GITNUXREPORT 2025

Skilled Trades Statistics

Skilled trades face worker shortages, aging workforce, gender gap, and growth needs.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Technological advancements like automation and digital tools are being adopted by over 60% of skilled trades firms to improve productivity

Statistic 2

The construction industry’s productivity has risen by approximately 25% over the last decade due to technological innovations

Statistic 3

By 2024, it is estimated that there will be over 3.4 million job openings in the skilled trades sector in the U.S.

Statistic 4

The construction industry alone faces a shortage of over 650,000 skilled workers nationwide

Statistic 5

The demand for electricians in the U.S. is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations

Statistic 6

The shortage of skilled welders is estimated at over 50,000 unfilled positions nationwide

Statistic 7

85% of contractors report difficulty in finding qualified skilled workers

Statistic 8

The automotive mechanic sector is expected to grow by 4% through 2030, reflecting ongoing demand

Statistic 9

The U.S. has approximately 620,000 licensed plumbers, with a projected shortage of 50,000 by 2030

Statistic 10

About 65% of small business owners in skilled trades expect their workforce to grow in the next year

Statistic 11

The demand for HVAC technicians is projected to grow by 5% from 2020 to 2030, reflecting ongoing industry needs

Statistic 12

More than 45 million U.S. households rely on electricians for electrical repairs and maintenance, representing significant demand

Statistic 13

The roofing industry faces a shortage of approximately 35,000 skilled roofers nationally

Statistic 14

The demand for carpenters is expected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average occupation

Statistic 15

The demand for sheet metal workers is projected to increase by 7% from 2020 to 2030, reflecting industry growth

Statistic 16

55% of trades employers report difficulty filling positions due to lack of qualified candidates

Statistic 17

The automotive service industry faces a projected shortage of 75,000 technicians by 2026, emphasizing ongoing industry needs

Statistic 18

The construction industry is projected to need over 150,000 new steel workers by 2030 to meet future demand

Statistic 19

The total number of HVAC technicians licensed in the U.S. is over 600,000, with an expected annual growth rate of 4%

Statistic 20

Over 75% of construction companies have difficulty recruiting skilled carpenters, citing competition and salary issues

Statistic 21

The demand for specialty trade contractors, such as drywall, plumbing, and electrical, is expected to grow by 10% through 2030, outpacing some other construction segments

Statistic 22

The number of registered electricians in the U.S. has increased by 18% in the past five years, reflecting industry growth

Statistic 23

Only about 14% of high school students in the U.S. are enrolled in vocational programs

Statistic 24

Apprenticeship programs have a completion rate of around 82%, significantly higher than other training pathways

Statistic 25

70% of tradespeople learn their skills through on-the-job training rather than formal education

Statistic 26

About 60% of Americans believe that a college degree is essential for a successful career, but only 20% recognize skilled trades as a viable alternative

Statistic 27

Only 30% of vocational students pursue apprenticeships immediately after graduation, limiting workforce entry pathways

Statistic 28

The number of registered apprenticeships in the U.S. increased by 35% between 2012 and 2022, indicating expanding training opportunities

Statistic 29

Schools offering vocational training and technical programs have seen enrollment increases of 12% over the last five years, indicating rising interest

Statistic 30

Around 20% of skilled trades workers participate in union apprenticeship programs, influencing training standards and wages

Statistic 31

Continuing education and certification programs for skilled trades workers have increased by 22% in the last three years, indicating a focus on skill enhancement

Statistic 32

The budget for vocational training programs in the U.S. increased by 18% over the past five years, reflecting policy emphasis on skills development

Statistic 33

The average duration to complete an apprenticeship in skilled trades is approximately 3 to 4 years, depending on the trade

Statistic 34

The average cost of hiring and training a new skilled trades worker is estimated at $15,000, emphasizing the importance of retention strategies

Statistic 35

In 2022, over 70% of employers in skilled trades reported offering some form of upskilling or ongoing education to their employees, indicating a focus on workforce development

Statistic 36

The average annual wage for construction trades workers in the U.S. is about $48,000, according to the BLS

Statistic 37

Skilled trades workers have a 15% higher average annual income than the national median

Statistic 38

The average hourly wage of skilled trades workers in the U.S. is $21.37, according to the BLS

Statistic 39

The skilled trades sector contributes over $500 billion annually to the U.S. economy, highlighting its significant economic importance

Statistic 40

The average monthly salary of a commercial plumber in the U.S. exceeds $5,000, illustrating the sector's earning potential

Statistic 41

The automation of construction tasks is projected to save the industry about $10 billion annually by 2030, boosting productivity and safety

Statistic 42

The skilled trades workforce accounts for approximately 52% of the U.S. manufacturing workforce

Statistic 43

The median age of skilled trades workers in the U.S. is approximately 45 years old, indicating an aging workforce

Statistic 44

Women make up roughly 3% of the skilled trades workforce in the U.S., highlighting a significant gender gap

Statistic 45

Approximately 80% of skilled trades workers report job satisfaction, compared to 50% in other sectors

Statistic 46

The average age of a mason in the U.S. is over 50 years old, indicating an aging workforce

Statistic 47

In the construction industry, women make up roughly 10% of the workforce, but this is slowly increasing with new initiatives

Statistic 48

40% of skilled trades workers are over the age of 50, underscoring the need for new talent

Statistic 49

Over 60% of skilled trades workers in the U.S. are union members, which can influence wages and benefits

Statistic 50

The average age of a skilled electrician in the U.S. is 45 years old, indicating an aging workforce that needs replenishment

Statistic 51

The HVAC industry expects to see a decline in the number of qualified technicians by over 10% by 2028 if current trends persist, due to retirements and lack of new entrants

Statistic 52

Nationally, about 25% of skilled trades workers are veterans, representing a key talent pool for these industries

Statistic 53

The manufacturing sector employs approximately 8 million skilled trades workers, accounting for nearly 60% of all manufacturing employees

Statistic 54

Only about 10% of U.S. skilled trades workers are under age 25, underscoring an aging demographic

Statistic 55

The electrical industry expects about 80% of its workforce to retire in the next 15 years if proactive recruitment strategies are not implemented

Statistic 56

The number of women entering the skilled trades has increased by 15% over the last decade, but women still comprise less than 5% of the total workforce

Statistic 57

The skilled trades sector experiences an annual attrition rate of about 8%, driven mainly by retirements and career changes

Statistic 58

There are currently over 400,000 apprenticeships registered in the U.S., with models expanding to include women and minorities

Statistic 59

The average age of a construction manager is approximately 47 years old, highlighting the need for new leadership skills

Statistic 60

About 65% of skilled trades firms report difficulty attracting younger workers due to stigma and lack of awareness, indicating a need for outreach

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Key Highlights

The skilled trades workforce accounts for approximately 52% of the U.S. manufacturing workforce
By 2024, it is estimated that there will be over 3.4 million job openings in the skilled trades sector in the U.S.
Only about 14% of high school students in the U.S. are enrolled in vocational programs
The median age of skilled trades workers in the U.S. is approximately 45 years old, indicating an aging workforce
Women make up roughly 3% of the skilled trades workforce in the U.S., highlighting a significant gender gap
The average annual wage for construction trades workers in the U.S. is about $48,000, according to the BLS
Approximately 80% of skilled trades workers report job satisfaction, compared to 50% in other sectors
The construction industry alone faces a shortage of over 650,000 skilled workers nationwide
Apprenticeship programs have a completion rate of around 82%, significantly higher than other training pathways
70% of tradespeople learn their skills through on-the-job training rather than formal education
The demand for electricians in the U.S. is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations
The shortage of skilled welders is estimated at over 50,000 unfilled positions nationwide
About 60% of Americans believe that a college degree is essential for a successful career, but only 20% recognize skilled trades as a viable alternative

With nearly half of the U.S. manufacturing workforce relying on skilled trades and over 3.4 million job openings projected by 2024, it’s clear that this vital sector faces both an urgent talent shortage and a significant opportunity for growth and innovation.

Industry Trends, Technology, and Future Outlook

Technological advancements like automation and digital tools are being adopted by over 60% of skilled trades firms to improve productivity
The construction industry’s productivity has risen by approximately 25% over the last decade due to technological innovations

Industry Trends, Technology, and Future Outlook Interpretation

With over 60% of skilled trades firms embracing automation and digital tools, it's clear that technology isn't just the future—it's the blueprint for today's productivity boom, evidenced by a 25% rise in construction industry efficiency over the past decade.

Labor Market Demand and Shortages

By 2024, it is estimated that there will be over 3.4 million job openings in the skilled trades sector in the U.S.
The construction industry alone faces a shortage of over 650,000 skilled workers nationwide
The demand for electricians in the U.S. is projected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations
The shortage of skilled welders is estimated at over 50,000 unfilled positions nationwide
85% of contractors report difficulty in finding qualified skilled workers
The automotive mechanic sector is expected to grow by 4% through 2030, reflecting ongoing demand
The U.S. has approximately 620,000 licensed plumbers, with a projected shortage of 50,000 by 2030
About 65% of small business owners in skilled trades expect their workforce to grow in the next year
The demand for HVAC technicians is projected to grow by 5% from 2020 to 2030, reflecting ongoing industry needs
More than 45 million U.S. households rely on electricians for electrical repairs and maintenance, representing significant demand
The roofing industry faces a shortage of approximately 35,000 skilled roofers nationally
The demand for carpenters is expected to grow by 8% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average occupation
The demand for sheet metal workers is projected to increase by 7% from 2020 to 2030, reflecting industry growth
55% of trades employers report difficulty filling positions due to lack of qualified candidates
The automotive service industry faces a projected shortage of 75,000 technicians by 2026, emphasizing ongoing industry needs
The construction industry is projected to need over 150,000 new steel workers by 2030 to meet future demand
The total number of HVAC technicians licensed in the U.S. is over 600,000, with an expected annual growth rate of 4%
Over 75% of construction companies have difficulty recruiting skilled carpenters, citing competition and salary issues
The demand for specialty trade contractors, such as drywall, plumbing, and electrical, is expected to grow by 10% through 2030, outpacing some other construction segments
The number of registered electricians in the U.S. has increased by 18% in the past five years, reflecting industry growth

Labor Market Demand and Shortages Interpretation

With over 3.4 million job openings anticipated by 2024 and industry sectors pleading for skilled workers—despite a surge in licenses and registrations—it's clear that the trades are not just building structures but also the backbone of America's workforce, needing urgent reinforcement before these opportunities become unfilled gaps rather than opportunities seized.

Training, Education, and Apprenticeships

Only about 14% of high school students in the U.S. are enrolled in vocational programs
Apprenticeship programs have a completion rate of around 82%, significantly higher than other training pathways
70% of tradespeople learn their skills through on-the-job training rather than formal education
About 60% of Americans believe that a college degree is essential for a successful career, but only 20% recognize skilled trades as a viable alternative
Only 30% of vocational students pursue apprenticeships immediately after graduation, limiting workforce entry pathways
The number of registered apprenticeships in the U.S. increased by 35% between 2012 and 2022, indicating expanding training opportunities
Schools offering vocational training and technical programs have seen enrollment increases of 12% over the last five years, indicating rising interest
Around 20% of skilled trades workers participate in union apprenticeship programs, influencing training standards and wages
Continuing education and certification programs for skilled trades workers have increased by 22% in the last three years, indicating a focus on skill enhancement
The budget for vocational training programs in the U.S. increased by 18% over the past five years, reflecting policy emphasis on skills development
The average duration to complete an apprenticeship in skilled trades is approximately 3 to 4 years, depending on the trade
The average cost of hiring and training a new skilled trades worker is estimated at $15,000, emphasizing the importance of retention strategies
In 2022, over 70% of employers in skilled trades reported offering some form of upskilling or ongoing education to their employees, indicating a focus on workforce development

Training, Education, and Apprenticeships Interpretation

Despite a surge in apprenticeship opportunities and rising enrollment in vocational programs, only a small fraction of high schoolers are opting for skilled trades, highlighting a critical need to shift perceptions and showcase these careers as lucrative and viable alternatives to traditional college pathways.

Wages, Salaries, and Economic Impact

The average annual wage for construction trades workers in the U.S. is about $48,000, according to the BLS
Skilled trades workers have a 15% higher average annual income than the national median
The average hourly wage of skilled trades workers in the U.S. is $21.37, according to the BLS
The skilled trades sector contributes over $500 billion annually to the U.S. economy, highlighting its significant economic importance
The average monthly salary of a commercial plumber in the U.S. exceeds $5,000, illustrating the sector's earning potential
The automation of construction tasks is projected to save the industry about $10 billion annually by 2030, boosting productivity and safety

Wages, Salaries, and Economic Impact Interpretation

While skilled trades workers earn substantially more than the median American income and help inject over half a trillion dollars into the economy, their crucial role amid automation's rise underscores both their value and the need for continued investment in these vital, well-paying careers.

Workforce Demographics and Composition

The skilled trades workforce accounts for approximately 52% of the U.S. manufacturing workforce
The median age of skilled trades workers in the U.S. is approximately 45 years old, indicating an aging workforce
Women make up roughly 3% of the skilled trades workforce in the U.S., highlighting a significant gender gap
Approximately 80% of skilled trades workers report job satisfaction, compared to 50% in other sectors
The average age of a mason in the U.S. is over 50 years old, indicating an aging workforce
In the construction industry, women make up roughly 10% of the workforce, but this is slowly increasing with new initiatives
40% of skilled trades workers are over the age of 50, underscoring the need for new talent
Over 60% of skilled trades workers in the U.S. are union members, which can influence wages and benefits
The average age of a skilled electrician in the U.S. is 45 years old, indicating an aging workforce that needs replenishment
The HVAC industry expects to see a decline in the number of qualified technicians by over 10% by 2028 if current trends persist, due to retirements and lack of new entrants
Nationally, about 25% of skilled trades workers are veterans, representing a key talent pool for these industries
The manufacturing sector employs approximately 8 million skilled trades workers, accounting for nearly 60% of all manufacturing employees
Only about 10% of U.S. skilled trades workers are under age 25, underscoring an aging demographic
The electrical industry expects about 80% of its workforce to retire in the next 15 years if proactive recruitment strategies are not implemented
The number of women entering the skilled trades has increased by 15% over the last decade, but women still comprise less than 5% of the total workforce
The skilled trades sector experiences an annual attrition rate of about 8%, driven mainly by retirements and career changes
There are currently over 400,000 apprenticeships registered in the U.S., with models expanding to include women and minorities
The average age of a construction manager is approximately 47 years old, highlighting the need for new leadership skills
About 65% of skilled trades firms report difficulty attracting younger workers due to stigma and lack of awareness, indicating a need for outreach

Workforce Demographics and Composition Interpretation

With over half of U.S. manufacturing rooted in skilled trades, an aging workforce nearing retirement and a gender gap of less than 5% for women threaten to leave industries starved for fresh talent—unless new apprenticeships and proactive recruitment forge a path toward a more diverse and youthful skilled trades horizon.