The fastest trades to qualify for
If you want to start earning a full trade wage sooner, these trades have the shortest path to a licensed or journeyman level — and you earn throughout the training.
| # | Trade | Time to qualify | Pay (US) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HVAC Technician | 4-5 years | $50,000–$80,000 | Guide |
| 2 | Electrician | 4-6 years | $52,000–$85,000 | Guide |
| 3 | Plumber | 4-8 years | $48,000–$78,000 | Guide |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 (pay, outlook) and typical licensing timelines. Journeyman-level US figures. Last reviewed May 2026. Estimate your pay →
Which trade tops this list?
HVAC Technician ranks first (4-5 years). The full ranking of 3 trades is in the table above, each linking to a complete career guide.
Do these trades require a college degree?
No. Every trade here is entered through a paid apprenticeship — you earn while you learn, with no degree and no tuition debt. Licensing is by exam and on-the-job hours, not a four-year diploma.
How is this ranking calculated?
Trades are ranked from official 2024 data — US Bureau of Labor Statistics pay and employment outlook, plus typical licensing timelines. Figures are journeyman-level US values; your state, experience and specialty move them. Last reviewed May 2026.
Find an apprenticeship
Real programs with paid training and licensing pathways — official government portals and the unions / vocational schools that actually place people.
- apprenticeship.govOfficial portal
U.S. Department of Labor's Registered Apprenticeship finder — filter by trade, state, and ZIP for paid, registered programs nationwide.
Open
- IBEW Local Union finderUnion
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers — 700+ locals run paid 4–5-year apprenticeships (Inside Wireman, Solar, Outside Lineman).
Open
- United Association local finderUnion
UA represents plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, and HVAC service techs — 300+ locals offer 5-year paid apprenticeships with full benefits.
Open
- SMART (Sheet Metal / HVAC) apprenticeshipUnion
Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers — ductwork, HVAC installation, and metal-roof systems through 4–5-year apprenticeships.
Open
- ABC Merit Shop apprenticeshipsIndustry association
Associated Builders & Contractors runs the largest non-union apprenticeship network — over 800 chapters and training centres nationwide.
Open
- IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) apprenticeshipIndustry association
Non-union electrical apprenticeship — 4-year program combining online theory with paid on-the-job training at member contractors.
Open
Listings are curated by the HireLocal editorial team — opening a program takes you to the program's own site. We don't take a cut on placements.