GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Skilled Trades Statistics: Market Report & Data

Highlights: Skilled Trades Statistics

  • The skilled trades workforce in the U.S. has an average age of 55.
  • Electricians, one of the prominent trades, have a median pay of $56,180 per year.
  • There was a 21% growth in the number of women in skilled trades between 2012 and 2017.
  • Plumbers earn a median annual wage of $55,160.
  • HVAC technicians have a median pay of $48,730 per year.
  • Approximately 700,000 women in the United States work in the construction trades.
  • The highest 10% of electricians earn more than $96,580 annually.
  • The construction sector, which employs many skilled trades workers, is set to grow 11% from 2016 to 2026.
  • Welders earn a median annual wage of $42,490.
  • 60% of construction leaders have increased their investment in training for skilled trade jobs in the last decade.
  • Over 30% of workers in the most common skilled trade jobs are aged 55 or older.
  • Texas is predicted to be the state with the highest demand for skilled trade workers by 2028.
  • By 2025, an estimated 2.5 million new skilled trades workers will be required in Canada.
  • Australia is anticipated to experience a shortage of 85,000 skilled trades workers by 2023.
  • Skilled trades account for over half of Canada's total business employment.

Discover our favorite AI Writing Tool

Write scientific papers in minutes thanks to AI

Jenni's AI-powered text editor helps you write, edit, and cite with confidence. Save hours on your next paper

Table of Contents

In the ever-evolving landscape of careers and industries, the significance of skilled trades cannot be understated. This blog post delves into the world of skilled trades, providing you with comprehensive statistics that paint a clear picture of this sector. From showcasing the occupations with the highest demand to wages potential, career longevity, and fluctuation patterns, we endeavor to elucidate the vital role that skilled trades play in our economy. Suitable for job seekers to industry professionals, this statistical journey provides insights that are both informative and impacting, further highlighting the importance of skilled trades in today’s world.

The Latest Skilled Trades Statistics Unveiled

The skilled trades workforce in the U.S. has an average age of 55.

Peering into the graying panorama of America’s skilled trades workforce—with a startling average age of 55—offers an invaluable insight into the looming challenges we face. Such a statistic reflects a grand tapestry of profound implications; it underscores the impending knowledge loss precipitated by mass retirements, intensifies the urgency of strategizing sustainable replacements, and ultimately highlights the critical need for renewed commitment to trades education and apprenticeships. Evidently, a ticking generational timebomb iterates the exigency of fortifying our skilled labor force, in order to maintain the structural dignity of our nation.

Electricians, one of the prominent trades, have a median pay of $56,180 per year.

Highlighting the median pay of electricians at $56,180 per year serves as an important focal point in the discussion of Skilled Trades Statistics. It provides tangible evidence of the lucrative potential that a career in skilled trades, especially a prominent one like electricians, can offer. This figure underscores the idea that such professions are not just feasible but indeed rewarding career paths. Furthermore, it aids in breaking down common misconceptions about skilled trades, especially that jobs in this sector are low-paying and challenges the traditional paradigm pushing for white-collar jobs as the only route for a stable income.

There was a 21% growth in the number of women in skilled trades between 2012 and 2017.

Highlighting a 21% surge in the number of women in skilled trades from 2012 to 2017 uncovers an encouraging shift towards gender diversity within the industry. This statistic not only denotes an evolving societal narrative that undermines traditional gender norms associated with skilled trades but also underscores the industry’s broader capacity for growth and innovation. An increase in female participation typically signals untapped potential, as unique perspectives and skills are added to the mix, fostering a more dynamic and enriched working environment in skilled trades.

Plumbers earn a median annual wage of $55,160.

The intriguing revelation that plumbers rake in a median annual wage of $55,160 serves as an inviting beacon for those exploring careers in skilled trades. It’s a tangible endorsement of the monetary rewards that can come with such a profession, breaking the often stereotyped notion that academic degree-related careers unequivocally out-earn their skilled trades counterparts. Therefore, this figure not only underscores the worth and importance of plumbers in our society but also shines a light on the considerable economic possibilities in the skilled trades sector.

HVAC technicians have a median pay of $48,730 per year.

Highlighting the impressive annual median pay of HVAC technicians at $48,730 serves as a potent testament to the financial viability of skilled trades. This figure underscores the potential earning power in this sector, debunking the common misconception that professional success strictly correlates with a four-year degree. Rooted in concrete figures such as this, the narrative of the blog post is expected to create a compelling argument, enabling it to redefine success beyond traditional academic routes and highlighting the promising prospects of vocational careers.

Approximately 700,000 women in the United States work in the construction trades.

The vivid presentation of numbers, such as the figure stating that approximately 700,000 women in the United States are employed in the construction trades, brings to light the shifting gender dynamics within this industry. In a blog post dedicated to skilled trades statistics, the significance of this figure extends beyond mere numbers. It forms a narrative that reflects the increasing female participation in a traditionally male-dominated field, illustrating the breaking of gender stereotypes, the progress towards inclusivity, and the transformation of the construction sector’s workforce landscape.

The highest 10% of electricians earn more than $96,580 annually.

When diving into the realm of Skilled Trades Statistics, a standout insight concerns the earning potential within this sector; specifically, the high-earning echelon of electricians. Topping the pay scales, a noteworthy 10% of workers in this field pull in a commendable annual income exceeding $96,580. This figure, beyond showcasing the lucrative possibilities for electricians, serves as a beacon to those contemplating a career in the trades; providing a clear, quantifiable benchmark of success within the industry, and underlining the economic viability and attractiveness of this professional pathway in comparison to other professions.

The construction sector, which employs many skilled trades workers, is set to grow 11% from 2016 to 2026.

In the realm of skilled trades, envisioning the future landscape requires us to consider the potential for job growth in associated industries; this is where the index of the construction sector comes roaring to life. For the decade spanning 2016 to 2026, projections convey an impressive 11% growth in this sector, suggesting a resonating wave of opportunities for skilled trades workers. This figure ushers in a reaffirmation of the vitality and demand of skilled trades, aiding potential entrants with data-driven insights as they plot their career paths. Diligently embracing this statistic will fuel informed career choices, bolster workforce predictions, and provide a robust backbone to discussions surrounding skilled trades.

Welders earn a median annual wage of $42,490.

Shedding light on the earning potential within skilled trades, the fact that welders bring in a median annual wage of $42,490 serves as a testament to the numerous financial opportunities in this industry. This statistic not only substantiates the notion that skilled trades can offer lucrative careers, but also discredits the common misconception that higher education is the only pathway to a satisfactory income. In the grand scheme of Skilled Trades Statistics, this reinforces the worth and value of skills-based professions like welding, paving the way for further exploration and discussion regarding economic prospects in this diverse sector.

60% of construction leaders have increased their investment in training for skilled trade jobs in the last decade.

Highlighting that 60% of construction leaders have amplified their investment in upskilling labour for trade jobs over the past ten years offers vital insight into industry trends. It underscores the growing recognition of the importance of technical skills in driving productivity, quality work, and competitiveness within the construction sector. Furthermore, it also signals a positive trend towards more on-going professional development opportunities, which could attract workers to the sector and help address any skills gaps. Thus, this statistic serves as a beacon, guiding our understanding of the sector’s dynamic metamorphosis and highlighting the value construction leaders assign to investing in human capital.

Over 30% of workers in the most common skilled trade jobs are aged 55 or older.

Highlighting that over 30% of laborers in most common skilled trade occupations are 55 or older underlines a critical demographic shift within the industry. This age detail draws attention to the imminent retirement wave set to affect the skilled trades sector, potentially leading to a severe skills gap. As these elder, seasoned workers step away from their roles, there may not be sufficient younger workers to fill the void, given the decreasing interest among younger generations towards skilled trade careers. Hence, this statistic serves as a wake-up call for workforce development strategies essential to attract, train, and retain younger talent to secure the future of skilled trades.

Texas is predicted to be the state with the highest demand for skilled trade workers by 2028.

Forecasting trends in the ever-evolving job market is vital, as it guides career decisions and impacts various sectors of the economy. In the realm of skilled trades, the prediction that Texas will top the charts by 2028 for demand in this sector acts as a powerful indicator – not only for those directly involved in the skilled trades, but also for educators, policymakers, and employers. A surge in demand can catalyze a ripple effort to invest in vocational education, incentivize migration for work, and stimulate economic growth locally. For a blog focused on skilled trades statistics, it vividly illustrates how these numbers are not just abstract data, but touchstones for real-world implications and transformations.

By 2025, an estimated 2.5 million new skilled trades workers will be required in Canada.

Highlighting the projection that by 2025, Canada will need an additional 2.5 million skilled trades workers gives immense weight to the urgency and scope of the labor shortage in this sector. It emphasizes not only the rising demand for such workers, but also the vast opportunity awaiting individuals choosing to pursue these occupations. This statistic paints a realistic portrayal of Canada’s labor market and underscores the significance of skilled trades, shedding light on imperative changes required in the country’s workforce strategies and educational pathways. Although it’s a simple forecast, it encapsulates the escalating importance and value of skilled trades to Canada’s future economy in a way that’s easy to comprehend and impossible to ignore.

Australia is anticipated to experience a shortage of 85,000 skilled trades workers by 2023.

Highlighting the imminent shortage of 85,000 skilled trades workers in Australia by 2023 paints a vivid picture of the escalating gap between supply and demand in the trades sector. The statistic offers an essential piece of the puzzle, underscoring the significance of prompt intervention in areas such as education, vocational training, and migration policies. As evident from the projected figure, businesses, policymakers, and other stakeholders should zealously work towards effective measures that ensure the availability of skilled workers. Therefore, this statistic is not merely a number, but a clarion call for action that has the potential to shape Australia’s socio-economic landscape in the coming years.

Skilled trades account for over half of Canada’s total business employment.

Highlighting the statistic that skilled trades constitute more than half of Canada’s total business employment underscores the significance of these professions in the nation’s economic framework. It paints a vibrant picture of the labor market, revealing the sustained demand for and dependency on skilled tradespeople. This provides a robust base for discussions on training and education initiatives, policy development, and forecasting future employment trends, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of the scale and importance of skilled trades in the Canadian economy.

Conclusion

The skilled trades sector represents a significant part of our economy, demonstrating consistent growth and a robust demand for skilled labor. The aging workforce suggests opportunities for new entrants, especially with the current skills gap and the rising need for specialized tradespeople. Salaries in these professions offer viable alternatives to traditional white-collar jobs, facilitating economic advancement for individuals without requiring a four-year degree. Therefore, an investment in skills training and vocational education could be a critical determinant of our economic resilience, given the importance of this sector.

References

0. – https://www.www.ceda.com.au

1. – https://www.www.cbc.ca

2. – https://www.egrove.olemiss.edu

3. – https://www.www.ontario.ca

4. – https://www.fortune.com

5. – https://www.www.nawic.org

6. – https://www.www.vedc.com

7. – https://www.www.bls.gov

8. – https://www.www.brothersservices.com

FAQs

What are the most in-demand jobs in the skilled trades industry?

The most in-demand jobs in the skilled trades industry typically include electricians, welders, carpenters, plumbers, and HVAC technicians.

How much does a beginner in skilled trades typically earn?

The starting salary for a beginner in skilled trades varies greatly depending on the trade. For example, an entry-level electrician might earn around $15 - $20 per hour, while an entry-level welder might earn around $15 - $18 per hour.

What is the employment outlook for skilled trades?

The employment outlook for skilled trades varies by industry and geography, but generally, is expected to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations, and will result in about 296,300 new jobs.

What are the benefits of starting a career in skilled trades?

Skilled trades offer several benefits including job security, the opportunity to earn while learning through apprenticeships, greater career advancement opportunities, and potentially high salaries. Additionally, many people enjoy the hands-on nature of the work.

How long does it take to become proficient in a skilled trade?

The time it takes to become proficient in a skilled trade can largely depend on the specific trade and the individual's learning speed. In general, most skilled trades require an apprenticeship period of about 3-5 years, though some trades may require more or less time.

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

Table of Contents

... Before You Leave, Catch This! 🔥

Your next business insight is just a subscription away. Our newsletter The Week in Data delivers the freshest statistics and trends directly to you. Stay informed, stay ahead—subscribe now.

Sign up for our newsletter and become the navigator of tomorrow's trends. Equip your strategy with unparalleled insights!