Best Trade Schools in New York City, New York (2025 Guide)

Here are the best schools in New York City. This guide lists accredited programs, what each school does well, and the steps to get licensed in New York. You will also see which trades are in demand and flexible ways to train. New York City keeps hiring electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and welders as buildings go up and older systems get replaced[^1].

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Top Trade Schools in New York City

All schools below hold recognized institutional accreditation and serve NYC students. Program lengths are typical ranges and can vary by day or evening schedules.

Skilled Trades in Demand

Electrician

• NYC’s construction, transit, and building retrofit projects keep electricians busy year-round. Work includes new installs, service, low-voltage, and solar. Nationally, electricians see steady openings tied to construction and maintenance cycles[^1]. Training paths include school-based electrical programs followed by apprenticeship with a contractor or union.

HVAC/R Technician

• Heat pumps, building electrification, and Local Law energy upgrades are expanding HVAC jobs across the city. Technicians who can diagnose, recover refrigerant, and commission variable-refrigerant-flow systems are valued[^1]. EPA Section 608 certification is required for refrigerant handling[^4].

Plumber and Pipefitter

• Demand stays strong due to ongoing residential and commercial work, code upgrades, and gas piping safety compliance. Many NYC plumbers train through a five-year registered apprenticeship with classroom instruction and paid hours[^6]. Licensed Master Plumbers lead permit work in the city[^5].

Welder

• Structural steel, bridge work, and shop fabrication create steady welding opportunities. Combination welders who can work SMAW, FCAW, and GTAW in multiple positions are preferred. In NYC, many structural welds require a licensed welder approved by the Department of Buildings and qualified to AWS standards[^5].

Median Salaries for Popular Trades

Median salaries reflect the latest OEWS release; national data shown when state medians are unavailable.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. State data (New York). Job growth reflects projected U.S. change for each trade.

Licensing Requirements in New York

Licensing is local for many construction trades in New York. New York City has specific requirements through the Department of Buildings (DOB). Always verify current rules before you apply.

Electrician (NYC)

• No statewide electrician license. NYC licenses Master Electricians and Special Electricians through the DOB[^5].
• Typical steps:
  • Complete an approved electrical apprenticeship or equivalent education and experience.
  • Apply to sit for the exam and pass the written and practical portions.
  • Submit background documents, employer verification, and required insurance.
  • Maintain your license and business registrations as required by the city.

Plumber (NYC)

• NYC licenses Master Plumbers through the DOB[^5].
• Typical steps:
  • Accumulate verified years of experience in plumbing work. Education can credit toward experience.
  • Apply and pass the Master Plumber exam.
  • Provide insurance and required documentation to the DOB.
  • Gas work in NYC also requires specific qualifications and endorsements.

HVAC/R

• No statewide HVAC contractor license. EPA Section 608 certification is required for anyone who handles refrigerants[^4].
• In NYC, certain refrigeration and boiler operations require DOB or FDNY credentials. Large plant operators and refrigeration system operating roles have specific city exams and certificates. Check DOB and FDNY guidance for current thresholds and permit holders[^5].
• Many HVAC installers work under licensed Master Plumbers for gas piping or under permitted contractors for mechanical work.

Welder (NYC)

• NYC requires welders working on regulated structural jobs to hold a DOB Welder License and pass a performance test. AWS qualification is commonly required as part of the process[^5].
• Keep procedure qualifications current and follow job-specific welding procedure specifications.

Apprenticeships

• Many trades use Registered Apprenticeships with paid on-the-job training plus classroom instruction. Search active programs through the New York State Department of Labor[^6].

Online & Flexible Options

• Hybrid training: Most NYC trade programs blend classroom theory online with in-person labs. You still need hands-on practice to build skills employers trust.
• Evening and weekend cohorts: Apex, Berk, ACE, and CUNY continuing education divisions offer evening or weekend schedules to fit work.
• Certification prep: EPA 608, OSHA outreach, and exam prep modules can be completed online, but plan to test with an approved proctor for industry certifications[^4].
• Credit pathways: Community colleges let you stack certificates toward an associate degree, which can help with supervisory roles later.
• Apprenticeship-friendly: If you land an apprenticeship, ask the training center which related instruction credits transfer from local schools.

Next Steps

• Compare more New York schools: visit the state hub at /trade-school/new-york/.
• Explore trades and licensing paths:
  • Electrician: /trades/electrician
  • HVAC: /trades/hvac
  • Plumbing: /trades/plumbing
  • Welding: /trades/welding
• Get practical advice on training, financial aid, and apprenticeships in our guides: /guides/.
• Want options outside NYC? Start at the national hub: /trade-school/ and /trades/.

Footnotes

[^1]: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Electricians, HVACR Technicians, Plumbers/Pipefitters/Steamfitters, and Welders pages. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
[^2]: U.S. Department of Education, College Navigator. https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
[^3]: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), School Directory. https://www.accsc.org/Directory/
[^4]: U.S. EPA, Section 608 Technician Certification. https://www.epa.gov/section608
[^5]: New York City Department of Buildings, Licensing and Exams. https://www.nyc.gov/site/buildings/industry/licensing.page
[^6]: New York State Department of Labor, Apprenticeship Programs. https://dol.ny.gov/apprenticeship

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