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What each trade really pays, how to get in, and where the work is heading — career guides, salary ranges, licensing requirements, and software recommendations for 21 skilled trades.

High demand

Plumbing

Water supply, drainage, and gas piping installation and repair

$55k$70k/ year
6% (2024–2034, BLS) — faster than average growth
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High demand

Electrical

Electrical wiring, panel, and system installation and maintenance

$62k$78k/ year
6% (2024–2034, BLS) — faster than average growth
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High demand

HVAC

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation and service

$56k$72k/ year
8% (2024–2034, BLS) — much faster than average growth
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moderate

Roofing

Roof installation, repair, and replacement

$48k$62k/ year
6% (2024–2034, BLS) — faster than average growth
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moderate

Painting

Interior and exterior painting, staining, and coating

$44k$58k/ year
4% (2024–2034, BLS) — about as fast as average growth
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moderate

Landscaping

Lawn care, landscape design, hardscaping, and irrigation

$42k$55k/ year
4% (2024–2034, BLS) — about as fast as average growth
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moderate

General Contracting

General construction management and coordination of subcontractors

$68k$90k/ year
5% (2024–2034, BLS) — faster than average growth
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moderate

Concrete & Masonry

Concrete work, bricklaying, and stone construction

$52k$66k/ year
1.8% (2024–2034, BLS) — slower than average growth
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moderate

Flooring

Flooring installation including hardwood, tile, and carpet

$46k$60k/ year
4% (2024–2034, BLS) — about as fast as average growth
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moderate

Pest Control

Pest management, termite treatment, and wildlife removal

$44k$58k/ year
4% (2024–2034, BLS) — about as fast as average growth
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High demand

Cleaning & Restoration

Water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire cleanup

$48k$64k/ year
5% (2024–2034, BLS) — faster than average growth
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High demand

Fire Protection

Fire suppression systems, alarms, and sprinkler installation

$62k$80k/ year
4% (2024–2034, BLS) — about as fast as average growth
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High demand

Solar

Solar panel installation, battery storage, and energy systems

$56k$74k/ year
42% (2024–2034, BLS) — much faster than average growth
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moderate

Garage Doors

Garage door installation, repair, and opener services

$46k$60k/ year
11% (2024–2034, BLS) — much faster than average growth
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moderate

Fencing

Residential and commercial fence installation and repair

$42k$56k/ year
5% (2024–2034, BLS) — faster than average growth
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moderate

Pool & Spa

Pool construction, maintenance, and hot tub services

$46k$62k/ year
4% (2024–2034, BLS) — about as fast as average growth
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moderate

Appliance Repair

Home appliance repair and maintenance services

$46k$62k/ year
0% (2024–2034, BLS) — little or no change growth
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moderate

Locksmith

Lock installation, rekeying, and security systems

$44k$58k/ year
3% (2024–2034, BLS) — about as fast as average growth
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High demand

Insulation

Building insulation installation and energy efficiency

$44k$58k/ year
4% (2024–2034, BLS) — about as fast as average growth
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moderate

Windows & Doors

Window and door installation and replacement

$46k$62k/ year
3% (2024–2034, BLS) — about as fast as average growth
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moderate

Welding

Welding, cutting, and metal fabrication for construction, industrial, and manufacturing work

$45k$62k/ year
2% (2024–2034, BLS) — slower than average, but ~45,600 openings/year from replacement needs growth
Career guide →