Trade Careers in North Carolina
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
- 🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in North Carolina
- ⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in North Carolina
- 🧰 North Carolina Apprenticeships & Schools
- 🏫 Trade Schools in North Carolina
- 🏛️ North Carolina Licensing Agencies
- 📈 North Carolina Trade Career Outlook
- ✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in North Carolina?
- 📚 Citations
North Carolina's skilled trades are the foundation of its construction, transportation, manufacturing, and energy sectors. From the Research Triangle to the coast and Appalachians, trade workers are in high demand across urban and rural areas.
Whether you're graduating high school or starting a new path, here's how to begin a rewarding trade career in North Carolina.
🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in North Carolina
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Diverse Industries | Growth in tech, manufacturing, and clean energy sectors |
| Major Infrastructure Projects | New highways, housing, and energy systems create high labor demand |
| State Workforce Programs | NCWorks, WIOA, and community college funding support training |
| Accessible Education | Dozens of technical colleges and training centers across the state |
“North Carolina's economic strength depends on skilled workers.” - NC Department of Commerce1
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in North Carolina
| Trade | Avg. Salary2 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $55,630 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $48,850 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $52,880 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | $47,990 | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | $47,120 | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | $46,970 | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | $49,310 | 1-6 months | ❌ No (Voluntary cert) | Mold Guide |
🧰 North Carolina Apprenticeships & Schools
North Carolina has a strong network of apprenticeships and community colleges offering hands-on training and fast pathways to employment.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Earn while you learn through union and employer-based programs |
| Career & Technical Education | 6-24 months | Offered by public high schools and technical institutes |
| Community Colleges | 12-24 months | Associate degrees and diplomas in HVAC, plumbing, welding, and more |
“The NC Community College System fuels economic growth by preparing workers for high-demand careers.” - NC Community Colleges3
🏫 Trade Schools in North Carolina
With over 50 community colleges and many private trade schools, North Carolina offers trade training in every corner of the state-from Asheville to Wilmington.
🎓 Tip: Eligible students can access tuition support through NCWorks and Finish Line Grants.
Why Attend Trade School in North Carolina?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Affordable Tuition | Many programs cost less than traditional college |
| Workforce-Aligned | Programs designed to match employer needs |
| High Job Placement | Employers actively recruit from trade programs |
| Statewide Availability | Dozens of campuses and satellite centers statewide |
| Flexible Scheduling | Evening, weekend, and hybrid formats |
Explore Accredited Schools
- Best Trade Schools in North Carolina (2025)
- Financial Aid for Trade School
- How Long is Trade School?
🏛️ North Carolina Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors |
| Plumber | NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors |
| HVAC Technician | Licensed through the same board as plumbers (PHFSC Board) |
| Solar Installer | May require an electrical license depending on system wiring |
| Mold Inspector | No state license; voluntary certification via ACAC or NORMI |
📈 North Carolina Trade Career Outlook
| Trade | Median Salary2 | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $55,630 | 8% |
| HVAC Technician | $48,850 | 9% |
| Plumber | $52,880 | 7% |
| Welder | $47,990 | 4% |
| Solar Installer | $47,120 | 20% |
| Carpenter | $46,970 | 2% |
| Mold Inspector | $49,310 | 6% |
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in North Carolina?
Skilled trades are a smart choice in North Carolina. Whether you're looking for a hands-on career, a steady paycheck, or a fresh start, there are dozens of affordable training paths across the state to help you succeed.
📚 Citations
-
NC Department of Commerce - https://www.commerce.nc.gov ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (NC): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
North Carolina Community College System - https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu ↩
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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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