

Fees. Total costs vary between $4,450-$28,700.

Financial aid is avalailable to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

  • Medical Billing and Coding
  • Health Information Specialist
  • Medical Records Specialist
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Office Accounting
  • Office Administrator
  • Computer and Network Technician
  • Computer Information Specialist
  • IT Network Engineer
  • IT Server Administrator
  • PC Technician
  • PC Support Specialist
  • Network Support Specialist
  • Tech Support Specialist

Contact information:


3Commercial Drivers Learning Center

Commercial Drivers Learning Center (CDLC) has over 25 years of experience in the driver training industry.

The four-week truck driver training course consists of one week of a combination of classroom training and field training and three weeks of hands-on and behind-the-wheel training.

The behind-the-wheel course is designed for those students who are looking to save money and already possess a Class “A” commercial permit; this course is 120-hours-long and doesn’t include the classroom portion of the training.

The school is VA approved; students can use their veteran’s benefits including the Post 9-11 GI Bill and all other chapter benefits.

Training funds are also available through county agencies like SETA, Golden Sierra in Placer County, El Dorado County.

CDLC is approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE).

Courses offered:

  • Truck Driver Training Program
  • Behind-the-Wheel Training Program
  • Refresher Training
  • Bus Driver Training Program

Contact information:

  • Commercial Drivers Learning Center: 1787 Tribute Road, Sacramento, CA 95815, USA
  • Phone: (916) 260-2943
  • Website: https://cdlc4u.com

4Abylex Inc

Abylex Inc is a CDL training school in Sacramento.

The school guarantees students that they will pass their CDL test.

Abylex Inc. offers an affordable course with a zero down payment.

Students receive job placement to help them get hired after they pass their CDL test.

The school accepts worker’s compensation vouchers.

Those who enroll in the Class B course will receive a CDL permit test.

Students can study that guide and go to the DMV to pass the CDL test.

Once you get the CDL permit, take a picture of your permit and text it to the school.

The school will schedule your CDL drive test appointment and text you the confirmation.

The school also offers 4 hours of one on one training with an instructor prior to your actual drive test, and 2 hours at the DMV drive test (a truck will be provided for testing).

After passing your CDL test you can become a Licensed Commercial Driver.

Courses offered:

  • 1 Day Course: Refresher
  • 3 Day Course: Refresher
  • 1 week Course: Refresher
  • 2-week course
  • 3-week course
  • 4-week course
  • Unlimited course
  • 10 Speed Stick Shift Training
  • Permit Class
  • Class B Course

Contact information:


5Mixed Institute of Cosmetology

Mixed Institute of Cosmetology is an accredited beauty school in Sacramento.

The school offers cosmetology, manicuring and barbering classes.

The 1,600-hour cosmetology course is designed to prepare students for the California State Department of Barbering and Cosmetology licensing examination.

This license is a requirement if you want to operate as a cosmetologist in California.

The Barbering Program is a complete curriculum designed to help prospective barbers pass the State Board Exam and acquire their CA State License.

Students get real-world experience and hands-on training while learning how to be their own boss as barbers.

Mixed Institute of Cosmetology is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences (NACCAS).

Enrollment. Applicants must be at least 17 years of age and have successfully completed high school or its equivalent.

Fees. The Cosmetology program costs a total of $19,300 while the Barber program costs $17,900.

Total costs sum up to $2,100 for the Manicure program and to $2,499 for the Cosmo Crossover.

Courses offered:

  • Cosmetology – 1,600 hours
  • Manicuring – 400 hours
  • Barbering – 1,500 hours
  • Barber Crossover

Contact information:

  • Mixed Institute of Cosmetology: 5950 Florin Road #103, Sacramento, CA 95823
  • Phone: 916 421 5950
  • Website: https://mixed.institute

6Federico Beauty Institute

Federico Beauty Institute is helping students get the hands-on training, practical experience and industry support they need to launch successful beauty careers.

Founded 70 years ago, the Institute is a third-generation, family-owned and operated beauty school in Sacramento.

The school’s facility is over 40,000+ square feet and includes fully equipped contemporary classrooms, spa area, Federico café, beauty boutique, barbershop, advanced training facility, and a student salon.

The Institute has 16 classrooms, equipped to accommodate lecture and hands-on learning and feature computer-controlled audiovisual equipment.

Training programs are available full-time and part-time.

Federico graduates are eligible and fully prepared for the State Licensing Exam.

Federico Beauty Institute is accredited by the National Accrediting Commission of Cosmetology Arts and Sciences.

Enrollment. Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent.

They must take and pass an entrance exam prior to enrollment.

Prospective students must provide a photo ID and complete an enrollment application.

Fees. Total costs, including tuition, registration, insurance, STRF, and supplies, vary between $10,235-$21,885, depending on the program.

Financial aid is available to qualifying students.

The school’s Admissions Office helps those who are eligible to obtain Veterans Educational Benefits.

Courses offered:

  • Barber
  • Cosmetology
  • Esthetics

Contact information:

  • Admissions: 1515 Sports Drive, Sacramento, CA 95834
  • Phone: 916-418-7223 (Admission)
  • Website: https://federico.edu

7Method Makeup Academy

Method Makeup Academy is a professional makeup school.

The school offers intense training in the history, theory, and application of professional beauty makeup.

The courses are designed for the most basic beginner as well as persons with some professional experience and training who are seeking to hone their skills.

Classes are a mixture of lecture, demonstration, and hands-on applications.

School instructors are working professionals; classes are kept small to enable students to get more individual attention from the instructors.

The 11-week Professional Makeup Course is open to four students at a time.

The course covers the history of makeup, color theory, sanitation, professional makeup kit basics, eye shadow application, false lash application, skin prep and much more.

When you graduate you will receive a Certificate of Completion in Professional Makeup Application.

Enrollment. Students 16 years and older may enroll in any of the Method Makeup Academy Courses.

Fees. Tuition cost for the Professional Makeup Course is $1,995 and includes curriculum, supplies in the classroom, a complete pro kit, with carrying case and the Certificate of Completion.

Method Makeup Academy Classes are open to everyone; there is no Diploma required.

Courses offered:

  • Professional Makeup Course
  • Private & Custom Classes: Zombie Makeup & FX, Lash Extensions and more.

Contact information:


8Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center

Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center is offering career education training.

Most programs include clinical activities, computer-assisted instruction, content area text reading, instructional lectures, multimedia presentations, hands-on shop projects, externships, and more.

CAJ Career Technical Education classes are accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), the State of California’s Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric
Technicians (BVNPT), Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacist (ASHP).

Enrollment. Applicants to Adult Education Programs must be at least 18 years of age.

Applicants also need a high school diploma or equivalent.

Fees. Program costs vary between $2,180-$21,244.

The school also offers financial aid to qualifying students.

Courses offered:

The Center offers the following career education programs:

  • A+/CISCO Network + Preparation
  • Court Reporting
  • Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology
  • Medical/Clinical Assistant
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Optometric Technician/Assistant
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Vocational Nursing

Contact information:

  • Charles A. Jones Career & Education Center: 5451 Lemon Hill Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95824
  • Website: http://caj.scusd.edu

9National Holistic Institute

National Holistic Institute (NHI) offers training programs for those who want to build a career as massage therapists.

The Insitute has 10 campuses in California, including one in Sacramento, and provides a comprehensive massage therapy program.

NHI offers an 800-hours Massage Therapy Program and a 450-hour Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Program.

National Holistic Institute is a private institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training.

Enrollment. The first step is to call or fill out a form on the school’s website and schedule a personal interview with an Admissions Representative.

Fees. Tuition is $7,794 for the Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy Program and $15,588 for the Massage Therapy Program.

Financial aid is available to students who qualify.

Courses offered:

  • Massage Therapy Program
  • Advanced Neuromuscular Therapy
  • Continuing Education

Contact information:

  • Sacramento Massage School Campus: 1610 Arden Way, Suite 110, Sacramento, CA 95815
  • Phone: 916.568.6411
  • Website: https://nhi.edu

10The Cassino College

The Casino College trains students for exciting careers as casino dealers.

The College is Northern California’s oldest Casino School & the World’s Largest Casino Dealer Training Company with schools in the San Francisco Bay Area & Sacramento.

The school also has affiliate Casino School campuses in Phoenix, Los Angeles, and Singapore.

The school can get students trained and audition ready in as little as two weeks.

The Casino College schools are cutting edge, using only the finest casino quality equipment, cards, dice, and other tools.

Instructors have many years of casino experience, as dealers, pit bosses & floor managers for some of the largest casinos in the world.

The Casino College of Sacramento is serving all of Northern Central California.

Students can learn hands-on, online or both.

The school offers lifetime job-placement assistance.

Enrollment. Prospective students can enroll through the school’s website.

Fees. Single-game prices start at $149.

Flexible payment plans are available.

Courses offered:

  • Poker Dealer Course
  • Blackjack
  • Pai Gow/Pai Gow Tiles
  • Craps
  • Roulette
  • Baccarat / Mini Baccarat

Contact information:

  • The Casino College: Sacramento Casino School, 1445 Fulton Ave., Sacramento CA, 95825
  • Phone: 916-995-6518
  • Website: https://ideal21.com

Salary Information for Popular Trade Careers

CareerEmployedAvg. Annual SalaryAvg. Hourly PayTop 10% Annual SalaryBottom 10% Annual Salary
Paralegals and Legal Assistants2,080$71,200$34.23$98,590$47,900
Medical Records Specialists1,300$73,810$35.49$102,180$37,790
Nursing Assistants5,090$44,040$21.17$59,800$36,580
Dental Assistants3,310$49,690$23.89$59,400$37,250
Medical Assistants7,470$56,450$27.14$74,720$37,190
Phlebotomists650$51,250$24.64$64,270$37,960
Electricians6,030$74,730$35.93$126,760$39,530
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters3,410$70,450$33.87$121,920$38,920
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics4,540$58,960$28.35$80,150$35,280
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers3,110$66,380$31.91$101,750$38,650
* Salary information based on the May 2022 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Sacramento--Roseville--Arden-Arcade, CA metropolitan statistical area, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Final Thoughts

The right trade school can get you job-ready in a matter of months.

This is why you have to choose carefully and explore all your options before deciding on a vocational program.

There are many things that could influence your decision, such as tuition, schedule, location, etc.

We advise you to also take into consideration some other important factors, including school accreditation, job placement, graduation rate, and student reviews.


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