Trade Schools in Wilmington, NC

3 schools · 14 programs · Avg earnings $28,492/yr

Wilmington's economy is strongly influenced by its port, film industry, and growing healthcare sector. These drivers create demand for skilled trades and technical professionals. Programs in Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management align with the city's expanding tech infrastructure and numerous small businesses requiring IT support. Similarly, Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions programs prepare students for roles within Wilmington's major medical centers, including Novant Health NHRMC.

The maritime industry, bolstered by the Port of Wilmington, also provides opportunities for specialized trades. While not explicitly listed among top earners, related fields in logistics, industrial maintenance, and electrical technology are vital. Additionally, the presence of various law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities in the region underscores the relevance of Criminal Justice and Corrections programs for local career paths.

Schools
3
Programs
14
Avg Grad Earnings
$28,492/yr
Avg Score
55/100

Wilmington Trade Schools Map

3 trade schools in Wilmington, NC.

Miller-Motte College-Wilmington Cape Fear Community College College of Wilmington

All Trade Schools in Wilmington

3 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.

School Programs Avg Earnings Avg Score
Miller-Motte College-Wilmington 9 $25,728/yr 52
Cape Fear Community College 3 $42,889/yr 76
College of Wilmington 2 $19,333/yr 41

Top Programs in Wilmington

Highest-earning trade programs by first-year graduate earnings in Wilmington.

Program School Earnings Score
Criminal Justice Cape Fear Community College $52,282/yr 88
Ground Transportation Cape Fear Community College $46,329/yr 88
Allied Health Professions Miller-Motte College-Wilmington $37,084/yr 53
IT Management Miller-Motte College-Wilmington $34,521/yr 61
Criminal Justice Miller-Motte College-Wilmington $30,539/yr 61
Liberal Arts & Humanities Cape Fear Community College $30,056/yr 53
Dental Assisting Miller-Motte College-Wilmington $26,998/yr 45
Business Administration Miller-Motte College-Wilmington $23,907/yr 59
Medical Assisting Miller-Motte College-Wilmington $22,869/yr 50
Health Administration Miller-Motte College-Wilmington $22,506/yr 55

Programs by Category

Skilled Trades (1) Healthcare (6) Engineering & Technology (1) Criminal Justice & Public Safety (2) Personal Services (2) Business & Office (1) Other Programs (1)

Skilled Trades (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Ground Transportation Cape Fear Community College 88 $46,329/yr

Healthcare (6 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Health Administration Miller-Motte College-Wilmington 55 $22,506/yr
Allied Health Professions Miller-Motte College-Wilmington 53 $37,084/yr
Medical Assisting Miller-Motte College-Wilmington 50 $22,869/yr
Dental Assisting Miller-Motte College-Wilmington 45 $26,998/yr
Massage Therapy College of Wilmington 38 $18,705/yr
Massage Therapy Miller-Motte College-Wilmington 38 $18,129/yr

Engineering & Technology (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
IT Management Miller-Motte College-Wilmington 61 $34,521/yr

Criminal Justice & Public Safety (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Criminal Justice Cape Fear Community College 88 $52,282/yr
Criminal Justice Miller-Motte College-Wilmington 61 $30,539/yr

Personal Services (2 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Cosmetology College of Wilmington 44 $19,962/yr
Cosmetology Miller-Motte College-Wilmington 42 $15,003/yr

Business & Office (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Business Administration Miller-Motte College-Wilmington 59 $23,907/yr

Other Programs (1 programs)

Program School Score Earnings
Liberal Arts & Humanities Cape Fear Community College 53 $30,056/yr

More Trade Schools in North Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

How many trade schools are in Wilmington?
There are 3 accredited trade and vocational schools in Wilmington, NC, offering a total of 14 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Wilmington?
The highest-earning programs in Wilmington include Criminal Justice, Ground Transportation, Allied Health Professions, with graduates earning $52,282 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Wilmington worth it?
Trade school programs in Wilmington average $28,492 in first-year graduate earnings, with many programs offering positive ROI within the first year. Most trade careers offer strong job security due to hands-on work requirements.

About This Data

This page analyzes 14 trade and vocational programs at 3 schools in Wilmington, NC using earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and employment projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024–2034).

School locations shown on the map are based on official institutional addresses. Graduate earnings represent median first-year earnings for certificate and associate degree completers.

Data: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024–2034. Last updated 2026.