"What is the highest-paying trade in Ohio?"

"Among the trades we track, elevator mechanics earn the highest median pay in Ohio at $105,020, followed by electrical line workers at $93,150 and aircraft mechanics at $80,570 (BLS, May 2025). Pay within any trade rises with experience, certifications, and whether you hold a journeyman or master credential. See the salary comparison table above for more Ohio-specific BLS wage data."

"How much do electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs make in Ohio?"

"In Ohio, electricians earn a median of $64,700, plumbers $63,330, and HVAC technicians $62,510 per year (BLS, May 2025). These are statewide medians, so half of workers earn more and half earn less. Wages tend to run higher in metro areas like Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati and for those with a master license."

"Do you need a license to work in the trades in Ohio?"

"It depends on the trade. Ohio licenses electrical, plumbing, HVAC, hydronics, and refrigeration contractors through the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board, and some cities require additional local registration. Other trades, such as welding or carpentry, may only call for employer certifications rather than a state license. Check the licensing agency table above for your specific field."

"How do I start a trade career in Ohio?"

"Most people start by picking a trade, then entering an apprenticeship or a trade-school program. Many apprenticeships and certificate programs accept applicants with a high school diploma or GED. Apprenticeships let you earn a paycheck while you train, while trade school can get you job-ready in two years or less."

"How long does trade school take in Ohio?"

"Most trade school programs in Ohio take between 6 months and 2 years. Certificate and diploma programs at career-technical centers tend to be shorter, while associate degrees at community colleges run about two years. Registered apprenticeships generally last 3 to 5 years and combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training."

"Are trade careers in Ohio in demand?"

"Demand for skilled trades in Ohio is broadly strong, driven by manufacturing, infrastructure investment, and a wave of retirements thinning the existing workforce. Openings come from both new jobs and the need to replace workers who leave the field. See the career outlook table above for projections by trade."

"Can you make a good living in the trades in Ohio without a college degree?"

"Yes. Trades are entered through apprenticeships and trade-school programs rather than a four-year degree, and several pay well above the typical entry-level wage. For example, Ohio elevator mechanics have a median of $105,020 and electrical line workers $93,150 (BLS, May 2025), both reachable through paid apprenticeships."

Trade Careers in Ohio

Updated June 8, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Quick answer: In Ohio, elevator mechanics earn a median of $105,020 and electrical line workers $93,150, while electricians come in at $64,700 (BLS, May 2025). Most trades are entered through an apprenticeship or a trade-school program rather than a four-year degree. Licensing for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work is handled by the state agencies listed further down this page.

Ohio’s skilled trades are essential to its manufacturing, energy, logistics, and infrastructure sectors. From Cleveland to Columbus and Cincinnati, the Buckeye State is experiencing growing demand for well-trained workers who can power the state’s economic engine.

Whether you’re just graduating or pivoting careers, here’s how to start your skilled trade journey in Ohio.

Why Trade Careers Are Growing in Ohio

Benefit	Details
Industrial Economy	Ohio is a leader in automotive, steel, and advanced manufacturing
Infrastructure Investment	State and federal funding are driving major projects
Accessible Education	Community colleges, unions, and training centers offer pathways statewide

“Ohio’s economy depends on skilled trades to keep its industries running.” - Ohio Department of Job and Family Services¹

Compare Skilled Trades in Ohio

Trade	Median Salary	Training Time	License Required?
Carpenter	$60,810	6 months – 4 years (trade school or apprenticeship)	Optional (apprenticeship recommended)
Construction Worker	$56,080	3–12 months (apprenticeship or on-the-job)	Varies (OSHA 10/30; state contractor license for supervisors)
Flooring Installer	$59,470	6–12 months (on-the-job + coursework)	Optional (apprenticeship recommended)
Plumber	$63,330	4–5 years (apprenticeship)	Yes (state licensing)
Welder	$50,340	6–18 months (trade school or apprenticeship)	Optional (AWS certification preferred)
Construction Manager	$101,980	2–4 years (degree or field experience)	Varies (contractor license in many states)
Home Inspector	$74,490	2–6 months (state-approved course)	Yes in many states (state license)
Mold Inspector	N/A	3–12 months (coursework + field hours)	Varies (state license or industry certification)
Electrician	$64,700	4–5 years (apprenticeship)	Yes (state licensing)
HVAC Technician	$62,510	6 months – 2 years (certificate or associate)	Yes (EPA 608 and state licensing)
Lineworker	$93,150	3–4 years (joint apprenticeship)	Yes (apprenticeship + utility certifications)
Solar Installer	$62,400	3–12 months (bootcamp or apprenticeship)	Optional (NABCEP certification beneficial)
Tower Technician	$72,160	3–9 months (tower climbing school + field training)	Yes (OSHA/NRF safety + CPR certifications)
Wind Turbine Technician	$73,880	1–2 years (associate or technical diploma)	Yes (industry safety certifications)
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)	$80,570	18–30 months (Part 147 school or apprenticeship)	Yes (FAA A&P license)
Auto Mechanic	$48,710	6–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship)	Optional (ASE certifications preferred)
Automotive Technician	$48,710	9–18 months (advanced diploma or apprenticeship)	Optional (ASE certifications preferred)
CNC Machinist	$57,940	9–24 months (certificate or apprenticeship)	Optional (NIMS certification beneficial)
Diesel Technician	$60,470	1–2 years (associate or apprenticeship)	Optional (ASE or OEM certifications)
Gunsmith	$80,200	6–18 months (certificate or apprenticeship)	Optional (NRA/NSTC credentials beneficial)
Heavy Equipment Operator	$64,940	6–12 months (trade school or union program)	Optional (CDL required for many roles)
Maintenance Technician	$53,420	6–12 months (trade school or on-the-job)	Optional (CMRT or OEM certifications)
Truck Driver (CDL)	$59,800	3–6 months (CDL program)	Yes (CDL Class A or B)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)	$39,010	4–12 weeks (state-approved program)	Yes (state CNA exam)
Patient Care Technician	$39,010	4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours)	Yes (CNA license + PCT certification in many hospitals)
Hemodialysis Technician	$47,570	4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours)	Yes (state certification or BONENT/CCHT credential)
Home Health Aide	$34,460	3–6 months (training + competency exam)	Yes in many states (state-approved HHA program)
Medical Assistant	$42,810	9–12 months (certificate or diploma)	Optional (CMA, RMA, or CCMA)
Mental Health Technician	$39,140	6–12 months (certificate + clinical experience)	Varies (state registration + employer training)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)	$61,950	12–18 months (state-approved program)	Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN)
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)	$61,950	12–18 months (state-approved program)	Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN)
Dental Assistant	$47,970	9–18 months (diploma or associate program)	Varies (CDA, RDA, or state license)
EKG Technician	$79,270	3–9 months (certificate program)	Optional (CET, CCT, or AMCA)
Pharmacy Technician	$40,650	6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job)	Varies (state license or PTCB/ExCPT)
Phlebotomy Technician	$39,770	4–6 months (certificate + clinical practice)	Yes in many states (national certification preferred)
Radiologic Technologist	$78,320	2 years (associate degree)	Yes (ARRT registration + state license)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer	$82,870	18–24 months (accredited associate or certificate)	Yes (ARDMS/CCI credential; state license in some areas)
Sterile Processing Technician	$45,540	6–12 months (certificate + clinical hours)	Yes in many states (CRCST or CBSPD certification)
Surgical Technologist	$62,420	12–24 months (accredited surgical tech program)	Yes in many states (NBSTSA or NCCT certification)
Optician	$50,500	9–24 months (apprenticeship or associate)	Yes in many states (state license or ABO-NCLE)
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist	$50,990	9–24 months (certificate or associate)	Optional (CPC, CCA, or CBCS)
Medical Office Administrator	$44,280	9–18 months (certificate or associate)	Optional (CMAA or CEHRS certification)
Occupational Therapy Assistant	$62,700	2 years (accredited associate degree)	Yes (state license via NBCOT exam)
Physical Therapy Aide	$37,220	3–12 months (certificate or employer training)	Optional (on-the-job + certificate programs)
Massage Therapist	$55,990	9–18 months (state-approved school)	Yes (state license)
Personal Trainer	$36,370	3–6 months (exam prep + practicum)	Yes (national certification required by many employers)
Dog Trainer	$32,700	6–12 months (mentorship or certificate)	Optional (industry certifications preferred)
Veterinary Assistant	$36,340	6–12 months (certificate + hands-on experience)	Optional (AVMA-approved assistant credential)
Veterinary Technician	$47,990	2 years (associate degree)	Yes (VTNE and state license)
Beauty Professional	$36,260	9–15 months (state-approved school)	Yes (state cosmetology license)
Cosmetologist	$36,260	9–18 months (state-approved school)	Yes (state cosmetology license)
Esthetician	$39,150	4–9 months (state-approved program)	Yes (state esthetics license)
Culinary Chef	$36,628	1–2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship)	Optional (ServSafe + local food handler permit)
Pastry Chef	$36,628	9–18 months (baking & pastry diploma or apprenticeship)	Optional (ServSafe; ACF certification boosts prospects)
Bookkeeper	$48,810	6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job)	Optional (CB or CPB certification beneficial)
Digital Court Reporter	$67,330	6–12 months (certificate program)	Optional (AAERT certification preferred)
Paralegal	$60,420	12–24 months (certificate or associate)	Optional (ABA-approved certificate beneficial)

Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. State data (Ohio).

Highest-paying skilled trades in Ohio: Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers leads at $105,020 median annual wage. Source: U.S. BLS OEWS, May 2025 release. — The highest-paying trades in Ohio

Ohio Apprenticeships and Schools

Ohio offers a strong mix of union apprenticeships and public workforce programs through community colleges and career-technical centers.

Training Type	Duration	Notes
Apprenticeship	3-5 years	Paid, hands-on experience; many linked to trade unions
Career Tech Centers	6-24 months	Hands-on certificate and diploma programs in skilled trades
Community Colleges	12-24 months	Associate degrees in HVAC, construction, and related fields

“Ohio’s community colleges provide cost-effective, career-focused training for in-demand fields.” - Ohio Association of Community Colleges²

Trade Schools in Ohio

Ohio is home to over 50 public career and technical education (CTE) centers, plus community colleges and private trade schools with strong industry ties.

Tip: Many programs are eligible for funding through TechCred or OhioMeansJobs.

Why Attend Trade School in Ohio?

Advantage	What It Means for You
Employer Connections	Many schools partner with local businesses for hiring
Strong Job Outcomes	High hiring demand in skilled trades; individual outcomes may vary by region and job market
Urban & Rural Access	Career centers and colleges across Ohio
Flexible Schedules	Evening, weekend, and accelerated options

Explore Accredited Schools

Ohio Licensing Agencies

Trade	Licensing Agency
Electrician	Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB)
Plumber	Regulated by the OCILB; some cities require additional registration
HVAC Technician	Licensed by OCILB for commercial work
Solar Installer	Electrical license may be required for system integration
Mold Inspector	No state license; ACAC and NORMI certification recommended

Ohio Trade Career Outlook

Building & Construction Trades

Trade	Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Plumber	4.5%
Carpenter	4.5%
Flooring Installer	9.5%
Construction Worker	7.3%
Welder	2.2%

Construction Management & Inspection

Trade	Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Construction Manager	8.7%
Home Inspector	-0.8%

Electrical & Energy Systems

Trade	Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Lineworker	6.6%
Wind Turbine Technician	49.9%
Tower Technician	8.6%
Electrician	9.5%
HVAC Technician	8.1%
Solar Installer	42.1%

Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation

Trade	Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)	4.0%
Gunsmith	2.0%
Heavy Equipment Operator	3.6%
Diesel Technician	2.4%
Truck Driver (CDL)	4.0%
CNC Machinist	0.0%
Maintenance Technician	3.8%
Auto Mechanic	4.2%
Automotive Technician	4.2%

Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care

Trade	Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)	2.6%
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)	2.6%
Hemodialysis Technician	5.2%
Medical Assistant	12.5%
Mental Health Technician	20.0%
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)	2.3%
Patient Care Technician	2.3%
Home Health Aide	17.0%

Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics

Trade	Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer	13.0%
EKG Technician	3.0%
Radiologic Technologist	4.3%
Surgical Technologist	4.5%
Optician	2.9%
Dental Assistant	6.4%
Sterile Processing Technician	10.0%
Pharmacy Technician	6.4%
Phlebotomy Technician	5.6%

Healthcare: Administration & Office Support

Trade	Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist	7.1%
Medical Office Administrator	4.2%

Therapy, Rehab & Fitness

Trade	Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Occupational Therapy Assistant	19.2%
Massage Therapist	15.4%
Physical Therapy Aide	2.8%
Personal Trainer	11.9%

Animal Care & Training

Trade	Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Veterinary Technician	9.1%
Veterinary Assistant	8.7%
Dog Trainer	5.1%

Beauty & Personal Care

Trade	Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Esthetician	6.7%
Beauty Professional	5.6%
Cosmetologist	5.6%

Culinary & Hospitality Careers

Trade	Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Culinary Chef	7.1%
Pastry Chef	7.1%

Business & Legal Support

Trade	Job Growth (2024-2034, US)
Digital Court Reporter	-0.3%
Paralegal	0.2%
Bookkeeper	-5.8%

Job growth uses state projections when available and national projections (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034) when state data is unavailable. Median pay for each trade is shown in the comparison table above.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections (2024-2034). Projected U.S. change shown for each trade.

Ready to Start a Trade Career in Ohio?

With high-paying opportunities, accessible training, and strong employer demand, Ohio is a great place to build a future in the skilled trades. Whether you’re entering the workforce or re-skilling, now is the time to get started.

Citations

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.

References

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services - https://jfs.ohio.gov ↩︎
Ohio Association of Community Colleges - https://ohiocommunitycolleges.org ↩︎