New York Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in New York
Average Cost of Trade School in New York
Most trade programs in New York 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 New York, regional differences are significant—training and job demand can look very different between major metros and upstate areas.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $3,453 higher than in-state on average.
| New York Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $6,363 |
|---|---|
| New York Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $9,816 |
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 New York
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.
New York Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- New York trade pathways are often structured: 6–24 months for initial schooling, and 3–5 year apprenticeships for many skilled trades with required hours and coursework.
- Licensing varies by trade and locality, with some work regulated by state/city rules and local permitting/inspection common. Contractor-level roles may require licensing—verify requirements where you plan to 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 New York
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in New York. 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 | $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.
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.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for New York students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
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.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union opportunities exist throughout New York, particularly in residential construction, HVAC service, remodeling, and small commercial work. Many contractors hire entry-level helpers and develop skills through on-the-job training, certifications, and manufacturer-backed programs.
In New York, union paths typically provide access to the highest-paying and most stable work tied to public projects and major developments, while non-union routes can offer faster entry and flexibility in service-oriented roles.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Highly structured apprenticeships with classroom and jobsite rotations | Employer-driven training; varies by contractor |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage schedules with frequent step increases | Performance- and experience-based increases |
| Benefits | Strong health, pension, and annuity plans | Benefits vary widely by employer |
| Project Types | High-rise commercial, transit, infrastructure, public works | Residential, service work, smaller commercial projects |
| Best Fit For | Those seeking long-term stability and access to major projects | Those prioritizing flexibility or faster workforce entry |