CAREERS IN THE TRADES
Careers in the skilled trades are in-demand which means there are always jobs available. Learn more about the most popular careers in the skilled trades below.
CARPENTRY
Responsible for building the infrastructure of our communities, carpenters shape our society using a mix of traditional and modern materials and tools. This creative and innovative profession is always filled with exciting job opportunities.
Salary Range 
$36K-$90K
Jobs Available
956K+
Carpentry
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Attention To Detail
Critical Thinking
Physical Endurance
Construction Math
Problem Solving
Carpentry
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build, repair, and install structures and molding
- Measure, shape, and cut materials including wood, shiplap, and glass
- Construct building foundations and framework, including doors, floors, and walls
- Repair or replace damaged structures
- Understand and practice safety procedures and proper tool handling
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HVAC
When it comes to keeping our homes, offices, and indoor spaces comfortable, HVAC Techs are your first call. The units maintained by HVAC Techs improve our air quality, while warming and cooling our homes.
Salary Range
$36K – $83K
Jobs Available
415K+
HVAC
REQUIREMENTS
Analytical Skills
Hand-Eye Coordination
Critical Thinking
Physical Endurance
Communication Skills
Technical Skills
HVAC
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Install, repair, maintain, and clean HVAC units
- Identify and troubleshoot HVAC malfunctions
- Replace or repair faulty parts
- Explain HVAC problems and solutions to customer
- Respond to emergency repair requests after regular working hours
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PLUMBING
The clean water that we use every day to wash our hands, do dishes, and drink is all thanks to plumbers. Plumbers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing commercial and residential plumbing systems.
Salary Range
$37K – $101K
Jobs Available
482K+
Plumbing
REQUIREMENTS
Problem Solving
Attention To Detail
Analytical Skills
Physical Endurance
Communication Skills
Customer Service
Plumbing
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Install and repair pipes and fixtures
- Perform inspections and tests to determine source of the problem
- Read and interpret blueprints
- Understand and follow building code regulations
- Effectively communicate problems and recommendations to customers
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ELECTRICAL
Electricians keep the electrical lines running throughout our homes and cities. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing commercial and residential electrical systems.
Salary Range
$37K – $102K
Jobs Available
762K+
Electrical
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Attention To Detail
Analytical Skills
Problem Solving
Communication Skills
Technical Skills
Electrical
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Diagnose and repair electrical issues
- Plan and install electrical wiring and systems
- Inspect, perform tests, and troubleshoot systems
- Perform maintenance checks
- Practice safety procedures while handling tools
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MASONRY
From building hospitals and schools to residential neighborhoods, masons build it all. In this well-rounded profession, they lay bricks and stones, ensure our buildings are safe, and beautify our communities.
Salary Range
$36K – $82K
Jobs Available
294K+
Masonry
REQUIREMENTS
Creativity
Physical Endurance
Analytical Skills
Attention To Detail
Construction Math
Problem Solving
Masonry
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Interpret blueprints to determine the materials needed for a job
- Precisely cut materials in correct shape and size
- Ensure structures are level
- Demolish and build structures like chimneys and walls
- Mix concrete for roads, sidewalks, driveways, and floors
- Operate equipment and machinery safely
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WELDING
From schools to custom cars, welders shape most of the structures that we use regularly. Welders fuse metals together to help build bridges, buildings, tools, cars, and so much more.
Salary Range
$35K – $68K
Jobs Available
431K+
Welding
REQUIREMENTS
Organizational Skills
Analytical Skills
Attention To Detail
Physical Endurance
Technical Skills
Hand-Eye Coordination
Welding
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build, repair, and install structures and molding
- Analyze blueprints and sketches to determine dimensions of materials
- Cut and fuse metals and other materials together
- Fill and repair holes and dents in structures
- Utilize torches and power tools safely
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PAINTING
Painters use color, texture, and prints to add personality to the structures in our communities. They are responsible for patching walls, mixing paints, consulting on color options, and painting interior and exterior surfaces for residential and commercial customers.
Salary Range
$32K – $72K
Jobs Available
372K+
Painting
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Creativity
Detail-Oriented
Time Management
Communication Skills
Customer Service
Painting
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Use professional techniques to apply primers, sealer, paint coating, and other finishes
- Clean work area before and after painting
- Cover floors, furniture, and other surfaces to protect from paint
- Fill holes and cracks with plaster or mud
- Determine the amount of materials needed for the job
- Provide professional suggestions and communicate clearly with customers
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ROOFING
From homes to hospitals, roofers are essential to keeping structures protected and covered. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial roofs.
Salary Range
$31K – $75K
Jobs Available
154K+
Roofing
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Physical Endurance
Organizational Skills
Time Management
Communication Skills
Team Player
Roofing
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Inspect damages and recommend repairs
- Calculate materials needed to install or repair a roof
- Install ventilation, insulation, and vapor barriers
- Remove and replace damaged or unwanted roof
- Spray roofs with chemical treatments and seal exposed nails to protect from weather damage
- Clearly answer customer questions and concerns
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CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING
Construction workers and remodelers support the building and improvement of our communities. They’re hard work keeps roads and sidewalks smoothly paved, secures foundations, frames buildings, and removes hazardous debris.
Salary Range
$29K – $66K
Jobs Available
1.6M
Construction & Remodeling
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Physical Endurance
Critical Thinking
Detail-Oriented
Team Player
Time Management
Construction & Remodeling
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Clean and prepare construction sites
- Build and deconstruct temporary structures, barricades, and scaffolding
- Load and unload materials, tools, and equipment
- Safely operate equipment and heavy machinery
- Dig holes and tunnels
- Mix, pour, and level concrete
- Collaborate with electricians, carpenters, and other trades workers
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LANDSCAPING
Trimmed hedges, healthy lawns, and fresh flowers transform the look and feel of neighborhoods, and it’s all due to landscapers. Also known as groundskeeping, this skilled career requires creativity and attention to detail to maintain a well-manicured environment.
Salary Range
$27K – $50K
Jobs Available
1.2M+
Landscaping
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Physical Endurance
Detail-Oriented
Creativity
Time Management
Customer Service
Landscaping
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain grounds by adding mulch, fertilizer, and pesticides to customer properties
- Remove weeds, leaves, and damaged or unwanted trees
- Install drainage system to prevent flooding
- Maintain an understanding of various plant species
- Strategically design and plant floral arrangements, hedges, and trees
- Install sprinkler and irrigation systems
- Follow safety guidelines while utilizing landscaping equipment
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PROPERTY INVESTMENT
Enhance your future and community by pursuing a career in Property Investment. Investors increase the value of homes and buildings through renovations and repairs, which in turn raises the value of surrounding properties.
Salary Range
$80K – $288K
Jobs Available
18K+
Property Investment
REQUIREMENTS
Customer Service
Financial Acumen
Critical Thinking
Detail-Oriented
Communication Skills
Time Management
Property Investment
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build a list of leads and contacts to find sellers and buyers
- Arrange and manage demolitions, repairs, and renovations
- Market your property for rent or sale and manage upkeep while vacant
- Understand property value and return on investment to make the best decisions when buying and selling properties
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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Property Managers and maintenance personnel have the important job of ensuring communities run smoothly and are well maintained. Property management positions require customer service and business administration skills, along with great attention to detail. Maintenance positions, which are more associated with the skilled trades industry, perform hands-on technical tasks and hold expertise that is transferable to other skilled careers.
Salary Range
$35K – $129K
Jobs Available
429K+
Property Management
REQUIREMENTS
Customer Service
Physical Endurance
Problem Solving
Hand-Eye Coordination
Management Skills
Attention to Detail
Property Management
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee and/or perform regular maintenance checks and arrange repairs as needed
- Perform inspection and diagnosis of the safety of equipment
- Review inventory and order supplies as needed
- Identify, diagnose, and clearly explain technical problems to clients
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HANDYWORK
Handy workers keep communities and homes running smoothly. They offer well-rounded knowledge on fixing or assembling various aspects of residential and commercial spaces.
Salary Range
$29K – $68K
Jobs Available
1.6M+
Handywork
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Physical Endurance
Interpersonal Skills
Detail-Oriented
Communication Skills
Time Management
Handywork
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage basic repairs and maintenance
- Identify and diagnose mechanical and electrical problems
- Assemble machinery, equipment, furniture, etc.
- Maintain general upkeep of property and equipment
- Clearly communicate details of repairs and estimates with clients
- Order supplies and materials needed for a job
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RESTORATION
Restoration Technicians manage the cleanup and rebuilding process of fire and water damage. Compassion and communication are key to this essential job, as you’re helping customers restore their space from damages caused by natural disasters like hurricanes to unexpected events like fires.
Salary Range
$36K – $66K
Jobs Available
27K+
Restoration
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Detail-Oriented
Physical Endurance
Critical Thinking
Communication Skills
Problem Solving
Restoration
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Inspect and assess damaged properties to create a restoration plan
- Remove damaged materials, hazardous waste and mold, and sanitize area
- Replace irreparable materials and foundation like drywall and flooring
- Dry areas of property affected by water damage
- Follow safety procedures and wear the correct safety gear
- Clearly explain restoration plan to customers, and address customer questions and concerns
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HOW TO BECOME A TRADES PROFESSIONAL
There’s more than one way to a successful career. Explore the paths to building a future in the skilled trades
Boost Your Credentials
Technical College
- Experience hands-on training and learn practical skills
- Choose between a two-year degree or specialized certificate
- Search schools and certification programs by name, state, or zip code
- Enhance your credentials to earn more in less time
- Earn certifications in your specialty
