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Trade Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Trade Analyst

Torrance, CA · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Trade Analyst It's more than a job As a member of the Freight Forwarding team Kuehne+Nagel, you ... assist in specific processes [e.g. screening applications, interview scheduling]. These tools ...

Assist in preparing, planning, and actively managing an annual trade marketing budgetHelp execute retailer-specific digital marketing campaigns including banner ads, social media, brand pages etc.

Production Trades Assistant - SDCA

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Trade Support & Craft Assistance * Assists skilled trades (welders, fabricators, electricians, pipefitters, mechanics, painters, etc.) by preparing tools, materials, and work areas. * Performs basic ...

Trades Recruiter

Del Rey, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

... assist them in the onboarding, background checks, and new hire paperwork for new employees Build ... or skilled trades experience is a plus Strong communication and relationship-building skills ...

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Showing results 1-20

Trade Assistant information

See California salary details

$8

$22

$39

How much do trade assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for trade assistant in California is $22.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $25.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a trade assistant do?

A Trade Assistant supports skilled tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, or carpenters, by performing a variety of tasks on job sites. Their duties often include preparing and cleaning work areas, fetching tools and materials, assisting with basic tasks, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Trade Assistants help improve efficiency and productivity, making it easier for tradespeople to focus on specialized work. The role often serves as an entry point for those interested in building a career in the trades.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trade assistant?

To thrive as a Trade Assistant, you need a basic understanding of construction or trade practices, physical fitness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, as well as adherence to workplace safety systems like PPE protocols, is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions set outstanding Trade Assistants apart. These skills ensure safe, efficient support for tradespeople and contribute to smooth site operations.

What are some common challenges trade assistants face during large-scale construction projects?

Trade Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing work priorities, coordinating with multiple trades on-site, and maintaining safety standards in busy environments. They may need to quickly learn new tasks or tools to support different trades, which requires flexibility and a willingness to ask questions. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as Trade Assistants frequently collaborate with skilled tradespeople, site supervisors, and other assistants to ensure smooth workflow and project progress.

What is the difference between Trade Assistant vs Labourer?

AspectTrade AssistantLabourer
Required credentialsBasic safety training, possibly industry-specific certificationsMinimal certifications, focus on safety
Work environmentAssists skilled tradespeople on construction sites, workshopsPerforms manual labor across various sites, general tasks
Employer and industry usageCommon in construction, electrical, plumbing industriesUsed broadly in construction, landscaping, general labor
Search and comparison intentOften compared for entry-level roles assisting tradesCompared for general manual labor roles

The main difference between a Trade Assistant and a Labourer lies in their roles and responsibilities. Trade Assistants support skilled tradespeople with specific tasks, often requiring some industry-specific training or certifications. Labourers perform general manual labor without specialized skills, focusing on physical tasks. Both roles are essential in construction and related industries, but Trade Assistants typically work more closely with tradespeople and may have more targeted training.

Is it worth being a trade assistant?

A trade assistant supports skilled tradespeople by performing tasks such as preparing work sites, handling tools, and assisting with installations or repairs. The role can provide valuable experience in construction, electrical, or plumbing fields and may lead to further certifications or advanced positions. It is generally considered a good entry-level job for those interested in trades and manual work.

What are the duties of a trade assistant?

A trade assistant supports skilled tradespeople by preparing work sites, handling tools and materials, and assisting with tasks such as measuring, cleaning, and equipment setup. They often work in construction, manufacturing, or maintenance environments and may need to follow safety protocols and use basic tools or machinery. Their role helps ensure smooth workflow and safety on job sites.

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

The most popular types of Trade jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Trade Assistant jobs in California?

For Trade Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trade Assistant jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Trade Assistant jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Trade Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Trade Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Trade Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,066 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Trade Analyst

Torrance, CA • On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Trade Analyst
It's more than a job
As a member of the Freight Forwarding team Kuehne+Nagel, you will play a key role in transporting goods, optimising processes, and fulfilling our customers' promises. And by transporting medicines, toys and important machine parts, you are not only delivering goods, you are making small and big moments possible for people all around the world. At Kuehne+Nagel, our contribution counts in more ways than we imagine.
How you create impact
The Sea Logistics Pricing Expert serves as the Western Area's subject matter expert for Transpacific Eastbound (TPEB) pricing strategy and market intelligence. This role partners closely with Sales, Trade Management, Revenue Care, and Operations to develop commercially sound pricing solutions that balance customer competitiveness with yield optimization and profitability. Leveraging deep knowledge of carrier markets, trade lanes, routing options, and market dynamics, the Pricing Expert acts as a trusted advisor to the organization and plays a critical role in driving profitable growth across the region.
  • Act as the Western Area's pricing subject matter expert for TPEB trade lanes, providing market guidance, pricing recommendations, and strategic support to Sales, Trade, and Operations teams.
  • Independently evaluate carrier options, routing alternatives, market capacity, and competitive dynamics to develop pricing solutions that maximize margin, yield, and conversion opportunities.
  • Own pricing strategy for assigned trade lanes and customer segments, balancing market competitiveness with profitability objectives.
  • Advise Sales teams during customer engagements and large opportunities, providing commercial insights and recommendations that strengthen customer value propositions.
  • Maintain strong knowledge of carrier contract structures, market movements, vessel capacity trends, and emerging trade developments to proactively identify risks and opportunities.
  • Partner with Area and National Trade Management to align pricing decisions with broader commercial and trade strategies.
  • Lead pricing discussions for strategic opportunities, regional RFQs, and complex customer requirements, serving as the primary escalation point for pricing guidance.

What we would like you to bring
  • 3+ years of international freight forwarding experience, including at least 1 year in sea freight pricing, trade management, and commercial development.
  • Deep expertise in TPEB trade lanes, carrier networks, service offerings, routing alternatives, and market dynamics.
  • Demonstrated ability to make independent commercial decisions that balance competitiveness, customer needs, and profitability objectives.
  • Strong understanding of carrier procurement, contract management, rate structures, surcharges, and market pricing mechanisms.
  • Proven ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and act as a trusted advisor to Sales and commercial leadership teams.
  • Exceptional commercial acumen with a track record of identifying market opportunities and driving profitable growth.

This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employer sponsorship.
What's in it for you
At Kuehne+Nagel we strive daily to inspire, empower, and deliver not only to our customers, but also to our colleagues. We offer a dynamic global work environment with opportunities for excellent training programs and career mobility. The target base salary range for this position is between $65,000 and $80,000. Base salary is part of a competitive total rewards package that includes health and welfare benefits, a 401k retirement savings plan, tuition reimbursement, and incentive compensation for eligible roles. Individual pay may vary from the target range and is determined by a number of factors including experience, skills, job location, internal pay equity, and other relevant business considerations. Kuehne+Nagel reviews pay ranges regularly to ensure competitive and fair pay based on industry market data. #LI- TD1
Kuehne+Nagel participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist in specific processes [e.g. screening applications, interview scheduling]. These tools analyze information to support decision-making, but final decisions are made by human reviewers.
Who we are
Logistics shapes everyday life - from the goods we consume to the healthcare we rely on. At Kuehne+Nagel, your work goes beyond logistics; it enables both ordinary and special moments in the lives of people around the world.
As a global leader with a strong heritage and a vision to move the world forward, we offer a safe, stable environment where your career can make a real difference. Whether we help deliver life-saving medicines, develop sustainable transportation solutions or support our local communities, your career will contribute to more than you can imagine.
We kindly advise that placement agencies refrain from submitting unsolicited profiles. Any submissions of candidates without prior signed agreement will be considered our property and no fees will be paid.