Benefits of a Career in the Trades

There are countless benefits to a career in the trades. Financial benefits, strong job growth, and work that fits your style are just a few things to love about working with your hands.

Financial Benefits

Not only will you save thousands of dollars on forgoing a university education for a career in the trades, but you’ll start with good pay, even in the first year of your career. You may be able to go straight into the workforce after high school or take an apprenticeship. Plus, trade school grants abound.

Several studies cite excellent pay for skilled trades workers even compared to university graduates. Entry-level sheet metal workers made an average of $52,100 annually in 2017, according to U.S. News & World Report. A master tradesperson can demand even more. The average college graduate made less than $50,000.

“There was a study of the trades jobs in just the state of Michigan. The range for the skilled trades (per hour) was $13-$34, for a medium of $21/hour. For all other occupations, the range was $8-$39, for a medium of $16/hour. The ceiling for white collar jobs may be higher but the median is actually higher for blue collar,” according to Lowell Corp.

Strong Job Growth

The skilled trades can’t be outsourced, so we’ll always need carpenters, electricians, plumbers, masons, painters, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, etc. Many of these fields are growing and predicted to continue to develop long term. “Mobile heavy equipment mechanics… employment is projected to increase 11.7%, or by 17,800, from 2020 to 2030,” according to Business Insider.

Do What you Enjoy

If you’re the type of person who always enjoyed working with their hands, why search for work that will have you in an office? Someone who works with their hands is less likely to become disengaged. Seeing the fruit of your labor is personally fulfilling.

Are you looking for work? Elexco offers career pathing opportunities, on-the-job training, and benefits.

 

 

Resources and Citations:

https://www.businessinsider.com/skilled-trade-occupations-projected-to-rapidly-grow-2021-11#19-mobile-heavy-equipment-mechanics-except-engines-employment-is-projected-to-increase-117-or-by-17800-from-2020-to-2030-2

https://lowellcorp.com/advantages-to-a-career-in-the-trades/

https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/compensation/pages/2017-college-grads-salaries.aspx

https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/sheet-metal-worker/salary

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