Trade Careers in Nevada
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Nevada's growing population and booming construction industry have created high demand for skilled trades. From Las Vegas to Reno and Elko, careers in the trades are offering real opportunity and job security.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to switch paths, here's how to launch a rewarding trade career in Nevada.
🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in Nevada
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Rapid Growth | Nevada's population and housing demand continue to rise |
| Union Opportunities | Strong IBEW, UA, and trade union presence across the state |
| Energy Sector | Solar, geothermal, and energy efficiency projects create trade job openings |
| Workforce Investment | Programs like Workforce Connections and Nevada Ready! support training |
“Skilled labor is essential to meeting Nevada's housing and energy needs.” - Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation1
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Nevada
| Trade | Avg. Salary2 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $62,470 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $54,690 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $60,370 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | $48,910 | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | $51,290 | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | $50,450 | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | $52,300 | 1-6 months | ❌ No (Voluntary cert) | Mold Guide |
🧰 Nevada Apprenticeships & Schools
Nevada supports a wide network of union apprenticeship programs and public career training through community colleges and workforce centers.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid training with job placement |
| Community College | 6-24 months | Certificates and AAS degrees in construction, HVAC, and more |
| Trade Academies | Varies | IBEW, UA, and other unions operate training centers |
“Nevada apprenticeships help meet the needs of today's labor market.” - NevadaWorks3
🏫 Trade Schools in Nevada
From College of Southern Nevada to Great Basin College, public and private trade schools offer hands-on career training that leads directly to jobs.
🎓 Tip: Qualifying adults can access free tuition at community colleges through the Nevada Promise Scholarship and other grants.
Why Attend Trade School in Nevada?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Affordable Options | State grants and Promise Scholarships reduce out-of-pocket cost |
| Accelerated Training | Get skilled and job-ready in under 2 years |
| In-Demand Programs | HVAC, electrical, solar, welding, and more |
| Job Placement Support | Many schools partner with employers and unions |
| Geographic Reach | Campuses in Las Vegas, Henderson, Elko, and beyond |
Explore Accredited Schools
🏛️ Nevada Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Nevada State Contractors Board |
| Plumber | Nevada State Contractors Board |
| HVAC Technician | Licensed as HVAC Contractor via State Contractors Board |
| Solar Installer | May require contractor licensing for solar electric work |
| Mold Inspector | No state license required; private certification encouraged |
📈 Nevada Trade Career Outlook
| Trade | Median Salary2 | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $62,470 | 8% |
| HVAC Technician | $54,690 | 9% |
| Plumber | $60,370 | 6% |
| Welder | $48,910 | 3% |
| Solar Installer | $51,290 | 20% |
| Carpenter | $50,450 | 2% |
| Mold Inspector | $52,300 | 6% |
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Nevada?
Pick a trade. Get trained. Nevada's growing economy needs skilled workers-and that starts with you.
📚 Citations
-
Nevada DETR - Workforce Development: https://detr.nv.gov ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (NV): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
NevadaWorks - Apprenticeship & Training Programs: https://nevadaworks.com ↩
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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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