In the United States, more and more women are entering skilled trades. A skilled trade is an activity that requires specific skills, knowledge, or abilities. These jobs are usually practical jobs that require you to roll up your sleeves, such as electricians, carpenters, and engineers.
A skilled trade apprenticeship or apprenticeship can be a more cost-effective way to find a job than a four-year college degree. Women in the trades are not burdened with large student loans. As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow, these jobs can offer competitive salaries and financial rewards.
The majority of tradespeople report high levels of job satisfaction. This is critical to career longevity and personal fulfillment. This satisfaction can lead to career advancement and better opportunities for women in skilled trades.
How to Start a Job in a Trade
In most cases, to get a job in a trade you will need to complete vocational training or an apprenticeship. These programs are offered by technical schools and some community colleges. During your apprenticeship, you will work alongside a trained tradesman and receive practical training. After completing the program, you may be required to obtain a license or certification in your specialty area. These designations vary by city and state.
Jobs for Women in the Skilled Trades
Women bring unique perspectives and skills to the industry, contributing to a more inclusive workforce.
Learning a trade equips individuals with skills that will be valuable throughout their lives, resulting in long-term benefits and marketability. These skills are transferable and can be used in a variety of personal and professional settings.
1. Dental Hygienist
Average Base Salary: $100,344
Job Description: Dental hygienists are qualified dental nurses who work with dentists to provide preventive dental care, teeth cleaning, and oral health education.
Qualifications: To become a dental hygienist, you usually need at least an associate’s degree, but requirements vary by state. You must pass the national dental hygienist exam and obtain a license issued by the state in which you wish to practice.
2. Construction Manager
Average Base Salary: $90,208
Job Summary: Construction Managers oversee the development of buildings and infrastructure, manage field tasks, and plan, budget, and monitor projects from start to finish.
Qualifications: When hiring construction managers, most employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in construction science, construction management, architecture, or civil engineering. However, it is possible to get hired by combining an associate’s degree in construction management or construction technology with relevant work experience in the field.
3. Service Technician
Average Base Salary: $67,670
Job Summary: Service Technicians provide installation, maintenance, and repair services for a variety of equipment, machines, and systems.
Qualifications: Becoming a service technician requires a high school diploma or GED in addition to vocational training. Although many employers offer on-the-job training, relevant work experience in repairing automobiles, heavy equipment, or electronic equipment is essential. Certification requirements vary depending on the type of equipment you plan to service.
4. Landscaper
Average Base Salary: $67,225
Job Summary: Landscape architects design, install, and maintain landscapes for residential and commercial properties.
Qualifications: No formal training is required to become a landscape architect. On-the-job training is possible. However, most states require licenses for workers who apply pesticides and fertilizers.
5. Hair Stylist
Average Base Salary: $65,589
Job Summary: A hair stylist work in salons, spas, fashion shoots, or on film, television, and theater production sets. Their job includes washing, cutting, and styling hair, as well as providing advice on hair products and care.
Qualifications: A college degree is not required, but most nationally accredited cosmetology programs require a high school diploma or GED. Aspiring cosmetologists must enroll in a state-approved cosmetology school to learn basic skills such as hair coloring, cutting, and styling. Cosmetologists are required to complete a certain amount of supervised training hours, which varies by state. Once you have completed your training program and practice hours, you must pass your state licensing exam.
6. Makeup Artist
Average Base Salary: $65,402
Job Summary: Makeup artists apply makeup and prosthetics to improve or change a person’s appearance. MUAs work in a variety of industries, including theater, television, film, fashion, magazines, and beauty.
Certification: The cosmetology program provides hands-on training for makeup artists. To succeed in this field, MUAs need to build a portfolio. You can also train with licensed artists to gain industry experience. Some people start working at beauty counters in drugstores or department stores to learn more about products, interact with customers, and build a customer base. Film, TV, and fashion usually don’t require makeup artist qualifications. However, the requirements for working as a makeup artist vary by state. Some states require certification, while others only require a cosmetology license, which is obtained through specialized training at a cosmetology school. Some states don’t require this either. Some salons may require a cosmetology license to operate the facility.
7. Electrician
Average Base Salary: $63,545
Job Summary: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. They ensure that the work complies with relevant regulations.
Qualifications: Electricians must earn a high school diploma before completing paid training, which lasts approximately 4 to 5 years. Most states require electricians to be licensed.
8. Carpenter
Average Base Salary: $61,105
Job Summary: Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frames and structures made of wood and other materials.
Qualifications: With a high school diploma or GED, you can become a carpenter by beginning training with a union or a contractor. At the trade school he can also complete a two-year carpentry apprenticeship or enroll in his Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training program at the Home Builders Institute. Must pass a required Occupational Safety and Health course.
9. Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Technicians
Average Base Salary: $56,204
Job Summary: HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Qualifications: To become an HVAC technician, you must enroll in training that provides hands-on work experience or attend a community college or trade school after earning your high school diploma or GED. Many states require HVAC technicians to be licensed. Requirements vary by state, but applicants are often required to demonstrate work history, provide liability insurance, and pass an exam. Some states require certifications that can be earned by completing a minimum amount of work and passing an exam. Common certifications include Section 608 Technician Certification by the Environmental Protection Agency and his R-410A Certification. Her HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants must have her EPA certification.
10. Massage Therapist
Average Base Salary: $56,504
Job Description: A massage therapist is a therapist who manipulates the body’s soft tissues to promote relaxation, reduce stress, relieve pain, and improve overall health.
Qualifications: Massage therapy training programs typically require a high school diploma or GED. Anyone who wants to become a massage therapist must enroll in an accredited massage therapy school. Most states require a minimum of several hours of training, including passing an exam to prove competency, such as a massage and bodywork licensing exam. MBLEx is administered by the Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards.