Trade Careers in Arizona
Updated August 4, 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 |
“Arizona's trades are powering everything from new homes to EV plants. These careers are essential.” - U.S. Department of Labor2
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Arizona
| Trade | Avg. Salary3 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $56,520 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $52,630 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $57,180 | 4-5 years | ✅ 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 |
“Arizona 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.
🎓 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
- Best Trade Schools in Arizona (2025) - Compare schools, programs, and accreditations.
- Financial Aid for Trade School
- How Long is Trade School?
🏛️ 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) |
📈 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% |
✅ 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.
📚 Citations
-
U.S. Census Bureau - Arizona Growth Stats: https://www.census.gov ↩
-
U.S. Department of Labor - Apprenticeship Overview: https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Arizona Occupational Wages: https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
Arizona Department of Economic Security - Apprenticeships: https://des.az.gov/services/employment/apprenticeship-program ↩
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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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