Trade Careers in Kentucky
Quick answer: In Kentucky, electrical line workers earn a median of about $77,020 and plumbers about $64,160 (BLS, May 2025), making them two of the highest-paying trades in the state. Most trades are entered through a registered apprenticeship or a trade-school program, and you can finish many certificate programs in two years or less. Licensing is handled by the state agencies listed in the table below.
Kentucky’s growth in logistics, advanced manufacturing, and construction is boosting demand for skilled trades. Compare trades, find training, and learn license steps here.
Why Trade Careers in Kentucky
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| High Demand | Infrastructure and industry investment statewide |
| Apprenticeships | Paid training with clear progression |
| Fast Entry | Certificates and AAS programs |
| Career Options | Electrical, HVAC, plumbing, welding, solar, and more |
Compare Skilled Trades in Kentucky
| Trade | Median Salary | Training Time | License Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $52,680 | 6 months - 4 years (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Construction Worker | $45,710 | 3-12 months (apprenticeship or on-the-job) | Varies (OSHA 10/30; state contractor license for supervisors) |
| Flooring Installer | $50,380 | 6-12 months (on-the-job + coursework) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Plumber | $64,160 | 4-5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| Welder | $51,470 | 6-18 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (AWS certification preferred) |
| Construction Manager | $97,020 | 2-4 years (degree or field experience) | Varies (contractor license in many states) |
| Home Inspector | $60,200 | 2-6 months (state-approved course) | Yes in many states (state license) |
| Mold Inspector | N/A | 3-12 months (coursework + field hours) | Varies (state license or industry certification) |
| Electrician | $59,720 | 4-5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| HVAC Technician | $58,620 | 6 months - 2 years (certificate or associate) | Yes (EPA 608 and state licensing) |
| Lineworker | $77,020 | 3-4 years (joint apprenticeship) | Yes (apprenticeship + utility certifications) |
| Solar Installer | N/A | 3-12 months (bootcamp or apprenticeship) | Optional (NABCEP certification beneficial) |
| Tower Technician | $49,840 | 3-9 months (tower climbing school + field training) | Yes (OSHA/NRF safety + CPR certifications) |
| Wind Turbine Technician | N/A | 1-2 years (associate or technical diploma) | Yes (industry safety certifications) |
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | $67,920 | 18-30 months (Part 147 school or apprenticeship) | Yes (FAA A&P license) |
| Auto Mechanic | $44,890 | 6-12 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| Automotive Technician | $44,890 | 9-18 months (advanced diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| CNC Machinist | $58,660 | 9-24 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NIMS certification beneficial) |
| Diesel Technician | $55,480 | 1-2 years (associate or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE or OEM certifications) |
| Gunsmith | $66,410 | 6-18 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NRA/NSTC credentials beneficial) |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $57,780 | 6-12 months (trade school or union program) | Optional (CDL required for many roles) |
| Maintenance Technician | $46,810 | 6-12 months (trade school or on-the-job) | Optional (CMRT or OEM certifications) |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $56,340 | 3-6 months (CDL program) | Yes (CDL Class A or B) |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $38,370 | 4-12 weeks (state-approved program) | Yes (state CNA exam) |
| Patient Care Technician | $38,370 | 4-12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (CNA license + PCT certification in many hospitals) |
| Hemodialysis Technician | $49,410 | 4-12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (state certification or BONENT/CCHT credential) |
| Home Health Aide | $36,440 | 3-6 months (training + competency exam) | Yes in many states (state-approved HHA program) |
| Medical Assistant | $39,270 | 9-12 months (certificate or diploma) | Optional (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) |
| Mental Health Technician | $40,370 | 6-12 months (certificate + clinical experience) | Varies (state registration + employer training) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $60,460 | 12-18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $60,460 | 12-18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Dental Assistant | $47,730 | 9-18 months (diploma or associate program) | Varies (CDA, RDA, or state license) |
| EKG Technician | $60,980 | 3-9 months (certificate program) | Optional (CET, CCT, or AMCA) |
| Pharmacy Technician | $39,200 | 6-12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Varies (state license or PTCB/ExCPT) |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $42,480 | 4-6 months (certificate + clinical practice) | Yes in many states (national certification preferred) |
| Radiologic Technologist | $69,670 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (ARRT registration + state license) |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $91,230 | 18-24 months (accredited associate or certificate) | Yes (ARDMS/CCI credential; state license in some areas) |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $46,880 | 6-12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes in many states (CRCST or CBSPD certification) |
| Surgical Technologist | $60,490 | 12-24 months (accredited surgical tech program) | Yes in many states (NBSTSA or NCCT certification) |
| Optician | $44,290 | 9-24 months (apprenticeship or associate) | Yes in many states (state license or ABO-NCLE) |
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | $48,410 | 9-24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CPC, CCA, or CBCS) |
| Medical Office Administrator | $38,750 | 9-18 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CMAA or CEHRS certification) |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $65,230 | 2 years (accredited associate degree) | Yes (state license via NBCOT exam) |
| Physical Therapy Aide | $35,490 | 3-12 months (certificate or employer training) | Optional (on-the-job + certificate programs) |
| Massage Therapist | $59,790 | 9-18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state license) |
| Personal Trainer | $45,280 | 3-6 months (exam prep + practicum) | Yes (national certification required by many employers) |
| Dog Trainer | $34,030 | 6-12 months (mentorship or certificate) | Optional (industry certifications preferred) |
| Veterinary Assistant | $34,140 | 6-12 months (certificate + hands-on experience) | Optional (AVMA-approved assistant credential) |
| Veterinary Technician | $39,590 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (VTNE and state license) |
| Beauty Professional | $29,840 | 9-15 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Cosmetologist | $29,840 | 9-18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Esthetician | $38,580 | 4-9 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state esthetics license) |
| Culinary Chef | $35,988 | 1-2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe + local food handler permit) |
| Pastry Chef | $35,988 | 9-18 months (baking & pastry diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe; ACF certification boosts prospects) |
| Bookkeeper | $46,550 | 6-12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Optional (CB or CPB certification beneficial) |
| Digital Court Reporter | $50,350 | 6-12 months (certificate program) | Optional (AAERT certification preferred) |
| Paralegal | $59,830 | 12-24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (ABA-approved certificate beneficial) |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. State data (Kentucky).
Apprenticeships & Training Paths
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Earn while you learn |
| Trade School | 6-18 months | Accredited programs statewide |
| On-the-Job Training | Varies | Employer-led training |
Trade Schools in Kentucky
Kentucky Licensing Overview
| Trade | Licensing Overview (check state/local rules) |
|---|---|
| Electrician | State and/or local licensing; exams and hours may apply |
| Plumber | Contractor or plumbing board requirements vary by jurisdiction |
| HVAC Technician | Often licensed via mechanical/contractor board; EPA 608 typically required |
| Solar Installer | May require electrical license; NABCEP certification recommended |
| Welder | Employer or AWS/City certifications based on project requirements |
Kentucky Trade Career Outlook
Building & Construction Trades
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Plumber | 4.5% |
| Carpenter | 4.5% |
| Welder | 2.2% |
| Flooring Installer | 9.5% |
| Construction Worker | 7.3% |
Construction Management & Inspection
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager | 8.7% |
| Home Inspector | -0.8% |
Electrical & Energy Systems
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Lineworker | 6.6% |
| Wind Turbine Technician | 49.9% |
| Electrician | 9.5% |
| HVAC Technician | 8.1% |
| Solar Installer | 42.1% |
| Tower Technician | 8.6% |
Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | 4.0% |
| Gunsmith | 2.0% |
| CNC Machinist | 0.0% |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | 3.6% |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | 4.0% |
| Diesel Technician | 2.4% |
| Maintenance Technician | 3.8% |
| Auto Mechanic | 4.2% |
| Automotive Technician | 4.2% |
Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | 2.6% |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | 2.6% |
| Hemodialysis Technician | 5.2% |
| Mental Health Technician | 20.0% |
| Medical Assistant | 12.5% |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | 2.3% |
| Patient Care Technician | 2.3% |
| Home Health Aide | 17.0% |
Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | 13.0% |
| Radiologic Technologist | 4.3% |
| EKG Technician | 3.0% |
| Surgical Technologist | 4.5% |
| Dental Assistant | 6.4% |
| Sterile Processing Technician | 10.0% |
| Optician | 2.9% |
| Phlebotomy Technician | 5.6% |
| Pharmacy Technician | 6.4% |
Healthcare: Administration & Office Support
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | 7.1% |
| Medical Office Administrator | 4.2% |
Therapy, Rehab & Fitness
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 19.2% |
| Massage Therapist | 15.4% |
| Personal Trainer | 11.9% |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 2.8% |
Animal Care & Training
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technician | 9.1% |
| Veterinary Assistant | 8.7% |
| Dog Trainer | 5.1% |
Beauty & Personal Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Esthetician | 6.7% |
| Beauty Professional | 5.6% |
| Cosmetologist | 5.6% |
Culinary & Hospitality Careers
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Culinary Chef | 7.1% |
| Pastry Chef | 7.1% |
Business & Legal Support
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Paralegal | 0.2% |
| Digital Court Reporter | -0.3% |
| Bookkeeper | -5.8% |
Job growth uses state projections when available and national projections (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034) when state data is unavailable. Median pay for each trade is shown in the comparison table above.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections (2024-2034). Projected U.S. change shown for each trade.
Get Started in Kentucky
Pick a trade, compare programs, and begin a stable, hands-on career with strong local demand.
Degree Programs in Kentucky
Trade school is not the only route. These are the four-year and graduate degrees on this site, with Kentucky pay, employment and school listings for each. They sit above the trades on this page rather than alongside them.
Construction and the built environment
- Construction Supervision Degree in Kentucky
- Online Construction Management Degrees in Kentucky
- Online Civil Engineering Degree in Kentucky
- Online Architecture Degree in Kentucky
Manufacturing, maintenance and energy
- Production Supervision Degree in Kentucky
- Maintenance Supervision Degree in Kentucky
- Online Mechanical Engineering Degree in Kentucky
- Online Electrical Engineering Degree in Kentucky
- Online Industrial Engineering Degree in Kentucky
Health care
- Online Nursing Degrees in Kentucky
- Physician Assistant Programs in Kentucky
- Online Radiologic Technology Degree in Kentucky
- Online Health Sciences Degree in Kentucky
- Online Healthcare Administration Degrees in Kentucky
Business, technology and public service
All degree programs - the full index
Citations
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/.