Trade Careers in New Jersey
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
New Jersey's skilled trades are in high demand across the state. From Newark to Atlantic City and throughout the suburbs, infrastructure upgrades, clean energy projects, and new construction are driving job growth in the trades.
Whether you're starting out or making a career shift, here's how to launch a stable, well-paying trade career in New Jersey.
🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in New Jersey
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Strategic Location | Proximity to NYC and Philly fuels major infrastructure investments |
| Construction Growth | Roadways, commercial, and residential projects are expanding |
| Green Energy Push | Offshore wind, solar, and energy efficiency retrofits in demand |
| Training Support | NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities, apprenticeships, and community programs |
“New Jersey is investing in workforce development to fill critical trade jobs.” - NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development1
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in New Jersey
| Trade | Avg. Salary2 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $69,080 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $61,320 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $71,250 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | $53,740 | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | $54,670 | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | $55,930 | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | $55,110 | 1-6 months | ❌ No (Voluntary cert) | Mold Guide |
🧰 New Jersey Apprenticeships & Schools
New Jersey offers registered apprenticeships and public workforce training programs through county colleges and technical schools.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid, hands-on training, often union-sponsored |
| Community College | 6-24 months | AAS degrees and certificates in HVAC, welding, etc. |
| Vocational Centers | Varies | Many programs available to high school and adult learners |
“Apprenticeships in New Jersey are an earn-while-you-learn gateway to success.” - NJ Apprenticeship Network3
🏫 Trade Schools in New Jersey
From Lincoln Tech to public county colleges, New Jersey has dozens of training programs for in-demand trades like plumbing, HVAC, and solar.
🎓 Tip: New Jersey offers tuition-free training through programs like the NJ Pathways Initiative and free community college for qualifying residents.
Why Attend Trade School in New Jersey?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Tuition Assistance | Free community college and state-funded workforce grants |
| Quick Entry | Certificate programs take 6-18 months |
| Union Partnerships | Schools often align with apprenticeship opportunities |
| Local Access | Community colleges in every region of the state |
| Career Placement | High job placement rates in healthcare, energy, and building trades |
Explore Accredited Schools
🏛️ New Jersey Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | NJ Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors |
| Plumber | State Board of Examiners of Master Plumbers |
| HVAC Technician | Licensed via Master HVACR Contractor Board (via DCA) |
| Solar Installer | Electrical license may be required depending on scope of work |
| Mold Inspector | No license required; industry certifications recommended (ACAC, NORMI) |
📈 New Jersey Trade Career Outlook
| Trade | Median Salary2 | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $69,080 | 7% |
| HVAC Technician | $61,320 | 9% |
| Plumber | $71,250 | 6% |
| Welder | $53,740 | 3% |
| Solar Installer | $54,670 | 17% |
| Carpenter | $55,930 | 2% |
| Mold Inspector | $55,110 | 6% |
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in New Jersey?
Choose your path. Get the skills. From apprenticeships to trade schools, New Jersey has everything you need to succeed in the trades.
📚 Citations
-
NJ Department of Labor & Workforce Development - https://www.nj.gov/labor ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (NJ): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
New Jersey Apprenticeship Network - https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/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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