Trade Careers in Tennessee

Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Tennessee's skilled trades are a driving force behind its manufacturing, healthcare, energy, and construction sectors. From Nashville to Memphis and Chattanooga, demand is high for trade workers who can build, maintain, and grow the state's economy.

Whether you're graduating high school or changing careers, here's how to start a rewarding trade career in Tennessee.



πŸ”§ Why Trade Careers Are Growing in Tennessee

Benefit Details
Manufacturing Hub Tennessee is home to major automotive, logistics, and aerospace employers
Population Growth New construction and infrastructure demand skilled workers
Workforce Funding TN Reconnect, TCAT, and WIOA programs help fund training
Accessible Education Technical colleges and apprenticeships are widely available

β€œSkilled trades are vital to Tennessee's future workforce.” - Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development1


βš–οΈ Compare Skilled Trades in Tennessee

Trade Avg. Salary2 Training Time License Required? Learn More
Electrician $56,480 4-5 years βœ… Yes Electrician Guide
HVAC Technician $51,300 6-24 months βœ… Yes HVAC Guide
Plumber $55,720 4-5 years βœ… Yes Plumber Guide
Welder $47,890 6-18 months ❌ Optional (certs) Welder Guide
Solar Installer $46,510 3-12 months ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) Solar Guide
Carpenter $47,680 6-24 months ❌ No Carpenter Guide
Mold Inspector $50,120 1-6 months ❌ No (Voluntary cert) Mold Guide

🧰 Tennessee Apprenticeships & Schools

Tennessee supports union and non-union apprenticeships, plus public training programs through Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCAT) and community colleges.

Training Type Duration Notes
Apprenticeship 3-5 years Paid, hands-on learning; many linked to union halls or contractors
TCAT Programs 6-24 months Certificate and diploma programs in skilled trades
Community Colleges 12-24 months Associate degrees in HVAC, electrical, and related fields

β€œTCATs offer practical, hands-on education that leads directly to a career.” - Tennessee Higher Education Commission3


🏫 Trade Schools in Tennessee

With more than 25 TCAT campuses statewide, Tennessee makes trade education accessible and affordable in both rural and urban areas.

πŸŽ“ Tip: Eligible adults can attend tuition-free through Tennessee Reconnect-a last-dollar scholarship for adult learners.

Why Attend Trade School in Tennessee?

Advantage What It Means for You
Tuition-Free Options Tennessee Reconnect and Promise help reduce or eliminate cost
Fast Job Placement TCAT programs often lead directly to employment
Strong Employer Ties Many programs are designed with local industry partners
Rural & Urban Coverage Campuses across metro and small-town Tennessee
Flexible Learning Full-time and part-time options available

Explore Accredited Schools


πŸ›οΈ Tennessee Licensing Agencies

Trade Licensing Agency
Electrician Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors
Plumber Licensing varies by city/county (e.g. Nashville, Memphis)
HVAC Technician Mechanical licensing via state board or local authority
Solar Installer May require electrical license for system wiring
Mold Inspector No state license; certifications from ACAC or NORMI are recommended

πŸ“ˆ Tennessee Trade Career Outlook

Trade Median Salary2 Projected Growth
Electrician $56,480 7%
HVAC Technician $51,300 9%
Plumber $55,720 6%
Welder $47,890 3%
Solar Installer $46,510 18%
Carpenter $47,680 2%
Mold Inspector $50,120 6%

βœ… Ready to Start a Trade Career in Tennessee?

Whether you're just starting out or ready for a change, Tennessee's trade schools, TCATs, and apprenticeships can help you learn the skills to get hired fast. Your future in the trades starts now.


πŸ“š Citations


  1. Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development - https://www.tn.gov/workforce ↩

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

  3. Tennessee Higher Education Commission / TCAT Info - https://www.tn.gov/thec ↩


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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.