The Booming Job Market For Skilled Tradespersons
Young woman cutting iron bar in a workshop.
The skilled trades sector in the United States is experiencing a renaissance. It's fueled by massive infrastructure investments, a shift toward green energy, and a critical shortage of qualified workers. With over a million unfilled trade jobs and salaries on the rise, skilled tradespersons are not just in demand. They're the backbone of America's future.
Skilled trades, encompassing roles like electricians, plumbers, welders, and renewable energy technicians are vital to the US economy. Federal initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law are driving job creation, with an estimated 345,000 new trade jobs expected to peak around 2027–28. Meanwhile, the green energy revolution and technological advancements are reshaping the industry, creating new opportunities for those with the right skills.
Yet, the industry faces a paradox: high demand meets low supply. Over a million trade jobs remain unfilled, including 500,000 in manufacturing alone. An aging workforce, with five tradespersons retiring for every two replacements, combined with a cultural bias toward college degrees over vocational training, has created a persistent skills gap. This created rising wages.
Skilled trades are uniquely positioned for the future. Unlike many sectors, trades are largely automation-proof, requiring hands-on expertise that machines can't replicate. The green energy boom ensures long-term relevance, with roles in solar, wind, and energy-efficient systems leading the way. Meanwhile, technology integration such as robotics, or smart systems creates new specializations, blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation.
'There's never been a better time to enter the trades, and as a generation shaped by the pandemic and gig economy, Gen-Z are uniquely suited to a profession that offers flexibility and independence,' said Marco Zappacosta, CEO and cofounder of Thumbtack. 'With a lower barrier to entry than in the past and incredible demand for people to fill these roles, expertise in the trades is a future-proof career.'
Due to skills gaps, there is an expected shortage of 2.1 million unfilled manufacturing jobs in the United States by 2030. Therefore, manufacturers are actively trying to attract Gen-Z workers to fill these roles, but they are currently facing labor challenges, as manufacturers are filling only six out of 10 job openings, according to an analysis by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company.
Women's labor participation in the skilled trades reached its highest level ever in 2021 (314,000), increasing by almost one-third in five years, according to the United States Department of Labor. The number of female apprentices more than doubled from 2014 to 2022, comprising 14% of total apprentices in the U.S. compared to 9.4% in 2014.These in-demand jobs offer high wages, attractive benefits, including pension plans, and opportunities for advancement. The construction industry poses one of the labor force's smallest gender pay gaps, as union representation provides standard salary packages.
The numbers tell a compelling story. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 4–60% growth in skilled trades through 2033, with some roles like solar photovoltaic installers (48% growth) and wind turbine technicians (60% growth) leading the charge. This demand is driven by billions in federal funding fueling construction and energy projects. The push for renewable energy and energy-efficient systems is creating new roles. Smart homes, EV infrastructure, and automation require specialized skills.
However, challenges persist. The workforce is aging out, with retirements outpacing new entrants. Recruitment struggles are compounded by a stigma around trade careers and a lack of vocational training in schools. Despite these hurdles, the market rewards those who enter: trades offer competitive salaries (e.g., $61,000+ for electricians) and resilience against automation, with 90% of tradespeople reporting high job satisfaction.
The skilled trades market in 2025 is diverse, with opportunities across traditional and emerging roles. Fueled by renewable energy, EV charging stations, and smart home systems, electricians face a 6% growth rate through 2032. Average salaries exceed $61,000. Urban expansion and water conservation technologies drive 6% growth, with strong demand in residential and commercial projects.
Energy-efficient systems and smart technologies require advanced skills, making HVAC a high-demand field. Critical for infrastructure and energy projects, welders face nationwide shortages, ensuring job security. Solar and wind technicians are the stars of the green revolution, with explosive growth rates of 48% and 60%, respectively.
A study from Angi, the online home improvement company, shows growth in job satisfaction for skilled trades workers. The Skilled Trades in America Report also explores the impact of artificial intelligence, the labor shortage and solutions to attract new talent to the trades.
In this current environment, workers fear becoming obsolete due, in part, to the advancement of AI. Skilled tradespeople perceive their jobs to be relatively AI-resistant.
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