| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Average Annual Trade Salary | $69,745 1 |
| Annual Mechanical Engineer Salary | $87,250 2 |
| Annual Heavy Equipment Mechanic Salary | $75,445 3 |
| Construction Sector Growth (2024-2025) | 7.2% increase 3 |
| Employment Growth Rate (2025) | 1.5% 1 |
| Hourly Trade Wage | $33.53/hour 4 |
Anchorage, Alaska is building a strong ecosystem for mechanical trade careers, offering pathways for aspiring professionals through robust apprenticeship programs and high-demand job opportunities across industries such as construction, maritime, and industrial maintenance. By 2025, key roles like Mechanical Engineer, Vessel Engineer, and Maintenance Mechanic are expected to have sustained demand, with the Alaska Metal & Mechanical Apprenticeship program actively recruiting and training new talent 56. Mechanical trade jobs in Anchorage emphasize skills in repair, installation, and mechanical design, with employers seeking candidates who have certifications from programs like University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), relevant engineering degrees, or significant hands-on experience 27.
The city’s mechanical trade professionals can explore opportunities in sectors like construction, which is expected to add 600 jobs in 2025, and federal infrastructure projects, which are projected to inject over $5 billion into Alaskan industries, supporting ongoing growth 3. For those considering entry into this trade, apprenticeships remain a vital entry point, often found through Indeed job listings, with programs spanning 4 to 5 years and combining classroom learning with on-the-job training. If you’re ready to start, platforms like Gild or Top Trade Schools can connect you with active mechanical trade apprenticeships in Anchorage, accelerating your path to certification and employment 5.
Yes, most mechanical trade roles in Anchorage require licensing to work independently, depending on the specific specialization. Whether you're a plumber, HVAC technician, or a mechanical contractor, Alaska sets strict licensing standards to ensure safety and professionalism across the industry.
To legally perform mechanical work in Anchorage, you must comply with both statewide and local requirements, such as obtaining certifications via the Alaska Department of Labor:
For example, plumbing certification in Anchorage requires 2,000 hours of fuel and gas piping experience plus 4,000 hours of general plumbing work, with options to substitute some hours through accredited training programs 7. Apprenticeships or certifications from programs like the Alaska Metal & Mechanical Apprenticeship can help shorten the path to full licensing 6, and more details are available on ServiceTitan for HVAC licensing in Alaska.
To build a successful mechanical trade career in Anchorage, follow this clear career pathway:
To qualify for apprenticeships or certifications, you must:
While not always mandatory, training programs provide essential foundational skills that increase employability and prepare candidates for licensing exams:
Starting an apprenticeship is one of the most direct routes to professional certification in Alaska:
To find apprenticeships:
After completing the apprenticeship, candidates can qualify for journeyman-level licensing, allowing them to work independently in Anchorage:
For those looking to supervise, start a business, or take on larger industrial contracts, earning Master Mechanic or Master Plumber status is recommended.
Apprenticeships are a critical element of becoming a mechanical trade professional in Anchorage, particularly with active programs like the Alaska Metal & Mechanical Apprenticeship, which trains candidates in HVAC-R, sheet metal, and welding 6.
| Trade | Standard Apprenticeship Term |
|---|---|
| Sheet Metal Workers | 4 years 6 |
| HVAC Technician | 4–5 years 6 |
| Welding Mechanic | 4 years 1 |
| Automotive Technician | 4 years 2 |
| Industrial Maintenance Mechanic | 4–5 years 1 |
Use Gild to search for apprenticeships: One of the most efficient ways to locate current openings is through platforms like Gild, which consolidates mechanical trade apprenticeships across Anchorage and helps streamline the application process 5.
Join trade unions or local apprenticeship programs: Many mechanical trades in Alaska are unionized, such as those supported by the Alaska Metal & Mechanical Apprenticeship, which collaborates with contractors to train and certify future professionals 6. Explore more options via Auto Mechanics Schools in Alaska.
Mechanical trade careers in Anchorage offer strong earning potential and a promising outlook, driven by expanding sectors including construction, aviation, and industrial maintenance.
| Job Role | Annual Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer | $87,250 2 |
| Heavy Equipment Mechanic | $75,445 3 |
| Aircraft Mechanic | $74,300 7 |
| HVAC Technician | $69,745 (average trade wage) 1 |
| Maintenance Mechanic | $69,745 (average trade wage) 1 |
These wages place Anchorage above average when compared to other Alaskan cities, largely thanks to its status as a regional economic center with union-backed apprenticeships, state infrastructure funding, and diverse employment sectors 1. Check current listings on Indeed Trade Jobs for real-time data.
The construction industry has been a significant driver of mechanical trade job growth in Anchorage, growing by 9.2% last year, with 7.2% projected growth for 2025, which is expected to add 600 new jobs 3. Additionally, federal infrastructure support from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is channeling over $5 billion to Alaska, fueling more demand for mechanical trades across infrastructure, transportation, and energy sectors 3. Read more about employment trends at Alaska Public Media's report.
Despite these gains, Anchorage faces labor shortages due to long-term population declines and negative net migration. As a result, skilled mechanical tradespeople are increasingly in demand, with companies offering competitive salaries and workforce development incentives to attract and retain professionals 1.
Several institutions in Anchorage offer structured training and certification programs to help individuals start or advance their mechanical trade careers:
Continuing education and apprenticeships are also available through partnerships with the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, helping individuals gain hands-on experience while earning certifications relevant to Anchorage's industrial landscape 1.
Mechanical trade careers in Anchorage, AK, by 2025 present a compelling opportunity for individuals with the drive to learn practical, high-skill trades that are in growing demand. Whether you're starting from scratch or looking to enhance your credentials, Anchorage offers clear pathways through:
If you're interested in getting started, now is the ideal time to begin exploring available mechanical trade apprenticeships in Anchorage through platforms like Gild 5. With the right training and experience, you can build a successful career in one of Alaska’s most in-demand trades. Visit Top Trade Schools for additional resources.
https://alaskapublic.org/news/economy/2025-01-06/anchorage-employment-expected-to-grow-1-5-this-year-new-report-says ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7 ↩8 ↩9 ↩10 ↩11 ↩12 ↩13 ↩14 ↩15
https://aedcweb.com/report/anchorage-employment-report-april-2025/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6
https://live.laborstats.alaska.gov/sites/default/files/trends-mag-file/jan25.pdf ↩
https://www.indeed.com/q-mechanical-engineering-l-anchorage,-ak-jobs.html ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5
https://thebusinessdownload.com/analysis-growth-is-on-the-horizon-for-alaska-in-2025/ ↩ ↩2 ↩3 ↩4 ↩5 ↩6 ↩7
