Nebraska Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Nebraska
Average Cost of Trade School in Nebraska
Most trade programs in Nebraska are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Nebraska, utility, infrastructure, and regional manufacturing needs can support stable demand for electrical and mechanical trades.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $852 higher than in-state on average.
| Nebraska Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $3,751 |
|---|---|
| Nebraska Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $4,603 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Nebraska
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Nebraska Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Nebraska trade training often takes 6–18 months for entry credentials, while apprenticeships commonly last 3–5 years depending on required hours and coursework.
- Licensing and permitting vary by trade and city/county. Some work requires contractor or trade licensing; local permits and inspections are common—verify requirements where you’ll work.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Nebraska
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Nebraska. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $25.54 | $1,022 | $4,429 | $53,144 |
| AV Technician | $31.77 | $1,271 | $5,507 | $66,082 |
| Carpenter | $24.89 | $995 | $4,314 | $51,771 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $34.28 | $1,369 | $5,935 | $71,222 |
| CNC Machinist | $23.54 | $941 | $4,080 | $48,963 |
| Construction | $24.99 | $1,000 | $4,332 | $51,979 |
| Concrete Finisher | $27.39 | $1,096 | $4,748 | $56,971 |
| Diesel Technician | $28.45 | $1,138 | $4,930 | $59,156 |
| Electrician | $30.14 | $1,206 | $5,225 | $62,701 |
| Heavy Equipment | $24.61 | $957 | $4,143 | $49,711 |
| HVAC Technician | $27.70 | $1,110 | $4,808 | $57,698 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $27.37 | $1,095 | $4,745 | $56,939 |
| Ironworker | $26.08 | $1,042 | $4,517 | $54,198 |
| Lineworker | $40.83 | $1,633 | $7,077 | $84,925 |
| Marine Mechanic | $28.32 | $1,133 | $4,907 | $58,850 |
| Mason | $26.61 | $1,064 | $4,612 | $55,349 |
| Plumber | $31.98 | $1,241 | $5,376 | $64,514 |
| Roofer | $23.98 | $959 | $4,157 | $49,878 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $25.37 | $977 | $4,237 | $50,842 |
| Welder | $24.22 | $971 | $4,207 | $50,482 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why Nebraska Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Nebraska’s trade demand is driven by commercial construction, agricultural and food-processing facilities, utilities, transportation infrastructure, and large-scale industrial projects. Steady population growth in urban centers combined with statewide agricultural and manufacturing needs creates long-term demand for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, millwrights, and heavy equipment operators.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Nebraska students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Omaha: Commercial construction, healthcare facilities, utilities, and data center development support strong demand across electrical, HVAC, and plumbing trades.
- Lincoln: Public infrastructure, university expansion, and government projects drive steady construction and maintenance work.
- Statewide industrial and agricultural facilities: Food processing plants, ethanol facilities, and grain operations rely heavily on skilled maintenance trades.
- Transportation corridors: Rail, highway, and logistics infrastructure create demand for welders, operators, and electrical workers.
Major Employers and Contractors in Nebraska
Tradespeople in Nebraska commonly encounter established contractors and industrial employers such as:
- Kiewit Corporation — Omaha-based national contractor with major infrastructure, industrial, and commercial projects.
- Hawkins Construction Company — Nebraska-based contractor focused on heavy civil, utilities, and infrastructure work.
- Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) — Utility employer supporting electrical, lineman, and maintenance trades.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Nebraska
Nebraska offers a balanced mix of union and non-union trade opportunities. Union pathways are common on large infrastructure, utility, and industrial projects, while non-union routes dominate residential construction, service trades, and smaller commercial work.
Union Apprenticeships in Nebraska
Union apprenticeship programs in Nebraska typically focus on electrical, plumbing, pipefitting, and heavy construction trades.
- IBEW Local 22 — Electrical apprenticeships serving Omaha and eastern Nebraska.
- IBEW Local 265 — Electrical training covering Lincoln and surrounding areas.
- UA Local 464 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships based in Omaha.
- Operating Engineers Local 571 — Heavy equipment operator apprenticeships supporting infrastructure and civil projects.
- Iron Workers Local 21 — Structural and reinforcing ironwork training across Nebraska.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union pathways are common throughout Nebraska, especially in residential construction, agricultural facilities, service HVAC, and local commercial projects. Many contractors hire entry-level workers and provide on-the-job training tied directly to local demand.
In Nebraska, non-union routes often provide quicker entry into the workforce, while union paths tend to align with larger projects offering structured training and benefits.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeship programs tied to large projects | Employer-driven on-the-job training |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scales and step increases | Raises based on experience or employer policy |
| Benefits | Health insurance and retirement plans common | Benefits vary by employer |
| Project Types | Infrastructure, utilities, industrial construction | Residential, service trades, agricultural facilities |
| Best Fit For | Workers seeking structured training and large projects | Workers prioritizing flexibility and local demand |