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BLS VERIFIED
Elevator Tech$110k median▲ +6% 2025–35Faster than averageLineworker$95k median▲ +10% 2025–35Much faster than averageBoilermaker$76k median▼ -2% 2025–35DecliningInspector$75k median● 0% 2025–35Little or no changeIndustrial Maintenance$64k median▲ +14% 2025–35Much faster than averageWind Tech$64k median▲ +30% 2025–35Much faster than averagePlumber$64k median▲ +7% 2025–35Much faster than averageElectrician$63k median▲ +9% 2025–35Much faster than averageSheet Metal$62k median● +3% 2025–35About as fast as averageHVAC Tech$61k median▲ +11% 2025–35Much faster than averageCarpenter$61k median▲ +4% 2025–35About as fast as averageCDL Driver$59k median▲ +4% 2025–35About as fast as averageRoofer$55k median▲ +5% 2025–35Faster than averageWelder$54k median● +2% 2025–35Slower than averageSolar Installer$53k median▲ +37% 2025–35Much faster than averageElevator Tech$110k median▲ +6% 2025–35Faster than averageLineworker$95k median▲ +10% 2025–35Much faster than averageBoilermaker$76k median▼ -2% 2025–35DecliningInspector$75k median● 0% 2025–35Little or no changeIndustrial Maintenance$64k median▲ +14% 2025–35Much faster than averageWind Tech$64k median▲ +30% 2025–35Much faster than averagePlumber$64k median▲ +7% 2025–35Much faster than averageElectrician$63k median▲ +9% 2025–35Much faster than averageSheet Metal$62k median● +3% 2025–35About as fast as averageHVAC Tech$61k median▲ +11% 2025–35Much faster than averageCarpenter$61k median▲ +4% 2025–35About as fast as averageCDL Driver$59k median▲ +4% 2025–35About as fast as averageRoofer$55k median▲ +5% 2025–35Faster than averageWelder$54k median● +2% 2025–35Slower than averageSolar Installer$53k median▲ +37% 2025–35Much faster than average
States / Pennsylvania
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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