New York Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / New York Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in New York
New York runs on continuity. Even when construction headlines slow, transit systems, high-rise buildings, and public infrastructure require nonstop maintenance. The highest ceilings usually belong to trades tied into long-term systems, not short-term projects.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in New York (from this table): Lineworker ($97,284)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $64,191 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $41,394 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in New York.
- Most stable demand in New York: facility maintenance and recurring commercial upgrades where large owners keep crews busy year after year.
- Best way to increase earnings: apprenticeship ladders + commercial specialization (controls, high-rise systems, utility-adjacent work) are where the ceiling opens up.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($97,284) · CDL Truck Driver ($81,578) · AV Technician ($75,525)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in New York
Demand is shaped most by big-project gravity—NYC metro construction, transit/infrastructure work, and constant building turnover that never fully stops, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
New York earnings depend heavily on project scale—workers tied into large commercial systems or structured apprenticeship tracks typically see more predictable wage progression.
- Outlook: Strong (large-scale systems work)
- What drives demand: big-project gravity—NYC metro construction, transit/infrastructure work, and constant building turnover that never fully stops.
- Where it’s hottest: major metros + fast-growing corridors (varies by trade).
- Biggest pay factors: experience, union coverage, licensing, overtime, and employer type.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in New York
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in New York. Click a trade name to explore training paths, licensing steps, and career details.
Note: Some trades can rank high across many states due to national labor demand and standardized pay structures, but the exact pay levels still vary by state and metro area.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $29.22 | $1,169 | $5,063 | $60,788 |
| AV Technician | $36.31 | $1,452 | $6,294 | $75,525 |
| Carpenter | $28.41 | $1,138 | $4,931 | $59,173 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $39.22 | $1,569 | $6,798 | $81,578 |
| CNC Machinist | $26.87 | $1,075 | $4,658 | $55,890 |
| Construction | $28.53 | $1,141 | $4,945 | $59,342 |
| Concrete Finisher | $31.29 | $1,252 | $5,424 | $65,083 |
| Diesel Technician | $32.43 | $1,297 | $5,621 | $67,454 |
| Electrician | $34.29 | $1,372 | $5,944 | $71,323 |
| Heavy Equipment | $27.95 | $1,115 | $4,835 | $58,016 |
| HVAC Technician | $31.67 | $1,267 | $5,488 | $65,858 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $31.31 | $1,253 | $5,428 | $65,134 |
| Ironworker | $29.84 | $1,199 | $5,197 | $62,358 |
| Lineworker | $46.77 | $1,871 | $8,107 | $97,284 |
| Marine Mechanic | $32.33 | $1,293 | $5,601 | $67,267 |
| Mason | $30.38 | $1,217 | $5,275 | $63,299 |
| Plumber | $36.25 | $1,445 | $6,262 | $75,140 |
| Roofer | $26.92 | $1,077 | $4,666 | $55,994 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $28.52 | $1,142 | $4,948 | $59,374 |
| Welder | $27.35 | $1,094 | $4,741 | $56,888 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
About this table: wage data sources and methodology.
Why New York Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
New York is one of the most trade-intensive states in the country due to its dense urban construction, aging infrastructure, massive transit systems, and strict building codes. From high-rise commercial projects in New York City to infrastructure upgrades, utilities, healthcare facilities, and manufacturing across the state, demand for skilled trades remains consistently high.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- New York City: Continuous high-rise construction, renovations, transit work, and building maintenance drive heavy demand for electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, ironworkers, elevator mechanics, and sheet metal workers.
- NYC Transit & infrastructure: Subways, tunnels, bridges, and public facilities create long-term demand for union trades tied to public works and prevailing-wage projects.
- Long Island & Hudson Valley: Healthcare expansion, education facilities, and commercial development support steady mechanical and electrical work.
- Upstate New York: Manufacturing, utilities, renewable energy, and industrial maintenance provide strong opportunities outside NYC.
Major Employers and Contractors in New York
Tradespeople in New York frequently encounter large contractors and public-sector employers tied to infrastructure, transit, and major commercial builds, including:
- Turner Construction — Major commercial and institutional projects across NYC and statewide.
- Skanska USA — Transit, infrastructure, and large-scale commercial construction throughout New York.
- NYC Department of Design & Construction (DDC) — Oversees public buildings and infrastructure projects requiring skilled trades.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in New York
New York is one of the most union-dense trade states in the U.S., especially in New York City and on public works projects. Union apprenticeships are often the primary pathway into large commercial, infrastructure, and transit jobs, while non-union routes are more common in residential construction and service trades.
Union Apprenticeships in New York
Union programs play a dominant role in New York’s construction and mechanical trades, offering structured apprenticeships tied directly to major project pipelines. Well-known union pathways include:
- IBEW Local 3 — Electrical apprenticeships serving New York City’s commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects.
- IBEW Local 25 — Electrical work across Long Island and surrounding regions.
- UA Local 1 — NYC plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters supporting large mechanical systems.
- SMART Local 28 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication/installation apprenticeships in NYC.
- New York City District Council of Carpenters — Extensive apprenticeship network for commercial and industrial carpentry.
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