STATS AT-A-GLANCE
(SOURCES: Construction Labor Research Council, Building Association Resource Report, BLS)
According to the Bureau of Labor (BLS) statistics, the median annual wage for skilled trade jobs was $58K in 2024, higher than the median wage of all occupations. This data shares information about some of the most popular trade jobs, and there are dozens to choose from.
| Organization | Jobs Data | Salary Expectations | Other Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| SMOHIT Sheet Metal Occupational Health Institute Trust  | 163,700 jobs (2024) | 2024 Median Pay (BLS) $78,900 per year $37.93 per hour The median annual wage for occupational health and safety specialists was $83,910 in May 2024. The median annual wage for occupational health and safety technicians was $58,440 in May 2024. | Overall employment of occupational health and safety specialists and technicians is projected to grow 12 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. (Source BLS) Breakdown by industry Health & Safety Specialists: -Manufacturing: 17% -Construction: 15% Health & Safety Technicians: -Manufacturing:17% -Construction: 8% |
| NECA National Electric Contractors Association  | 818,700 jobs (2024) | 2024 Median Pay (BLS) $62,350 per year $29.98 per hour | The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 81,000+ openings for electricians each year, reflecting a 9% growth rate from 2024–2034. The U.S. electrical contracting industry is made up of over 70,000 electrical contracting firms employing over 500,000 electrical workers. (Source: NECA Website) |
| SMACNA Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors’ National Association  | 127,000 jobs (2024) | 2024 Median Pay (BLS) $60,850 per year $29.26 per hour | The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2.4% employment growth for sheet metal workers between 2024 and 2034. In that period, an estimated 3,100 jobs should open up. |
| MCAA Mechanical Contractors Association of America  | About 40,100 openings for heating, air conditioning, plumbing, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.(BLS) | 2024 Median Pay (BLS) $59,810 per year $28.75 per hour | Employment of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. |
| NEMI National Energy Management Institute  | America’s energy efficiency economy employs nearly 2.4 million workers who design, manufacture, and install energy saving products and technologies across 50 states. | Energy efficiency workers represent more than a quarter of the total energy workforce. From 2023 to 2024, energy efficiency grew the fastest and added more jobs than any other energy sector, creating nearly 100,000 new jobs and increasing its growth rate year over year - nearly doubling since 2021. Source: Building Performance Association Report Full report here |