Report Projects Steady Growth in Skilled Trade Jobs Through 2035
A new report titled 'The State of America's Skilled Trades' projects that approximately 1.7 million skilled trade jobs will open annually through 2035, driven by infrastructure development and economic expansion. The research is led by the non-profits Jobs for the Future and The Burning Glass Institute. Despite this growth, experts warn there are significant challenges in filling these roles due to an aging workforce and a lack of younger workers entering the field. The report highlights that nearly 25% of current skilled trade workers are aged 55 or older, while only 11% are under 25. This demographic imbalance means many jobs will need replacement as well as new hires over the next decade. Additionally, despite growing demand and competitive wages in some trades—such as elevator installers earning a median annual wage of $109,910—the sector still faces stigma among students considering career paths. According to an Ad Council survey, only 33% of high school students believe they would be respected if working in skilled trades compared to healthcare. While many teens and parents express pride in pursuing trade careers, fewer than 10% consider it as a post-graduate option.
Topics: economic opportunities infrastructure job growth Skilled trades