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BLS DATA
  • Elevator Tech$110k median+6% growth 2025 to 2035Faster than average
  • Lineworker$95k median+10% growth 2025 to 2035Much faster than average
  • Boilermaker$76k median-2% growth 2025 to 2035Declining
  • Inspector$75k median0% growth 2025 to 2035Little or no change
  • Industrial Maintenance$64k median+14% growth 2025 to 2035Much faster than average
  • Wind Tech$64k median+30% growth 2025 to 2035Much faster than average
  • Plumber$64k median+7% growth 2025 to 2035Much faster than average
  • Electrician$63k median+9% growth 2025 to 2035Much faster than average
  • Sheet Metal$62k median+3% growth 2025 to 2035About as fast as average
  • HVAC Tech$61k median+11% growth 2025 to 2035Much faster than average
  • Carpenter$61k median+4% growth 2025 to 2035About as fast as average
  • CDL Driver$59k median+4% growth 2025 to 2035About as fast as average
  • Roofer$55k median+5% growth 2025 to 2035Faster than average
  • Welder$54k median+2% growth 2025 to 2035Slower than average
  • Solar Installer$53k median+37% growth 2025 to 2035Much faster than average
PA · Data verified September 2026

Skilled Trade Careers in Pennsylvania

Compare 2025 BLS wage benchmarks for Pennsylvania electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians, then check local licensing and the state's apprenticeship resources before committing to a training route.

2025 STATE WAGE BENCHMARKS

Compare the Featured Trades

These are state medians from BLS 2025 wage data surfaced through O*NET OnLine. They are not starting salaries. National growth and annual openings are shown only as national context because state projections use separate state datasets and release schedules.

LICENSING STRUCTURE

Know the rules before choosing training

Pennsylvania's Department of Labor & Industry says some of the Commonwealth's municipalities establish local licensing or certification requirements for electrical contractors/electricians and plumbing contractors/plumbers, and the state does not maintain those municipal records. Home-improvement contractors meeting the statutory threshold also have a separate Attorney General registration requirement.

A contractor license, employee credential, apprentice registration and federal certification are not automatically the same thing. Always verify the exact role and locality.

QUICK ANSWERS

Pennsylvania trade career FAQ

Which skilled trades are compared for Pennsylvania?

This guide currently compares electrician, plumbing/pipefitting and HVAC technician careers using May 2025 BLS wage data, national outlook benchmarks and official state or local licensing resources.

Are the salaries on this Pennsylvania page starting salaries?

No. The wage figures are occupational medians and percentile benchmarks from BLS wage data. Entry-level, apprentice, union, metro-area and specialty pay can differ substantially.

Does TrainingForFuture decide whether I am legally licensed in Pennsylvania?

No. TrainingForFuture summarizes the licensing structure and links to the responsible government source. You should verify your exact role, locality and current requirements with the licensing authority before working or paying for training.

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