Skilled Trades & Technical Careers

Updated January 10, 2026 Table of Contents

Skilled trades support construction, energy, and infrastructure.
Skilled trade professionals keep systems running across construction, energy, manufacturing, and maintenance. Training length, licensing requirements, and job outlook vary by trade and location.

Why Choose a Skilled Trade Career?

Skilled trades offer hands-on work across many industries, with pathways that range from short-term certificates to multi-year apprenticeships.

Top reasons to pursue a trade career:

  • Demand for licensed and certified technicians in many regions
  • Training timelines that are often shorter than traditional four-year degrees
  • Apprenticeships and on-the-job training in many trades
  • Potential for self-employment or contracting independence
  • Tangible results and daily hands-on problem solving

Whether you prefer working with tools, technology, or engineering systems, there’s a trade that fits your interests.

Explore some of the most in-demand trade and technical roles:

  • Electrician – Install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities
  • HVAC Technician – Repair and maintain heating, cooling, and ventilation systems
  • Plumber – Install and service water, gas, and drainage systems
  • Welder – Join and fabricate metal components for construction and manufacturing
  • Construction Manager – Lead building projects from planning to completion
  • Machinist – Operate precision machinery to manufacture parts and tools
  • Maintenance Technician – Keep equipment and facilities operating safely and efficiently
  • Sheet Metal Worker – Fabricate ducts, panels, and metal components
  • Marine Mechanic – Service and repair boat engines and marine systems
  • Motorcycle Mechanic – Diagnose and repair motorcycles, ATVs, and small engines

Each trade has its own path, from classroom training to paid apprenticeships and industry certification.

Education & Training Options

Trade education is often designed around practical skill-building, with options ranging from short-term certificates to full degree programs.

Common learning paths:

  • Certificate Programs (6–12 months): Focused technical skills and hands-on training
  • Associate Degrees (2 years): Broader technical and management coursework
  • Apprenticeships (3–5 years): Paid, supervised on-the-job learning
  • Online & Hybrid Programs: Flexible study options for working adults

Many programs include industry-recognized credentials and pathways to state licensing exams.

Certification & Apprenticeships

Certifications and apprenticeships can validate skills and support advancement.

Examples include:

  • OSHA Safety Certification: Required on most job sites
  • NCCER or NATE Certifications: National construction and HVAC credentials
  • EPA Section 608: Mandatory for HVAC and refrigeration work
  • State Licensing Exams: Required for electricians, plumbers, and other regulated trades

Apprenticeships often combine education with paid field experience.

Career Outlook

Many skilled trades benefit from steady demand as infrastructure and construction needs change over time.

High-growth areas include:

  • Construction and electrical work
  • HVAC and green building technology
  • Welding and precision manufacturing
  • Mechanical maintenance and automation

Technicians with specialized certifications or digital skills (e.g., smart systems or CNC technology) may have additional opportunities for advancement.

Compare training options near you.
Program availability, costs, and licensing requirements vary by trade and state. Contact schools directly to confirm details.

Compare Careers in This Category

Certification and licensing requirements vary by state and employer. Training times reflect typical program or apprenticeship lengths and can differ by provider, prior experience, and local regulations. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing board or prospective program.
Building & Construction Trades
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Carpenter $59,310* Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) 6 months – 4 years (trade school or apprenticeship)
Construction Worker $46,730* Varies (OSHA 10/30; state contractor license for supervisors) 3–12 months (apprenticeship or on-the-job)
Flooring Installer $53,599* Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) 6–12 months (on-the-job + coursework)
Plumber $62,970* Yes (state licensing) 4–5 years (apprenticeship)
Welder $51,000* Optional (AWS certification preferred) 6–18 months (trade school or apprenticeship)
Tile Setter N/A Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) 6–12 months (on-the-job + coursework)
Pipefitter $60,900* Yes in many states (state licensing; apprenticeship) 4–5 years (apprenticeship)
Steamfitter $60,900* Yes in many states (state licensing; apprenticeship) 4–5 years (apprenticeship)
Boilermaker $73,340* Varies (apprenticeship; state license in some areas) 3–4 years (apprenticeship)
Brick & Block Mason N/A Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) 3–4 years (apprenticeship)
Cabinet Maker N/A Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) 6–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship)
Ironworker N/A Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) 3–4 years (apprenticeship)
Locksmith $50,490* Varies (state license in some areas) 6–12 months (certificate or apprenticeship)
Roofer $50,592* Optional (apprenticeship often recommended; contractor license for business owners) 6–12 months (on-the-job + coursework)
Sheet Metal Worker N/A Yes in many states (apprenticeship; trade license varies) 3–4 years (apprenticeship)
Insulation Worker N/A Optional (OSHA 10/30; apprenticeship often recommended) 3–12 months (on-the-job + coursework)
Drywall Installer N/A Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) 3–12 months (on-the-job + coursework)
Woodworker $43,886* Optional (apprenticeship often recommended) 6–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Construction Management & Inspection
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Construction Manager $106,980* Varies (contractor license in many states) 2–4 years (degree or field experience)
Home Inspector $72,120* Yes in many states (state license) 2–6 months (state-approved course)
Mold Inspector N/A Varies (state license or industry certification) 3–12 months (coursework + field hours)
Energy Auditor N/A Optional (BPI/HERS credentials often required) 2–6 months (coursework + fieldwork)
Environmental Technician N/A Optional (HAZWOPER; industry certifications) 6–12 months (certificate + fieldwork)
Water Damage Restoration Technician N/A Optional (IICRC WRT/ASD certifications) 1–6 months (courses + on-the-job)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Electrical & Energy Systems
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Appliance Repair Technician N/A Optional (EPA 608 for sealed systems) 3–12 months (certificate + on-the-job)
Electrician $62,350* Yes (state licensing) 4–5 years (apprenticeship)
HVAC Technician $59,810* Yes (EPA 608 and state licensing) 6 months – 2 years (certificate or associate)
Refrigeration Technician N/A Yes (EPA 608; state license in many areas) 6–18 months (certificate or associate)
Lineworker $92,560* Yes (apprenticeship + utility certifications) 3–4 years (joint apprenticeship)
Solar Installer $51,860* Optional (NABCEP certification beneficial) 3–12 months (bootcamp or apprenticeship)
Controls Technician N/A Optional (ISA/PLC certifications) 9–24 months (certificate or associate)
Home Security Technician N/A Varies (state low-voltage license in many areas) 3–12 months (certificate + on-the-job)
Tower Technician $70,500* Yes (OSHA/NRF safety + CPR certifications) 3–9 months (tower climbing school + field training)
Wind Turbine Technician $62,580* Yes (industry safety certifications) 1–2 years (associate or technical diploma)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Auto Body Repair Technician N/A Optional (I-CAR/ASE certifications) 6–12 months (certificate or apprenticeship)
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) $78,680* Yes (FAA A&P license) 18–30 months (Part 147 school or apprenticeship)
Auto Mechanic $49,670* Optional (ASE certifications preferred) 6–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship)
Automotive Technician $49,670* Optional (ASE certifications preferred) 9–18 months (advanced diploma or apprenticeship)
CNC Machinist $56,150* Optional (NIMS certification beneficial) 9–24 months (certificate or apprenticeship)
Diesel Technician $60,640* Optional (ASE or OEM certifications) 1–2 years (associate or apprenticeship)
Gunsmith $48,640* Optional (NRA/NSTC credentials beneficial) 6–18 months (certificate or apprenticeship)
Heavy Equipment Operator $58,710* Optional (CDL required for many roles) 6–12 months (trade school or union program)
Maintenance Technician $48,620* Optional (CMRT or OEM certifications) 6–12 months (trade school or on-the-job)
Millwright $65,170* Optional (apprenticeship; NCCER beneficial) 3–4 years (apprenticeship)
Pilot $170,956* Yes (FAA Commercial Pilot License) 12–24 months (flight school + hours)
Robotics Technician N/A Optional (FANUC/ABB OEM certifications) 9–18 months (certificate or associate)
Truck Driver (CDL) $57,440* Yes (CDL Class A or B) 3–6 months (CDL program)
Freight Broker $80,880* Varies (FMCSA authority for business owners) 3–12 months (certificate + on-the-job)
Motorcycle Mechanic N/A Optional (OEM/ASE certifications) 6–12 months (certificate or apprenticeship)
Marine Technician N/A Optional (ABYC certification beneficial) 6–12 months (certificate or apprenticeship)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) $39,530* Yes (state CNA exam) 4–12 weeks (state-approved program)
Patient Care Technician $39,530* Yes (CNA license + PCT certification in many hospitals) 4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours)
Hemodialysis Technician $48,790* Yes (state certification or BONENT/CCHT credential) 4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours)
Home Health Aide $34,900* Yes in many states (state-approved HHA program) 3–6 months (training + competency exam)
Medical Assistant $44,200* Optional (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) 9–12 months (certificate or diploma)
Mental Health Technician $42,590* Varies (state registration + employer training) 6–12 months (certificate + clinical experience)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) $62,340* Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) 12–18 months (state-approved program)
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) $62,340* Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) 12–18 months (state-approved program)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Dental Assistant $47,300* Varies (CDA, RDA, or state license) 9–18 months (diploma or associate program)
EKG Technician $67,260* Optional (CET, CCT, or AMCA) 3–9 months (certificate program)
Pharmacy Technician $43,460* Varies (state license or PTCB/ExCPT) 6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job)
Phlebotomy Technician $43,660* Yes in many states (national certification preferred) 4–6 months (certificate + clinical practice)
Radiologic Technologist $77,660* Yes (ARRT registration + state license) 2 years (associate degree)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer $89,340* Yes (ARDMS/CCI credential; state license in some areas) 18–24 months (accredited associate or certificate)
Sterile Processing Technician $46,490* Yes in many states (CRCST or CBSPD certification) 6–12 months (certificate + clinical hours)
Surgical Technologist $62,830* Yes in many states (NBSTSA or NCCT certification) 12–24 months (accredited surgical tech program)
Optician $46,560* Yes in many states (state license or ABO-NCLE) 9–24 months (apprenticeship or associate)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Emergency Services & Public Safety
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
EMT N/A Yes (state certification; NREMT) 3–6 months (state-approved program)
Paramedic $58,410* Yes (state license; NREMT-P) 12–24 months (advanced program + clinicals)
Firefighter $59,530* Yes (fire academy; EMT often required) 6–12 months (academy + EMT)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Healthcare: Administration & Office Support
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist $50,250* Optional (CPC, CCA, or CBCS) 9–24 months (certificate or associate)
Medical Office Administrator $44,640* Optional (CMAA or CEHRS certification) 9–18 months (certificate or associate)
Medical Biller $50,250* Optional (CPB, CBCS, or CHBME) 9–18 months (certificate or diploma)
Medical Coder $50,250* Optional (CPC, CCA, or CCS) 9–24 months (certificate or associate)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Therapy, Rehab & Fitness
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Occupational Therapy Assistant $68,340* Yes (state license via NBCOT exam) 2 years (accredited associate degree)
Physical Therapy Aide $34,520* Optional (on-the-job + certificate programs) 3–12 months (certificate or employer training)
Massage Therapist $57,950* Yes (state license) 9–18 months (state-approved school)
Personal Trainer $46,180* Yes (national certification required by many employers) 3–6 months (exam prep + practicum)
Life Coach $49,830* Optional (ICF/CCE/NBHWC certification preferred) 6–18 months (certificate)
Recovery Coach $45,120* Varies (state peer/recovery certification often required) 6–12 months (certificate + supervised hours)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Animal Care & Training
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Dog Trainer $38,750* Optional (industry certifications preferred) 6–12 months (mentorship or certificate)
Veterinary Assistant $37,320* Optional (AVMA-approved assistant credential) 6–12 months (certificate + hands-on experience)
Veterinary Technician $45,980* Yes (VTNE and state license) 2 years (associate degree)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Beauty & Personal Care
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Beauty Professional $35,250* Yes (state cosmetology license) 9–15 months (state-approved school)
Cosmetologist $35,250* Yes (state cosmetology license) 9–18 months (state-approved school)
Esthetician $41,560* Yes (state esthetics license) 4–9 months (state-approved program)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Culinary & Hospitality Careers
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Culinary Chef $39,168* Optional (ServSafe + local food handler permit) 1–2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship)
Pastry Chef $39,168* Optional (ServSafe; ACF certification boosts prospects) 9–18 months (baking & pastry diploma or apprenticeship)
Travel Agent $48,450* Optional (IATA/CLIA or vendor certifications) 3–12 months (certificate + on-the-job)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Design & Creative Careers
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Graphic Designer $61,300* Optional (portfolio; degree helpful) 1–4 years (certificate or degree)
Interior Designer N/A Optional (NCIDQ; licensure varies by state) 2–4 years (degree in Interior Design or related)
Jewelry Designer N/A Optional (GIA/JA credentials) 6–24 months (certificate or associate)
Floral Designer $36,120* Optional (on-the-job or certificate) 3–12 months (certificate or apprenticeship)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS
Business & Legal Support
Trade Median Salary (U.S.) Certification / Licensing Typical Training Time
Bookkeeper $49,210* Optional (CB or CPB certification beneficial) 6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job)
Digital Court Reporter $67,310* Optional (AAERT certification preferred) 6–12 months (certificate program)
Paralegal $61,010* Optional (ABA-approved certificate beneficial) 12–24 months (certificate or associate)
Legal Secretary N/A Optional (NALS ALP/CLP certification) 6–24 months (certificate or associate)
Data Year: 2024 — BLS OEWS

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