Trade Careers in Oklahoma

Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Oklahoma's skilled trades are the backbone of its energy, construction, and manufacturing sectors. From Tulsa to Oklahoma City and rural regions, trade workers are in high demand-and the state is investing in training pathways to meet the need.

Whether you're graduating high school or making a career shift, here's how to start a rewarding skilled trade career in Oklahoma.



πŸ”§ Why Trade Careers Are Growing in Oklahoma

Benefit Details
Infrastructure Demand Roads, bridges, and schools need upgrades across urban and rural areas
Energy Sector Oil, gas, wind, and solar all rely on skilled labor
Affordable Training CareerTech centers and community colleges keep costs low
Workforce Grants Oklahoma Works and WIOA funding help residents pay for trade training

β€œSkilled trades are critical to Oklahoma's economy-from pipelines to power grids.” - Oklahoma Works1


βš–οΈ Compare Skilled Trades in Oklahoma

Trade Avg. Salary2 Training Time License Required? Learn More
Electrician $54,200 4-5 years βœ… Yes Electrician Guide
HVAC Technician $50,880 6-24 months βœ… Yes HVAC Guide
Plumber $55,610 4-5 years βœ… Yes Plumber Guide
Welder $48,300 6-18 months ❌ Optional (certs) Welder Guide
Solar Installer $45,790 3-12 months ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) Solar Guide
Carpenter $47,650 6-24 months ❌ No Carpenter Guide
Mold Inspector $49,200 1-6 months ❌ No (Voluntary cert) Mold Guide

🧰 Oklahoma Apprenticeships & Schools

Oklahoma offers union and non-union apprenticeships along with a statewide network of CareerTech centers and workforce training programs.

Training Type Duration Notes
Apprenticeship 3-5 years Paid, hands-on learning; often sponsored by local unions
CareerTech Centers 6-24 months Trade programs in electrical, HVAC, welding, and more
Community College 12-24 months Associate degree and certificate options

β€œOklahoma's CareerTech system provides pathways to high-wage, high-demand jobs.” - Oklahoma CareerTech3


🏫 Trade Schools in Oklahoma

From Tulsa Tech to Francis Tuttle and regional colleges, Oklahoma's technical education system is among the most accessible in the U.S.

πŸŽ“ Tip: Many Oklahomans qualify for scholarships, employer tuition programs, and grants through Oklahoma Works.

Why Attend Trade School in Oklahoma?

Advantage What It Means for You
Low-Cost Training CareerTech and workforce grants cover much or all of tuition
Fast Certification Finish in as little as 6-12 months
High Placement Rates Strong job pipelines in construction, energy, and healthcare
Local Access CareerTech campuses across the state
Industry-Ready Skills Programs designed with employer input

Explore Accredited Schools


πŸ›οΈ Oklahoma Licensing Agencies

Trade Licensing Agency
Electrician Oklahoma Construction Industries Board
Plumber Oklahoma Construction Industries Board - Plumbing
HVAC Technician CIB - Mechanical Licensing
Solar Installer May require electrical license depending on scope
Mold Inspector No state license required; voluntary certs recommended (ACAC, NORMI)

πŸ“ˆ Oklahoma Trade Career Outlook

Trade Median Salary2 Projected Growth
Electrician $54,200 7%
HVAC Technician $50,880 9%
Plumber $55,610 6%
Welder $48,300 3%
Solar Installer $45,790 16%
Carpenter $47,650 2%
Mold Inspector $49,200 6%

βœ… Ready to Start a Trade Career in Oklahoma?

From CareerTech to union apprenticeships, Oklahoma offers clear paths to reliable, well-paying trade careers. Pick your trade and get to work!


πŸ“š Citations


  1. Oklahoma Works - Workforce Development: https://oklahomaworks.gov ↩

  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OK): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩

  3. Oklahoma CareerTech - https://www.okcareertech.org ↩


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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

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.