Human Resources
Why Skilled Trade is the Way to Go in 2024
Dec 11, 2023
In a world constantly evolving with new technologies and career opportunities, it’s essential to consider your options carefully. While college degrees have their place, they aren’t the only path to a successful and fulfilling career. Skilled trades, on the other hand, are gaining prominence in 2024 for various reasons. In this blog post, we’ll explore why skilled trades are the way to go this year and beyond.
What is considered a skilled trade job?
A skilled trade job is a position pursued by an employee who either receives schooling to learn a specific skill set for their desired position or they gain these needed skills during on-the-job training. Some training or schooling for skilled trade jobs can last approximately three months to four years.
Skilled Trade Opportunities
Why Skilled Trade is the Way to Go in 2024
1. High Demand and Job Security
The skilled trades industry is booming, and it shows no signs of slowing down. As infrastructure ages and new projects emerge, the demand for skilled tradespeople is on the rise. In the last few years, HireLevel has seen a significant increase in the need for skilled labor in the industrial sector especially Welders, CNC Machinists, and Industrial Maintenance Mechanics.
Skilled trades are facing a shortage of workers, creating a high demand for skilled professionals. This scarcity translates into increased job opportunities and competitive salaries. The rise of AI has led to the displacement of jobs in various industries, resulting in significant job losses for many individuals. In the industrial skilled trade industry, we don’t see layoffs in the near future.
2. Competitive Salary
Contrary to popular belief, skilled trades offer competitive salaries. In fact, many tradespeople earn a substantial income without the burden of student loan debt. The combination of high demand and specialized skills allows for attractive compensation packages.
3. Quick Entry and Minimal Debt
One of the most significant advantages of pursuing a career in the skilled trades is the speed at which you can enter the workforce. Unlike traditional four-year degrees, trade programs often take less time to complete, and you can start earning a living sooner. Plus, you won’t accumulate substantial student loan debt, allowing you to enjoy your income more freely.
4. Hands-On Learning
If you thrive in a practical, hands-on environment, skilled trades are an excellent fit. These careers offer a chance to work with your hands, solve real-world problems, and see tangible results from your efforts.
5. Diverse Career Opportunities
The world of skilled trades is incredibly diverse. You can choose from a wide range of trades, from Welding and HVAC to mechanics and construction. This diversity allows you to find a trade that aligns with your interests and passions.
6. Technological Advances
Skilled trades are not immune to technological advancements. In fact, technology is enhancing these fields, making work more efficient and precise. By staying up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques, you can remain competitive in your chosen trade. AI can help with process efficiencies but think Skilled Trade workers will always be a need.
7. Skilled Trade Professionals love their Careers
According to a survey by Thumbtack, 87% of skilled trade workers express satisfaction with their jobs, and a similar percentage would willingly choose the same career again. This statistic highlights the genuine fulfillment and contentment experienced by professionals in the skilled trades, emphasizing the intrinsic value of these careers.
Common Skilled Trade Careers
Welder
Welding, once revered as a timeless craft, has experienced a remarkable evolution, transforming into a cutting-edge career choice. Diving into the welding industry has never been more accessible, with certification opportunities readily at your fingertips, even for those without formal education or prior experience. The surge in demand has led to numerous employers establishing their training programs and welding schools, making entry into this dynamic field smoother than ever.
The demand for skilled Welders spans diverse sectors, including industrial, energy, mechanics, and more. A compelling testament to this demand comes from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, revealing a staggering 300,000 welders employed exclusively in the manufacturing industry. Positioned as one of the fastest-growing sectors, manufacturing dominates the welding job landscape, with the U.S. Department of Labor projecting a 3 percent employment growth for welders from 2019 to 2029.
In terms of financial rewards, the National Average Salary for a Welder stands at a respectable $47,540 per year. However, the surging demand for welding skills propels salaries to unprecedented heights, with reports of individuals earning up to $80,000 annually.
This remarkable increase not only emphasizes the financial viability of a welding career but also underscores the opportunities available to those skilled in this craft. If you are ready to forge a path in a thriving field, welding in 2024 is the gateway to a rewarding and well-compensated journey.
Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
In the realm of skilled trades, the roles of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights take center stage. These professionals are the backbone of industries, specializing in the installation, maintenance, and repair of factory equipment and various industrial machinery.
To embark on this impactful journey, a high school diploma serves as the entry point. Industrial machinery mechanics and machinery maintenance workers often complement this with at least a year of on-the-job training. For millwrights, a comprehensive apprenticeship program, spanning up to four years, is the pathway to mastery.
Looking ahead, the employment landscape for industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights is exceptionally promising, with a projected growth of 13 percent from 2022 to 2032. This surge in demand outpaces the average for all occupations, underlining the pivotal role these trades play in the evolving industrial landscape.
When it comes to financial rewards, the National Average Salary for an Industrial Maintenance Mechanic stands at $59,470 per year. This figure not only reflects the value attached to the skills and expertise of these tradesmen but also underscores the potential for a stable and well-compensated career in the dynamic world of industrial machinery maintenance.
If you want to seek a fulfilling career in the skilled trade industry, the roles of industrial machinery mechanics, machinery maintenance workers, and millwrights offer a gateway to both professional growth and financial success. Embrace these opportunities and become an essential force in shaping the future of industrial machinery.
Machinist
In the dynamic realm of precision metal craftsmanship, machinists and tool and die makers take the lead, expertly setting up and operating equipment to craft intricate metal parts, instruments, and tools.
Despite limited overall employment growth, the outlook for prospective machinists and tool and die makers remains promising, with an average of 38,200 openings projected each year over the coming decade. This demand is largely driven by the necessity to replace workers transitioning to different occupations or retiring from the labor force.
Looking ahead to the employment landscape, the overall projection for machinists and tool and die makers indicates little to no change from 2022 to 2032. While the growth may be subtle, the consistent demand underscores the enduring importance of these skilled trades in precision manufacturing.
When it comes to financial rewards, the National Average Salary for a Machinist stands at a commendable $49,560 per year. Additionally, the median wage for tool and die makers is even higher, resting at $59,800 annually. These figures not only reflect the value placed on the expertise of machinists and tool and die makers but also highlight the potential for a stable and well-compensated career in the precision metalworking industry.
For those seeking a hands-on and precise career path in the skilled trades, becoming a machinist or tool and die maker offers the opportunity to shape the future of precision metal craftsmanship while enjoying financial stability. Embrace these opportunities and become a master of precision in the evolving world of metal fabrication.
Skilled Trade Careers
In 2024 and beyond, skilled trade careers offer incredible opportunities for those willing to invest in their skills and take advantage of the high demand in the market. If you’re looking for a career that provides job security, competitive salaries, and hands-on experience, skilled trades are undoubtedly the way to go. Don’t underestimate the value of these essential professions in today’s rapidly changing job landscape.
At HireLevel, we have seen a huge influx of Skilled Trade job opportunities in the last year including Welders, Industrial Maintenance Techs, Mechanics, CNC Operators, and more.
Some recommended trade schools include:
- Missouri: Ranken Technical College, St. Louis Community College, American Welding Academy
- Illinois: Southwestern Illinois College, John A. Logan College, Southeastern Illinois College, Rend Lake College,
Ready to embark on a rewarding career in the skilled trades?
Learn more about our current openings at jobs.hirelevel.com or quick apply now. We have many job opportunities in the Metro East, St. Louis region, Southern Illinois, and more.
