The US is currently experiencing a skilled worker shortage. If you are looking to switch jobs or are currently unemployed and need a job fast, the time is now to start applying for the most in-demand trade positions. There are several good reasons to do so.
Skilled Trade Workers are Needed Across the Board
There are nearly three million unified trade jobs currently unfilled, with half a million of them in manufacturing alone. The employers posting these open positions need workers as soon as possible. The COVID-19 pandemic and wave of retirements by baby boomers have further exacerbated the need for skilled labor workers of all types.
Getting into the trades is a smart investment with great career prospects. Trade careers offer a prime opportunity to earn a solid paycheck and trade jobs will always be necessary, even as technology advances. If you happen to lose out on one job, there is bound to be another right around the corner.
Because there are so many skilled trade roles in high demand, as a skilled laborer, you have tons of options available to you. Use the following list to start applying for the most in-demand jobs starting today.
The Most In-Demand Skilled Jobs Currently Available
HVAC Technician
Homes and businesses always have a need for heating, cooling, and air conditioning services. Your skills will increase in demand as more people turn to energy-efficient alternatives in lieu of traditional HVAC machines and products. Yearly projections show that the HVAC field is set to grow by 13% through the year 2028, which is three times the average growth rate. HVAC techs make an average of $25.26 per hour and require a license plus some work experience under the supervision of a licensed contractor.
Construction Worker
New homes, residential apartments, and commercial buildings are continuously being built across the nation. These new construction projects have played a large part in the country’s economic rebound. More of these jobs need to be filled to the tune of 430,000 this year alone. Reports show that for every $1 billion spent on new construction, employers need to hire more than 5,000 new construction workers. Nearly all facets of skilled workers are needed from entry-level laborers to management and all positions in between. Construction workers earn an average of $21.21 and typically only require a high school diploma to get started, though some employers prefer work experience and licensure when working with hazardous materials.
Alternative Energy
With climate change on everyone’s mind, interest in clean energy has grown in recent years. This has led to a need for skilled tradespeople familiar with sustainable operational practices and alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar power. These positions are set to grow by 61% over the next eight to 10 years, according to analysts. You typically do not need an educational background to get in on the ground floor of this industry, as many employers provide on-the-job training. These skilled laborers earn an average of $29 per hour.
Welder
America’s infrastructure is in bad need of an overhaul, which requires a significant influx of welders. Welding is not only needed to fix bridges and buildings; welding experts are needed across a wide range of fields, including repairing race cars or building aircrafts, for example. In the next year alone, analysts predict there will be nearly half a million welders needed by employers nationwide. Welders tend to earn around $20.13 on average to start and usually only require a high school diploma or equivalent to get started.
Electrician
With the world’s reliance on electricity, this skilled labor job isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, the electrician field is predicted to grow by 8% through the year 2029, which is double the average growth pace. That amounts to more than 62,000 jobs. Employers everywhere are having trouble filling electrician roles. To qualify as an electrician, you typically need a high school diploma and an apprenticeship along with hands-on experience. Some employers may take on entry-level laborers with little to no experience and provide on-the-job training instead. This is good news for anyone looking to enter this in-demand skilled labor field. Electricians earn an average of $23.69 per hour.
Landscape Designer
Residential and commercial spaces, government buildings, and schools all need landscape designers to handle upkeep and overall design. As a landscape designer, you may draft your own exterior plans to follow or you might be given plans to adhere to. Those plans may require plants, flowers, and other elements to create the desired outcome. In addition to design, maintenance work such as clipping and cleaning is required to keep outdoor areas tidy and attractive. There is always work to be done, in other words, which makes landscaping another in-demand skilled labor job. Landscape designers earn an average rate of $22 per hour and are often required to obtain a degree from a landscape architectural program before passing a rigorous exam to receive certification by the American Society of Landscape Architects.
Boilermaker
Boilermakers create boilers that hold gasses and liquids. Once the boilers are constructed, boilermakers often install them using specialized knowledge like welding. In addition to the creation and installation of boilers, boilermakers are also responsible for maintaining the vats and ensuring each one meets environmental regulations and safety standards. Boilermakers earn an average of $33.21 per hour and are required to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. Certification is typically offered with on-the-job training through an apprenticeship.
Plumber
Plumbers are needed for both residential and commercial buildings to fix plumbing issues and repair pipes, sinks, toilets, dishwashers, and other appliances. Plumbers also provide inspections to ensure appliances are up to code and performing as needed. This in-demand field is expected to grow, even as technology becomes more advanced. The average hourly rate of a plumber is $25.26 per hour. A high school diploma or GED is required along with formal training through an apprenticeship program or trade school and licensing. Some employers also prefer on-the-job experience.
Diesel Technician
Diesel technicians are responsible for maintaining and repairing vehicles that run on diesel fuel. Regular inspections are required as well to ensure the machinery is working correctly and to determine if repairs are needed. Diagnostics for problems include checking lights, fluids, and engine parts. Diesel mechanics also work in mechanic shops to record inventory and take stock of automotive parts. There is always work to be done, which is why diesel mechanics will always be in high demand. Diesel technicians earn $27.57 on average and are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent along with 3 to 4 years of training in diesel engine repair or service technology.
Carpenter
Carpenters rely on manual labor to construct various sections of a house or building. They create or follow blueprints and guides, and spend their time measuring, cutting, and shaping various materials to make walls, windows, floors, and ceilings. In addition to building, carpenters provide inspections to ensure structures and surfaces meet safety regulations and government codes. Carpenters earn $26.53 on average and are usually only required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, though some employers prefer graduation from a vocational or technical school in carpentry.
Brick Mason
Brick masons repair and build various projects using bricks. The bricks are laid out and bound together to build structures like homes and buildings. As a brick mason, you will be provided with blueprints and building plans that determine how each brick is to be positioned and bound in place. You will also learn to use measuring tools and equipment to assist with the building process. Brick masons earn an average hourly rate of $29.53 and are required to have a high school diploma. Some employers prefer you work under an apprenticeship, which can take between three and four years to complete.
Crane Operator
Crane operators use cranes to move items and loads around, usually on rough terrain. They need to know how to operate heavy machinery and maneuver the massive crane equipment using pedals, handles, and other mechanisms. Crane operators are also responsible for ensuring safety regulations are followed before operating the crane. Crane operators earn an average hourly rate of $31.38 and require a high school diploma or equivalent along with crane certification.
Wind Turbine Technician
Wind turbine technicians are tasked with diagnosing and fixing wind turbines. Your days are spent climbing to high areas to inspect and repair the turbines as needed. You will need to become familiar with the various pieces that comprise a turbine, as well as how to perform inspections and repairs of the clean energy devices. Wind turbine technicians earn an average hourly rate of $28.16 and usually only need a high school diploma, as many employers offer on-the-job training, though some employers do prefer graduation from a trade school or technical program.
Aircraft Mechanic
As an aircraft mechanic, you are responsible for repairing parts of an airplane to ensure it operates smoothly. Your days are spent fixing various aircraft sections, from the engine and brakes to the landing gear. Aircraft mechanics also perform inspections and run tests to make sure every part of the aircraft is working properly while adhering to safety regulations. Aircraft mechanics earn an average hourly rate of $33.40. The position requires you to pass a series of courses, each approximately 3 to 4 months in length. The entire program takes around 18 months to complete for a total of 450 hours of class time.
Where Can You Apply for Skilled Trade Jobs?
These in-demand skilled jobs are available now on the exclusive Prolink job board. We partner with employers across the nation and are privy to new openings before the general public is notified. Get paired with a recruiter who can help you find the ideal job to match your job skills and career ambitions. Start now by filling out our easy online application form.
