10 High-Demand Skilled Trades in the USA Right Now The popularity of high-demand skilled trades in the USA has never been stronger. With over 211,100 new skilled trade jobs projected by 2033 and a nationwide labor shortage leaving millions of positions unfilled, now is the perfect time to enter a trade career. These are the most in-demand trade jobs offering six-figure salaries, strong job security, and no college degree required.
The 10 High-Demand Skilled Trades in the USA 1. Electricians Median Annual Salary: $60,240 Hourly Rate: $28.96 Job Growth (2023–2033): 6% Annual Job Openings: 80,000 Training Required: 4–5 year apprenticeship or 1–2 year trade school + experience Top-Paying States: Alaska ($88,000), Illinois ($85,000), Massachusetts ($85,000)
Electricians sit right at the center of America’s skilled labor revival. They’re the ones wiring new homes, lighting up factories, and keeping power systems safe and
efficient. Whether it’s fixing a flickering circuit in a small business or installing advanced control systems in industrial plants, electricians handle work that quite literally keeps the country running. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 66,600 new electrician roles will open by 2033 — and when you add retirements and turnover, the figure rises to nearly 80,000 openings each year. Why It’s In Demand: America’s electrical backbone is aging, and with the surge of smart home technology and renewable energy systems, upgrades have become nonstop. Every construction site, from residential builds to manufacturing plants, needs licensed professionals who can ensure code-compliant installations. Electricians are no longer just wiring lights — they’re helping power the modern world. Earning Potential: New electricians often start near $40,000, and with experience, that figure can climb to $60,000–$75,000. The top 10% cross $102,000 a year. Union electricians in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles earn even more — $45–55 per hour — with benefits, pensions, and overtime opportunities that make it one of the most stable careers around.
2. HVAC Technicians Median Annual Salary: $57,320 Hourly Rate: $27.56 Job Growth (2023–2033): 6% Annual Job Openings: 38,500 Training Required: 6-month to 2-year program, EPA certification required Top-Paying States: Alaska ($77,000), Connecticut ($80,000), Massachusetts ($77,000)
If comfort had a profession, it would be HVAC. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians keep buildings breathable and temperatures bearable — a job that’s now more crucial than ever. From homes and hospitals to massive commercial spaces, HVAC professionals handle installation, maintenance, and repair work that no AI or machine can replicate. The demand for these technicians keeps climbing as climate change pushes heating and cooling systems to their limits. Businesses and homeowners alike are switching to energy-efficient systems, while new building codes make advanced climate control mandatory. These shifts have made HVAC expertise one of the most secure technical careers in the U.S. Why It’s In Demand: Every space people occupy needs reliable air systems — and extreme weather only increases the workload. Add in new green building certifications and smart thermostat integrations, and you get an industry that’s
growing year after year. HVAC specialists who stay current with energy-efficient technology often land the best jobs and premium paychecks. Earning Potential: Entry-level techs typically make $38,000–$45,000, but seasoned professionals easily earn $55,000–$70,000. Top-tier specialists working with industrial or commercial systems cross $95,000, and independent HVAC contractors can make $100,000 or more managing multiple service accounts. The blend of technical skill, independence, and earning potential makes HVAC work one of the most sustainable and future-proof trades available today.
3. Plumbers & Pipefitters Median Annual Salary: $61,550 Hourly Rate: $29.59 Job Growth (2023-2033): 5% Annual Job Openings: 50,000 Training Required: 4-5 years of apprenticeship Top-Paying States: Alaska ($105,000), Illinois ($85,000), Massachusetts ($80,000)
Plumbers install and repair water, drainage, and gas piping systems in homes, businesses, and factories. Pipefitters work with high-pressure industrial piping systems. The plumber job outlook USA remains exceptionally strong because plumbing cannot be offshored, automated, or delayed—broken pipes and clogged drains require immediate, skilled intervention. Why It's In Demand: Aging infrastructure means constant pipe replacements. New construction requires compliant plumbing installations. Water conservation regulations drive demand for low-flow fixture installations and greywater systems. Earning Potential: Entry-level plumbers earn $42,000-$48,000, journeymen make $60,000-$75,000, and master plumbers running their own businesses can exceed $105,000. Union pipefitters in industrial settings often earn $35-45 per hour with overtime opportunities.
4. Welders Median Annual Salary: $47,540 Hourly Rate: $22.86 Job Growth (2023-2033): 12% Annual Job Openings: 45,800 Training Required: 6-18 months of welding program Top-Paying States: Alaska ($77,000), Hawaii ($75,000), Wyoming ($70,000)
Welders join metal parts together using heat and pressure for various applications, including construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding, and pipeline work. The American
Welding Society projects a 400,000-welder shortage this year, creating exceptional opportunities for certified professionals. Why It's In Demand: Bridge repairs, pipeline construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing all require welding expertise. Specialized welders (TIG, pipe, underwater) command premium wages due to technical difficulty and safety requirements. Earning Potential: Entry-level welders start at $35,000-$42,000, experienced welders earn $45,000-$60,000, and specialized welders (pipeline, underwater, aerospace) can exceed $71,000. Travel welders working pipeline or industrial shutdown projects often earn $80,000-$100,000 with per diem allowances.
5. Construction Managers Median Annual Salary: $101,480 Hourly Rate: $48.79 Job Growth (2023–2033): 5% Annual Job Openings: ~40,000 Training Required: On-the-job trade experience, plus project management courses or a construction management degree Top-Paying States: California ($135K), New York ($130K), Massachusetts ($105K)
Construction managers are the people holding all the moving parts together. They plan, budget, and direct everything — from laying the foundation to finishing the final inspection. One project might mean juggling electricians, plumbers, and heavy machinery crews at once. Another day, they’re reviewing permits or scheduling safety inspections. The pace never really slows down.
Why It’s in Demand: Every structure, from hospitals to data centers, needs a professional at the helm. As baby boomers retire from leadership roles, companies are scrambling to fill those gaps. Add in a wave of complex, tech-driven projects and you’ve got a career path where experience pays — literally and figuratively. Earning Potential: A beginner-level supervisor might make $65K–$75K, while seasoned managers see $90K–$120K. Those leading multi-site builds or running their own contracting firms often clear $180K or more. In the private sector, independent general contractors sometimes take home $150K–$300K a year — especially if they manage both residential and commercial portfolios.
6. Elevator Installers & Repairers Median Annual Salary: $99,000 Hourly Rate: $47.60 Job Growth (2023–2033): 5% Annual Job Openings: ~5,000 Training Required: 4–5 year apprenticeship under licensed professionals Top-Paying States: California ($126K), New York ($125K), Massachusetts ($120K)
Few trades combine mechanical precision and safety responsibility quite like elevator work. These technicians assemble, install, and modernize elevators, escalators, and moving walkways — the vertical veins of modern buildings. A single mistake can halt a high-rise in its tracks, which is why their training takes years. This is one of the highest-paying trades in the U.S. and for good reason. With urban development climbing skyward and older systems nearing retirement age, demand has quietly surged. Safety codes keep tightening, too, pushing companies to hire licensed installers for system upgrades and compliance audits. Why It’s in Demand: Every major city depends on these systems running flawlessly. New skyscrapers keep adding to the workload, while thousands of aging elevators need modernization to meet today’s safety standards. The talent pool is limited — and when demand outweighs supply, wages rise fast. Earning Potential: Apprentices usually start around $50K–$60K, gain experience as journeymen earning $90K–$110K, and often cross $140K once fully licensed. Union techs and senior specialists in big metros frequently surpass $150K. Plus, emergency repairs and after-hours calls can easily add 10–20% to yearly income.
7. Industrial Machinery Mechanics Median Annual Salary: $60,000 Hourly Rate: $28.85 Job Growth (2023–2033): 11%
Annual Job Openings: ~35,000 Training Required: 1–2 year program or apprenticeship in mechanical maintenance Top-Paying States: Connecticut ($90K), Georgia ($85K), Maryland ($80K)
Factories never sleep — and when machines fail, production stops. That’s where industrial machinery mechanics come in. They keep manufacturing lines moving, inspect high-speed robotics, repair hydraulic systems, and troubleshoot control circuits that power America’s manufacturing backbone. As manufacturing reshoring accelerates and factories adopt new automation systems, mechanics have become irreplaceable. Every robotic arm, conveyor, or packaging unit needs hands-on maintenance, something that can’t be offshored or left to software. Why It’s in Demand: Modern factories are complex ecosystems. One faulty gear or misaligned sensor can cost thousands in downtime. With automation now blending mechanical and digital systems, the need for well-trained mechanics has doubled. Preventive maintenance programs are now standard practice, and companies want technicians who can think ahead, not just fix things after they break. Earning Potential: New mechanics typically earn $42K–$50K while building their skills. Mid-career professionals average $58K–$70K, and those specializing in robotics, CNC systems, or advanced process control systems often exceed $88K. Add overtime or shift premiums — common in 24-hour production plants — and total earnings rise substantially.
8. Carpenters Median Annual Salary: $52,060 Hourly Rate: $25.01 Job Growth (2023-2033): 2% Annual Job Openings: 85,000 Training Required: 3-4 year apprenticeship or on-the-job training Top-Paying States: Hawaii ($73,000), Illinois ($75,000), Alaska ($80,000)
Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. Residential construction, commercial build-outs, and green building projects sustain steady demand. While growth percentage is modest, the sheer volume of annual openings (85,000) creates abundant opportunities. Why It's In Demand: Residential housing shortages drive new construction. Remodeling and renovation projects require skilled carpenters. Custom woodworking and finish carpentry command premium rates. Versatile skills allow specialization in framing, cabinetry, or restoration.
Earning Potential: Entry-level carpenters earn $35,000-$42,000, journeymen make $50,000-$65,000, and master carpenters or contractors exceed $90,000. Selfemployed carpenters specializing in custom work often earn $75,000-$100,000.
9. Wind Turbine Technicians Median Annual Salary: $57,320 Hourly Rate: $27.56 Job Growth (2023-2033): 45% (fastest-growing occupation in America) Training Required: 1-2 year technical program Top-Paying States: Texas ($65,000), California ($68,000), Iowa ($62,000)
Wind turbine technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines at wind farms. This best trade job for the future offers the highest projected growth rate of any occupation due to renewable energy expansion and federal incentives for clean power. Why It's In Demand: Federal renewable energy mandates drive wind farm construction. Existing turbines require ongoing maintenance. Energy companies invest billions in wind capacity. Limited trained workforce creates high wages despite relatively new field. Earning Potential: Entry-level technicians earn $40,000-$48,000, experienced techs make $55,000-$65,000, and lead technicians or traveling specialists exceed $82,000. Travel allowances and overtime significantly boost total compensation.
10. Electrical Power-Line Installers Median Annual Salary: $92,560 Hourly Rate: $44.50 Job Growth (2023–2033): 7% Annual Job Openings: ~12,000 Training Required: 3–4 year apprenticeship with safety certification Top-Paying States: California ($126K), Alaska ($120K), District of Columbia ($115K) Power-line installers are the quiet backbone of modern infrastructure. They climb utility poles and towers, string high-voltage wires, and keep electricity flowing to homes, hospitals, and data centers. It’s demanding, dangerous work that requires precision, physical strength, and a steady mind — but the payoff is substantial. This is one of those trade jobs that pay over $100K when experience meets risk. Why It’s in Demand: America’s electrical grid is aging fast. Storms, wildfires, and grid upgrades mean constant repair work. Meanwhile, the renewable energy boom — wind, solar, EV charging stations — adds more pressure on the transmission network. Every new solar farm or wind project needs miles of new lines. Add the physical danger and weather exposure, and it’s clear why few people choose this path — and why those who do earn top dollar.
Earning Potential: Apprentices start between $55K and $65K, journeymen often hit $85K– $105K, and veterans working large-scale or emergency projects regularly surpass $126K. During storm recovery work, overtime can easily push annual income up 30–40%. The long hours are grueling, but the rewards — financial and otherwise — are hard to ignore. Powerline installers quite literally keep the country running.
Salary Comparison: The 10 High-Demand Trades Trade
Median Salary
Hourly Rate
Entry-Level
Top 10%
Electrician
$60,240
$28.96
$40,000
$102,000
HVAC Technician
$57,320
$27.56
$38,000
$95,000
Plumber
$61,550
$29.59
$42,000
$105,150
Welder
$47,540
$22.86
$35,000
$71,000
Construction Manager
$101,480
$48.79
$65,000
$180,000
Elevator Installer
$99,000
$47.60
$50,000
$144,250
Machinery Mechanic
$60,000
$28.85
$42,000
$88,000
Carpenter
$52,060
$25.01
$35,000
$90,000
Wind Turbine Tech
$57,320
$27.56
$40,000
$82,000
Power Line Installer
$92,560
$44.50
$55,000
$126,610
This comparison tells the real story — high-demand skilled trades in the U.S. are no longer “backup careers.” They’re solid, high-paying professions. The highest paying trade jobs with no degree required start around $47,000 (for welders) and climb past $100,000 for project managers and power-line specialists. Entry-level wages are livable, and the learning curve is paid, not borrowed. You earn while you grow, without taking on student debt.
Which Trade Fits You Best? Every trade suits a different kind of person. The key is to match what you like doing with the kind of work the trade demands — and the lifestyle that comes with it.
Choose an Electrician if you: ●
Like solving problems and figuring out why systems fail.
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Want steady work anywhere — every town needs electricians.
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Prefer a mix of indoor and outdoor projects.
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Take pride in working with precision and safety codes.
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Value consistent pay, strong unions, and room to grow ($60K–$102K+).
Go for HVAC Technician if you: ●
Enjoy fixing things that directly affect people’s comfort.
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Want to start your own business someday.
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Don’t mind physical, hands-on work in different environments — rooftops, attics, basements.
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Like the rhythm of seasonal shifts — heating in winter, cooling in summer.
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Appreciate trades that reward experience with long-term independence.
Choose Weling if you: ●
Love seeing your work take shape in steel and fire.
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Enjoy travel or project-based work that changes often.
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Prefer making things rather than managing them.
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Don’t mind long hours when the pay is right.
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Want a trade with mobility — shipyards, pipelines, factories all need welders.
Go for Plumbing if you: ●
Want a recession-proof career — leaks don’t wait for the economy.
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Enjoy diagnostics and figuring out flow problems.
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Don’t mind tight spaces and practical problem-solving.
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Value independence — many plumbers run their own small businesses.
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Aim for earnings between $60K and $105K+, often with low overhead.
Choose Construction Manager if you: ●
Have solid trade experience and want to move up.
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Like organizing people and seeing big projects come together.
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Want the income that comes with responsibility ($90K–$180K+).
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Enjoy problem-solving and project planning more than swinging a hammer.
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Appreciate variety — every job site brings new challenges and new wins
Des-
Frequently Asked Questions 1. What are the most in-demand trade jobs right now? Right now, the trades hiring the fastest aren’t really a surprise—electricians, welders, HVAC techs, plumbers, and wind turbine techs lead the list. Electricians alone are expected to see about 66,600 new openings by 2033. Welding work keeps climbing at around 12% growth, while HVAC and plumbing both add tens of thousands of jobs every year. And wind turbine technicians? They’re growing 45% faster than any other trade in America. 2. Can you actually make $100,000 in a trade job? Absolutely, yes. A lot of people still think six figures are only for college grads, but that’s old thinking. Construction managers are already clearing around $101,000 a year on average. Elevator installers come close behind at $99,000, and power-line installers hover around $92,000. But here’s the real story: seasoned electricians, master plumbers, or HVAC business owners often break the $100K mark— especially in big cities. 3. Which trade pays the most? The top-paying trade jobs without a degree usually circle back to three: construction managers ($101K), elevator installers ($99K), and electrical power-line installers ($92K). But that’s just the median. The real high earners—the top 10%—go well beyond. Master plumbers and electricians can hit $105,000+, and skilled HVAC or electrical contractors often pull in $150K to $300K running their own small businesses.
4. Is it too late to start a trade career at 30 or 40? Not even close. Some of the most successful tradespeople didn’t start until their 30s or 40s. What matters isn’t age—it’s energy, mindset, and reliability. Many career changers come from the military, management, or hands-on roles and find their rhythm fast. Older beginners often rise quicker because they already know discipline and customer handling. Trades like HVAC, construction management, and industrial maintenance especially value maturity.
Start Your High-Demand Trade Career Today The high-demand skilled trades in USA offer proven paths to middle-class income without college debt, combining strong job security, excellent earning potential ($50,000-$120,000+), and meaningful hands-on work. With 211,100+ new positions projected by 2033 and millions more openings from retirements, the next decade represents an exceptional opportunity window for entering skilled trades. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, career changer seeking stable employment, or veteran transitioning to civilian work, these 10 trades provide clear pathways to financial security. Infrastructure investment, manufacturing reshoring, energy transition, and demographic shifts guarantee sustained demand through 2033 and beyond. Ready to start your best trade job for the future? Explore PTTI's hands-on training programs in high-demand fields. Our experienced instructors, industry-standard equipment, and job placement assistance help you begin earning in as little as 6 months. Enroll in PTTI today to join the skilled trades boom and build a recession-proof career that pays well, offers advancement, and cannot be automated or offshored.
Authoritative Sources 1. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Construction and Extraction Occupations: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/ Bureau of Labor Statistics 2. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Employment Statistics (Employment Projections 2023-33): https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/ecopro.pdf Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. American Welding Society – “Welding Workforce Data”: https://weldingworkforcedata.com/ Welding Workforce Data LIVE 4. American Welding Society – “The skilled welder shortage … 360,000 by 2027”: https://www.aws.org/magazines-and-media/welding-journal/wj-jul-23feature-3-paton-abb-the-advantages-of-smes-adopting-collaborative-roboticwelding/ American Welding Society 5. U.S. Chamber of Commerce – States suffering from labour shortage: https://www.uschamber.com/workforce/the-states-suffering-most-from-thelabor-shortage U.S. Chamber of Commerce 6. Deloitte Insights – “The future of essential jobs in core infrastructure sectors”: https://www.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/industry/oil-and-gas/future-ofinfrastructure-essential-jobs.html Deloitte 7. Best-Trade-Schools.net – “Analysis of Most In-Demand Skilled Trade Careers (2025)”: https://www.best-trade-schools.net/blog/analysis-of-most-in-demandskilled-trade-careers-2025/ Best Trade Schools 8. Randstad USA – 2026 Skilled Trades Salary Guide: https://www.randstadusa.com/employers/salary-guide/skilled-trades/ Randstad USA 9. McKinsey & Company – “Tradespeople wanted: The need for critical trade skills in the US”: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-andorganizational-performance/our-insights/tradespeople-wanted-the-need-forcritical-trade-skills-in-the-us McKinsey & Company 10. USAFacts – “How many people work in the trades in the US?”: https://usafacts.org/articles/how-many-people-work-in-the-trades/ USAFacts 11. Angi Research & Economics – Skilled Trades Report 2024: https://research.angi.com/research/__skilledtrades/ Angi 12. MachineryPartner – “As the US invests in infrastructure at record levels …”: https://www.machinerypartner.com/blog/as-the-us-invests-in-infrastructure-atrecord-levels-construction-workers-may-be-hard-to-find Machinery Partner 13. Novarc – “Addressing the Skilled Trade Shortage: A Focus on Welders”: https://www.novarctech.com/resources/blog/welding/addressing-the-skilledtrade-shortage-a-focus-on-welders/ Novarc Tech
14. MyVocationalTraining – “The future of the welding industry”: https://myvocationaltrainingaz.com/blog/the-future-of-the-welding-industry/ Vocational Training Institute 15. Fortis College – “Are Skilled Trades in Demand?”: https://www.fortis.edu/blog/skilled-trades/are-skilled-trades-in-demand-.html Fortis College 16. Skillit – “The hidden job opportunities in data center construction”: https://skillit.com/blog/job-opportunities-data-center-construction Skillit 17. U.S. Dept of Labor Blog – “New skills data now available with Employment Projections”: https://blog.dol.gov/2024/08/29/new-skills-data-now-availablewith-employment-projections DOL Blog 18. QualityInfo.org – “Rebuilding the Pipeline: Supply and Demand in the Skilled Trades”: https://www.qualityinfo.org/-/rebuilding-the-pipeline-supply-anddemand-in-the-skilled-trades QualityInfo 19. U.S. Dept of Labor – High Demand Occupations page: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/wb/data/high-demand-occupations DOL 20. AMTEC Blog – “25 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs (Official U.S. Labor Data)”: https://www.amtec.us.com/blog/25-highest-paying-trade-jobs
