Featured Careers
- HVAC Technician
- Electrician
- Plumber
VERMONT TRADE CAREER DATA
Skilled Trade Careers in Vermont
Explore electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, welder, carpenter, and other skilled trade career opportunities in Vermont. Compare salaries, training requirements, licensing rules, and job outlook.
Salary information
Training pathways
Licensing requirements
STATE WORKFORCE OVERVIEW
Vermont Skilled Trade Snapshot
Training Pathways
- Apprenticeships
- Trade schools
- Employer training
Major Industries
- Construction
- Building Energy Efficiency
- Advanced Manufacturing
Career Guide Navigation
Featured Trade Careers in Vermont
Compare selected career paths using available salary, training, and outlook data.
HVAC Technician in Vermont
- Median Salary
- $62,150
- Training
- 6 Months–2 Years
- Job Outlook
- +8% (2024–2034)
Electrician in Vermont
- Median Salary
- $62,400
- Training
- 4–5 Years Apprenticeship
- Job Outlook
- +9% (2024–2034)
Plumber in Vermont
- Median Salary
- $60,550
- Training
- 4–5 Years Apprenticeship
- Job Outlook
- +4% (2024–2034)
Vermont Trade Career Guides
Open a state-specific profile for salary, licensing, training, and career requirements.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Vermont Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Carpenter
Vermont Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Welder
Vermont Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
View Guide
HVAC Technician
Vermont Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Plumber
Vermont Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Electrician
Vermont Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Top Trade Careers in Vermont
Vermont offers career opportunities across construction, energy, transportation, maintenance, manufacturing, and other skilled trade industries. Popular trade careers often include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, carpenters, diesel mechanics, and heavy equipment operators.
Trade Salary Outlook in Vermont
Vermont offers steady opportunities for skilled trade professionals across construction, building maintenance, manufacturing, utilities, renewable energy, forestry, and tourism infrastructure. Skilled workers are especially important due to Vermont's cold climate, aging housing stock, and demand for energy-efficient building upgrades. Earnings vary based on experience, certifications, employer type, and geographic location. Major employment centers such as Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Montpelier, Barre, and Brattleboro provide career opportunities through construction projects, manufacturing facilities, and public infrastructure development.
Training and Apprenticeship Options in Vermont
Vermont provides multiple pathways into skilled trade careers through technical education centers, community colleges, registered apprenticeship programs, employer-sponsored training, labor organizations, and workforce development initiatives. Many skilled trades combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job experience, allowing workers to gain practical skills while earning income and preparing for industry-recognized certifications.
Vermont Apprenticeship Opportunities
Registered apprenticeship programs are one of the most effective ways to begin a skilled trade career in Vermont. Apprenticeships are available for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, industrial maintenance technicians, construction trades, and energy-related occupations. Most programs combine paid work experience with classroom instruction while preparing workers for licensing or industry-recognized certifications.
Licensing Requirements in Vermont
Licensing requirements in Vermont vary depending on the occupation. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, and certain construction professionals may require state-issued licenses, examinations, certifications, or contractor registration. Workers should verify current licensing requirements with the Vermont Division of Fire Safety, Office of Professional Regulation, and other appropriate authorities before performing regulated work independently.
Fastest Growing Trade Careers in Vermont
HVAC Technician
Electrician
Plumber
Solar Installer
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Welder
Heavy Equipment Operator
Carpenter
Top Industries Hiring Skilled Trades in Vermont
Skilled trade workers in Vermont may find opportunities across several major industries. Demand can vary by region, economic growth, population trends, infrastructure investment, and employer needs.
Construction
Building Energy Efficiency
Advanced Manufacturing
Forestry & Wood Products
Renewable Energy
Tourism Infrastructure
Utilities
Food Processing
Why Vermont Is One of America's Best States for Skilled Trades
Vermont provides strong opportunities for skilled trade professionals because of its climate, building needs, and focus on energy efficiency. Cold winters create consistent demand for HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, and building specialists who maintain heating systems and improve energy performance. The state's manufacturing facilities, tourism infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and construction industry also rely on skilled workers. Combined with apprenticeship programs, technical education opportunities, and ongoing demand for qualified tradespeople, Vermont offers reliable pathways into long-term skilled trade careers.
Major Cities for Trade Careers in Vermont
Skilled trade opportunities in Vermont are often concentrated around major metro areas, growing suburbs, industrial centers, and regions with strong construction, energy, transportation, and maintenance demand.
Burlington
South Burlington
Rutland
Montpelier
Barre
Brattleboro
Bennington
St. Albans
Middlebury
Williston
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best trade careers in Vermont?
HVAC technician, electrician, plumber, industrial maintenance technician, welder, carpenter, solar installer, and heavy equipment operator are among the most in-demand skilled trade careers in Vermont. Demand is supported by construction, energy efficiency upgrades, manufacturing, utilities, and renewable energy projects.
Are apprenticeships available in Vermont?
Yes. Vermont offers registered apprenticeship opportunities through employers, technical education centers, community colleges, labor organizations, workforce agencies, and industry partners across construction, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, manufacturing, and energy-related occupations.
Which Vermont cities have the most trade jobs?
Burlington, South Burlington, Rutland, Montpelier, Barre, Brattleboro, Bennington, St. Albans, Middlebury, and Williston are among Vermont's largest employment markets for skilled trade professionals.
Do skilled trades require licenses in Vermont?
Some skilled trades require state-issued licenses, certifications, examinations, or contractor registration. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC professionals, and contractors should review Vermont licensing requirements before performing regulated work independently.
Is Vermont a good state for skilled trade careers?
Yes. Vermont's construction market, energy efficiency programs, renewable energy projects, manufacturing sector, utilities, and building maintenance needs continue to create stable opportunities for skilled trade professionals throughout the state.