The construction industry is responsible for the building and maintenance of infrastructures of all shapes and sizes. With recent figures indicating an industry value of more than $1.8 trillion in the US alone, our US trade report makes it clear that construction trades are a massive contributor to the US economy.

Whether you are a seasoned veteran or don’t know the difference between a toy screwdriver and the best cordless drill, there are opportunities for everyone wanting to make it in the industry. We gathered data on the current state of trade jobs to provide you with all the information you need if you are looking to get your foot in the door.

WITH AN AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE OF MORE THAN $100,000, ELEVATOR AND ESCALATOR INSTALLERS ARE THE BIGGEST EARNERS WHEN IT COMES TO TRADE JOBS

We analyzed data on various construction-related trades to kick off our US trade report. Our goal was to find which jobs are the biggest money-makers in the industry. Here’s what we discovered.

Highest-paying trade jobs in the USA

1. Elevator and escalator installer – $100,060 per year

With an average annual salary of over $100,000 a year, elevator and escalator installers top the list. While power tools are a big help, the role of elevator and escalator technicians can be very physically demanding. Workers often work in high spaces or cramped areas, depending on the situation at hand.

2. Electrical power-line installer – $85,900 per year

Earning an average of $85,900 annually, electrical power-line installers handle the installation, maintenance, and repair of the power grid. This job can be quite hazardous due to the high voltages involved. It often requires working at great heights or in adverse weather conditions. The job demands strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and a robust understanding of electrical systems.

3. Aircraft mechanics technician – $76,260 per year

Aircraft mechanic technicians earn around $76,260 per year and are crucial in ensuring the safety and functionality of aircraft. Their work involves inspecting, repairing, maintaining, and occasionally overhauling aircraft engines and systems. This role requires specialized training, often through an FAA-approved program. It can also include working odd hours, including nights and weekends, to keep up with flight schedules.

Highest-earning states for tradespeople

Looking across all occupations in the “construction & extraction” sector, here are the states where people can expect to earn the most.

1. Hawaii – $79,770

Hawaii ranks highest with an average wage of $79,770 for construction and extraction workers. The state’s unique geographic and economic circumstances significantly contribute to this figure. Being an isolated group of islands, Hawaii faces unique logistics and supply chain challenges. This tends to drive up both construction costs and wages. Additionally, the high cost of living and continuous demand for residential and commercial development, driven by tourism and local needs, keep salaries high. The construction sector in Hawaii often deals with specific regulations and environmental considerations. These may require more specialized and even higher-paid labor.

2. Massachusetts – $79,120

Massachusetts closely follows with an average wage of $79,120. This state’s strong economy, anchored by technology, education, and healthcare sectors, fuels ongoing construction projects, including new developments and renovations of historic sites. The presence of top-tier universities and a booming tech sector in areas like Cambridge and Boston increases demand for specialized construction work, pushing up wages. Massachusetts also has a high cost of living, particularly in the greater Boston area, which translates into higher average salaries.

3. New Jersey – $77,840

With an average wage of $77,840, New Jersey also has high earnings for construction and extraction occupations. Its location as a corridor between major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia significantly contributes to its construction industry. There is a consistent demand for infrastructure development and maintenance, residential construction, and commercial projects. The state’s economic diversity, from pharmaceuticals to finance, ensures a steady demand for specialized construction services. Like Massachusetts, the high cost of living, especially in the northern part of the state close to New York City, likely elevates average wages. Employers must offer competitive compensation in order to attract skilled workers.

The following list reveals which trades currently have the most employees based on data from May 2023.

The most common trade jobs in the USA

1. Maintenance and repair worker – 1,503,150 employees

As the name suggests, maintenance and repair workers are responsible for fixing machines and equipment. They also handle the upkeep of commercial buildings. Aside from the fact that no two days are the same, this role is popular as you don’t need specific work experience. Most people learn while on the job.

2. Construction laborer – 1,019,090 employees

Construction laborers are next on our list of the most common trades in the US, with over 1 million employees. These laborers put on their work boots and play a vital role in the construction industry, contributing significantly to the country’s many ongoing infrastructure projects.

3. Electrician – 712,580 employees

Electricians complete our top three list of the most common trades in the US, with more than 712,000 workers nationwide. Unlike the other entries on our list, US electricians are found the most on the West Coast. Almost 10% of all employees in this field work in California alone.

WITH A TOTAL OF 55,579 ACTIVE JOB OPPORTUNITIES, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR WORKERS ARE IN HIGHER DEMAND THAN ANY OTHER CONSTRUCTION TRADE

Utilizing current job opportunities across the US, we have ranked trade jobs based on those with the most online vacancies.

Most in-demand trade jobs in the USA

1. Maintenance and repair worker – 55,579 total  job opportunities

If you are looking for work as a maintenance and repair worker, you shouldn’t need to look too far. This trade has over 55,000 online vaccines across job recruitment websites, more than any other entry on our list.

2. Construction laborer – 41,570 total job opportunities

It has already been revealed that construction laborers are one of the most common trades in the US. Bearing this in mind, it may come as no surprise that there are many online job opportunities in this field, over 41,000 in total.

3. HVAC installer – 32,764 total job opportunities

There are 32,764 job opportunities available for HVAC installers, making it the third most in-demand trade. The vacancy surge for HVAC installers is likely driven by new building construction, renovations of existing structures, and the increasing focus on energy efficiency and climate control technologies in living and working environments.

Which trade jobs have grown in popularity the most?

We’ve also looked back over the last five years to see which construction and trades industry jobs have seen the most significant growth since 2018.

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1. Earth Drillers (Except Oil and Gas) – 177.2% increase

• May 2018 employment: 18,270
• May 2023 employment: 50,640

Earth drillers, excluding those in the oil and gas sectors, top the list with a striking 177.2% increase in employment. This surge is likely influenced by the expansion of geothermal energy projects and increased demand for environmental drilling. This includes soil and water testing, which is crucial for assessing pollution levels and ensuring the structural integrity of proposed construction sites.

2. Solar Photovoltaic Installers – 173.9% increase

• May 2018 employment: 8,950
• May 2023 employment: 24,510

The significant increase in solar photovoltaic (solar panel) installers by 173.9% reflects the growing global emphasis on renewable energy sources. Government incentives, decreasing costs of solar technology, and increased consumer interest in reducing carbon footprints have all contributed to the growing demand for professionals in this field.

3. Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators – 30.3% increase

• May 2018 employment: 14,410
• May 2023 employment: 18,770

The third highest growth was observed among rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators, with a 30.3% increase. This growth can be attributed to expansions in rail infrastructure and increased freight transport as economies expand and urbanize.

FLOOR LAYERS HAVE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT WAGE PROGRESSION OF ANY TRADE JOB, WITH A $170,000 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENTRY-LEVEL AND SENIOR ROLES

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Money is a significant factor when looking for a long-term career in the construction trade. The key is knowing which roles offer the most considerable pay progression.

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