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Trade Assistant Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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Trade Sales Assistant

Gaithersburg, MD · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

coDomo, a growing manufacturer of architectural leather surfaces, is looking for a Sales Assistant to work directly with the President as part of a growing six-person sales team. This is a B2B role ...

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Trade Assistant information

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$8

$24

$42

How much do trade assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for trade assistant in Washington is $24.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.26 and $28.13 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 Washington?

The most popular types of Trade jobs in Washington are:

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

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

What cities in Washington are hiring for Trade Assistant jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Trade Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Trade Assistant job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,508 per year, or $24.3 per hour.

Trade Assistant/International Trade Specialist (Recent College Graduates)

Industry Analysis Careers

Washington, DC • On-site

$46K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

This vacancy is to fill Trade Assistant and International Trade Specialist positions within the Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, Industry & Analysis.
Under Public Law 115-232, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019, Section 1108, agencies may appoint eligible college graduates to competitive service positions without regard to rating, ranking, and veterans' preference provisions. If interested, you are encouraged to apply.Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/#url=Occupational-Series
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
To qualify at the GS-5 level:
You must have one year of general experience equivalent to the GS-4 in the Federal Service or its non-Federal equivalent performing the following:

  • Researching data; and
  • Preparing basic reports, spreadsheets, or other written products.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with a major in global business management, global public policy, international finance, business administration, textile and apparel studies, political science, economics, marketing, international trade, international business, international affairs, international relations, international economics, or other related fields of study. -OR- A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.
To qualify at the GS-7 level:
You must have I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 in the Federal Service or its non-Federal equivalent performing the following:
  • Researching and analyzing trade or economic information; and
  • Preparing reports, briefings, spreadsheets, or other written products related to trade activities.
OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: One full year of graduate level education or superior academic achievement. -OR- SUPERIOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT: Superior Academic Achievement is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership. Class standing: Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses. Grade-point average (G.P.A.): Applicants must have a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum. Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society: Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies. -OR- A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.
To qualify at the GS-9 level:
You must have I have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 in the Federal Service or its non-Federal equivalent performing the following:
  • Analyzing trade or economic information to support trade programs, policies, or activities; and
  • Coordinating trade-related projects or activities with internal or external stakeholders.

OR
SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION: A master's or equivalent graduate degree; or two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree; or LL.B. or J.D., if related. Graduate education must be in international policy, international commerce, international management, intercultural relations, international development, global economy, government and foreign affairs, international business, international trade, international economics, international affairs, international relations, or other related fields of study. -OR- A combination of education and experience may be used to qualify for this position as long as the computed percentage of the requirements is at least 100%.

Education:COLLEGE GRADUATE HIRING AUTHORITY: This position is being filled under the College Graduate Hiring Authority established by 5 U.S.C. 3115. Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of this authority. See the Required Documents section of this announcement for information regarding documentation required to establish education eligibility under the College Graduate Hiring Authority.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR FOREIGN EDUCATION: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You MUST provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.Employment Type: OTHER