Trade Careers in Arizona

Updated August 2, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Arizona's rapid growth is fueling demand for skilled trades. From Phoenix to Tucson, construction, manufacturing, and clean energy industries need trained workers-fast. If you're looking for job security, solid pay, and hands-on work without a four-year degree, this guide is your roadmap.

Whether you're a high school graduate, career switcher, or military veteran, here's how to launch a trade career in Arizona.


🌡 Why Trade Careers Are Booming in Arizona

Benefit Details
Fast-Growing Economy Arizona ranks among the top 5 states for job growth1
Housing Development New homes and infrastructure across Phoenix, Mesa, and Tucson
Tech + Manufacturing Semiconductor and aerospace jobs increasing demand for electricians
Renewable Energy Push Expanding solar and battery storage projects need skilled workers

β€œArizona's trades are powering everything from new homes to EV plants. These careers are essential.” - U.S. Department of Labor2


βš–οΈ Compare Skilled Trades in Arizona

Trade Avg. Salary3 Training Time License Required? Learn More
Electrician $56,520 4-5 years βœ… Yes Electrician Guide
HVAC Technician $52,630 6-24 months βœ… Yes HVAC Guide
Plumber $57,180 4-5 years βœ… Yes Plumber Guide
Welder $47,420 6-18 months ❌ Optional (certs) Welder Guide
Solar Installer $48,730 3-12 months ❌ Optional Solar Guide
Carpenter $46,290 6-24 months ❌ No Carpenter Guide
Mold Inspector $53,000 1-6 months ❌ No (Voluntary Cert) Mold Guide

🧰 Arizona Apprenticeships & Training Options

Arizona supports a growing network of registered apprenticeships and community college trade programs.

Training Type Duration Notes
Apprenticeship 3-5 years Paid, hands-on, often union-backed or DOL registered
Community College 6-24 months AAS degrees and certificates available statewide
Vocational Training 6-18 months Fast-track programs with employer partnerships

β€œArizona apprenticeship registrations increased 30% in the past 5 years.” - AZ Department of Economic Security4


🏫 Trade Schools in Arizona

Arizona is home to both public and private trade schools offering affordable, accredited training in in-demand trades.

πŸŽ“ Tip: Many Arizona residents qualify for the Arizona Promise Program, which offers last-dollar scholarships for eligible students.

Why Attend Trade School in Arizona?

Advantage What It Means for You
Short-Term Training Programs often 6-18 months for rapid job entry
In-Demand Skills HVAC, electrical, welding, and solar training offered statewide
Financial Aid Available FAFSA, Workforce grants, and Promise funds
School-Employer Links Many schools offer job placement support

Explore Accredited Schools


πŸ›οΈ Arizona Licensing Agencies

Trade Licensing Agency
Electrician Arizona Registrar of Contractors - ROC
Plumber Arizona ROC - Plumbing Classifications
HVAC Technician Arizona ROC - HVAC Licensing
Solar Installer Arizona ROC - Solar Licensing (CR-11, C-11)
Mold Inspector No statewide license required (private certs optional)

πŸ“ˆ Arizona Trade Career Outlook

Trade Median Salary3 Projected Growth
Electrician $56,520 9%
HVAC Technician $52,630 10%
Plumber $57,180 8%
Welder $47,420 4%
Solar Installer $48,730 20%
Carpenter $46,290 2%
Mold Inspector $53,000 6%

βœ… Ready to Start a Trade Career in Arizona?

Pick a trade, choose a training path, and start building your future. Arizona's growing economy needs skilled workers-and you could be next.


πŸ“š Citations


  1. U.S. Census Bureau - Arizona Growth Stats: https://www.census.gov ↩

  2. U.S. Department of Labor - Apprenticeship Overview: https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship ↩

  3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Arizona Occupational Wages: https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩

  4. Arizona Department of Economic Security - Apprenticeships: https://des.az.gov/services/employment/apprenticeship-program ↩


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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

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.