Ohio Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / Ohio Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in Ohio
Ohio’s trade market runs quietly in the background of massive logistics hubs, distribution centers, and legacy manufacturing plants. A lot of the real work happens off the radar—keeping facilities operational, conveyors running, and systems online rather than chasing flashy new builds.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in Ohio (from this table): Lineworker ($84,683)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $55,980 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $35,865 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in Ohio.
- Most stable demand in Ohio: industrial maintenance and facility systems work where production uptime is the priority, not new permits.
- Best way to increase earnings: get good at diagnosing failures (controls, motors, automation, HVAC systems) and you’ll out-earn generalist construction routes.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($84,683) · CDL Truck Driver ($71,014) · AV Technician ($65,894)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in Ohio
Demand is shaped most by plants, distribution, and the ‘keep it running’ economy—especially around Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and the I-70/I-75 logistics lanes, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
Ohio wages often favor industrial continuity, where maintenance and systems roles outlast fluctuations in construction demand.
- Outlook: Stable (industrial maintenance)
- What drives demand: plants, distribution, and the ‘keep it running’ economy—especially around Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and the I-70/I-75 logistics lanes.
- 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 Ohio
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in Ohio. 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 | $25.47 | $1,019 | $4,417 | $52,992 |
| AV Technician | $31.68 | $1,267 | $5,491 | $65,894 |
| Carpenter | $24.82 | $993 | $4,301 | $51,606 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $34.18 | $1,366 | $5,918 | $71,014 |
| CNC Machinist | $23.48 | $939 | $4,068 | $48,818 |
| Construction | $24.92 | $996 | $4,318 | $51,814 |
| Concrete Finisher | $27.32 | $1,092 | $4,734 | $56,805 |
| Diesel Technician | $28.37 | $1,135 | $4,918 | $59,010 |
| Electrician | $30.06 | $1,202 | $5,210 | $62,525 |
| Heavy Equipment | $24.55 | $955 | $4,111 | $49,534 |
| HVAC Technician | $27.62 | $1,106 | $4,794 | $57,532 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $27.29 | $1,092 | $4,731 | $56,778 |
| Ironworker | $26.00 | $1,039 | $4,503 | $54,031 |
| Lineworker | $40.71 | $1,629 | $7,057 | $84,683 |
| Marine Mechanic | $28.24 | $1,130 | $4,893 | $58,686 |
| Mason | $26.53 | $1,061 | $4,598 | $55,182 |
| Plumber | $31.89 | $1,237 | $5,355 | $64,258 |
| Roofer | $23.92 | $957 | $4,146 | $49,754 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $25.31 | $974 | $4,223 | $50,678 |
| Welder | $24.16 | $968 | $4,194 | $50,326 |
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 Ohio Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Ohio remains one of the most trade-driven states in the Midwest due to its deep manufacturing base, aging infrastructure, utilities network, and steady commercial construction. While some industries have modernized or relocated, demand for skilled electricians, industrial mechanics, welders, HVAC technicians, and maintenance trades remains strong across both urban and rural regions.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Cleveland–Akron: Manufacturing plants, healthcare systems, utilities, and infrastructure rehabilitation drive electrical, mechanical, and HVAC demand.
- Columbus: One of the fastest-growing metros in the Midwest, supporting new construction, data centers, logistics facilities, and service trades.
- Cincinnati–Dayton: Industrial manufacturing, aerospace suppliers, and commercial construction create steady skilled labor needs.
- Statewide manufacturing corridors: Maintenance trades are critical in food processing, automotive, and steel-related facilities.
Major Employers and Contractors in Ohio
Ohio tradespeople frequently work with long-established manufacturers, utilities, and regional contractors, including:
- Honda of America Manufacturing — Automotive manufacturing facilities requiring industrial electricians and maintenance technicians.
- FirstEnergy — Utility infrastructure and power generation support electrical and mechanical trades.
- Turner Construction (Ohio operations) — Large commercial and institutional construction projects.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Ohio
Ohio has one of the strongest union traditions in the Midwest, particularly in electrical, plumbing, pipefitting, and industrial construction trades. At the same time, non-union and open-shop employment remains common in residential construction, service trades, and smaller commercial work.
Union Apprenticeships in Ohio
Union apprenticeship programs in Ohio are well-established and often tied directly to large employers, utilities, and long-term industrial projects:
- IBEW Local 38 — Cleveland-area electricians supporting commercial, industrial, and utility work.
- IBEW Local 683 — Columbus electrical apprenticeships tied to commercial growth and data center projects.
- UA Local 55 — Toledo-area plumbers and pipefitters serving industrial and municipal systems.
- UA Local 392 — Cincinnati-based pipefitting, plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeships.
- SMART Local 33 — Sheet metal fabrication and HVAC-related training serving Northeast Ohio.
Ready to start a trade career in Ohio?
Compare accredited trade schools and registered apprenticeships across Ohio.
Ohio Trade Schools & Apprenticeships