More women in the United States are entering the skilled trades. A skilled trade is a job that requires specific skills, knowledge or abilities. These occupations are usually hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves jobs, such as electricians, carpenters and technicians.
Training or an apprenticeship in the trades can be a more cost-effective way to obtain a job compared to pursuing a four-year college degree. A woman in the trades won’t be burdened by substantial student debt. Since there is an ever-growing demand for skilled tradespeople, these jobs can offer competitive salaries and financial rewards.
A majority of tradespeople report high levels of job satisfaction, which is crucial for career longevity and personal fulfillment. This satisfaction can lead to career advancement and increased opportunities for women in the skilled trades.
Breaking Into The Skilled Trades
To get a job in the skilled trades, you will most often be required to undergo a vocational training program or an apprenticeship. These programs are offered by trade schools and at some community colleges. In an apprenticeship, you will work alongside a skilled tradesperson and be given on-the-job training. After completing your program, you may need to obtain a license or certification for your specialty. These designations will vary by cities and states.
Jobs For Women In The Trades
Women bring unique perspectives and skills to the industry, contributing to a more inclusive workforce.
Learning a trade equips individuals with skills that are valuable throughout their lives, providing long-term benefits and marketability. These skills are transferable and can be utilized in various personal and professional settings.
These 10 jobs represent a range of opportunities available for women, offering diverse career paths within industries in the construction, service and industrial trades. All of the average salary numbers come from Indeed.com.
1. Dental Hygienist
- Average Base Salary: $100,344
- Job Summary: A dental hygienist is a licensed oral healthcare professional who works alongside dentists to provide preventive dental care, teeth cleanings and oral hygiene instruction.
- Qualifications: To become a dental hygienist, you are typically required to have a minimum associate degree, although requirements vary from state to state. You must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and obtain a license issued by the state in which you will practice.
2. Construction Manager
- Average Base Salary: $90,208
- Job Summary: Construction managers oversee the development of buildings and infrastructure, managing tasks onsite, scheduling, budgeting and supervising projects from start to finish.
- Qualifications: When hiring construction managers, most employers prefer they have a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, architecture or civil engineering. However, it is possible to get hired with an associate degree in construction management or technology combined with relevant work experience in the field.
3. Service Technician
- Average Base Salary: $67,670
- Job Summary: Service technicians provide installation, maintenance and repair services for various equipment, machinery or systems.
- Qualifications: To become a service technician, a high school diploma or GED is required, in addition to vocational training. Relevant work experience in automotive, heavy equipment or electronics repair is essential, although many employers provide on-the-job training. Certification requirements vary based on what type of equipment you want to service.
4. Landscaper
- Average Base Salary: $67,225
- Job Summary: Landscapers design, install and upkeep landscapes for residential and commercial properties.
- Qualifications: Landscaping does not require formal education, and offers on-the-job training. However, most states require licensing for workers who apply pesticides or fertilizers.
5. Hair Stylist
- Average Base Salary: $65,589
- Job Summary: A hair stylist works in salons, spas, fashion shoots or production sets for film, television and theater. Their job responsibilities include washing, cutting and styling hair, as well as providing advice on hair products and care.
- Qualifications: While a college degree is not mandated, most board-approved cosmetology programs require a high school diploma or GED. Aspiring hair stylists must enroll in a state-approved cosmetology school to learn basic skills, like hair coloring, cutting, styling and more. Hair stylists are required to complete a certain number of supervised practice hours, which varies from state to state. After completing the training program and practice hours, you must pass the licensing exam through your state board.
6. Makeup Artist
- Average Base Salary: $65,402
- Job Summary: A makeup artist applies makeup and prosthetics to enhance or alter a person’s physical appearance. MUAs work in several industries, including theater, television, film, fashion, magazines and beauty.
- Qualifications: Cosmetology programs provide makeup artists with hands-on training. To thrive in this field, MUAs should build a portfolio. You can choose to train under licensed artists to gain industry experience. Others get their start by working at cosmetic counters in drugstores and department stores to learn more about the products, interact with customers and build up a clientele. Film, television and fashion don’t generally require you to be a certified makeup artist. However, requirements for working as a makeup artist vary from state to state. Some states require certification, while others only mandate a cosmetology license earned through professional training at a cosmetology school. A few states don’t require either. Some salons may require a cosmetology license to work at their establishment.
7. Electrician
- Average Base Salary: $63,545
- Job Summary: Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, equipment and fixtures. They ensure that work is compliant with relevant codes.
- Qualifications: Electricians need a high school diploma before entering into a paid apprenticeship program that lasts about four or five years. Most states require electricians to be licensed.
8. Carpenter
- Average Base Salary: $61,105
- Job Summary: Carpenters construct, repair and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.
- Qualifications: With a high school diploma or GED, you can become a carpenter by starting an apprenticeship under a trade union or contractor. You can also pursue a two-year carpentry certificate at a technical school or enroll in the Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training program offered by the Home Builders Institute. You must pass the required Occupational Safety and Health Administration courses.
9. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning Technician
- Average Base Salary: $56,204
- Job Summary: An HVAC technician installs, maintains and repairs heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
- Qualifications: To become an HVAC technician, you must enroll in an apprenticeship that provides on-the-job experience or attend a community college or vocational school, after obtaining a high school diploma or GED. Many states require HVAC technicians to become licensed. Applicants must often show proof of work experience and liability insurance, and pass an exam, with requirements varying from state to state. Some states require certification, which is obtained by completing a minimum number of work hours and passing an exam. Common certifications include Section 608 Technician certification through the Environmental Protection Agency and R-410A certification. HVAC technicians working with refrigerants must get EPA certification.
10. Massage Therapist
- Average Base Salary: $56,504
- Job Summary: A massage therapist is a practitioner who manipulates the soft tissues of the body to promote relaxation, reduce stress, relieve pain and enhance overall wellness.
- Qualifications: Training programs in massage therapy generally require a high school diploma or GED. Aspiring massage therapists must enroll in an accredited massage therapy school. Most states require a minimum number of hours of training, passing an exam to demonstrate competency, such as the Massage and Bodywork Licensure Examination. The MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.
Who Should Consider A Job In The Trades?
1. You have a proclivity for technical things.
If you have an inclination for understanding machinery, tools and equipment operation, and are able to troubleshoot and solve problems efficiently, you could flourish in a skilled trades job.
2. You have a keen attention to detail.
Precision and attention to detail are essential in many skilled trades jobs, ensuring quality workmanship and safety standards are met.
3. You possess strong communication skills.
Effective communication with colleagues, clients and supervisors is vital in the skilled trades sector to ensure projects run smoothly and requirements are clearly understood.
4. You exhibit a growth mindset.
Embracing a mindset of continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends, technologies, and best practices can help women stay competitive in the skilled trades sector.
Source: Forbes
