How to Choose a Skilled Trade: Pay, Training & Demand
Choosing a skilled trade is a career decision that balances three main factors: how much you can earn, how long and costly the training is, and whether employers in your area are actually hiring. This guide walks you through a step-by-step method to compare trades using those three criteria, so you can pick one that fits your financial goals, your timeline, and your local job market.
What You’ll Need
- A list of trades you’re interested in (e.g., electrician, plumber, welder, HVAC technician, carpenter, medical assistant, dental hygienist).
- Access to the internet for researching local salary data and job postings.
- A notebook or spreadsheet to track your comparisons.
- Your personal priorities: minimum acceptable starting pay, maximum training time you can afford, and willingness to relocate.
Step-by-Step
- List candidate trades. Write down 5–10 trades that interest you. Don’t filter yet—just get them on paper. Include both traditional construction trades and healthcare or technical trades.
- Research local demand first. Go to your state’s labor department website or a job board like Indeed and search for each trade in your city or county. Count the number of active job postings. Also check if there are apprenticeship programs nearby—if no one is training, demand may be low. Trades with many postings and few applicants are your best bets.
- Find the typical training path and length. For each trade, look up the standard route: apprenticeship (e.g., 4–5 years for electricians), technical school (6 months to 2 years), or on-the-job training (varies). Note the total hours and whether you get paid during training (apprenticeships usually pay).
- Estimate total training cost. For technical school, get tuition figures from local community colleges or trade schools. For apprenticeships, note that you often pay for tools and books but earn while learning. Include lost wages if you must attend school full-time vs. working part-time.
- Look up starting and median pay. Use the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for national median wages, then adjust for your state using state labor data. Also check actual job postings for starting pay ranges. Write down both the low end and the median.
- Calculate payback time. For each trade, estimate total training cost (including lost wages) and divide by the difference between starting pay and what you currently earn (or minimum wage). That gives a rough number of months to recoup your investment. Lower is better.
- Score each trade. Give each trade a score from 1–5 for demand (5 = many local openings), 1–5 for pay (5 = high starting pay), and 1–5 for training (5 = short and low-cost). Multiply the three scores—trades with the highest product are your top candidates.
- Talk to people in the field. Reach out to local unions, apprenticeship coordinators, or working tradespeople. Ask about real working conditions, overtime availability, and whether new hires are actually getting jobs. This step often reveals things job boards don’t.
- Pick your top trade and make a plan. Choose the trade that scores highest and fits your life. Then map out the exact steps: which school or apprenticeship to apply to, when to start, and how you’ll cover costs during training.
Common Mistakes
- Ignoring local demand. A trade might pay well nationally but have few openings in your area. Always check your specific region.
- Only looking at median pay, not starting pay. Some trades take years to reach the median. If you need income soon, starting pay matters more.
- Underestimating training costs. Tuition is just the beginning—tools, safety gear, licensing exams, and travel add up. Include all of these.
- Forgetting that apprenticeships pay. Many people think all training is unpaid. Union apprenticeships often pay a percentage of journeyman wages, which changes the cost calculation.
- Choosing based on a friend’s experience. Your friend’s success in a trade doesn’t guarantee the same in your area or with your circumstances.
Tips
- Use the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook—it has projected growth rates for each trade, which helps with future demand.
- Check if your state offers free or low-cost training through workforce development programs or community college grants.
- Consider trades that offer certifications you can add later, like becoming a master electrician or a licensed plumber—these increase pay without a full degree.
- If you’re flexible, look at demand in nearby states. Some trades pay significantly more across a state line.
- Talk to a local union hall even if you’re not sure—they often have pre-apprenticeship programs that let you try the work before committing.
Troubleshooting
What if the trade you want has low local demand? Consider relocating to a region with more openings, or look for adjacent trades that use similar skills. For example, if welding is slow, pipefitting or metal fabrication might be hiring.
What if you can’t afford the training? Look for apprenticeships that pay while you learn—they often have no tuition. Also check for federal grants (like Pell Grants for technical schools) or employer-sponsored training programs.
What if you start training and realize it’s not for you? Many trade schools have a trial period. If you’re in an apprenticeship, you can often switch to a different trade within the same union without losing all your hours. Don’t quit immediately—talk to your instructor or coordinator first.
What if the pay data is confusing or conflicting? Cross-reference at least three sources: BLS, state labor department, and actual job postings. If they disagree, trust the job postings for starting pay and BLS for long-term median.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a skilled tradesperson?
It varies widely. Apprenticeships typically last 3–5 years, while technical school programs can be 6 months to 2 years. Some trades, like medical assisting, offer certificates in under a year.
Do apprenticeships pay?
Yes, most registered apprenticeships pay a starting wage that increases as you gain skills. It’s usually a percentage of a journeyman’s wage, often starting around 40–50% and rising to 90% by the final year.
Which trade has the shortest training?
Some of the shortest are in healthcare, like certified nursing assistant (CNA) or phlebotomy technician, which can be completed in a few months. In construction, some specialties like drywall or painting have shorter informal apprenticeships.
What trade pays the most?
According to BLS data, elevator installers and repairers, electrical power-line installers, and radiation therapists (a skilled healthcare trade) are among the highest-paid. However, pay varies by location and experience.
Is it better to go to trade school or an apprenticeship?
It depends on the trade and your situation. Apprenticeships usually mean no tuition and paid work, but take longer. Trade school is faster but costs money. For regulated trades like electrician or plumber, an apprenticeship is often required for licensing.
How do I know if a trade is in demand in my area?
Check your state’s labor market information website, search job boards for postings, and contact local unions or trade associations. They often have the most current data on shortages.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.