State · PA
Pennsylvania trade licensing
Pennsylvania is a State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA) through the L&I Apprenticeship and Training Office. Pennsylvania does not issue statewide electrician, plumber, or HVAC licenses; L&I has publicly stated the Commonwealth has no licensure requirements for most construction contractors. Municipalities set their own rules: Philadelphia licenses Master Plumbers and Electrical Contractors directly; Allegheny County and Pittsburgh run separate programs; smaller cities vary widely. A statewide Home Improvement Contractor registration is required for residential remodeling work over $5,000. Always verify with the municipality where work is performed.
Primary regulator
Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I)
www.pa.gov/agencies/dli.html →717-787-5279
Licensing boards by trade
electrician
Municipal (no statewide electrician license)
www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/labor-management-relations/bureau-of-occupational-and-industrial-safety/uniform-construction-code-home/contractor-licensing →plumber
Municipal (no statewide plumber license)
www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/labor-management-relations/bureau-of-occupational-and-industrial-safety/uniform-construction-code-home/contractor-licensing →Pick a trade in Pennsylvania
Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)
Services and inspects airframes and powerplants on aircraft: general aviation, airline, military.
Auto Body Technician
Repairs collision damage: panel replacement, frame straightening, refinishing.
Automotive Service Technician
Diagnoses, maintains, and repairs cars and light trucks: gasoline, diesel, and electric.
Boilermaker
Builds, installs, and repairs boilers, pressure vessels, and large tanks.
Carpenter
Frames, finishes, and builds structures from wood, steel, and composite materials.
Diesel Mechanic
Services and repairs diesel engines in trucks, buses, and heavy equipment.
Electrician
Installs and maintains electrical systems in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial sites.
Elevator Constructor
Installs, modernizes, and services elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.
Glazier
Cuts, installs, and replaces glass in windows, storefronts, curtain walls, and skylights.
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Services construction, mining, agricultural, and material-handling machinery.
HVAC Technician
Installs, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Keeps manufacturing equipment running: mechanical, electrical, and control system upkeep.
Ironworker
Erects structural steel, reinforces concrete with rebar, and installs metal decking and ornamental iron.
Machinist
Makes precision metal parts using manual and CNC machine tools.
Mason
Lays brick, block, and stone for walls, foundations, chimneys, and veneers.
Millwright
Installs, aligns, dismantles, and repairs heavy industrial machinery.
Operating Engineer
Operates heavy construction equipment: cranes, excavators, dozers, graders, loaders.
Plumber
Installs and repairs water, waste, gas, and drainage systems in buildings.
Sheet Metal Worker
Fabricates and installs ductwork, roofing, cladding, and architectural sheet metal.
Welder
Joins and cuts metal using arc, MIG, TIG, stick, and oxy-fuel processes.