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Building Trades Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

City of Clearlake, CA

Building Inspector

Clearlake, CA · On-site

$52K - $63K/yr

Two years of increasingly responsible construction and/or building trades experience. Building inspection experience is highly desirable. Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade ...

City of Downey

Building Inspector

Downey, CA · On-site

$70K - $87K/yr

Additional course work in building trades or related field, highly desirable. Experience: Four (4) years full-time experience in building inspection, building trades or code enforcement, preferably ...

4LEAF

Building Inspector

Solvang, CA

$35 - $42.79/hr

Apply technical knowledge of building trades. Performs duties within OSHA standards. Requirements: Qualifications: ICC Certification(s) demonstrating knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws ...

4LEAF

Building Inspector

Solvang, CA

$35 - $42.79/hr

Apply technical knowledge of building trades. Performs duties within OSHA standards. Requirements: Qualifications: ICC Certification(s) demonstrating knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws ...

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Building Trades information

See California salary details

$15

$24

$35

How much do building trades jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for building trades in California is $24.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $27.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are building trades?

Building trades refer to a group of skilled occupations involved in the construction, repair, and maintenance of buildings and other structures. This includes jobs such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, painters, and HVAC technicians. Workers in the building trades use specialized tools and techniques to ensure structures are safe, functional, and meet building codes. These trades often require apprenticeships or vocational training, and they play a crucial role in both residential and commercial construction projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the building trades, and why are they important?

To thrive in the Building Trades, you need practical skills in construction, carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work, often supported by a high school diploma, apprenticeship, or trade certification. Familiarity with power tools, construction blueprints, safety protocols, and systems like OSHA regulations is crucial. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help professionals coordinate effectively on job sites and adapt to changing project needs. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality completion of construction projects.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in the building trades, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in the building trades often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining consistent safety standards, and adapting to tight project deadlines. These challenges are typically addressed through comprehensive safety training, the use of protective equipment, and strong communication within teams to coordinate tasks efficiently. Many employers also provide ongoing skills development and encourage collaboration between different trades to ensure that projects run smoothly and safely.

What is the difference between Building Trades vs Electrician?

AspectBuilding TradesElectrician
Credentials/CertificationsVaries by specialization; often includes apprenticeships and trade licensesRequires electrical licenses, apprenticeships, and certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, renovation projects, commercial and residential buildingsElectrical systems in buildings, industrial facilities, maintenance settings
Employer & Industry UsageGeneral construction companies, contractors, unionsElectrical contractors, maintenance firms, industrial plants
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding trade roles, career paths, certificationsElectrical work specifics, licensing, job duties

Building Trades is a broad category encompassing various construction-related roles, while Electrician focuses specifically on electrical systems. Electricians often require specialized licenses and certifications, and their work environment is primarily electrical installations and repairs. Both roles are integral to construction and maintenance industries, but Electrician is more specialized within the Building Trades sector.

What are the most commonly searched types of Building Trades jobs in California?

The most popular types of Building Trades jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Building Trades jobs?

Cities in California with the most Building Trades job openings:

Building Trades jobs near you
Infographic showing various Building Trades job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,580 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Building Trades Manager

University of South Carolina

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Posting Summary
Logo Posting Number STA00592PO26 Job Family Building and Grounds Maintenance Job Function Facilities Maintenance USC Market Title Maintenance Supervisor Link to USC Market Title https://uscjobs.sc.edu/titles/132161 Job Level T4 - Technical Support Business Title (Internal Title) Building Trades Manager Campus Columbia Work County Richland College/Division Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support Department SAAS Custodial, Move Crew and Facilities Administration State Pay Range G08 USC Market Range MRE - $48,726 $59,689 $70,653 Anticipated Hiring Range $48,726 - $70,653 Location of Vacancy Part/Full Time Full Time Hours per Week 40 Work Schedule
  • Standard working schedule: 8:00am - 4:30pm
  • Must be willing to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of the department.

Basis 12 months Job Search Category Trades/Maintenance
About USC
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor's degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service - helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Position Description
Advertised Job Summary
Building Trades Manager

  • Are you an experienced Trades leader who enjoys guiding a skilled team while keeping critical USC's Residential Housing at peak performance?
  • Do you take pride in planning repairs and refurbishing strategically-daily, seasonally, and longterm-rather than just reacting to problems?
  • Can you confidently plan, direct, and oversee trades activities while providing handson support when needed?

Position Summary:
Provides the day-to-day leadership for Housing Department Building Trades unit. Primary responsibilities are to assist with planning small repairs, remodeling and refurbishing work, locksmith duties, execute the plans utilizing his team and other resources, provide necessary oversight to ensure work is completed on time, within budget and within the department's quality standards. This position is a working supervisor position and as such this position, in the performance of job duties, will require physical activities associated with the team overall needs and responsibilities. This position will be a member of the department's after hour emergency response team (on-call/call back).
This position is designated as essential personnel during inclement weather.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide leadership through short term and long-range planning for the day-to-day work orders for both summer and traditional school year project work.
  • Complete EPMS planning stages and reviews for all staff. Provide training to improve performance and ensure staff attends mandatory training.
  • Responsible for tracking and reviewing weekly and monthly reports
  • As a Locksmith performs work requiring expertise in installing, maintaining, and repairing different types of building locks

Perks:

  • Competitive salary + some of the BEST benefits you can find!
  • 15 paid vacation days
  • 15 paid sick days
  • 13 paid holidays (including an extended December holiday)
  • An engaging and collaborative environment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BALBcUSl7ck
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
  • Requires job related accreditation from a technical school or an applicable skilled trades program and 4 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Required Certification, Licensure/Other Credentials Preferred Qualifications
  • Four years of supervisory experience managing staff and projects (concept to close out).
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Strong and diverse building trade's expertise. 
  • Excellent project and work planning, execution, closing out and reporting abilities. 
  • Great written and oral communication skills.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Provide leadership through short term and long-range planning for the day-to-day work orders for both summer and traditional school year project work. Planning will incorporate best in industry practices, address safety issues and be focused on providing quality service to our customers. Will assist with drafting building trades specifications for all building trades work. This will include implementation and execution of plans and proper oversight. Is responsible for maintaining records and providing comprehensive written reports demonstrating effectiveness of programs and recommendations for improvements.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 30 Job Duty
Complete EPMS planning stages and reviews for all staff. Provide training to improve performance and ensure staff attends mandatory training. Responsible for ensuring quality assurance inspections are being completed for all internal staff's work and documented. Responsible for ensuring building trades projects meet acceptable standards prior to closing out the work order.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 10 Job Duty
Responsible for tracking and reviewing weekly and monthly reports identifying variable that impact the quality and quantity of services for the building trades unit such as attendance and emergency work.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5 Job Duty
Perform project management for contracted and in-house construction and renovation projects. Plan and order supplies and materials in advance to ensure work is completed on time. Maintain budget in area of responsibility. Adhere to procurement policies.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 25 Job Duty
Monitor and review daily status of work orders. Follow up with appropriate leadership on any work not completed. Follow up with staff on work orders marked as completed by not completed.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5 Job Duty
Perform other duties as assigned. Responds to emergency, weekend and/or hazardous weather plan call backs including being part of an on-call rotation. 
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 5 Job Duty
As a Locksmith performs work requiring expertise in installing, maintaining, and repairing different types of building locks including cylindrical, unit, mortise and rim, and reload cylinders, as well as replaces and repairs panic hardware, door closures, ADA openers, locks on desks, file cabinets, display cases, and similar containers. The Locksmith also maintains an adequate and appropriate stock of locksmith supplies and equipment, monitors and reports maintenance issues needing attention to the appropriate authority, and performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Essential Function Yes Percentage of Time 20
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No Hazardous weather category Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date 09/01/2026 Job Open Date 08/05/2026 Job Close Date 10/04/2026 Open Until Filled No Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by October 4, 2026.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
  • Health and Life Insurance
  • Retirement Programs
  • Paid Tuition
  • Dependent Scholarships
  • Annual Leave
  • Sick Leave
  • 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Professional Development Opportunities

Click here to learn more about why you should work at USC.
Quicklink for Posting https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/210991 EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

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