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Trade Careers in Pennsylvania
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Pennsylvania's skilled trades are fueling the future of construction, energy, transportation, and healthcare. From Philadelphia to Pittsburgh and everywhere in between, there's a rising demand for trained workers who can build, repair, and power the state's economy.
Whether you're graduating high school or switching careers, here's how to start a skilled trade career in Pennsylvania.
🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in Pennsylvania
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Funding | Billions invested in roads, bridges, schools, and water systems |
| Industrial Workforce | Manufacturing, energy, and logistics drive ongoing trade demand |
| Statewide Training | CTCs, unions, and community colleges offer hands-on programs |
| Tuition Support | WIOA, PHEAA, and local grants can help cover training costs |
“Skilled workers are the backbone of Pennsylvania's economy.” - Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry1
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Pennsylvania
| Trade | Avg. Salary2 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $63,120 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes (local level) | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $55,670 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $62,810 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes (local level) | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | $50,980 | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | $49,820 | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | $52,440 | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | $53,700 | 1-6 months | ❌ No (Voluntary cert) | Mold Guide |
🧰 Pennsylvania Apprenticeships & Schools
Pennsylvania offers hundreds of registered apprenticeships, union training programs, and career and technical centers (CTCs) across the state.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid training, often union-backed (IBEW, UA, etc.) |
| Career & Technical Centers | 6-24 months | High school and adult programs in the trades |
| Community Colleges | 12-24 months | Certificate and AAS degree options in HVAC, electrical, etc. |
“Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to build a career in PA's trades.” - PA Apprenticeship & Training Council3
🏫 Trade Schools in Pennsylvania
From Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology to the Pennsylvania College of Technology, and dozens of CTCs, the state offers top-tier hands-on training.
🎓 Tip: Many Pennsylvanians qualify for grants and scholarships through PHEAA or the WIOA-funded PA CareerLink.
Why Attend Trade School in Pennsylvania?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Affordable Training | Public trade schools and grants reduce costs significantly |
| Strong Placement Rates | Schools partner with local employers and unions |
| Hands-On Facilities | Labs, tools, and real-world job simulation |
| Urban & Rural Access | Programs available from Erie to Philly and rural counties |
| Fast Program Completion | Some certificates take less than a year |
Explore Accredited Schools
🏛️ Pennsylvania Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Local municipalities (e.g. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh) |
| Plumber | Local municipalities (no statewide plumbing board) |
| HVAC Technician | Registered via local authority or as home improvement contractor |
| Solar Installer | May require local electrical licensing |
| Mold Inspector | No state license; voluntary certs (ACAC, NORMI) encouraged |
📈 Pennsylvania Trade Career Outlook
| Trade | Median Salary2 | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $63,120 | 7% |
| HVAC Technician | $55,670 | 8% |
| Plumber | $62,810 | 6% |
| Welder | $50,980 | 3% |
| Solar Installer | $49,820 | 17% |
| Carpenter | $52,440 | 2% |
| Mold Inspector | $53,700 | 6% |
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Pennsylvania?
Whether you're entering the workforce or upskilling for a better career, Pennsylvania has hundreds of accessible trade programs to help you succeed. Start building your future today.
📚 Citations
-
Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry - https://www.dli.pa.gov ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (PA): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
Pennsylvania Apprenticeship and Training Council - https://www.dli.pa.gov/Individuals/Workforce-Development/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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