Trade Careers in Missouri
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Missouri's skilled trades power the state's manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and energy sectors. From Kansas City and St. Louis to Springfield and Columbia, trade workers are in high demand across the state.
Whether you're fresh out of high school or looking to change careers, here's how to start a stable, high-paying skilled trade career in Missouri.
🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in Missouri
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Aging Infrastructure | Roads, bridges, and utilities need modernization |
| Central U.S. Location | Major logistics, transportation, and construction growth |
| State Training Incentives | Programs like Fast Track Workforce Grant help adults train affordably |
| Strong Apprenticeship Network | Missouri is home to hundreds of registered apprenticeship programs |
“Skilled workers are essential to building Missouri's economy from the ground up.” - Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development1
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Missouri
| Trade | Avg. Salary2 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $62,510 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $55,720 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $62,010 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | $48,950 | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | $47,610 | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | $50,740 | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | $49,830 | 1-6 months | ❌ No (Voluntary cert) | Mold Guide |
🧰 Missouri Apprenticeships & Schools
Missouri offers a wide range of union and non-union apprenticeships, vocational schools, and community college trade programs.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid, on-the-job training through employers or union halls |
| Area Career Centers | 6-24 months | Technical training at public high schools and postsecondary programs |
| Community Colleges | 12-24 months | Associate degrees or certifications in HVAC, construction, and more |
“Registered apprenticeships are a proven path to careers that don't require student debt.” - Apprenticeship Missouri3
🏫 Trade Schools in Missouri
Missouri has over 50 career centers, technical colleges, and public institutions offering affordable trade training in every region of the state.
🎓 Tip: Eligible adults may qualify for Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grants or WIOA-funded programs via Jobs.Mo.Gov.
Why Attend Trade School in Missouri?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Low Tuition & Funding | Many programs are under $5,000 and eligible for grants |
| Employer Demand | Shortages of skilled tradespeople in key regions |
| Strong Placement Rates | Many programs lead directly to employment |
| Regional Access | Training programs available in both metro and rural areas |
| Learn While You Earn | Apprenticeship and co-op opportunities statewide |
Explore Accredited Schools
🏛️ Missouri Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Licensed locally (e.g. St. Louis County, Kansas City); no statewide license |
| Plumber | City/county-level licensing; varies by municipality |
| HVAC Technician | Local jurisdiction licensing (e.g. Jefferson County, Springfield) |
| Solar Installer | May require electrical license in some jurisdictions |
| Mold Inspector | No state license; ACAC or NORMI certification recommended |
📈 Missouri Trade Career Outlook
| Trade | Median Salary2 | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $62,510 | 6% |
| HVAC Technician | $55,720 | 8% |
| Plumber | $62,010 | 7% |
| Welder | $48,950 | 3% |
| Solar Installer | $47,610 | 20% |
| Carpenter | $50,740 | 2% |
| Mold Inspector | $49,830 | 6% |
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Missouri?
Missouri's economy is built by skilled hands. Whether you're looking to work in construction, energy, or mechanical trades, the state offers affordable training and strong job opportunities to launch your career.
📚 Citations
-
MO Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development - https://dhewd.mo.gov ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (MO): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
Apprenticeship Missouri - https://jobs.mo.gov/community/apprenticeship ↩
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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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