Mechanical trade careers in Troy, AL offer competitive salaries, diverse training pathways, and steady industry demand, making it an appealing option for skilled professionals and apprentices alike. Projected hourly rates range from $19 to $30.07, with roles like Construction Helpers earning $19/hour and Sikorsky workers averaging $28.72/hour, translating to annual salaries up to $59,734 in aerospace manufacturing12. The mechanical engineering field in Alabama is projected to grow by 11% from 2023 to 2033, with over 13 trade jobs and 38 maintenance technician roles currently available in Troy3. For those seeking entry, apprenticeships lasting 3–4 years provide hands-on training, while educational programs at Troy University's online CNC Machinist course and Trenholm State Community College's ASE-certified automotive program prepare candidates for certification45. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Kimber Manufacturing drive demand for roles in missile assembly, tool design, and quality control, reflecting Troy’s strong manufacturing and defense sectors56.
Explore Mechanical Trade Roles in Troy, AL

A mechanical trade career in Troy spans industries like automotive repair, manufacturing maintenance, and aerospace production. Key roles include maintenance technicians, automotive service specialists, and industrial machinery repairers, with specialized opportunities at companies such as Sikorsky (aerospace) and Lockheed Martin (defense manufacturing)13. Unlike generalized trade sectors in larger Alabama cities like Birmingham or Huntsville, Troy’s market emphasizes defense-related skills, often requiring tool design expertise or security clearances for roles in missile assembly or advanced manufacturing46.
Are Certifications or Apprenticeships Required?
While state-specific licensing isn’t mandated for most mechanical trades, employers in Troy prioritize certifications, technical training, or apprenticeships. For example:
- Troy University's online Maintenance Technician program covers industrial maintenance essentials, including power transfer and rigging principles3.
- Trenholm State Community College’s Automotive Service program prepares students for ASE certification, critical for automotive repair roles5.
- Apprenticeships typically last 3–4 years, pairing on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprentices in Troy earn $663 weekly, with experienced professionals reaching $146,000 annually in advanced roles4.
- Some defense contracts require U.S. citizenship or security clearance, adding layers to eligibility5.
To enter the field, candidates often need:

- 1–3 years of hands-on experience or completion of an apprenticeship program.
- Physical fitness, including the ability to lift 50 pounds and work in dynamic environments4.
- Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and safety protocol knowledge, especially for hazardous material handling7.
For beginners, platforms like Gild streamline apprenticeship and entry-level job searches, connecting learners with local employers8.
Hands-On Training and Certification Pathways
Troy’s training options blend online and in-person programs:
Program Type |
Provider |
Duration |
Skills Covered |
Link |
Maintenance Technician Online |
Troy University |
N/A |
Power transfer, rigging, industrial maintenance |
Troy University |
Automotive Service Program |
Trenholm State Community College |
1+ years |
ASE certification prep, engine repair |
Trenholm State |
CNC Machinist Course |
Troy University |
6 months–1 year |
Machining, precision manufacturing |
Troy University CNC |
Financial aid is available at some schools, and entry-level roles in Troy, such as maintenance laborers, may not always require immediate certification but emphasize dependability and technical aptitude7.
Mechanical Career Salary Projections and Job Growth in 2025
Troy’s mechanical trade salaries reflect regional economic trends:
- Skilled trades statewide average $21.02/hour, with Troy’s Construction Helpers earning $19/hour ($40,513/year)82.
- Aerospace workers at Sikorsky in Troy earn $59,734/year, highlighting higher wages in defense manufacturing1.
- Maintenance technicians in Troy report $663 weekly during apprenticeships, rising to $146,000+ annually in specialized roles4.
Job growth is anchored by Lockheed Martin’s missile assembly projects, which advertise openings for Manufacturing Engineers and Tool Design Specialists, and Kimber Manufacturing, offering $20–$43/hour for quality control roles36. Alabama’s mechanical engineering field is projected to expand 14% by 2032, signaling long-term stability7.
Challenges Facing Mechanical Professionals in Troy

Despite growth, economic and technological factors pose risks:
- Automation may reduce demand for routine repair jobs but create opportunities in robotics maintenance and AI-driven production7.
- Defense industry dependence exposes Troy’s economy to federal budget shifts, affecting roles tied to contractors like Lockheed Martin5.
- Continuous upskilling is critical as employers prioritize candidates proficient in advanced manufacturing technologies7.
Your Next Steps Toward a Mechanical Trade Career
Whether you’re starting from scratch or advancing your skills, Troy’s mechanical trade industry offers pathways tailored to your goals:
- Explore apprenticeships through platforms like Gild to connect with local employers offering $663/week entry-level compensation4.
- Enroll in certified programs at Trenholm State for ASE certification or Troy University’s online courses for industrial maintenance skills35.
- Apply for Lockheed Martin’s Manufacturing Engineer roles or Kimber Manufacturing’s quality control positions, leveraging Troy’s defense and manufacturing hubs56.
As automation and demand for skilled labor reshape the field, proactive training and adaptability will position you for success. Start today by exploring mechanical trade apprenticeships in Troy on Gild.
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