Trades that should stay busy through 2035
- Page last updated October 25, 2026
A calm look at U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics employment projections for popular skilled trades — not a paid “best trades” ranking, and not a promise about any one employer.
Quick take
Several hands-on trades are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2025 to 2035, with tens of thousands of openings a year from growth and retirements. Growth rates change with each BLS update; always check the live Occupational Outlook Handbook.
What the projections actually mean
BLS publishes percent change in employment and typical annual openings. Openings include new jobs plus replacements when people retire or leave. A trade can stay “busy” even with modest growth if many workers are aging out. Local demand still depends on your metro, licensing, and employers — use our state apprenticeship finder and schools directory after you pick a lane.
Focus trades we cover (national BLS snapshot)
Figures below are national BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook / OEWS figures (May 2025 wages; 2025–35 outlook where published). They are not starting salaries for a specific school or sponsor.
| Occupation (BLS) | Projected growth 2025–35 | Median annual wage (May 2025) | On this site |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC mechanics & installers | 11% (much faster than average) | $61,010 | HVAC hub |
| Electricians | 9% (much faster than average) | $63,190 | Electrician hub |
| Plumbers, pipefitters & steamfitters | 7% (much faster than average) | $63,800 | Plumbing hub |
| Welders, cutters, solderers & brazers | 2% (slower than average) | $53,750 | Welding hub |
| Carpenters | See live OOH | $60,580 | Carpentry hub |
| Automotive service technicians | See live OOH | $50,620 | Automotive hub |
Sources: BLS OOH — HVAC, Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, Carpenters, Automotive. Confirm current numbers on those pages before you cite them elsewhere.
Why demand can stay firm for 10–20 years
- Buildings and infrastructure age. Wiring, pipe, HVAC, and structural work do not vanish when software improves.
- Electrification and energy upgrades. Heat pumps, EV chargers, and efficiency retrofits need licensed tradespeople — exact volumes vary by state policy and utility programs.
- Replacement openings. Many construction and repair occupations have large cohorts nearing retirement; BLS opening counts often dwarf net new jobs.
- Licensing and safety. Work that touches life-safety codes still needs people who can pass exams and work under a journeyman or contractor license.
What we will not tell you
We will not invent a numbered “top trades of the decade” list you can buy your way onto. Schools and sponsors can’t pay for a better rating or placement on this site. Outlook is a planning signal — not a guarantee you will be hired in your ZIP code.
Next steps: browse electrician, plumbing, HVAC, or apprenticeships by state. Parents: Helping your kid choose a trade.