Skilled Trade Career Guides
Thinking about how to become 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
- 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
Career Comparisons
Not sure which trade is right for you? These side-by-side comparisons use real salary and job outlook data to help you decide.
| Comparison | Guide Link |
|---|---|
| HVAC vs. Electrician | HVAC Technician vs. Electrician |
| Electrician vs. Plumber | Electrician vs. Plumber |
| Electrician vs. Lineworker | Electrician vs. Lineworker |
| Plumber vs. HVAC | Plumber vs. HVAC Technician |
| Electrician vs. Welder | Electrician vs. Welder |
| Electrician vs. Carpenter | Electrician vs. Carpenter |
| Electrician vs. Auto Mechanic | Electrician vs. Auto Mechanic |
| Electrician vs. Solar Technician | Electrician vs. Solar Technician |
| Welder vs. Carpenter | Welder vs. Carpenter |
| Plumber vs. Welder | Plumber vs. Welder |
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.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.