Jobs that will always be needed are those in the trades, but right now, there aren’t enough qualified workers to meet the demand. As Baby Boomers retire, trade employers are having a difficult time finding replacements.
In this blog post, we explore some high-paying jobs in demand for the future by exclusively looking at the trades. Whether you're a recent graduate or looking to make a career change, we hope you consider one of these trade job opportunities.
High-paying Jobs In Demand for the Future: Trades Edition
As the world progresses and technology advances, there are several good trade jobs to get into that offer excellent career prospects. Let’s take a look at some of the most high-paying jobs in demand for the future.
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Job summary: Transportation, storage, and distribution managers plan, direct, and coordinate transportation, storage, and distribution activities to ensure efficient and timely delivery of goods and products.
Education required: A high school diploma or equivalent.
Years of experience: 5 years or more of work experience in a related field.
Annual salary: $98,230 as of May 2021.
Job outlook: 8% growth rate, 2021 to 2031.
Electricians
Job summary: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, lighting systems, and other electrical components in homes, commercial buildings, and factories.
Education required: A high school diploma or equivalent and 4-5 years of apprenticeship training in electrical work.
Years of experience: None.
Annual salary: $60,040 as of May 2021.
Job outlook: 7% growth rate, 2021 to 2031.
Line Installers and Repairers
Job summary: Electrical linemen play a critical role in maintaining the electrical infrastructure that powers modern life. They install, maintain, and repair electrical power lines and equipment, often at great heights.
Education required: A high school diploma or equivalent and completion of an apprenticeship or technical school training in electrical line work paired with long-term on-the-job training.
Years of experience: None.
Annual salary: $74,530 as of May 2021.
Job outlook: 6% growth rate, 2021 to 2031.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights
Job summary: Industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights inspect, diagnose, and repair malfunctioning machinery and equipment and install new machinery and equipment.
Education required: A high school diploma or equivalent and completion of an apprenticeship or vocational training program plus over a year of on-the-job training.
Years of experience: 0-5 years of experience in industrial machinery maintenance, depending on the complexity of the machinery.
Annual salary: $59,380 as of May 2021.
Job outlook: 14% growth rate, 2021 to 2031.
Rotary Drill Operators (Oil and Gas)
Job summary: Rotary drill operators (oil and gas) use heavy machinery to drill for oil and gas deposits. They’re responsible for setting up and maintaining drilling equipment, operating drill bits, and extracting samples of rock and soil for analysis.
Education required: A high school diploma or equivalent with moderate on-the-job training.
Years of experience: None.
Annual salary: $56,380 as of May 2021.
Job outlook: 18% growth rate from 2021 to 2031.
Wind Turbine Service Technicians
Job summary: Wind turbine technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines that generate renewable energy, helping to create a more sustainable future. While they may make the least amount of money on this list of in demand trades that pay well, wind turbine techs are the second fastest growing occupation.
Education required: A postsecondary nondegree award with long-term on-the-job training.
Years of experience: None.
Annual salary: $56,260 as of May 2021.
Job outlook: 44% growth rate, 2021 to 2031.
Let’s summarize this section by answering a few questions:
- Which trade is most in demand?
Wind turbine service technicians.
- Which trending trade job gets paid the most?
Transportation, storage, and distribution managers.
- Which is the best trade career?
We can’t say which trade career is the "best" as it ultimately depends on your individual interests, skills, and goals. What may be the best fit for one person may not be right for another. It’s important to research different trade job opportunities to determine which one is the best for you.
3 Benefits of Pursuing Top Trade Jobs In Demand
Job Security
With the growing population, retiring tradesmen, and aging infrastructure, trade jobs offer great job security. And while some trade jobs can be automated away, many cannot. This means tradesmen will be required to upskill as technology becomes more integrated in industries such as manufacturing, making them more competitive in the market.
High Earning Potential
Counter to popular opinion, trade job salaries are often on par with or higher than jobs that require a college degree. Additionally, many trade jobs offer opportunities for overtime and bonuses, which can increase your earning potential even further.
Career Advancement
Trade jobs offer numerous opportunities for career advancement, especially in industries such as construction and manufacturing. With the right training and experience, you can move up the ranks to become a supervisor, manager, or even a business owner.
The trades are essential to our country’s future, but today they’re in even greater demand given the shortage of skilled workers. If you’re looking for a rewarding career, consider the trade jobs of the future listed above:
- Transportation, storage, and distribution manager
- Electrician
- Electrical lineman
- Industrial machinery mechanic, machinery maintenance worker, or millwright
- Rotary drill operator
- Wind turbine technician
Contact Skillwork to Explore Trade Job Opportunities
As a travel staffing agency dedicated to the trades, Skillwork connects skilled workers with employers looking to hire across the U.S. We believe pursuing a trade is an honorable career path worth your consideration.
The trades are full of lucrative opportunities that need workers now. Though we may not have open positions for all the trade job opportunities mentioned in this blog, we have many openings in fields such as construction and manufacturing.
Apply now to get in touch with a Skillwork recruiter about your eligibility for open positions.
