The job market is constantly evolving, and skilled trade jobs are currently in demand. It’s now crucial for individuals to possess the specific skill sets that are in demand to secure employment. Moreover, not all jobs require a university degree. Currently, society needs tradespeople. Every nation’s workforce is mostly comprised of people with skilled trade jobs. In this article, we’ll explore the ten different skilled trade jobs in demand in 2024 with their yearly salary.Â
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What are skilled trade jobs?
Skill trade jobs are jobs that require some form of special training, learning, or education to acquire outside the scope of university education – that is, a trade school. They are jobs that need some mastery of either skilled or “semi-skilled” trade levels to perform and are, for the most part, usually service-oriented.
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Due to the nature of skilled trade jobs, the earning potential is quite high, especially because most youths run away from pursuing skilled trade jobs, and the training period is anywhere from two months to two years of apprenticeship. The usual hourly income could be anywhere from $22.08 per hour to $22,517 to $150,000 per annum, depending on the job.
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Top 10 Skilled Trade Jobs In Demand
Below is a list of the skilled trade jobs currently in demand in 2024:
1. Landscape Designer
Salary range (US): $61K – $100K/yr as of April 2024 according to Glassdoor.
Duties: Landscape designers are responsible for maintaining and designing outdoor spaces such as those for businesses, houses, or schools. They can create their designs or work from existing plans. Their tasks include selecting and obtaining plants and incorporating them into the overall design to achieve the desired outcome. Additionally, they are responsible for maintaining the attractiveness of outdoor areas by trimming and cleaning bushes, trees, plants, and grass.
2. Construction Manager
Salary range (US): $101K – $166K/yr as of April 2024 according to Glassdoor.Â
Duties: Construction management is another skilled trade job and it entails overseeing all aspects of construction projects from the planning phase until the project is completed. They take on leadership roles by ensuring that they have resources, manage teams, and ensure adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. Additionally, they handle contract negotiations, enforce safety regulations, and serve as the primary point of contact for clients.
3. Mechanics
Salary range (US): $64K – $118K/yr as of April 2024 according to Glassdoor.
Duties: Mechanics are skilled professionals responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining various types of machinery and vehicles. They identify issues, perform necessary repairs or replacements, conduct routine maintenance to prevent breakdowns, troubleshoot problems, and ensure everything operates efficiently. In simple terms, they’re professionals who keep things running smoothly and reliably.
4. Electricians
Salary range (US): $52K – $89K/yr as of April 2024 according to Glassdoor.
Duties: Electricians are saddled with the main tasks of installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment. They can work in settings like, residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Also, this trade skill job requires that professionals ensure electrical systems are installed correctly, comply with safety regulations, and function properly. In essence, electricians play a crucial role in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of electrical systems in buildings and facilities.
5. Bricklayers and Masons
Salary range (US): $45K – $72K/yr as of April 2024 according to Glassdoor.
Duties: Bricklayers and masons are skilled tradespeople who work with bricks, concrete blocks, and other masonry materials to construct and repair structures such as buildings, walls, and pathways. Summarily, their work involves laying bricks or blocks in specific patterns, applying mortar to bind them together, and shaping materials to fit project specifications. Additionally, bricklayers and masons may also work with stone, tile, or other materials to create decorative elements or finishes.Â
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6. Plumbers
Salary range (US): $63K – $107K/yr as of April 2024 according to Glassdoor.
Duties: Furthermore, Plumbers specialize in installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems. Their work involves different tasks like installing pipes, fixtures, and appliances such as sinks, toilets, showers, and water heaters. They also diagnose and repair leaks, clogs, and other plumbing issues, using specialized tools and equipment. They ensure that plumbing systems meet building codes and regulations, as well as environmental standards for water conservation and safety.
7. Welders
Salary range (US): $50K – $73K/yr as of April 2024 according to Glassdoor.
Duties: Another skilled trade job in demand in 2024 is welding. Welders are professionals who join metals together through the process of welding. They use various techniques such as arc welding, gas welding, and laser welding, depending on the project requirements and materials involved. In addition to welding, they inspect welded joints for quality and structural integrity to ensure they meet industry standards and project requirements. Welders work in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding, contributing to the fabrication of everything from bridges and buildings to vehicles and machinery.
8. Carpenter
Salary range (US): $59K – $100K/yr as of April 2024 according to Glassdoor.
Duties: Carpenters work with wood and other materials to construct, install, and repair various structures and fixtures. Their work encompasses a wide range of tasks, including framing buildings, installing doors, windows, and cabinets, and building furniture, decks, and fences. They may also work with other materials depending on the requirements of the project.
9. HVAC Technicians
Salary range (US): $52K – $79K/yr as of April 2024 according to Glassdoor.
Duties: HVAC stands for (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians are skilled professionals responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Their work involves ensuring that heating, cooling, and ventilation systems operate efficiently and effectively to maintain indoor comfort and air quality. HVAC technicians play a crucial role in creating and maintaining comfortable and healthy indoor environments for residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.
10. Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Salary range (US): $47K – $76K/yr as of April 2024 according to Glassdoor.
Duties: Finally, solar photovoltaic (PV) installers are skilled professionals who specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of solar panel systems. Their primary responsibility is to install solar panels on rooftops or other structures, ensuring that they are securely mounted and properly connected to electrical systems. Solar PV installers work with a variety of equipment and materials, including solar panels, mounting hardware, wiring, and inverters. They follow design plans and manufacturer specifications to ensure that solar panel systems are installed correctly and safely.
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Conclusion
For starters, it is important that you first select the skilled trade job that interests you. Obviously, by now, you should know at least quite a few things about the niche or areas of skilled trade jobs that are of interest to you and can make you lose your sense of time when you are at it. Get skills along the lines of those interests and watch how quickly you will develop.
Additionally, start at home and grow your expertise up to the point of going for a regular apprenticeship or internship in the area of your interest. Remember that skilled trade jobs are vocational skills. The third and final is never to stop learning about your skilled trade job or your other interests even way past the level where you have become an expert as there is always room for improvement.