The Growing Demand for Skilled Trades: A Career Path Worth Considering

In an era where the conversation about career choices often centers around tech startups and digital innovation, there's a quieter but equally compelling revolution happening in skilled trades. From renewable energy installations and electric vehicle infrastructure to the plumbers, carpenters, aviation technicians, and HVAC professionals that build out homes, skilled tradespeople have always been vital to our evolving economy. If you're considering your career options or contemplating a change, the skilled trades sector deserves your attention – and here's why.

According to recent projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the U.S. economy is expected to add 6.7 million jobs by 2033. But what's particularly interesting is where many of these jobs are emerging. While digital transformation captures headlines, some of the fastest-growing occupations are in skilled trades, especially those aligned with sustainable energy and infrastructure development.

But even these millions of jobs might not be enough — considering the scale of the skilled labor shortage facing the United States.

The Numbers Tell the Story

An aging workforce, rise in the number of people going to college, stigma surrounding the trades, and general cultural shifts are all contributing to a situation where over 40% of current skilled trades workers will retire before 2032.

That’s a concern, but it’s also a massive opportunity for anyone who is just starting out or looking for a new career. According to the BLS, each of the following trades are all outpacing the field (4%) in terms of employment growth until 2033:

• Electricians: 11% increase in employment
• Heating, air conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC): 9% increase in employment
• Plumbers and pipefitters: 6% increase in employment
• Carpenters: 6% increase in employment

But it’s not just the “traditional” trades that are in demand. The BLS overview reveals that the clean energy revolution is also driving opportunities. Wind turbine service technicians top the list as the fastest-growing occupation in America, with projected growth of 60% through 2033. Solar photovoltaic installers aren't far behind, with projected growth of 48% over the same period of time.

The Clean Energy Revolution

One of the most exciting developments in skilled trades is the rapid expansion of clean energy sectors. The transition to renewable energy isn't just about installing solar panels or maintaining wind turbines; it's about being part of a fundamental transformation of our energy infrastructure.

For example, electrical contractors are projected to see an increase in employment opportunities as they take on crucial roles in upgrading our power grid and installing EV charging stations. These professionals are at the intersection of traditional electrical work and cutting-edge sustainable technology.

The New Automotive Landscape

The rise of electric vehicles is reshaping automotive trades as well. While traditional automotive repair and maintenance skills remain valuable, there's growing demand for specialists who understand both mechanical systems and the complex electrical components of modern vehicles. This evolution means automotive technicians need to continuously update their skills, but it also opens doors to new specializations and higher-paying opportunities.

There’s clearly a wealth of opportunity across different segments in the skilled trades. The question becomes, how does one get into the industry?

The Education Advantage: Comparing Paths to Success

One of the most compelling aspects of skilled trades is the educational path: it's typically shorter, more affordable, and provides hands-on experience from day one. Let's break down what this means in practical terms.

Trade School vs. Traditional College

While a four-year college degree can accumulate debt well into six figures, trade school programs typically cost between $3,000 to $15,000 total. This cost differential becomes even more significant when you consider that many apprenticeship programs actually pay you to learn. Here's what a typical comparison looks like:

Trade School Path:

• Duration: 6-24 months of schooling + apprenticeship
• Cost: $3,000-$15,000 for technical school
• Earning While Learning: Apprentices often earn 40-50% of a journeyman's wage
• Debt: Minimal to none
• Time to Full Employment: 2-5 years (including apprenticeship)

Traditional College Path:

• Duration: 4+ years
• Cost: $87,000-$150,000+ for four years
• Income During School: Usually limited to part-time work
• Debt: Average of $37,574 in student loans
• Time to Full Employment: 4+ years

In a recent interview with My Career Shop, Joel English explained how the traditional college path pushed him to move from his role as an English professor to President of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM):

“My students at the University were all leaving with a bachelor's degree, but what were they actually preparing for? They were going to compete for no jobs and I began to see my graduates, my students, working in food service and a number of areas that had nothing to do with what they went to school for.

That was problematic for me. So, in 2003, I investigated what a career-based educational system looked like and ended up joining the Aviation Institute of Maintenance.”

As it turns out, a career-based educational system is great for putting people on the path towards stable income.

The Income Reality

Here's what makes trades particularly attractive from a financial perspective: the earning potential often matches or exceeds many roles requiring four-year degrees. Let's look at some current median salaries for trades based on 2023 BLS data:

• Electricians: $61,590
• Plumbers: $61,550
• HVAC mechanics and installers: $57,300
• Solar panel installers: $52,000
• Automotive mechanics: $50,790

What's particularly noteworthy about these income figures is that they often represent base salaries. Many skilled trades professionals have opportunities for:

• Overtime pay
• Emergency call rates
• Performance bonuses
• Project completion bonuses
• Business ownership potential

Plus, the combination of higher starting salaries and lower educational debt means trades professionals often have a significant head start in building wealth compared to their college-educated peers. While a college graduate might spend their first decade paying off student loans, a skilled tradesperson could be investing in their own business or building other assets.

The Entrepreneurship Pathway

One of the most significant financial advantages of skilled trades is the clear path to business ownership. After gaining experience and necessary certifications, many trades professionals transition to:

• Independent contracting
• Starting their own service companies
• Specializing in high-demand niches
• Building teams and managing multiple crews

This entrepreneurial potential isn't just about earning more money – it's about building equity in a business that could eventually be sold or passed down to the next generation.

The Hidden Advantages of Trade Careers

While the financial benefits of trades are compelling, there are plenty of other advantages that make these careers particularly attractive in today's economic landscape. Let's explore some of the key benefits that often go undiscussed.

Job Security: Recession-Resistant Careers

One of the most significant advantages of skilled trades is their inherent stability. As experienced accountant Ankur Chawla notes, "If you're good at what you do, there's always going to be work... whether the economy is good or bad." This principle applies even more strongly to trades – pipes will still leak, electrical systems still need maintenance, and buildings still need construction regardless of economic conditions.

The recession-resistant nature of trades is further reinforced by several factors:

• Essential service status
• Local market demand
• Aging infrastructure needs
• Growing housing demands
• Limited automation potential

Geographic Flexibility

Unlike many careers that tie you to specific metropolitan areas, skilled trades offer remarkable geographic mobility. Every community needs electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, automotive techs, and construction professionals. Which means, as a skilled trades professional, you have the flexibility to:

• Choose where you want to live
• Move for family reasons
• Take advantage of regional opportunities
• Adjust to cost-of-living preferences
• Build a business in underserved markets

Clear Career Progression

Trade careers offer something increasingly rare in today's job market: a clear, well-defined path for advancement. The traditional progression from apprentice to journeyman to master provides:

• Clear milestones
• Structured skill development
• Recognized credentials
• Increasing responsibility
• Growing earning potential

Debunking Common Misconceptions

Despite these advantages, there are several persistent myths about trade careers need addressing:

Misconception #1: "Trades are just manual labor"

In reality: Modern trades integrate advanced technology, problem-solving, and business skills. For instance, today's electricians often work with sophisticated smart home systems, while HVAC technicians use complex diagnostic tools and software.

Misconception #2: "There's no room for advancement"

In reality: The career path in trades can lead to:

• Management positions
• Business ownership
• Specialization in emerging technologies
• Training and education roles
• Consulting opportunities

Misconception #3: "Trades aren't technically sophisticated"

In reality: Many modern trades are at the forefront of technological advancement. As we covered earlier, the rapid growth in clean energy has created highly technical roles, with wind turbine service technicians projected to be the fastest-growing occupation (60.1% growth through 2033).

Misconception #4: "It's only for those who can't succeed in college"

In reality: a career in the skilled trades requires:

• Strong problem-solving abilities
• Mathematical skills
• Project management capabilities
• Technical comprehension
• Business acumen (especially for those who become contractors)

Misconception #5: "The work is always physically demanding"

In reality: While physical work is often part of the job, modern tools, safety equipment, and techniques have made trades much less physically demanding than in the past. Additionally, experience often leads to supervisory roles that are less physically intensive.

How to Find a Career in the Skilled Trades

Choosing the right trade is as important as choosing any career path. It's not just about following where the money or growth is – it's about finding a profession that aligns with your interests, skills, and long-term goals. Let's break down the key considerations and steps to help you make an informed decision.

Your work environment preferences play a crucial role in career satisfaction. Some trades, like residential electricians or plumbers, primarily work in homes and have frequent customer interaction. Others, like industrial HVAC technicians or commercial electricians, work in larger facilities with more complex systems but less direct customer contact. Consider whether you thrive on variety and movement – such as service technicians who visit multiple locations daily – or prefer the consistency of working at a fixed site.

Your natural abilities and inclinations should also guide your choice. For instance, if you excel at spatial reasoning and enjoy solving complex puzzles, electrical work might be particularly satisfying. Those who enjoy seeing immediate results from their work might find plumbing or carpentry more fulfilling. Consider how you approach problems: do you prefer methodical, step-by-step processes, or do you enjoy creative troubleshooting? Different trades require different mindsets.

Long-term career goals are equally important. Some trades offer clearer paths to business ownership than others. For example, plumbing and electrical contractors often find it easier to establish independent businesses compared to industrial machinery technicians, who typically work for larger organizations. Consider whether you want to eventually manage your own business or prefer to focus on mastering technical skills as an employee.

Getting Started: Your Action Plan

Education and training in the trades offers multiple pathways, each with distinct advantages. Apprenticeship programs provide perhaps the most comprehensive route, combining paid on-the-job training with structured classroom instruction. These programs typically last 3-5 years and offer immediate income while learning. For example, an electrical apprenticeship might start you at 40-50% of a journeyman's wage, with regular increases as you progress through the program.

Trade schools offer a more concentrated educational experience, typically lasting 6-24 months. These programs focus intensively on technical skills and often include hands-on training in simulated work environments. While you won't earn money during your education as you would in an apprenticeship, you'll complete your initial training more quickly. Many trade schools also offer extensive career placement services and industry connections.

Community college programs provide a middle ground, combining technical training with broader education. These programs often include business courses and general education requirements, which can be particularly valuable if you plan to eventually run your own business. The credits earned might also transfer to a four-year degree program if you decide to pursue further education later.

As for certification requirements, these vary significantly by trade and location. Most licensed trades require completing an approved training program and passing both written and practical examinations that are administered by the state. For example, electricians typically need to complete 8,000 hours of supervised work experience and pass a licensing exam covering electrical theory, code requirements, and safety practices. Plumbers often require similar hours but face different testing requirements focused on plumbing codes and systems.

Finding opportunities in the trades offers multiple entry points. The union route provides structured advancement and strong benefits, with clear wage progressions and collective bargaining protection. Union apprenticeships are highly competitive but offer comprehensive training programs and consistent work opportunities. Non-union pathways offer more flexibility in terms of employers and working conditions, often with opportunities to advance more quickly based on individual performance rather than time-in-service.

For those interested in eventual business ownership, working in both union and non-union environments can provide valuable experience. Many successful contractors start in union positions to learn standardized practices and safety protocols, then transition to independent work once they've gained comprehensive experience.

Making Your Move: From Interest to Action

The trades sector is evolving rapidly, embracing new technologies and sustainable practices. As the BLS projections indicate, with overall employment growth of 4.0% through 2033, skilled trades professionals who combine traditional expertise with adaptability to new technologies will find themselves in particularly high demand.

Your journey into the trades doesn't have to be a solo venture. Resources like My Career Shop exist to connect aspiring professionals with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and insights. Consider reaching out to:

• Local trade associations
• Community college career counselors
• Union apprenticeship coordinators
• Professional organizations in your chosen field

The skilled trades offer something increasingly rare in today's economy: the opportunity to build a rewarding career with clear progression, strong earning potential, and the satisfaction of creating tangible value. Whether you're just starting your career journey or considering a change, the trades deserve serious consideration.

Remember, every master tradesperson started as a beginner. What matters isn't where you start but taking that first step with purpose and commitment. The opportunities are there – now it's time to seize them.