Trade Careers in Virginia
Updated August 4, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Virginia's skilled trades are powering growth in infrastructure, energy, shipbuilding, healthcare, and more. From Richmond to Norfolk and Roanoke, demand for qualified tradespeople continues to rise across the state.
Whether you're entering the workforce or switching careers, here's how to start a rewarding trade career in Virginia.
🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in Virginia
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Growth | Road, bridge, broadband, and energy projects statewide |
| Military & Shipyards | Norfolk and coastal regions need tradespeople in shipbuilding and maintenance |
| State Training Support | Virginia Ready Initiative and WIOA funding available for training |
| Strong Education System | Career & Technical Education (CTE) and community colleges statewide |
“Skilled trades are essential to Virginia's economy and defense infrastructure.” - Virginia Employment Commission1
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Virginia
| Trade | Avg. Salary2 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $60,840 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $52,640 | 6-24 months | ✅ Yes | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $59,210 | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | $50,590 | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | $48,870 | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | $48,720 | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | $51,900 | 1-6 months | ❌ No (Voluntary cert) | Mold Guide |
🧰 Virginia Apprenticeships & Schools
Virginia supports union apprenticeships, public training programs, and short-term credentials through high schools, colleges, and workforce centers.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction |
| Community Colleges | 6-24 months | Associate degrees and workforce credentials statewide |
| High School CTE | 1-2 years | Career and Technical Education (CTE) for juniors and seniors |
“Registered apprenticeships and FastForward training programs are key to filling Virginia's skills gap.” - Virginia Community College System3
🏫 Trade Schools in Virginia
Virginia offers extensive trade training options, including FastForward programs, technical colleges, and private training providers.
🎓 Tip: Many Virginians qualify for FastForward, a short-term workforce training grant that covers up to two-thirds of tuition costs.
Why Attend Trade School in Virginia?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Short-Term Options | Credentials in weeks or months, not years |
| Financial Aid Available | FastForward, WIOA, and GI Bill funding accepted |
| High Placement Rates | Many programs are aligned with in-demand jobs |
| Local Programs | Training centers in every region of the state |
| Stackable Credentials | Earn certifications that lead into apprenticeships or degrees |
Explore Accredited Schools
🏛️ Virginia Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Virginia Board for Contractors |
| Plumber | Board for Contractors - Plumbing |
| HVAC Technician | Mechanical contractor license via DPOR |
| Solar Installer | May need electrical license depending on project scope |
| Mold Inspector | No license required; certifications like ACAC, NORMI recommended |
📈 Virginia Trade Career Outlook
| Trade | Median Salary2 | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $60,840 | 8% |
| HVAC Technician | $52,640 | 9% |
| Plumber | $59,210 | 6% |
| Welder | $50,590 | 3% |
| Solar Installer | $48,870 | 18% |
| Carpenter | $48,720 | 2% |
| Mold Inspector | $51,900 | 6% |
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Virginia?
Whether you're starting out or retraining, Virginia offers tuition help, fast-track programs, and apprenticeships to help you gain the skills employers need. Start your trade career today.
📚 Citations
-
Virginia Employment Commission - https://www.vec.virginia.gov ↩
-
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (VA): https://www.bls.gov/oes ↩ ↩
-
FastForward Virginia - https://fastforwardva.org ↩
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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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