Trade Schools in Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC, benefits from a robust healthcare sector, anchored by major employers like Prisma Health and Lexington Medical Center. This strong demand for skilled medical professionals is reflected in available programs, with Registered Nursing and Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services showing strong earnings potential. The city's growing population also drives needs in supporting services.
Beyond healthcare, Columbia's economy sees consistent demand for skilled trades. The region's climate means HVACR technicians are always needed for both residential and commercial properties, aligning with programs in Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology. Legal Support Services also caters to the state capital's professional environment.
Columbia Trade Schools Map
5 trade schools in Columbia, SC.
All Trade Schools in Columbia
5 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.
| School | Programs | Avg Earnings | Avg Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fortis College-Columbia | 5 | $37,180/yr | 53 |
| Southeastern College-Columbia | 2 | $24,921/yr | 40 |
| South University-Columbia | 2 | $35,443/yr | 46 |
| Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Columbia | 1 | $18,956/yr | 43 |
| Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology and Nails-Columbia | 1 | $18,956/yr | 43 |
Top Programs in Columbia
Highest-earning trade programs by first-year graduate earnings in Columbia.
| Program | School | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Fortis College-Columbia | $69,200/yr | 71 |
| Medical Assisting | South University-Columbia | $39,761/yr | 56 |
| HVAC Technology | Fortis College-Columbia | $35,785/yr | 48 |
| Legal Support Services | South University-Columbia | $31,126/yr | 36 |
| Health Administration | Fortis College-Columbia | $29,157/yr | 58 |
| Medical Assisting | Fortis College-Columbia | $27,198/yr | 50 |
| Massage Therapy | Southeastern College-Columbia | $25,459/yr | 36 |
| Dental Assisting | Fortis College-Columbia | $24,564/yr | 39 |
| Medical Assisting | Southeastern College-Columbia | $24,383/yr | 45 |
| Cosmetology | Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology and Nails-Columbia | $18,956/yr | 43 |
Apprenticeships in Columbia
Programs by Category
Skilled Trades (1 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC Technology | Fortis College-Columbia | 48 | $35,785/yr |
Healthcare (7 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Fortis College-Columbia | 71 | $69,200/yr |
| Health Administration | Fortis College-Columbia | 58 | $29,157/yr |
| Medical Assisting | South University-Columbia | 56 | $39,761/yr |
| Medical Assisting | Fortis College-Columbia | 50 | $27,198/yr |
| Medical Assisting | Southeastern College-Columbia | 45 | $24,383/yr |
| Dental Assisting | Fortis College-Columbia | 39 | $24,564/yr |
| Massage Therapy | Southeastern College-Columbia | 36 | $25,459/yr |
Personal Services (2 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetology | Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology and Nails-Columbia | 43 | $18,956/yr |
| Cosmetology | Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology-Columbia | 43 | $18,956/yr |
Other Programs (1 programs)
| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal Support Services | South University-Columbia | 36 | $31,126/yr |
More Trade Schools in South Carolina
View all trade schools in South Carolina or browse all cities with trade schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
About This Data
This page analyzes 11 trade and vocational programs at 5 schools in Columbia, SC 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.