The skilled trades offer a strong alternative to a traditional four-year university education, providing stable and well-compensated employment opportunities. These professions are essential to the economy, and this guide explores what these careers entail, their benefits, and how to start a career in the trades.
What Is a Skilled Trade?
A skilled trade is a line of work that requires a specific set of abilities and practical knowledge. These are often hands-on jobs crucial for society, spanning industries like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. Unlike professions that necessitate a bachelor’s degree, expertise is acquired through specialized training at a technical school or through an apprenticeship.
This training is focused, combining classroom instruction with significant on-the-job experience. This model distinguishes skilled trades from both unskilled labor and professional careers based on academic knowledge. The modern definition of skilled trades has also expanded to include roles in information technology and healthcare, such as fiber optics technicians and diagnostic medical sonographers.
Benefits of Pursuing a Trade Career
One of the primary benefits of a trade career is the reduced financial burden associated with education. Trade school programs are shorter and more cost-effective than a four-year degree, allowing individuals to enter the workforce with little to no student debt.
Another advantage is the opportunity to “earn while you learn” through paid apprenticeships. The demand for skilled professionals is also consistently high, leading to strong job security. This demand translates into competitive earning potential, with many trade careers offering salaries comparable to jobs that require a bachelor’s degree.
High Demand Trade Professions
Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. They read blueprints, install wiring, inspect electrical components like circuit breakers, and fix problems. The work environment ranges from indoor settings in homes and businesses to outdoor construction sites and may require working in tight spaces or at heights.
The median annual salary for electricians was $61,590, with job growth projected at 6% through 2032. This growth is driven by the need to wire new buildings and upgrade existing electrical systems to accommodate the increasing demand for technology and renewable energy.
Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install and repair the pipe systems that carry liquids and gases. Plumbers typically work on systems in residential and commercial buildings, while pipefitters and steamfitters often handle more complex systems in industrial settings. Their work includes reading blueprints, cutting and assembling pipes, and ensuring systems are watertight and meet building codes.
The median annual wage for these professionals was $59,880, with a projected job growth of 2% over the next decade. The need to maintain and repair existing plumbing and pipe systems, as well as install new ones in new construction, drives demand.
HVACR Technician
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) technicians work on the systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings. Their responsibilities include installing, cleaning, and maintaining HVACR systems, as well as repairing malfunctioning units. They may work in residential homes, schools, hospitals, office buildings, or factories.
The median annual salary for HVACR technicians was $59,810 in May 2024, and the field is projected to grow by 9% from 2023 to 2033. This growth is fueled by the increasing complexity of climate control systems and the need for energy-efficient solutions.
Welder
Welders use heat to join metal parts, working in industries including construction, manufacturing, and aerospace. They read blueprints, select the appropriate welding equipment, and inspect the finished product for quality and durability. The work environment can vary from fabrication shops to construction sites and may involve working in confined spaces or at significant heights.
The median annual salary for welders was $47,010 in May 2021, and the demand is expected to grow by 2% over the next decade. The need for welders in manufacturing and infrastructure projects ensures a steady demand for their skills.
Carpenter
Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. They are involved in many stages of construction, from framing walls and roofs to installing doors, windows, and cabinetry. Carpenters work in a variety of settings on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
The median annual wage for carpenters was $59,310 in May 2024, with a projected growth rate of 4% through 2033. The demand for carpenters is tied to the construction industry, with new construction and remodeling projects driving the need for these workers.
Wind Turbine Technician
Wind turbine technicians, also known as wind techs, are responsible for the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of wind turbines. The work is physically demanding and involves climbing to great heights in various weather conditions. They perform routine maintenance, troubleshoot mechanical and electrical problems, and collect data to ensure efficient operation.
The job outlook for wind turbine technicians is exceptionally strong, with a projected growth rate of 60% from 2023 to 2033. The median annual salary for wind techs was $62,580 in May 2024. This rapid growth is a direct result of the increasing focus on renewable energy.
Solar Panel Installer
Solar panel installers, or photovoltaic (PV) installers, assemble, install, and maintain solar panel systems on rooftops and other structures. Their work includes measuring and cutting support structures, connecting panels to the electrical system, and ensuring the system is weatherproof. The work is often outdoors and can be physically demanding.
The demand for solar panel installers is projected to grow by 52% over the next decade. The median annual salary for solar panel installers was approximately $48,880 in 2023. The growth in this field is driven by the increasing popularity of solar energy.
Elevator and Escalator Mechanic
Elevator and escalator mechanics install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. The work requires a deep understanding of electronics, hydraulics, and electricity. They read blueprints, install wiring and control systems, and troubleshoot complex malfunctions in commercial or residential buildings.
This is a high-paying trade, with a median annual salary of $78,890 and a positive job outlook. The need for these mechanics is driven by new construction and the need to maintain and modernize older equipment.
Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics are responsible for the maintenance, repair, and inspection of aircraft to ensure they are safe for flight. They work on various parts of an aircraft, including engines, landing gear, and electrical systems. The work environment is in hangars or on airfields.
The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $78,680 in May 2024. The field is projected to grow by 5% from 2023 to 2033. The increasing number of aircraft in service and the need to maintain them to strict safety standards create demand for these professionals.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Diagnostic medical sonographers are healthcare professionals who use ultrasound equipment to create images of the body’s organs and tissues. Physicians use these images to diagnose and monitor medical conditions. Sonographers work in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers.
The median annual salary for diagnostic medical sonographers was $89,340 in May 2024, and the field is projected to grow by 11% from 2023 to 2033. This growth is driven by an aging population and the increasing use of ultrasound as a safe diagnostic tool.
How to Start a Career in the Trades
Starting a career in the skilled trades begins with specialized training, often through an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to learn from experienced professionals. These programs, which can last from two to five years, are sponsored by trade unions, employers, or industry associations.
Another pathway is through vocational or trade schools. These institutions offer focused programs that provide the technical knowledge and hands-on skills for a specific trade. Upon completion, graduates earn a certificate or diploma that qualifies them for entry-level positions.
Regardless of the training path, obtaining industry-recognized certifications or licenses is a requirement for many skilled trades. These credentials prove an individual’s competency and adherence to industry standards. For example, electricians must pass a state licensing exam, while welders can earn certifications from organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS).
The Future Outlook for Skilled Trades
The future for skilled trades is promising, with several trends indicating sustained demand. A primary factor is the “skills gap” created by the retirement of a large number of baby boomers from the workforce. This is creating a substantial need for new, trained professionals to fill their roles.
Technological advancements are also shaping the future of the trades. Rather than making these jobs obsolete, technology is creating a need for new and more advanced skills. For example, smart home technology and automated systems in manufacturing require technicians with updated knowledge.
The growth of the green economy is another driver of future demand. The shift towards renewable energy sources is creating a surge in jobs like wind turbine technicians and solar panel installers. This trend is expected to continue as the world focuses on sustainability.