Best Online Technology Programs in Shafter, CA (2026)
Shafter, California has a population of about 20,618. The city’s median household income is $67,989 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 10.7% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 5 accredited technology programs within 100 miles of Shafter, with tuition ranging from $1,409 to $12,522 per year. In the Bakersfield-Delano, CA metro area, the top-earning technology-related role is Computer and Information Systems Manager at a median $159,210 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Technology Schools to Shafter
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer technology programs. Distances are calculated from Shafter city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield College | Bakersfield, CA | 13.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Taft College | Taft, CA | 27.0 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Porterville College | Porterville, CA | 40.7 mi | $1,409 - $12,522 | – |
| College of the Sequoias | Visalia, CA | 58.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Lemoore College | Lemoore, CA | 66.3 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all California schools on the California technology page.
Technology Wages Near Shafter
Shafter is part of the Bakersfield-Delano, CA metro area (BLS area code 12540). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to California statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $132,590 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $131,407 |
| Information Security Analyst | $98,740 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $97,859 |
| Computer Network Architect | $112,640 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $111,635 |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $97,690 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $96,819 |
| Computer Network Support Specialist | $77,290 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $76,601 |
| Computer User Support Specialist | $61,880 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $61,328 |
| Web Developer | $90,460 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $89,653 |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager | $159,210 | Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $157,790 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Shafter at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 20,618 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $67,989 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 10.7% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 100.9 (above U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Technology-related employment in Kern County | 1,652 workers, 125 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Shafter-Area Cities With Technology Programs
- Wasco, CA – 12.4 mi away (26,337 pop)
- Bakersfield, CA – 12.6 mi away (567,585 pop)
- Delano, CA – 20.3 mi away (54,030 pop)
- Arvin, CA – 28.6 mi away (21,380 pop)
- Porterville, CA – 41.5 mi away (76,512 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited technology programs are near Shafter, CA?
Our directory lists 5 technology programs within 100 miles of Shafter. The closest is Bakersfield College in Bakersfield, CA (13.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Lemoore College (66.3 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying technology roles near Shafter?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying technology-related roles near Shafter are: Computer and Information Systems Manager ($159,210), Software Developer ($132,590), Computer Network Architect ($112,640). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with California statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Wasco instead of Shafter?
Wasco, CA is 12.4 miles from Shafter and has its own set of local technology programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Shafter an affordable place to study technology?
Shafter’s median household income of $67,989 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Shafter while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and California public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.
Related Resources
Back to Best Online Technology Programs in California (2026)
Return to Best Online Technology Programs in California (2026)