Skilled Trades Beyond 2020

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Four Skilled Trades Growing and Paying

The new year is nearly here, but if you're thinking about switching career paths or deciding on the next steps after graduation, you need to think past 2020 and into 2021 and beyond. Skilled trades and their role in society aren't going anywhere, in fact, most are seeing an increase in demand for the foreseeable future.

But how do you know which skilled trade is both in demand and offers the opportunity to provide financially for you and your family? Look no further, because we have four skilled trades that are not only projected to grow, but also have competitive salaries. 

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN)

Are you a natural care-taker? Do you comfort people in tense or tough situations? Maybe the right path for you is in health care, with an LPN or LVN position. And with an expected job growth of 11% over the next ten years, it's a field that is going to have many openings. 

In most cases, to become an LPN and LVN, you will need to complete a state-approved educational program. These programs can take up to a year to complete, so it will take some planning before you jump in. But if you do make the decision to pursue the nursing field, it's a great time to get started. As the population ages, the need for health care workers is growing, and so is their pay. 

For 2013, the median annual wage for an LPN or LVN was $42,910. In 2018, that number climbed to $46,240 and is expected to reach $48,710 by 2021.  

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (HVACR)

When something breaks, is your first inclination to try and figure out what's wrong and fix it rather than buying something new? If so, maybe becoming a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) mechanic or installer is a career option for you. 

HVACR mechanics, or technicians as they are often called, do everything from installation of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems to installing electrical components to general repair and maintenance of those systems. This could be for residential and private homes or large employers with complex HVACR systems. 

Education for HVACR technicians usually includes six months to two years of postsecondary instruction at a trade school or community college. This industry is expected to grow 13% between now and 2028, with an average salary of $47,610. 

Plumber, Pipefitter, Steamfitter

Expected to grow 14% over the next ten years, becoming a plumber, pipefitter, or steamfitter may be an option worth exploring.

This industry has changed significantly over the years, so forget the picture of a plumber you have in your mind. These roles are vital to new construction projects, whether they are new homes in your city, or large manufacturing or power plants. 

Typically, along with a high school diploma or the equivalent, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters will spend four to five years in a paid apprenticeship. Some will start out down this path by attending a local technical school for courses on pipe system design, safety, and local plumbing codes and regulations. If that sounds like a lot of work, consider that in 2018 the median salary for these roles was $53,910 per year. 

And if you have ever thought about working for yourself and setting your own schedule, getting your education and experience in this field could help you to step out on your own as a business owner.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installer

It may be a term you haven't heard very often, or at all, but this role is growing fast and could be the perfect fit for your future. Solar PV installers assemble, install, and maintain various solar panel systems on top of homes, office buildings, and other structures. 

Most employers in this field require a high school diploma, but there are courses available at community colleges and technical schools specifically designed around solar panel installation and could help set you up for job search success. 

As the adoption of solar power becomes more and more common among homeowners and businesses, the demand for solar PV installers is growing much faster than most other industries. The U.S. Department of Labor expects these job openings to grow 63% from 2018 to 2028, with an average salary of $42,680. Talk about a bright future!

Express Employment Professionals fills positions for client companies representing a wide variety of highly skilled, professional-level positions. Contact your local Express office today to learn more about opportunities available with the more than 80,000 client companies we work with each year. All Express offices are locally owned but backed by the resources of an international organization.

Express also offers a free educational video series on selecting a career path and succeeding in that role. To access this resource visit YouTube and search Job Genius or visit the Job Genius page on our website.