Tennessee 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 Tennessee
Average Cost of Trade School in Tennessee
Most trade programs in Tennessee 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 Tennessee, strong logistics and manufacturing growth can support steady demand for industrial maintenance and skilled construction trades.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $13,914 higher than in-state on average.
| Tennessee Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $4,883 |
|---|---|
| Tennessee Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $18,797 |
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 Tennessee
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.
Tennessee Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Tennessee trade training often takes 6–18 months for entry-level programs, while apprenticeships commonly run 3–5 years as you complete required on-the-job hours and instruction.
- Licensing and permitting vary by trade and location. Some regulated trades and contractor roles may require licensing and exams; local permits/inspections are common—confirm the rules for your scope of 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 Tennessee
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Tennessee. 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 | $24.34 | $974 | $4,220 | $50,602 |
| AV Technician | $30.29 | $1,212 | $5,254 | $63,043 |
| Carpenter | $23.74 | $949 | $4,112 | $49,339 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $32.67 | $1,307 | $5,663 | $67,954 |
| CNC Machinist | $22.46 | $898 | $3,891 | $46,696 |
| Construction | $23.84 | $953 | $4,132 | $49,587 |
| Concrete Finisher | $26.12 | $1,045 | $4,528 | $54,330 |
| Diesel Technician | $27.16 | $1,086 | $4,708 | $56,493 |
| Electrician | $28.79 | $1,152 | $4,990 | $59,879 |
| Heavy Equipment | $23.52 | $910 | $3,937 | $47,240 |
| HVAC Technician | $26.40 | $1,059 | $4,588 | $55,058 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $26.09 | $1,044 | $4,522 | $54,268 |
| Ironworker | $24.85 | $992 | $4,300 | $51,598 |
| Lineworker | $38.89 | $1,556 | $6,741 | $80,895 |
| Marine Mechanic | $27.01 | $1,081 | $4,680 | $56,111 |
| Mason | $25.38 | $1,015 | $4,399 | $52,790 |
| Plumber | $30.58 | $1,177 | $5,102 | $61,214 |
| Roofer | $23.02 | $921 | $3,990 | $47,882 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $24.35 | $929 | $4,019 | $48,227 |
| Welder | $23.20 | $924 | $4,005 | $48,058 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why Tennessee Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Tennessee’s trade demand is powered by large-scale manufacturing, logistics and distribution, utilities, and rapid population growth across multiple metro areas. Automotive assembly plants, supplier networks, data centers, and expanding residential development create consistent need for electricians, industrial maintenance technicians, HVAC professionals, plumbers, welders, and construction trades.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Tennessee students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Nashville metro: Commercial construction, healthcare facilities, data centers, and residential expansion drive electrical, HVAC, and plumbing demand.
- Memphis: Logistics, warehousing, utilities, and industrial maintenance tied to transportation and distribution networks.
- Chattanooga: Manufacturing, power generation, and advanced industry support skilled mechanical and electrical trades.
- Statewide manufacturing corridors: Automotive plants and suppliers create steady demand for industrial electricians and maintenance technicians.
Major Employers and Contractors in Tennessee
Tradespeople in Tennessee frequently work with major manufacturers, utilities, and regional contractors, including:
- Nissan North America (Smyrna) — Automotive manufacturing and industrial maintenance roles.
- Volkswagen Chattanooga — Production facilities requiring skilled electrical and mechanical trades.
- Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) — Power generation and utility infrastructure supporting electrical and mechanical work.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Tennessee
Tennessee is a right-to-work state with a predominantly non-union trade workforce. Most skilled tradespeople enter through technical colleges, employer-sponsored training, or direct hiring. Union opportunities exist, particularly in utilities, electrical work, and large commercial projects, but represent a smaller portion of the overall market.
Union Apprenticeships in Tennessee
Union pathways are concentrated in specific trades and metro areas, often tied to utilities or large-scale projects:
- IBEW Local 429 — Electrical apprenticeships serving the Nashville area.
- IBEW Local 474 — Electrical training covering Memphis and western Tennessee.
- IBEW Local 175 — Electrical apprenticeships supporting Chattanooga and surrounding regions.
- UA Local 572 — Plumbing and pipefitting apprenticeships based in Nashville.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union routes dominate Tennessee’s trade labor market. Many contractors hire directly from technical colleges or train workers on the job, particularly in residential construction, HVAC service, plumbing, and industrial maintenance. Advancement often comes through experience, certifications, and specialization rather than formal union progression.
For many tradespeople, Tennessee offers faster entry into the workforce and broad job availability, especially in growing metro areas.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal programs in select trades and metros | Technical college or employer-led training |
| Pay Progression | Defined wage scales where available | Performance- and experience-based increases |
| Benefits | Union benefits on qualifying projects | Varies widely by employer |
| Project Types | Utilities, large commercial, select industrial work | Residential, manufacturing, service, logistics |
| Best Fit For | Those targeting utility or large-project careers | Those seeking fast entry and broad employment options |