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Trade Careers in New York
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
New York's skilled trades are essential to its infrastructure, housing, energy, and transportation sectors. From New York City to Buffalo, Albany, and beyond, demand is growing fast for qualified tradespeople in every corner of the state.
Whether you're finishing high school or changing careers, here's how to start a rewarding trade career in New York.
🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in New York
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Spending | Massive investments in transportation, housing, and energy systems statewide |
| Green Energy Investment | Wind, solar, and building efficiency programs driving job creation |
| Strong Union Network | IBEW, UA, and local trade unions offer solid apprenticeships |
| Tuition-Free Training | Programs like the Excelsior Scholarship and workforce grants reduce costs |
“Trades are at the core of New York's clean energy and infrastructure plans.” - NYS Department of Labor1
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in New York
| Trade | Avg. Salary2 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $76,960 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes (varies by city) | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $63,720 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes (NYC + local) | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $77,290 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes (NYC + local) | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | $54,800 | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | $55,940 | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | $59,460 | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | $56,200 | 1-6 months | ❌ No (Voluntary cert) | Mold Guide |
🧰 New York Apprenticeships & Schools
New York has hundreds of union and non-union apprenticeships, plus trade programs offered by SUNY colleges, BOCES, and city workforce programs.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid training, many via union locals (IBEW, UA, etc.) |
| Community College | 6-24 months | Certificate and associate degree programs statewide |
| BOCES & City Programs | Varies | Free or low-cost for eligible high school grads and adults |
“Apprenticeship is the gold standard for earning while learning in New York.” - NY Apprenticeship Office3
🏫 Trade Schools in New York
New York has dozens of trade-focused institutions-from public community colleges to private schools like Lincoln Tech and Apex Technical School.
🎓 Tip: Many New York residents qualify for the Excelsior Scholarship or local workforce grants to cover tuition at SUNY/CUNY schools.
Why Attend Trade School in New York?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Tuition-Free Options | Excelsior covers many state school costs |
| Diverse Programs | From HVAC to welding, electrical, medical, and more |
| City & Rural Access | Schools in NYC, Rochester, Buffalo, Long Island, and more |
| Employer Partnerships | Many trade schools connect directly with unions or companies |
| Fast Certification | Programs range from 6 months to 2 years |
Explore Accredited Schools
🏛️ New York Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | NYC Department of Buildings - Electrical Licensing |
| Plumber | NYC Department of Buildings - Plumbing Licensing |
| HVAC Technician | Local licensing or contractor registration (varies by county) |
| Solar Installer | May need electrical license depending on system type |
| Mold Inspector | No state license; certifications like NORMI or ACAC recommended |
📈 New York Trade Career Outlook
| Trade | Median Salary2 | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $76,960 | 8% |
| HVAC Technician | $63,720 | 10% |
| Plumber | $77,290 | 7% |
| Welder | $54,800 | 3% |
| Solar Installer | $55,940 | 20% |
| Carpenter | $59,460 | 2% |
| Mold Inspector | $56,200 | 6% |
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in New York?
Pick a trade. Train smart. Whether through SUNY, BOCES, union apprenticeship, or workforce programs-New York has the path to your next career.
📚 Citations
-
NY Department of Labor - Workforce & Training: https://dol.ny.gov ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (NY): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
New York State Apprenticeship Program - https://labor.ny.gov/apprenticeship/general/occupations.shtm ↩
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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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