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Last updated on January 6th, 2025 at 04:32 pm
Trade careers offer women stability, growth, and fantastic opportunities—often with less schooling than a traditional college degree. While salaries depend on factors like location, job title, and company, women are finding steady, well-paying jobs in many of the trades. Today, we’re exploring some of the top trade careers for women to consider.
Electrician
Electricians handle installing, inspecting, and maintaining a building’s electrical systems, including wiring. Since almost every building relies on electricity, electricians are always in demand. Plus, the growing popularity of smart home systems and renewable energy installations opens doors for exciting career growth.
You might work for a company or choose the entrepreneurial path of starting your own business. Salaries vary, but the national average is around $60,000 annually. Here’s how the numbers look in specific states:
Alaska
If you’re aiming for high pay, Alaska is a great place to be. Entry-level electricians earn an average of $66,000 a year here, and with extra training or certifications, you could join the top earners, making closer to $90,000 annually.
Georgia
Georgia’s warm climate and abundant sunshine mean electricians are in demand for balancing power grids, installing solar energy systems, and maintaining air conditioning. The state’s average entry-level salary for electricians is around $51,000, but by taking online electrical courses in Georgia, you can sharpen your skills and potentially earn closer to $70,000 annually.
Washington
Washington State’s booming economy and strong equal employment regulations make it an appealing place for women entering the trades. Electricians in Washington earn an average of $69,000 annually—above the national average.
Plumber
Another trade career for women to consider is plumbing. Plumbers are responsible for installing and maintaining a building’s pipes, water systems, water heating, and sewage. While this field isn’t the highest paid on the trade spectrum, industrial and commercial plumbers can see some very lucrative salaries.
Not everyone is cut out for plumbing work though, particularly those who don’t like to get their hands dirty–but, it can be a rewarding career. As with other trade careers, you can choose to start your own plumbing business or work for a larger company. Plumbing requires trade school or an apprenticeship (or both), and the average salary is around $60,000.
HVAC Technician
Both homes and businesses require HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. HVAC technicians are responsible for installing and repairing these systems to maintain safety and efficiency.
HVAC technicians usually have steady work year-round, since they work on both cooling and heating systems. If you enjoy problem-solving, working with your hands, and contributing to energy-efficient solutions, this trade might be perfect for you. The average salary is around $55,000, but there’s potential for a much higher salary depending on your skillset.
Construction Manager
If you’re looking for a leadership role, becoming a construction manager could be a great fit. In this position, you’ll oversee projects to ensure efficiency, safety, and timely completion.
Construction managers combine technical construction knowledge with strong leadership and organizational skills. While it takes experience to reach this level, the payoff is substantial, with an average salary of $100,000 per year.
Elevator Repair
Highly specialized trades will yield the highest salaries, but you’ll need a lot of technical training, a high level of expertise, and licensing (like most trades).
One of the most popular specialized trades is elevator installation and repair. It comes with an impressive average salary of $100,000 per year.
Aircraft Mechanic
For those who love aviation, becoming an aircraft mechanic is a challenging but rewarding career. These professionals ensure flight safety in commercial and military sectors by maintaining and repairing aircraft.
Aircraft mechanics work in diverse settings and often enjoy job security. The average salary is around $70,000, with opportunities to earn more through specialized certifications or working for top employers.
Conclusion
Trade careers offer more than just a paycheck—they provide independence, growth opportunities, and the chance to break barriers in male-dominated industries. Whether you’re drawn to building, repairing, or managing, there’s a trade career that fits your skills and interests.
To get started, consider job shadowing or apprenticeships to explore your options. With dedication and the right training, you can build a fulfilling career in the trades and pave the way for the next generation of women in these essential industries.
Find the latest information on any of these careers at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Also read:
4 Important Personal Finance Tips for Mompreneurs
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