Skilled Trade Career Guides
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Thinking about becoming an electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, or welder? Whether you're fresh out of high school or switching careers, this is where your journey starts.
These expert-built guides show you exactly how to get licensed, how long it takes, how much you'll earn, and what steps to take in your state.
Each guide includes:
- Step-by-step state licensing requirements
- Salary and job outlook backed by BLS data
- Apprenticeship vs. trade school comparisons
- Links to trade-specific training paths and state pages
Explore Skilled Trades by Career
| Trade | Get the Guide |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Electrician Overview |
| HVAC Technician | HVAC Overview |
| Plumber | Plumber Overview |
| Welder | Welder Overview |
| Solar Technician | Solar Overview |
| Mold Inspector | Mold Inspector Overview |
| Carpenter | Carpenter Overview |
Want to know what tools you'll need, what licensing exams involve, and how much tradespeople make in 2025? Start with the trade that interests you most.
Licensing Requirements by State
Each state has different rules for getting licensed. These guides break it all down-no legal jargon, no fluff.
| State | Start Your Guide |
|---|---|
| Texas | Trade Licensing in Texas |
| Florida | Trade Licensing in Florida |
| California | Trade Licensing in California |
✅ illinois coming soon. Need your state next? Request it here
Essential Career Planning Guides
These guides answer the most common questions students, parents, and career changers have when exploring trade school options.
- Trade School Guide: Start Here
- How to Choose a Trade School
- Trade School vs. Apprenticeship: Which Path Is Right?
- Trade School vs. College
- Financial Aid for Trade School
- Online Trade Schools
- How Much Does Trade School Cost?
- How Long Is Trade School?
- Best Trade Schools in the U.S.
- Best Trade Schools by State
- Skilled Trade Salary Comparison (2025)
- Best Skilled Trades to Learn Right Now
Certification Guides by Trade
Need certifications like OSHA 10, EPA 608, or NCCER Core before stepping on a jobsite? Start here.
| Certification | Guide Link |
|---|---|
| OSHA 10 | OSHA 10 Certification Guide |
| OSHA 30 | OSHA 30 Certification Guide |
| EPA Section 608 | EPA 608 Certification Guide |
| NATE | NATE Certification Guide |
| NCCER Core | NCCER Core Curriculum Guide |
| R-410A Certification | R-410A Certification Guide |
| Backflow Prevention | Backflow Prevention Certification Guide |
| HAZWOPER | HAZWOPER Certification Guide |
These credentials show employers you're jobsite-ready and serious about your trade.
Your Next Step Starts Here
Whether you're planning to wire homes, run pipes, fix air conditioners, or climb rooftops installing solar-our job is to help you start strong.
Need help choosing the right path?
- Explore your state's licensing process
- Read real-world guides written for people just like you
You've got this. And we've got your back every step of the way.
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We strive for accuracy. Contact us here if you see incorrect or outdated info on this page.
Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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