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Building Trades Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Strong Technical Training in Building Trades (i.e. Carpentry) * Building Engineer experience preferred * Computer skills for email communications and additional basic skills to perform job * Must ...

Strong Technical Training in Building Trades (i.e. Carpentry) * Building Engineer experience preferred * Computer skills for email communications and additional basic skills to perform job * Must ...

Strong Technical Training in Building Trades (i.e. Carpentry) * Building Engineer experience preferred * Computer skills for email communications and additional basic skills to perform job * Must ...

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Strong Technical Training in Building Trades (i.e. Carpentry) * Building Engineer experience preferred * Computer skills for email communications and additional basic skills to perform job * Must ...

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Building Trades information

See Washington salary details

$17

$28

$40

How much do building trades jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for building trades in Washington is $28.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.34 and $31.06 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 Washington?

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

Infographic showing various Building Trades job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,194 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Building Trades Instructor (Independent Contractor)

SOME, Inc.

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site

$60/hr

Full-time, Contractor

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide classroom and hands-on instruction in one or more building trades disciplines.

  • Support students in developing the technical competencies necessary for employment in the skilled trades.

  • Maintain a safe, organized, and professional learning environment.


Job description

SOME (So Others Might Eat) provides material aid and comfort to our vulnerable neighbors in Washington, DC, helping them break the cycle of poverty and homelessness through programs and services that save lives, improve lives, and help transform the lives of individuals and families, their communities, and the systems and structures that affect them.

Our more than 30 programs throughout the district provide comprehensive services that lead to mental and physical health, continued sobriety, job training, living-wage employment, and affordable housing. We meet immediate needs with food, clothing, and healthcare, and offer the tools one needs to live with hope, dignity, and greater independence.

Employment Type: Temporary Independent Contractor
Hours: Approximately 20–32 hours per week
Typical Schedule: Approximately 6 hours per day, 3–4 days per week
Pay Rate: $60.00 per hour

CET is located at the Conway Center, 4430 Benning Road, NE, Washington, DC.

SOME is seeking an experienced Building Trades Instructor Contractor to provide temporary instructional support for our skilled trades training program. This contractor will help maintain continuity of classroom and hands-on instruction while permanent vacancies are being filled.

The Building Trades Instructor Contractor will provide practical, skills-based instruction to students preparing for careers in the building trades. The ideal candidate will bring strong industry experience, the ability to effectively engage adult learners, and technical knowledge across one or more skilled-trades disciplines.

This temporary assignment is expected to support approximately 20–32 hours per week, primarily during active student training hours. Scheduling may consist of approximately 6-hour shifts, three to four days per week, based on program needs.

Successful contractors who demonstrate strong performance and are interested in continued employment may be considered for future full-time opportunities as vacancies become available.

Required License/Certification: Certification in Electrical, Carpentry, HVAC, or Plumbing

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide classroom and hands-on instruction in one or more building trades disciplines.
  • Deliver practical demonstrations and guide students through skills-based training activities.
  • Support students in developing the technical competencies necessary for employment in the skilled trades.
  • Maintain a safe, organized, and professional learning environment.
  • Assist with maintaining class continuity, student participation, enrollment, and overall program performance.
  • Monitor student progress and provide coaching, feedback, and additional instruction as needed.
  • Reinforce workplace expectations, safety practices, professionalism, and industry standards.
  • Collaborate with program leadership and other instructors to ensure consistent delivery of the training curriculum.
  • Maintain appropriate instructional records and documentation as required.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates should possess demonstrated experience in one or more of the following skilled-trades areas:

  • Electrical
  • Carpentry
  • HVAC
  • Plumbing
  • General building maintenance or construction trades

Relevant industry certifications are strongly preferred; however, significant practical, hands-on experience will also be considered when evaluating candidates.

Additional qualifications include:

  • Demonstrated experience working in the skilled trades.
  • Strong technical knowledge and the ability to explain concepts in a practical and understandable manner.
  • Experience training, mentoring, supervising, or instructing others is preferred.
  • Ability to work effectively with adult learners from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience.
  • Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
  • Commitment to workplace safety and industry best practices.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with program staff.

To Apply: Go to our career page at https://www.some.org/careers/open-opportunities and click on the search icon to locate this position. Follow the instructions to complete your online application profile to be considered. No phone calls, please.

SOME, Inc. is a proactive equal-opportunity employer. We ensure that all qualified applicants are considered for employment without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

SOME, Inc. is deeply committed to ensuring the job application process is accessible to all users. If you require assistance or have any concerns about the accessibility of our website or the application process, please feel free to contact us at onlineaccommodations@some.org. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests and does not pertain to application status inquiries.

To read our EEO Policy Statement, please click here. To view our notices to employees and applicants for employment, click on their corresponding link: EEOC Know Your Rights Notice and E-Verify Program Notice.