10 Stats About Trade Jobs That Will Blow You Away

4. Electricians to See 11% Job Growth by 2033

As industries and infrastructure evolve, electricians are powering a brighter future by wiring the homes, businesses, and technologies of tomorrow.

According to the BLS, the employment of electricians is expected to grow by 11% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. 

That translates to 80,200 new openings each year over the given decade. 

The demand for electricians is driven by the rise of smart homes, commercial developments, and green energy projects like solar and wind installations. 

From troubleshooting smart grids to installing cutting-edge EV charging stations, electricians are at the forefront of innovation. 

This demand makes electrical work a stable, future-proof career that is as rewarding as it is challenging. 

5. Trade School Costs 75% Less Than a Four-Year College Degree

One of the biggest barriers to traditional college is cost, but trade schools offer a game-changing alternative. 

On average, trade school programs cost just 25% of traditional four-year college degrees. Trade programs also take just 1-3 years, so you’re earning a paycheck sooner without drowning in student debt. 

Beyond lower costs and a shorter time commitment, two other important factors work in favor of trade school: 

• Simple Admissions Process: Unlike the lengthy and rigorous admission process in most colleges, trade schools have a much simpler and uncomplicated admission system. You can enroll in a trade program without much fuss and with better certainty. 
• Career-specific training: College curricula have long been criticized for being too bookish and out of touch with the real world. In contrast, trade schools offer hands-on experience and opportunities for specializations that lead to faster employment. 

At Unmudl, our affordable, short-term courses in fields like mechatronics and control systems can make you job-ready in as short as 10 weeks. 

6. 87% of Trade Workers are Satisfied With Their Jobs

The popular assumption that trade jobs are unfulfilling is completely false. 

Research shows that 87% of skilled trade workers are happy with their careers, and 94% would encourage their kids or family to pursue one. 

To put that in context, only 62.3% percent of workers in the US report being happy with their jobs. In other words, trade jobs are up by almost 25 percentage points in job satisfaction over all other occupations. 

Let’s understand why. 

Trades offer tangible results, problem-solving opportunities, and a sense of pride in serving the community, whether you’re fixing electrical wiring at a residence or building a bridge. 

Beyond that, trade jobs also come with more choice and independence than your average field or desk job. They also provide better prospects at striking out on your own as an independent contractor or a business owner.  

7. Skilled Trades are Resilient to AI, Automation, and Economic Downturns

This one does not come with a stat but the sentiment is clear. While many industries fear job losses due to AI and automation, trade jobs are holding strong. 

According to the 2023 World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, physical abilities like manual dexterity and precision are growing in demand, rather than declining. 

A 2024 TechTarget study lists skilled trades as one of eight jobs that AI and automation cannot replace. That is because tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians require problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to unpredictable situations. 

AI simply cannot match this level of physical agility, critical thinking, and human ingenuity. 

Trade jobs are also more resilient to economic downturns than many other sectors due to the consistent demand for essential services. These professions benefit from ongoing infrastructure needs and the demand for skilled workers in construction, plumbing, electrical, and other essential services even during recessions. 

8. Half of Trade Workers Make $50,000 in Starting Pay  

If you thought trade jobs meant low pay, think again!

According to Stanley Black & Decker’s Makers Index, 50% of skilled trade workers with less than 10 years of experience earn at least $50,000 to start.

After five years, trade school graduates can be $140,000 ahead of their peers who pursued four-year degrees, thanks to lower education costs and faster workforce entry.

An HVAC technician in a city like Austin or Phoenix, for instance, can quickly climb to six-figure earnings with experience and certifications. 

Skilled trades offer a direct path to stable, well-paying jobs without the burden of years spent in lecture halls and thousands of dollars in student debt.

Why wait to start earning when the trades offer such strong financial rewards?

9. Women Make Less Than 5% of Trade Workers 

Despite their potential, women represent less than 5% of skilled trade workers in the US as of 2025. 

This underrepresentation is a missed opportunity that contributes significantly to the overall shortage of trade workers across various sectors. 

Navigating the gender stereotypes and workplace biases that still exist can be challenging, especially when it comes to achieving work-life balance and securing support networks. 

10. 78% See Growing Interest in the Trades Among Young People

The trades are getting a glow-up! 

According to a 2024 Harris Poll study, 78% of respondents noticed a growing interest in trade careers among young adults. It also found that 50% of Gen Z and 42% of Millennials were actively considering entering the field themselves. 

This shift in perceptions is partly the result of economic influences and partly the impact of social media. 

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are inspiring career choices by featuring viral videos of welders creating art to carpenters sharing DIY tips.

The creativity and opportunity presented by the trades signal a cultural shift, where young people are embracing hands-on careers and rejecting the ‘college-or-bust’ mentality.