Skilled Trades With the Highest Projected Job Growth by 2030

3. Solar Installers

Solar installers, also known as solar photovoltaic installers, are skilled professionals responsible for the design, installation, and maintenance of solar energy systems in homes, offices, and industries. 

Their first task is often assessing the suitability of a site for solar energy based on factors like sunlight exposure and energy needs. 

Once suitability is established, they design customized systems for each project by selecting appropriate panels, inverters, and mounting hardware.

During the installation process, solar installers handle electrical wiring, secure panels to roofs or ground mounts, and connect the system to an electrical grid of battery storage. 

Solar installers are also tasked with post-installation testing and ongoing maintenance. 

This job is also key to navigating the complex technical and regulatory standards governing green energy projects. 

Projected Job Growth: 48% from 2023 to 2033, which translates to 4,100 new jobs every year. 

The high growth rate is fueled by several factors, including government incentives, corporate sustainability goals, and consumer demand for clean energy. 

Annual Salary: $50,953, on average. Ranges from $31,000 at the lower end to $75,000 at the upper. 

Education and Training: A high school diploma or GED is the minimum educational requirement. 

Solar installers usually undergo a few months of vocational school, apprenticeship, or on-the-job training.

Many of these professionals invest in additional certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), to enhance employability. 

Personality Fit: This job involves working outdoors, handling electrical components, and collaborating with construction teams.

As a result, employers prefer solar installers with a blend of technical and interpersonal skills, along with physical stamina and a safety-conscious mindset. 

They must also be detail-oriented, able to work at heights, and possess strong problem-solving and collaboration skills. 

4. Home Health and Personal Care Aides

These professionals assist elderly, disabled, or chronically ill individuals in their homes, providing them with the essential support necessary to maintain independence and quality of life. 

Home health aides focus on basic medical tasks under a nurse’s supervision. These include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, assisting with medical equipment, and helping with exercises or wound care.

They are also responsible for tracking health changes and reporting to healthcare professionals. 

Personal care aides provide non-medical support to individuals who need help with daily activities like bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. 

They may also prepare meals to ensure dietary needs are met and assist with light housekeeping, errands, or transportation. 

Both roles ensure client safety and comfort by offering companionship, emotional support, and help with mobility. 

Personal care and home health aides must adapt to client needs by working flexible hours to accommodate schedules.

These trades offer ample opportunities for career shifts and transitions to nursing or therapy roles. 

‍Projected Job Growth: 21% from 2023 to 2033. The BLS estimates an average of 718,900 new jobs in this field over the given decade. 

A significant percentage of these new openings will result from the need to replace workers transitioning to different occupations or quitting the labor force entirely. 

‍Annual Salary: $34,900, on average. 

Despite the relatively low average annual salary, the high demand and accessibility of these roles make them excellent entry points for those interested in healthcare careers. 

Education and Training: A high school diploma or equivalent is usually mandatory. 

Training for home health and personal care aides involves several weeks of classroom or on-the-job training and supervised hands-on sessions. 

Some states require formal credentials, such as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification. 

Personality Fit: The work is emotionally rewarding but can be physically and mentally demanding.

It requires a blend of compassion, empathy, adaptability, and a strong sense of duty. 

Trustworthiness and integrity are also crucial for home health and personal care aides given their work in clients’ homes. 

5. Biomedical Equipment Technicians

These skilled professionals maintain and repair critical medical equipment like ventilators, patient monitors, and diagnostic and imaging machines like X-rays and ultrasounds. 

They regularly inspect, calibrate, and test such equipment to ensure their safe and efficient operation in compliance with regulatory standards.  

Biomedical equipment technicians are responsible for troubleshooting malfunctions, replacing faulty components, and performing preventive maintenance to minimize downtime. 

By keeping medical equipment functional, these technicians support accurate diagnoses and treatments and contribute directly to healthcare delivery.

They collaborate with healthcare professionals to understand equipment needs and provide training on proper use. 

A key part of their job involves keeping detailed records of maintenance and repairs in accordance with safety protocols. 

Biomedical equipment technicians may specialize in areas like radiology, dialysis equipment, physiological monitoring, and advanced medical imaging. 

Projected Job Growth: 18% from 2023 to 2033. At that rate, around 7,300 new openings are expected each year on average over the decade. 

Annual Salary: $64,982, on average. Ranges from $38,500 at the low end to $104,000 at the higher end.  

Education and Training: An associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology or a related field is required. 

Some enter the field through paid apprenticeships, on-the-job training, or relevant military experience. 

Accredited online courses on this topic can help you quickly develop foundational skills and improve your employability. 

Personality Fit: This trade lies at the intersection of technology and healthcare. 

It therefore requires technical expertise, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments like hospitals and emergency rooms. 

Biomedical equipment technicians must be analytical, detail-oriented, and comfortable with troubleshooting and problem-solving. 

Good communication and collaboration are also crucial for explaining technical issues to patients and other healthcare staff.

6. Electricians

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, commercial buildings, factories, and infrastructure projects. They ensure wiring, outlets, circuit breakers, and lighting systems are configured safely and efficiently.

The job involves interpreting blueprints and technical diagrams, following local building codes, and using testing devices to identify electrical issues. 

Whether working on new construction or performing maintenance, electricians are responsible for ensuring all electrical systems meet safety and regulatory standards.

They use tools such as multimeters, conduit benders, and wire strippers on the job, often working in confined spaces or at heights. They are also tasked with installing smart home systems and energy-efficient lighting based on emerging technologies and trends.

Electricians must be able to troubleshoot problems quickly, determine the cause of system failures, and perform timely repairs to prevent safety hazards and service disruptions.

They work independently or collaborate with contractors, engineers, and building inspectors. 

Projected Job Growth: 11% annually from 2023 to 2033. That translates to 80,200 new job openings each year over the decade. 

Annual Salary: $65,390, on average. Ranges from $55,900 to $87,071.

Education and Training: Most electricians learn the trade through a four or five-year apprenticeship, which combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training. Some may also attend technical schools or community colleges before entering an apprenticeship program.

Almost all US states have licensing requirements for electricians, which involve passing an exam covering theory and electrical systems, the National Electrical Code, and local building regulations.

Personality Fit: Electricians need strong attention to detail, excellent hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving abilities. They must be comfortable working with their hands and in physically demanding conditions.

The role also requires patience, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure, especially when diagnosing complex issues. Safety consciousness and a commitment to continuous learning are essential traits for long-term success in this field.

Preparing for a Career in the Trades

Beyond high growth rates, the trade jobs listed above offer diverse opportunities for individuals seeking high-paying, stable, and rewarding careers. 

Here’s a step-by-step approach to preparing for a career in the trades:

1. Research and Choose a Trade: Assess your interests, strengths, and regional job demands. Trades related to renewable energy like wind turbine technicians and solar installers are ideal for those passionate about the environment, for instance, while healthcare trades are ideal for those interested in helping others.
2. Pursue Training: Enroll in a relevant vocational school, community college, or paid apprenticeship program. Many such training opportunities are offered by government agencies, trade unions, and employers. 
3. Obtain Certifications: Certifications like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for home health aides, CMRT certification for maintenance technicians, and NABCEP certification for solar installers enhance employability and earning potential.
4. Network and Gain Experience: Join trade associations, attend job fairs, seek mentorship from experts in your field, build connections, keep abreast of new trends and developments in your trade, gain hands-on experience, and engage in continuous education.
5. Stay Adaptable: The trades are constantly evolving as a result of new technologies, changing regulations, and shifting customer preferences. Adaptability allows tradespeople to weather temporary fluctuations in demand while ensuring career longevity.