Top 5 Skilled Trades Careers for 2025

Many skilled trades jobs are always necessary for life as we know it, making entrance into these careers a smart professional move. Each of the careers we highlight below has a projected growth of 5% or more over the next decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This means that these jobs may have a level of job security others may not, as well as a decent number of openings when you’re looking for a position. Furthermore, many trades allow you to be your own boss as a business owner. Here are some more factors that contribute to why certain trades are more popular than others:

• Skilled labor shortages
• Construction boom
• Renewable energy growth
• Aging infrastructure
• Technological advancements

Skilled trades jobs are expected to remain steady or grow over the next decade. Growth in available jobs in this field means that there will be several opportunities for those looking to start a new, rewarding career in 2025. Bob Schafer, skilled trades instructor at Penn Foster Group, explains why this field may be worth your time: “The timing is just right for somebody in the skilled trades business right now. There's a ton of need for it out there. The pay scale is very good.”

Some top, in-demand skilled trades careers include:

If you want to start a rewarding career that gives you plenty of opportunities to use your troubleshooting and problem-solving skills, becoming an electrician could be the perfect career path for you! It’s also a great time to start training for the job, with over 700,000 new jobs in the field expected in the next decade.

Average electrician salary: $61,590

How to become an electrician: In order to become a residential electrician, you’ll need on-the-job training and knowledge of the fundamental skills needed to perform the job. Many states also require you to be licensed to work as an electrician. Through our flexible, online Residential Electrician Career Diploma, you’ll build the skills to become an electrician on your schedule in as little as 7-11 months!*

Read more: 5 Jobs You Need to Know About in 2025

Plumbers play an important role in construction and home maintenance. Plumbing is a rewarding industry that allows you to work with your hands, solve problems, and use your troubleshooting skills. If you’re interested in becoming a plumber or starting your own plumbing business, now’s a great time to take the first steps!

Average plumber salary: $62,970

How to become a plumber: Most states require plumbers to be licensed. A program like Penn Foster’s online Plumber Training can help you prepare for things like certification and licensing. And, with interactive videos, how-to demonstrations, and animations, you can apply what you learn to real-world situations to ensure you’re ready for the field when you graduate. You can complete this program in as little as 6-9 months.*

HVAC technicians work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings. They also install, repair, and maintain HVAC systems for both residential and commercial buildings. This career is a great fit for someone who enjoys mechanical problems, working with their hands, and working on a variety of projects.

HVAC technician salary: $57,300

How to become an HVAC technician: In order to become an HVAC technician, you’ll need to have some education in the field and have the required EPA certifications to work in the field. Through the online HVACR Technician Program from Penn Foster, you’ll build fundamental skills needed for success on the job while also preparing for the EPA certification so you can take the first steps toward the job you want after graduation. You can complete this program in as little as 5-9 months.*

Read more: How to Become an HVAC Technician (Guide)

Facilities maintenance technicians can work in residential, industrial, and commercial buildings repairing, maintaining, and inspecting common issues that occur.

Average facilities maintenance salary: $48,620

How to become a facilities maintenance technician: A facilities maintenance technician needs, at minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent. Many people who work in facilities maintenance learn on-the-job, but a training program could be incredibly beneficial.

Read more: Becoming a Facilities Maintenance Technician (Guide)

Landscape designers help residential and commercial clients design and build outdoor spaces, as well as maintain them. This requires knowledge of design, plants that work best in the local area, and hands-on maintenance such as mowing, clipping and trimming plants, and actual planting.

Average salary for grounds maintenance workers: $38,470

How to become a landscape designer: Landscape designers aren’t required to be licensed or certified, but do require a strong knowledge of plants, soil, and how to layout a landscaping plan, which can be learned through formal training.

Read more: Overcoming Adversity: 5 Inspiring Stories from Penn Foster’s Graduate of the Year Finalists

Trade schools are a great alternative to a traditional college education. In college, students take courses geared toward their major but also usually have general education credits they are required to earn. In trades schools, there are no general education credits and students often get hands on experience. Trade schools or training programs often may take less time to complete than a college degree, which can be more convenient for those short on time.

Read more: 10 Alternatives to College (Guide)

There are programs, like Penn Foster’s career training programs, that allow you to learn a trade online. Some trade jobs may still require experience, like an apprenticeship, or on-the-job training even with an online training program under your belt. Some trades require certification as well. Bob shares that “More and more in the trades industry, you're going to see some kind of certification being needed for employment, whether it's ASE-type certifications or electrical ones.”

Read more: Can I Get ASE Certified Online?

There is no right answer to this question, but the five skilled trades careers listed above are some of the top careers in this field at the moment due to expected growth in the coming years. Many of these jobs also have potential for a great salary, which is something most people are looking for, especially in the current economic state.

Currently, some of the highest paying skilled trades include:

1. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
2. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
3. Power Distributors and Dispatchers
4. Power Plant Operators
5. Boilermakers
6. Construction and Building Inspectors
7. Electricians
8. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
9. HVAC Technicians
10. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

This list is based on salary information gathered from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Read more: Low Stress Jobs That Pay Well (10 Mini Job Guides)

If you like working with your hands, have strong problem-solving skills, and excellent mechanical skills, a job in skilled trades could be your dream career. With Penn Foster’s online trades training programs, you can prepare for a career on your schedule. To learn more or get started, request more info or reach out to our expert admissions team at 1-888-427-6500! You can also enroll online for your convenience.

* The estimated completion time for this program is based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - October 2022, excluding withdrawals.