Money is a significant factor when looking for a long-term career in the construction trade. The key is knowing which roles offer the most considerable pay progression. Here’s what we found.

US trade jobs with the most significant wage difference

1. Floor layer – $170,000 change in wage

Floor layers are responsible for installing and repairing a range of flooring materials. According to current job vacancy data, experience as a floor layer could take your salary from $30,000 to $200,000. This is the most significant pay progression of any trade on our list.

2. Roofer – $125,000 change in wage

Roofers appear next on our list, with a $125,000 difference in wages between experience levels, are roofers. While senior roles in this field are concerned more with the coordination and overseeing of roofing projects, the significant progression in wages makes this industry the perfect for someone looking for a long-term career in construction.

3. Construction laborer/wind turbine technician – $105,000 change in wage

Two jobs are tied for third place, construction laborers and wind turbine technicians, with a potential progression of $105,000. Laborers perform various tasks at construction sites and see significant skill and responsibility growth as they progress. Wind turbine technicians install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. Senior roles may involve managing large-scale installations or complex technical challenges.

WELDING JOBS ARE MORE SEARCHED FOR THAN ANY OTHER IN THE US, WITH OVER 338,000 GOOGLE SEARCHES IN THE LAST YEAR

Using search data from the last twelve months, we can reveal which trades are most spiking people’s interest.

Most searched-for trade jobs in the USA

1. Welder – 151,100 Google searches

Welders top the list with a substantial lead, boasting 338,300 searches. The surge in interest could be due to the crucial role welders play in various sectors. This includes manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries. Welding jobs often require a high skill level and provide the potential for stable employment due to ongoing industrial projects and infrastructural developments.

2. Electrician – 156,000 Google searches

Across the US, ‘electrician jobs’ have been Googled more than 156,000 times in the last year alone. This ties it for second. As our society continues using technology more than ever before, electricians are becoming increasingly vital, with responsibilities including the electrical wiring of buildings.

3. Heavy equipment operator – 147,800 Google searches

Sharing second place are heavy equipment operators. In the last twelve months, the term ‘heavy equipment operator jobs’ has been Googled almost 148,000 times. These professionals operate machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, and cranes, which are essential for construction and mining projects.

WHAT NEXT FOR THE US TRADE INDUSTRY?

Demand for skilled trades is always high, and it looks like the industry is set to continue to grow in the US, which is influenced by a couple of critical factors:

• Infrastructure and construction boom: With significant investments in infrastructure by the government, including upgrading roads, bridges, and public utilities, the demand for skilled tradespeople in the construction, electrical, and plumbing sectors is expected to surge. Projects like these require a large workforce skilled in various trades, suggesting a stable future for job growth in these areas.
• Renewable energy & sustainability: As we saw earlier, the push towards renewable energy and sustainable practices drives demand for trades such as solar panel installers and wind turbine technicians. As the U.S. aims to reduce carbon emissions, these sectors are expected to grow, requiring more skilled workers trained in new technologies that support green energy.
• Overall, U.S. trade industry growth is driven by both continued demand and the need to evolve. The future looks promising for those already in the industry or those considering entering. We predict ample career development and advancement opportunities, among other benefits. However, adapting to technological changes and continuous skill development will be crucial for those looking to capitalize on these opportunities.
• Aging workforce & skills gaps: A significant portion of the trades workforce is nearing retirement age, creating a demand for new workers to fill their shoes. This generational shift presents a critical challenge and an opportunity to train new workers with modern skills, particularly as the nature of trade jobs evolves with technology.
• Technological advancement: Automation and new technologies are transforming traditional trade jobs, requiring a workforce that is not only skilled in manual labor but also familiar with digital tools. For instance, integrating AI and machine learning in building information modeling and smart home technology requires electricians and other tradespeople to upskill.
• Education & training shifts: There’s a growing recognition of the value of vocational education and apprenticeships over traditional four-year college degrees for many individuals. This shift will likely bring more young workers into the trades, helped by increased funding for vocational training programs.
• Housing & urban development: The ongoing need for residential and commercial development in urban and suburban areas continues to drive demand for skilled tradespeople. Additionally, the remodeling and renovation sector remains strong as existing property owners invest in upgrades and sustainability improvements.

Filtering the data by ‘One occupation for multiple geographical areas,’ ‘Construction & extraction occupations,’ ‘State,’ ‘All states in this list,’ and ‘Annual mean wage,’ we used the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to find the mean construction & extraction occupations wage for each US state as of May 2023. We used Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics for May 2023 and May 201 to calculate the five-year difference in employment. We took the employment level for all construction and extraction occupations in the data for both months before calculating the difference between them.