Quick Answer: Blue Collar Jobs in Nashville, TN (2027 Update)
Last updated: October 27, 2026
Nashville blue collar hiring follows the city's construction growth, including Oracle's $1.2 billion East Bank campus project. In Tennessee, HVAC contractors who bid projects of $25,000 or more need a license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Nationally, BLS reports a $61,010 median wage for HVAC technicians and $63,190 for electricians. Create one free profile so Nashville employers can find you.
Which trades are hiring in Nashville?
Electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers and construction laborers support new commercial, residential and campus projects across Middle Tennessee. The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce has reported that Middle Tennessee faces a shortage of workers qualified for good paying jobs, as covered by WPLN.
What blue collar jobs pay in Nashville
| Trade | National median pay, May 2025 | Growth, 2025 to 2035 |
|---|---|---|
| HVAC mechanics and installers | $61,010 | 10.9% |
| Electricians | $63,190 | 9.2% |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters | $63,800 | 6.8% |
| Carpenters | $60,580 | 3.9% |
These are national BLS figures. Find metro level pay in BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Licensing and certification in Tennessee
Tennessee handles contractor level licensing through the Department of Commerce and Insurance, and some municipalities issue their own journeyman and master licenses. HVAC contractors who bid projects of $25,000 or more need a license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Confirm requirements with your state licensing board, and look for paid training at Apprenticeship.gov.
Where the work is across Middle Tennessee
Downtown and the East Bank carry large commercial builds, and the surrounding counties add residential and light industrial work.
Hiring blue collar workers in Nashville
Employers can post a job and see pricing.
Browse electrician jobs, HVAC jobs and plumbing jobs, or create a free profile. Employers can post a job or see pricing. For pay comparisons, read electrician vs plumber vs HVAC pay and trade apprenticeships that pay you to learn. For training, see the Virtual Trade School.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest construction project in downtown Nashville?
Oracle's East Bank campus was announced as a $1.2 billion project along the Cumberland River.
Do HVAC technicians need a license in Tennessee?
Contractors who bid projects of $25,000 or more need a license from the Tennessee Board for Licensing Contractors. Local rules vary, so confirm with your city or county.
What do HVAC technicians earn?
BLS reports a $61,010 national median wage for HVAC mechanics and installers. Use BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the Nashville metro figure.
How do I find trade jobs in Nashville?
Create one free profile at Blue Collar Recruits, then browse open jobs in your trade.