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

BenefitDetails
High DemandInfrastructure and industry investment statewide
ApprenticeshipsPaid training with clear progression
Fast EntryCertificates and AAS programs
Career OptionsElectrical, HVAC, plumbing, welding, solar, and more

Compare Skilled Trades in Kentucky

TradeMedian SalaryTraining TimeLicense Required?
Carpenter$52,6806 months – 4 years (trade school or apprenticeship)Optional (apprenticeship recommended)
Construction Worker$45,7103–12 months (apprenticeship or on-the-job)Varies (OSHA 10/30; state contractor license for supervisors)
Flooring Installer$50,3806–12 months (on-the-job + coursework)Optional (apprenticeship recommended)
Plumber$64,1604–5 years (apprenticeship)Yes (state licensing)
Welder$51,4706–18 months (trade school or apprenticeship)Optional (AWS certification preferred)
Construction Manager$97,0202–4 years (degree or field experience)Varies (contractor license in many states)
Home Inspector$60,2002–6 months (state-approved course)Yes in many states (state license)
Mold InspectorN/A3–12 months (coursework + field hours)Varies (state license or industry certification)
Electrician$59,7204–5 years (apprenticeship)Yes (state licensing)
HVAC Technician$58,6206 months – 2 years (certificate or associate)Yes (EPA 608 and state licensing)
Lineworker$77,0203–4 years (joint apprenticeship)Yes (apprenticeship + utility certifications)
Solar InstallerN/A3–12 months (bootcamp or apprenticeship)Optional (NABCEP certification beneficial)
Tower Technician$49,8403–9 months (tower climbing school + field training)Yes (OSHA/NRF safety + CPR certifications)
Wind Turbine TechnicianN/A1–2 years (associate or technical diploma)Yes (industry safety certifications)
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)$67,92018–30 months (Part 147 school or apprenticeship)Yes (FAA A&P license)
Auto Mechanic$44,8906–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship)Optional (ASE certifications preferred)
Automotive Technician$44,8909–18 months (advanced diploma or apprenticeship)Optional (ASE certifications preferred)
CNC Machinist$58,6609–24 months (certificate or apprenticeship)Optional (NIMS certification beneficial)
Diesel Technician$55,4801–2 years (associate or apprenticeship)Optional (ASE or OEM certifications)
Gunsmith$66,4106–18 months (certificate or apprenticeship)Optional (NRA/NSTC credentials beneficial)
Heavy Equipment Operator$57,7806–12 months (trade school or union program)Optional (CDL required for many roles)
Maintenance Technician$46,8106–12 months (trade school or on-the-job)Optional (CMRT or OEM certifications)
Truck Driver (CDL)$56,3403–6 months (CDL program)Yes (CDL Class A or B)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)$38,3704–12 weeks (state-approved program)Yes (state CNA exam)
Patient Care Technician$38,3704–12 months (certificate + clinical hours)Yes (CNA license + PCT certification in many hospitals)
Hemodialysis Technician$49,4104–12 months (certificate + clinical hours)Yes (state certification or BONENT/CCHT credential)
Home Health Aide$36,4403–6 months (training + competency exam)Yes in many states (state-approved HHA program)
Medical Assistant$39,2709–12 months (certificate or diploma)Optional (CMA, RMA, or CCMA)
Mental Health Technician$40,3706–12 months (certificate + clinical experience)Varies (state registration + employer training)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)$60,46012–18 months (state-approved program)Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN)
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)$60,46012–18 months (state-approved program)Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN)
Dental Assistant$47,7309–18 months (diploma or associate program)Varies (CDA, RDA, or state license)
EKG Technician$60,9803–9 months (certificate program)Optional (CET, CCT, or AMCA)
Pharmacy Technician$39,2006–12 months (certificate or on-the-job)Varies (state license or PTCB/ExCPT)
Phlebotomy Technician$42,4804–6 months (certificate + clinical practice)Yes in many states (national certification preferred)
Radiologic Technologist$69,6702 years (associate degree)Yes (ARRT registration + state license)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer$91,23018–24 months (accredited associate or certificate)Yes (ARDMS/CCI credential; state license in some areas)
Sterile Processing Technician$46,8806–12 months (certificate + clinical hours)Yes in many states (CRCST or CBSPD certification)
Surgical Technologist$60,49012–24 months (accredited surgical tech program)Yes in many states (NBSTSA or NCCT certification)
Optician$44,2909–24 months (apprenticeship or associate)Yes in many states (state license or ABO-NCLE)
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist$48,4109–24 months (certificate or associate)Optional (CPC, CCA, or CBCS)
Medical Office Administrator$38,7509–18 months (certificate or associate)Optional (CMAA or CEHRS certification)
Occupational Therapy Assistant$65,2302 years (accredited associate degree)Yes (state license via NBCOT exam)
Physical Therapy Aide$35,4903–12 months (certificate or employer training)Optional (on-the-job + certificate programs)
Massage Therapist$59,7909–18 months (state-approved school)Yes (state license)
Personal Trainer$45,2803–6 months (exam prep + practicum)Yes (national certification required by many employers)
Dog Trainer$34,0306–12 months (mentorship or certificate)Optional (industry certifications preferred)
Veterinary Assistant$34,1406–12 months (certificate + hands-on experience)Optional (AVMA-approved assistant credential)
Veterinary Technician$39,5902 years (associate degree)Yes (VTNE and state license)
Beauty Professional$29,8409–15 months (state-approved school)Yes (state cosmetology license)
Cosmetologist$29,8409–18 months (state-approved school)Yes (state cosmetology license)
Esthetician$38,5804–9 months (state-approved program)Yes (state esthetics license)
Culinary Chef$35,9881–2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship)Optional (ServSafe + local food handler permit)
Pastry Chef$35,9889–18 months (baking & pastry diploma or apprenticeship)Optional (ServSafe; ACF certification boosts prospects)
Bookkeeper$46,5506–12 months (certificate or on-the-job)Optional (CB or CPB certification beneficial)
Digital Court Reporter$50,3506–12 months (certificate program)Optional (AAERT certification preferred)
Paralegal$59,83012–24 months (certificate or associate)Optional (ABA-approved certificate beneficial)

Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. State data (Kentucky).

Highest-paying skilled trades in Kentucky: Diagnostic Medical Sonographer leads at $91,230 median annual wage. Source: U.S. BLS OEWS, May 2025 release.
The highest-paying trades in Kentucky
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Apprenticeships & Training Paths

Training TypeDurationNotes
Apprenticeship3-5 yearsEarn while you learn
Trade School6-18 monthsAccredited programs statewide
On-the-Job TrainingVariesEmployer-led training

Trade Schools in Kentucky


Kentucky Licensing Overview

TradeLicensing Overview (check state/local rules)
ElectricianState and/or local licensing; exams and hours may apply
PlumberContractor or plumbing board requirements vary by jurisdiction
HVAC TechnicianOften licensed via mechanical/contractor board; EPA 608 typically required
Solar InstallerMay require electrical license; NABCEP certification recommended
WelderEmployer or AWS/City certifications based on project requirements

Kentucky Trade Career Outlook

Building & Construction Trades

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Plumber4.5%
Carpenter4.5%
Welder2.2%
Flooring Installer9.5%
Construction Worker7.3%

Construction Management & Inspection

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Construction Manager8.7%
Home Inspector-0.8%

Electrical & Energy Systems

Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation

Healthcare: Administration & Office Support

Therapy, Rehab & Fitness

Animal Care & Training

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Veterinary Technician9.1%
Veterinary Assistant8.7%
Dog Trainer5.1%

Beauty & Personal Care

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Esthetician6.7%
Beauty Professional5.6%
Cosmetologist5.6%

Culinary & Hospitality Careers

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Culinary Chef7.1%
Pastry Chef7.1%

Business & Legal Support

TradeJob Growth (2024-2034, US)
Paralegal0.2%
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.


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/.