Best Trades for Women
Trades with growing opportunities and active support for women
Women represent a growing share of electricians, HVAC techs, and plumbers. Organizations like NAWIC, Women in HVACR, and union apprenticeship programs actively recruit and support women in the trades.
All 21 trades (women-in-trades data coming soon)
Plumbing
Water supply, drainage, and gas piping installation and repair
$63k median
+6% growth
5yr to journeyman
Recession-resistantElectrical
Electrical wiring, panel, and system installation and maintenance
$62k median
+6% growth
5yr to journeyman
Recession-resistantHVAC
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installation and service
$60k median
+8% growth
4yr to journeyman
Recession-resistantRoofing
Roof installation, repair, and replacement
$51k median
+6% growth
3yr to journeyman
Painting
Interior and exterior painting, staining, and coating
$49k median
+4% growth
4yr to journeyman
Landscaping
Lawn care, landscape design, hardscaping, and irrigation
$38k median
+4% growth
1yr to journeyman
Recession-resistantGeneral Contracting
General construction management and coordination of subcontractors
$105k median
+5% growth
8yr to journeyman
Concrete & Masonry
Concrete work, bricklaying, and stone construction
$57k median
+1.8% growth
3yr to journeyman
Flooring
Flooring installation including hardwood, tile, and carpet
$48k median
+4% growth
3yr to journeyman
Pest Control
Pest management, termite treatment, and wildlife removal
$44k median
+4% growth
1yr to journeyman
Recession-resistantCleaning & Restoration
Water damage restoration, mold remediation, fire cleanup
$39k median
+5% growth
2yr to journeyman
Recession-resistantFire Protection
Fire suppression systems, alarms, and sprinkler installation
$74k median
+4% growth
5yr to journeyman
Recession-resistantSolar
Solar panel installation, battery storage, and energy systems
$52k median
+42% growth
2yr to journeyman
Garage Doors
Garage door installation, repair, and opener services
$56k median
+11% growth
2yr to journeyman
Fencing
Residential and commercial fence installation and repair
$47k median
+5% growth
2yr to journeyman
Pool & Spa
Pool construction, maintenance, and hot tub services
$49k median
+4% growth
2yr to journeyman
Appliance Repair
Home appliance repair and maintenance services
$49k median
0% growth
2yr to journeyman
Recession-resistantLocksmith
Lock installation, rekeying, and security systems
$46k median
+3% growth
2yr to journeyman
Recession-resistantInsulation
Building insulation installation and energy efficiency
$49k median
+4% growth
3yr to journeyman
Recession-resistantWindows & Doors
Window and door installation and replacement
$55k median
+3% growth
2yr to journeyman
Welding
Welding, cutting, and metal fabrication for construction, industrial, and manufacturing work
$51k median
+2% growth
3yr to journeyman
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