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October 8 & 9, 2026

Skilled Trades Careers

Get the Inside Scoop on Skilled Trades Jobs

Browse through our interactive cards to get a closer look at skilled trades careers. Whether you’re interested in the daily tasks, required skills, or potential earnings, these cards offer a detailed overview of each role. Start exploring to see which skilled trade might be the perfect fit for your future!

Brick Mason
Carpenter and Scaffold Carpenter
Cement Mason
Crane Operator
Electrical Technician
Electrician
HVAC Technician
Insulator
Iron Worker
Painter
Pipefitter
Water Plant Operator

Explore Career Pathways

Architect

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Design buildings & structures
  • Select materials, estimate costs
  • Create drawings/plans for clients

Key Skills:

  • Computer-aided design (CAD)
  • Math & problem solving
  • Attention to detail

Where They Work:

  • Engineering & Surveying firms
  • Construction companies
  • Real estate & land development companies

Salary:

According to O*Net, the average salary is $99,280/year

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

 

Boilermaker

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Assemble boiler tanks
  • Test and inspect for leaks/defects
  • Maintain and clean vats

Key Skills:

  • Logic to identify problems
  • Read gauges and indicators
  • Metalworking and plumbing

Where They Work:

Large buildings and factories, ships and trains

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $73,340

Career Pathway:

Brick Mason

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Cut bricks to fit project areas
  • Measure surfaces
  • Manage materials

Key Skills:

  • Project management
  • Knowledge of tools
  • Coordination

Where They Work:

Construction companies, unions

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $60,650

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Carpenter

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Construct frameworks
  • Repair buildings
  • Install scaffold components

Key Skills:

  • Manual dexterity
  • Eye-hand coordination

Where They Work:

Construction companies, builders, unions

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $47,470

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Cement Mason

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Work with concrete
  • Finish surfaces
  • Build walls

Key Skills:

  • Strength
  • Detail-oriented
  • Knowledge of concrete mixing

Where They Work:

Construction sites, concrete manufacturing, infrastructure projects

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $49,550

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Construction Manager

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Oversee projects
  • Coordinate planning
  • Establish relationships with clients

Key Skills:

  • Project management
  • Communication
  • Budgeting

Where They Work:

  • Construction sites
  • Shipping ports
  • Manufacturing

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $79,270

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Crane Operator

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Use heavy machinery
  • Lift materials
  • Deliver resources to sites

Key Skills:

  • Heavy equipment operation
  • Safety
  • Spatial awareness

Where They Work:

Construction sites, shipping ports, manufacturing

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $70,720

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Electrical Lineman

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Install and maintain power lines
  • Fix and troubleshoot power outages
  • Climb poles to access equipment

Key Skills:

  • Handle and move objects
  • Troubleshoot issues
  • Safety focus

Where They Work:

Power and fiber utility companies

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $92,560

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Electrical Technician

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Repair electrical systems
  • Maintain equipment

Key Skills:

  • Electrical knowledge
  • Troubleshooting
  • Attention to detail

Where They Work:

Electrical contractors, manufacturing plants, utilities, unions

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $59,730

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Electrician

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Install electrical systems
  • Repair equipment
  • Maintain wiring and lighting

Key Skills:

  • Electrical wiring
  • Detail-oriented
  • Blueprint reading

Where They Work:

Construction sites, residential and commercial buildings, unions

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $61,210

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Electro-Mechanical Technician

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Test, operate, maintain, and repair machines that combine electrical and mechanical components.
  • Troubleshoot automated equipment, support robotics systems, and help engineers test and improve manufacturing technology.

Key Skills:

  • Troubleshooting and repair
  • Identify equipment problems and restore proper operation.
  • Electronics and automation
  • Understand electrical circuits, machine controls, and robotics.
  • Read technical diagrams, test equipment, and diagnose complex problems.

Where They Work:

  • Manufacturing plants and advanced production facilities
  • Robotics and industrial automation operations
  • Engineering, testing, and technical services companies

Salary:

According to O*Net, the average salary is $73,900/year

Actual earnings vary by location, experience, clientele, tips, and business ownership.

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

 

Engineer

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Design and develop systems, products, or processes

Key Skills:

  • Engineering knowledge
  • Problem-solving
  • Creativity
  • Analytical skills

Where They Work:

Engineering firms, manufacturing companies, research institutions

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $78,040

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Engineer Technician

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Assist engineers in designing and testing products

Key Skills:

  • Technical skills
  • Blueprint reading
  • Data analysis

Where They Work:

Engineering departments, research labs, manufacturing

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $49,510

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Equipment Operator

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Operate heavy machinery

Key Skills:

  • Attention to detail
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Good depth perception

Where They Work:

Construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $51,290

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

HVAC Technician

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems

Key Skills:

  • Customer service
  • Troubleshooting
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management

Where They Work:

HVAC companies, construction, building maintenance

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $47,980

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Insulator

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Install insulation materials to regulate temperature and sound

Key Skills:

  • Teamwork
  • Physical fitness
  • Attention to detail

Where They Work:

Construction, residential and commercial buildings

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $43,250

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Ironworker

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Install and reinforce structural iron and steel

Key Skills:

  • Physical strength
  • Spatial awareness
  • Safety consciousness

Where They Work:

Construction sites, steel fabrication companies

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $62,030

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Painter

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Prepare surfaces for painting
  • Apply paint using tools
  • Detail and touch up painting

Key Skills:

  • Detail-oriented
  • Problem-solving
  • Artistic abilities

Where They Work:

Residential properties, commercial buildings, construction sites

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $48,000

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Pipefitter

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Plan pipe systems
  • Design layouts
  • Inspect work sites
  • Test lines

Key Skills:

  • Good numerical and problem solving skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong communication skills

Where They Work:

Manufacturing settings, union

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $60,090

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Surveyor

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Collect & analyze data to create maps
  • Use equipment & technology to measure land & boundaries

Key Skills:

  • Math & Measurement
  • Attention to detail
  • Mapping & Spatial awareness

Where They Work:

  • Engineering & Surveying firms
  • Construction companies
  • Real estate & land development companies

Salary:

According to O*Net, the average salary is $75,440/year

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Welder

Tap to Explore This Career

What They Do:

  • Weld metal components securely
  • Interpret engineering drawings
  • Follow safety protocols

Key Skills:

  • Precision
  • Attention to detail
  • Physical stamina

Where They Work:

Manufacturing facilities, construction sites, fabrication shops

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $48,440

Local Employers:

Career Pathway:

Career Pathway Sponsors

Get the Scoop on Skilled Trades Jobs

Browse through our interactive cards to get a closer look at skilled trades careers. Whether you’re interested in the daily tasks, required skills, or potential earnings, these cards offer a detailed overview of each role. Start exploring to see which skilled trade might be the perfect fit for your future!

Brick Mason
Carpenter and Scaffold Carpenter
Cement Mason
Crane Operator
Electrical Technician
Electrician
HVAC Technician
Insulator
Iron Worker
Painter
Pipefitter
Water Plant Operator

Explore Career Pathways

Brick Mason

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Use Tools to Cut Bricks to Fit Project Areas
  • Measure Surfaces
  • Manage Projects and Needed Materials

Skills needed:

  • Project-Management
  • Knowledge of Equipment and Tools
  • Coordination

Where they work:

  • Construction Companies
  • Union

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $60,650

Boilermaker

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Assemble boiler tanks in facilities that hold water or gas
  • Test and inspect for leaks/defects
  • Maintain & clean vats

Skills needed:

  • Logic to identify problem locations
  • Ability to read gauges and indicators
  • Monitor operation flow through equipment
  • Metalworking and plumbing

Where they work:

  • Large buildings, factories
  • Ships and trains

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $73,340

Carpenter and Scaffold Carpenter

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Construct Frameworks
  • Repair Buildings
  • Plan Projects
  • Install Scaffold Components in Place with Rods, Planks, Boards, Clamps, etc. Requiring Physical Labor

Skills needed:

  • Manual and Finger Dexterity
  • Eye-hand Coordination

Where they work:

  • Construction Companies
  • Builders
  • Unions

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $47,470

Cement Mason

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Work with Concrete
  • Finish Surfaces
  • Build Walls

Skills needed:

  • Strength
  • Detail-Oriented
  • Knowledge of Concrete Mixing

Where they work:

  • Construction Sites
  • Concrete Manufacturing Companies
  • Infrastructure Projects

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $49,550

Crane Operator

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Use Heavy Machinery
  • Lift Materials
  • Deliver Resources to Sites

Skills needed:

  • Heavy Equipment Operation
  • Safety
  • Spatial Awareness

Where they work:

  • Construction Sites
  • Shipping Ports
  • Manufacturing Facilities
  • HVAC Facilities

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $70,720

Electrical Lineman

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Install & maintain power lines
  • Fix & troubleshoot power outages
  • Use bucket truck & climb poles to access equipment

Skills needed:

  • Handle & move objects
  • Troubleshoot issues
  • Inspect equipment
  • Focus on Safety

Where they work:

  • Power & Fiber Utility companies

Salary:

According to O*Net, the median salary is $92,560

Electrical Technician

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Repair Electrical Systems
  • Maintain Equipment

Skills needed:

  • Electrical Knowledge
  • Troubleshooting
  • Attention to Detail

Where they work:

  • Electrical Contractors
  • Manufacturing Plants
  • Utilities
  • Unions

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $59,730

Electrician

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Install Electrical Systems
  • Repair Equipment
  • Install and Maintain Wiring, Control and Lighting Systems

Skills needed:

  • Electrical Wiring
  • Detail-Oriented
  • Blueprint Reading

Where they work:

  • Construction Sites
  • Residential and Commercial Buildings
  • Unions

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $61,210

Equipment Operator

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Operate Heavy Machinery

Skills needed:

  • Attention to Detail
  • Hand-Eye Coordination
  • Good Depth Perception

Where they work:

  • Construction Sites
  • Warehouses
  • Manufacturing

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $51,290

HVAC Technician

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Install, Maintain, and Repair Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems

Skills needed:

  • Customer Service Oriented
  • Troubleshooting Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • Time Management Skills

Where they work:

  • HVAC Companies
  • Construction
  • Building Maintenance

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $47,980

Insulator

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Install Insulation Materials to Regulate Temperature and Sound

Skills needed:

  • Teamwork
  • Physical Fitness
  • Attention to Detail

Where they work:

  • Construction
  • Residential and Commercial Buildings

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $43,250

Iron Worker

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Install and Reinforce Structural Iron and Steel

Skills needed:

  • Physical Strength
  • Spatial Awareness
  • Safety Consciousness

Where they work:

  • Construction Sites
  • Steel Fabrication Companies

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $62,030

Painter

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Prepare surfaces for painting
  • Apply paint using tools
  • Detail and Touch-Up the painting

Skills needed:

  • Detail-Oriented
  • Problem-Solving
  • Artistic Abilities

Where they work:

  • Residential Properties
  • Commercial Buildings
  • Construction Sites

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $48,000

Pipefitter

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Plan Pipe Systems
  • Design Layouts
  • Inspect Work Sites
  • Test Lines

Skills needed:

  • Good Numerical and Problem Solving Skills
  • Attention to Detail
  • Strong Communication Skills

Where they work:

  • Manufacturing Settings
  • Union

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $60,090

Welder

Tap to Explore This Career

What they do?

  • Weld Metal Component
    • Together Securely
  • Interpret Engineering Drawings
  • Follow Safety Protocols

Skills needed:

  • Precision
  • Attention to Detail
  • Physical Stamina

Where they work:

  • Manufacturing Facilities
  • Construction Sites
  • Metal Fabrication Shops

Salary:

According to O*NET, average salary is $48,440

Skilled Trades Career Pathways

Explore each career pathway to discover the steps needed for a successful future. You’ll find information on job responsibilities, required courses and certifications, advancement opportunities, salary ranges, and more. Dive in to learn about the exciting opportunities within the skilled trades sector and begin your journey toward a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Boilermaker

Carpenter

Cement Mason/
Finisher/Brick Mason

Commercial Painter/
Decorator

Construction

Equipment Operator

Electrical Lineman

HVAC Plumbing

HVAC/R

Iron Works

Journey Electrician

Metal & Insulation Fabrication

Pipefitting/Plumbing
HVAC/Construction

Plasterer, Drywall Finisher, Cement Mason/Finisher

Scaffold Carpenter

Skilled Tradesman

Welding

EXPLORE MORE PATHWAYS >>

Healthcare

Manufacturing

Skilled Trades

Public Works/
Safety

Business/
Logistics

FAQs

What skilled trades careers can I pursue near Lima, Ohio?
Boilermaker, Brick Mason, Carpenter/Scaffold Carpenter, Cement Mason, Crane Operator, Electrical Lineman, Electrical Technician, Electrician, Equipment Operator, HVAC Technician, Insulator, Iron Worker, Painter, Pipefitter, Welder — many of these careers are tied to unions and local contractors.
How much do skilled trades jobs pay in Ohio?
Examples from O*NET include Insulator around $43,250, Carpenter around $47,470, HVAC Technician around $47,980, Cement Mason around $49,550, Equipment Operator around $51,290, Electrician around $61,210, Iron Worker around $62,030, Crane Operator around $70,720, Boilermaker around $73,340, and Electrical Lineman around $92,560.
What does an electrician do and what skills are needed?
Electricians install electrical systems, repair equipment, and maintain wiring/lighting; they need wiring skills, attention to detail, and blueprint reading.
What does an electrical lineman do?
Electrical linemen install and maintain power lines, fix and troubleshoot power outages, and climb poles to access equipment. Helpful skills include handling and moving objects, troubleshooting, and a strong safety focus, typically with power and fiber utility companies.
Which local employers and unions support skilled trades?
These include Lima Building Trades, IBEW / Lima Area Electrical Apprenticeship, UA Local 776 (Plumbers & Pipefitters), Central Midwest Carpenters Union, Trisco Systems, ACI Construction / Kirk Corp, Tuttle Construction, AEP Ohio, and All Temp Refrigeration.