Trade jobs in the U.S. are in a renaissance with high demand for skilled workers and waning interest in college among young adults.
The shortage of workers in the trades has driven up the pay, making those positions more attractive and the training a better payoff than a four-year college degree, in many instances.
Trade jobs in the U.S. are going through a renaissance. (Scott Olson/Getty Images/File)
Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job site Indeed recently reported that the average salary for a trade job in America is $61,900, but several occupations pay much more, even just starting out.
Trade jobs in the U.S. are going through a renaissance. (George Frey/Getty Images/File)
The shortage of trade workers has led to elevated demand across the economy, particularly in the construction field, where the dearth of skilled workers is contributing to a shortage of housing across the country.
The 2024 U.S. Trade Report from ProTool Reviews focused on that industry and highlighted the best-paying trade jobs in the sector.
Elevator and escalator installer is the highest-paid trade job in the construction industry, according to new data. (iStock)
Two rodbuster ironworkers use pliers to attach rebar during the construction of the new 6th Street Bridge in Los Angeles on June 3, 2022. (Gary Leonard/Getty Images)