Trade Careers in Virginia
Quick answer: In Virginia, elevator mechanics earn a median of $108,250 and electricians $62,900 (BLS, May 2025), with plumbers and HVAC technicians close behind. Most trades are entered through a registered apprenticeship or a trade-school program, and licensing is handled by the state agencies listed on this page.
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 |
| 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 | Median Salary | Training Time | License Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $55,690 | 6 months – 4 years (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Construction Worker | $43,560 | 3–12 months (apprenticeship or on-the-job) | Varies (OSHA 10/30; state contractor license for supervisors) |
| Flooring Installer | $49,404 | 6–12 months (on-the-job + coursework) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Plumber | $60,470 | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| Welder | $59,180 | 6–18 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (AWS certification preferred) |
| Construction Manager | $119,110 | 2–4 years (degree or field experience) | Varies (contractor license in many states) |
| Home Inspector | $75,660 | 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 | $62,900 | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| HVAC Technician | $59,730 | 6 months – 2 years (certificate or associate) | Yes (EPA 608 and state licensing) |
| Lineworker | $76,590 | 3–4 years (joint apprenticeship) | Yes (apprenticeship + utility certifications) |
| Solar Installer | $49,190 | 3–12 months (bootcamp or apprenticeship) | Optional (NABCEP certification beneficial) |
| Tower Technician | $67,790 | 3–9 months (tower climbing school + field training) | Yes (OSHA/NRF safety + CPR certifications) |
| Wind Turbine Technician | N/A | 1–2 years (associate or technical diploma) | Yes (industry safety certifications) |
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | $82,200 | 18–30 months (Part 147 school or apprenticeship) | Yes (FAA A&P license) |
| Auto Mechanic | $59,330 | 6–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| Automotive Technician | $59,330 | 9–18 months (advanced diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| CNC Machinist | $61,290 | 9–24 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NIMS certification beneficial) |
| Diesel Technician | $61,090 | 1–2 years (associate or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE or OEM certifications) |
| Gunsmith | $81,850 | 6–18 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NRA/NSTC credentials beneficial) |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $57,160 | 6–12 months (trade school or union program) | Optional (CDL required for many roles) |
| Maintenance Technician | $49,470 | 6–12 months (trade school or on-the-job) | Optional (CMRT or OEM certifications) |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $56,860 | 3–6 months (CDL program) | Yes (CDL Class A or B) |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $43,200 | 4–12 weeks (state-approved program) | Yes (state CNA exam) |
| Patient Care Technician | $43,200 | 4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (CNA license + PCT certification in many hospitals) |
| Hemodialysis Technician | $47,340 | 4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (state certification or BONENT/CCHT credential) |
| Home Health Aide | $30,300 | 3–6 months (training + competency exam) | Yes in many states (state-approved HHA program) |
| Medical Assistant | $44,740 | 9–12 months (certificate or diploma) | Optional (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) |
| Mental Health Technician | $48,320 | 6–12 months (certificate + clinical experience) | Varies (state registration + employer training) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $64,920 | 12–18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $64,920 | 12–18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Dental Assistant | $46,670 | 9–18 months (diploma or associate program) | Varies (CDA, RDA, or state license) |
| EKG Technician | $76,880 | 3–9 months (certificate program) | Optional (CET, CCT, or AMCA) |
| Pharmacy Technician | $44,610 | 6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Varies (state license or PTCB/ExCPT) |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $46,340 | 4–6 months (certificate + clinical practice) | Yes in many states (national certification preferred) |
| Radiologic Technologist | $80,670 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (ARRT registration + state license) |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $95,660 | 18–24 months (accredited associate or certificate) | Yes (ARDMS/CCI credential; state license in some areas) |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $46,580 | 6–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes in many states (CRCST or CBSPD certification) |
| Surgical Technologist | $67,580 | 12–24 months (accredited surgical tech program) | Yes in many states (NBSTSA or NCCT certification) |
| Optician | $55,820 | 9–24 months (apprenticeship or associate) | Yes in many states (state license or ABO-NCLE) |
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | $53,290 | 9–24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CPC, CCA, or CBCS) |
| Medical Office Administrator | $46,180 | 9–18 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CMAA or CEHRS certification) |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $74,960 | 2 years (accredited associate degree) | Yes (state license via NBCOT exam) |
| Physical Therapy Aide | $33,390 | 3–12 months (certificate or employer training) | Optional (on-the-job + certificate programs) |
| Massage Therapist | $62,220 | 9–18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state license) |
| Personal Trainer | $40,820 | 3–6 months (exam prep + practicum) | Yes (national certification required by many employers) |
| Dog Trainer | $62,960 | 6–12 months (mentorship or certificate) | Optional (industry certifications preferred) |
| Veterinary Assistant | $37,450 | 6–12 months (certificate + hands-on experience) | Optional (AVMA-approved assistant credential) |
| Veterinary Technician | $52,090 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (VTNE and state license) |
| Beauty Professional | N/A | 9–15 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Cosmetologist | N/A | 9–18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Esthetician | $39,350 | 4–9 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state esthetics license) |
| Culinary Chef | $38,245 | 1–2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe + local food handler permit) |
| Pastry Chef | $38,245 | 9–18 months (baking & pastry diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe; ACF certification boosts prospects) |
| Bookkeeper | $51,620 | 6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Optional (CB or CPB certification beneficial) |
| Digital Court Reporter | $55,210 | 6–12 months (certificate program) | Optional (AAERT certification preferred) |
| Paralegal | $63,990 | 12–24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (ABA-approved certificate beneficial) |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. State data (Virginia).
Virginia Apprenticeships and 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 are key to filling Virginia’s skills gap.” - Virginia Community College System
Trade Schools in Virginia
Virginia offers extensive trade training options through technical colleges, apprenticeships, and private training providers.
Why Attend Trade School in Virginia?
| Advantage | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Short-Term Options | Credentials in weeks or months, not years |
| High outcomes data | 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
Building & Construction Trades
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Plumber | 4.5% |
| Welder | 2.2% |
| Carpenter | 4.5% |
| Flooring Installer | 9.5% |
| Construction Worker | 7.3% |
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% |
| Tower Technician | 8.6% |
| Wind Turbine Technician | 49.9% |
| 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% |
| CNC Machinist | 0.0% |
| Diesel Technician | 2.4% |
| Auto Mechanic | 4.2% |
| Automotive Technician | 4.2% |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | 3.6% |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | 4.0% |
| Maintenance Technician | 3.8% |
Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | 2.6% |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | 2.6% |
| Mental Health Technician | 20.0% |
| Hemodialysis Technician | 5.2% |
| Medical Assistant | 12.5% |
| 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% |
| Radiologic Technologist | 4.3% |
| EKG Technician | 3.0% |
| Surgical Technologist | 4.5% |
| Optician | 2.9% |
| Dental Assistant | 6.4% |
| Sterile Processing Technician | 10.0% |
| Phlebotomy Technician | 5.6% |
| Pharmacy Technician | 6.4% |
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% |
| Personal Trainer | 11.9% |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 2.8% |
Animal Care & Training
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Dog Trainer | 5.1% |
| Veterinary Technician | 9.1% |
| Veterinary Assistant | 8.7% |
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) |
|---|---|
| Paralegal | 0.2% |
| Digital Court Reporter | -0.3% |
| 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 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
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
Virginia Employment Commission - https://www.vec.virginia.gov ↩︎