Trade Schools in Norfolk, VA
5 schools · 54 programs · Avg earnings $34,882/yr
Norfolk's robust maritime and naval presence heavily influences its trade school offerings. The city's shipyards, port operations, and military contractors create consistent demand for skilled technicians. Programs in welding, diesel technology, and HVAC-R directly support maintenance and infrastructure needs across these sectors, providing essential training for local employment.
Beyond the maritime industry, Norfolk's growing healthcare sector also drives significant demand for skilled professionals. The city is home to major medical centers and a burgeoning allied health industry. Programs like Registered Nursing and various Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment Professions are well-aligned with the needs of local hospitals and clinics.
Schools
5
Programs
54
Avg Grad Earnings
$34,882/yr
Avg Score
57/100
Norfolk Trade Schools Map
5 trade schools in Norfolk, VA.
All Trade Schools in Norfolk
5 trade schools ranked by number of programs offered.
| School | Programs | Avg Earnings | Avg Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tidewater Community College | 29 | $35,626/yr | 60 |
| Fortis College-Norfolk | 6 | $37,627/yr | 52 |
| Tidewater Tech-Trades | 4 | $32,105/yr | 51 |
| Centura College-Norfolk | 3 | $23,861/yr | 46 |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Norfolk | 1 | $44,572/yr | 60 |
Top Programs in Norfolk
Highest-earning trade programs by first-year graduate earnings in Norfolk.
| Program | School | Earnings | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Fortis College-Norfolk | $71,678/yr | 72 |
| Nursing | Tidewater Community College | $69,764/yr | 81 |
| Engineering | Tidewater Community College | $68,555/yr | 65 |
| Allied Health Professions | Tidewater Community College | $62,524/yr | 68 |
| Electrical Engineering Technology | Tidewater Community College | $56,971/yr | 67 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technology | Tidewater Community College | $54,461/yr | 70 |
| Practical Nursing | Fortis College-Norfolk | $50,451/yr | 70 |
| Vehicle Repair Technology | Tidewater Community College | $47,722/yr | 66 |
| Information Sciences | Tidewater Community College | $45,084/yr | 70 |
| Vehicle Repair Technology | Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Norfolk | $44,572/yr | 60 |
Apprenticeships in Norfolk
Programs by Category
Skilled Trades (12)
Healthcare (16)
Engineering & Technology (4)
Criminal Justice & Public Safety (2)
Personal Services (3)
Business & Office (6)
Education (1)
Arts & Design (1)
Family & Consumer Sciences (2)
Other Programs (7)
Skilled Trades (12 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Truck Driving & CDL | Tidewater Community College | 80 | $39,383/yr |
| Electrical Installation | Tidewater Community College | 67 | $36,232/yr |
| Vehicle Repair Technology | Tidewater Community College | 66 | $47,722/yr |
| Vehicle Repair Technology | Tidewater Community College | 63 | $34,696/yr |
| Construction Management Technology | Tidewater Tech-Trades | 62 | $35,172/yr |
| Vehicle Repair Technology | Aviation Institute of Maintenance-Norfolk | 60 | $44,572/yr |
| Vehicle Repair Technology | Tidewater Tech-Trades | 50 | $30,531/yr |
| Welding & Metalworking | Tidewater Community College | 50 | $23,785/yr |
| Welding & Metalworking | Tidewater Tech-Trades | 47 | $32,269/yr |
| HVAC Technology | Fortis College-Norfolk | 46 | $32,955/yr |
| HVAC Technology | Tidewater Tech-Trades | 44 | $30,448/yr |
| Electrical Installation | Centura College-Norfolk | 43 | $20,928/yr |
Healthcare (16 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nursing | Tidewater Community College | 81 | $69,764/yr |
| Nursing | Fortis College-Norfolk | 72 | $71,678/yr |
| Practical Nursing | Fortis College-Norfolk | 70 | $50,451/yr |
| Allied Health Professions | Tidewater Community College | 68 | $62,524/yr |
| Allied Health Professions | Tidewater Community College | 66 | $42,572/yr |
| Health Administration | Tidewater Community College | 63 | $29,290/yr |
| Health Administration | Tidewater Community College | 61 | $25,738/yr |
| Clinical Laboratory Science | Tidewater Community College | 60 | $37,354/yr |
| Medical Assisting | Tidewater Community College | 58 | $29,799/yr |
| Health Administration | Centura College-Norfolk | 54 | $26,072/yr |
| Health Administration | Centura College-Norfolk | 49 | $23,876/yr |
| Mental Health Services | Tidewater Community College | 47 | $23,509/yr |
| Medical Assisting | Fortis College-Norfolk | 46 | $23,035/yr |
| Massage Therapy | Fortis College-Norfolk | 38 | $24,718/yr |
| Dental Assisting | Centura College-Norfolk | 38 | $24,569/yr |
| Dental Assisting | Fortis College-Norfolk | 38 | $22,928/yr |
Engineering & Technology (4 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering Technology | Tidewater Community College | 70 | $54,461/yr |
| Information Sciences | Tidewater Community College | 70 | $45,084/yr |
| Electrical Engineering Technology | Tidewater Community College | 67 | $56,971/yr |
| Drafting & Design Technology | Tidewater Community College | 48 | $41,114/yr |
Criminal Justice & Public Safety (2 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice | Tidewater Community College | 64 | $27,916/yr |
| Criminal Justice | Tidewater Community College | 59 | $26,013/yr |
Personal Services (3 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts | Tidewater Community College | 60 | $25,938/yr |
| Culinary Arts | Tidewater Community College | 60 | $21,368/yr |
| Funeral Service & Mortuary Science | Tidewater Community College | 55 | $39,431/yr |
Business & Office (6 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration | Tidewater Community College | 82 | $42,521/yr |
| Business Administration | Tidewater Community College | 71 | $35,919/yr |
| Accounting | Tidewater Community College | 69 | $35,597/yr |
| Business Operations Support | Tidewater Community College | 62 | $35,687/yr |
| Accounting | Tidewater Community College | 59 | $29,056/yr |
| Hospitality Management | Tidewater Community College | 55 | $21,416/yr |
Education (1 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching Assistants | Tidewater Community College | 39 | $23,117/yr |
Arts & Design (1 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | Tidewater Community College | 40 | $22,935/yr |
Family & Consumer Sciences (2 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human Development & Family Studies | Tidewater Community College | 55 | $21,889/yr |
| Human Development & Family Studies | Tidewater Community College | 52 | $23,239/yr |
Other Programs (7 programs)
▶| Program | School | Score | Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Tidewater Community College | 65 | $68,555/yr |
| Social Sciences | Tidewater Community College | 58 | $29,425/yr |
| Legal Support Services | Tidewater Community College | 55 | $36,150/yr |
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | Tidewater Community College | 50 | $31,688/yr |
| Biological & Physical Sciences | Tidewater Community College | 48 | $30,605/yr |
| Legal Support Services | Tidewater Community College | 45 | $33,677/yr |
| Liberal Arts & Humanities | Tidewater Community College | 42 | $27,294/yr |
Nearby Cities with Trade Schools
More Trade Schools in Virginia
View all trade schools in Virginia or browse all cities with trade schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many trade schools are in Norfolk?
There are 5 accredited trade and vocational schools in Norfolk, VA, offering a total of 54 certificate and associate degree programs.
What are the best trade programs in Norfolk?
The highest-earning programs in Norfolk include Nursing, Nursing, Engineering, with graduates earning $71,678 or more in their first year after graduation.
Are trade schools in Norfolk worth it?
Trade school programs in Norfolk average $34,882 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 54 trade and vocational programs at 5 schools in Norfolk, VA 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.