Vermont Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / Vermont Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in Vermont
Vermont doesn’t generate volume—it generates need. Much of the trade work revolves around keeping aging homes, municipal systems, and utilities functioning in cold, rural conditions. Specialists who understand retrofits and efficiency upgrades often outlast general construction cycles.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in Vermont (from this table): Lineworker ($94,578)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $62,417 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $40,207 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in Vermont.
- Most stable demand in Vermont: repair-first work tied to older housing stock and essential building systems.
- Best way to increase earnings: become the specialist others can’t replace—retrofit and niche system expertise matter here.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($94,578) · CDL Truck Driver ($79,331) · AV Technician ($73,466)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in Vermont
Demand is shaped most by small markets centered around places like Burlington where skilled labor is called by name, not bid, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
Vermont earnings are driven by necessity rather than volume, where skilled maintenance workers often stay employed year after year.
- Outlook: Stable (maintenance necessity)
- What drives demand: small markets centered around places like Burlington where skilled labor is called by name, not bid.
- 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 Vermont
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in Vermont. 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 | $28.41 | $1,136 | $4,925 | $59,109 |
| AV Technician | $35.32 | $1,413 | $6,122 | $73,466 |
| Carpenter | $27.64 | $1,106 | $4,791 | $57,491 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $38.14 | $1,526 | $6,611 | $79,331 |
| CNC Machinist | $26.14 | $1,046 | $4,531 | $54,371 |
| Construction | $27.75 | $1,110 | $4,810 | $57,720 |
| Concrete Finisher | $30.43 | $1,219 | $5,283 | $63,394 |
| Diesel Technician | $31.56 | $1,262 | $5,470 | $65,645 |
| Electrician | $33.38 | $1,335 | $5,786 | $69,430 |
| Heavy Equipment | $27.22 | $1,080 | $4,678 | $56,138 |
| HVAC Technician | $30.80 | $1,232 | $5,339 | $64,067 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $30.45 | $1,218 | $5,279 | $63,349 |
| Ironworker | $29.02 | $1,163 | $5,040 | $60,482 |
| Lineworker | $45.47 | $1,819 | $7,882 | $94,578 |
| Marine Mechanic | $31.45 | $1,258 | $5,449 | $65,382 |
| Mason | $29.56 | $1,182 | $5,124 | $61,485 |
| Plumber | $35.31 | $1,402 | $6,073 | $72,874 |
| Roofer | $26.28 | $1,051 | $4,555 | $54,662 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $27.83 | $1,105 | $4,786 | $57,431 |
| Welder | $26.67 | $1,059 | $4,592 | $55,098 |
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 Vermont Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Vermont’s trade market is shaped less by rapid growth and more by infrastructure maintenance, aging housing stock, and extreme seasonal conditions. Skilled trades remain essential across the state due to long winters, rural geography, and the need to maintain residential, municipal, and utility systems year-round.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Burlington & Chittenden County: The state’s largest employment hub, supporting commercial construction, healthcare facilities, and residential retrofits.
- Statewide rural communities: Consistent demand for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians due to limited contractor availability.
- Cold-climate infrastructure: Heating systems, insulation upgrades, and weatherization projects drive steady HVAC and mechanical work.
- Municipal and utility work: Water systems, road maintenance, and energy infrastructure rely heavily on skilled trades.
Major Employers and Contractors in Vermont
Vermont’s trade workforce frequently works with regional contractors, utilities, and public-sector projects rather than large national developers:
- PC Construction — Vermont-based contractor involved in commercial, healthcare, and institutional projects.
- DEW Construction — Regional firm handling commercial and public infrastructure work.
- Green Mountain Power — Major employer for electrical and utility-related trade work.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Vermont
Vermont maintains a stronger union presence than many rural states, particularly in electrical, plumbing, and public-sector construction. However, small independent contractors and open-shop employers still make up a large portion of the trade workforce, especially outside urban areas.
Union Apprenticeships in Vermont
Union opportunities are most common in infrastructure, utilities, and commercial projects:
- IBEW Local 300 — Electrical apprenticeships serving Vermont and surrounding regions.
- UA Local 693 — Plumbing and pipefitting apprenticeships tied to commercial and institutional work.
- Vermont Laborers’ Union — Infrastructure, highway, and public works-focused training paths.
Ready to start a trade career in Vermont?
Compare accredited trade schools and registered apprenticeships across Vermont.
Vermont Trade Schools & Apprenticeships