If you’re a parent, you might still think of skilled trades as low-paying jobs for those who “couldn’t make it” in college. But it’s time to rethink this outdated view.
High school graduates are often pushed towards a four-year degree, yet only about 62% finish within six years, and many drop out after the first year. Meanwhile, there are many high-paying, skills-based jobs that remain unfilled. There’s something wrong with this picture.
There Are Millions of Trade Job Openings This Year
This year alone, there will be around 2.5 million skilled trade job openings, and they aren’t just in construction. Opportunities span industries like healthcare, IT, energy, manufacturing, and public services. The path to these careers is often shorter, more affordable, and more focused than the traditional college route.
Don’t just take my word for it. Many skilled workers share stories of how they’ve used their talents to earn a good living, work their way up, and even start their own businesses—all while avoiding the burden of student debt.
Why a Skills-Based Career Might Be a Great Fit for Your Teen
1. Hands-On Learning Might Be Best for Them
Some teens thrive when they work with their hands. Whether it’s automotive technology, solar energy, or respiratory therapy, some students prefer hands-on activities over sitting in a classroom. Trade schools, apprenticeships, and community college programs are designed to help them develop the skills they’ll need for these careers.
2. They Can Start Their Careers Sooner
Programs at community colleges, trade schools, or through apprenticeships can be completed in two years or less, meaning your teen can start working and earning a salary sooner. While their peers in four-year colleges are taking on student debt, young tradespeople are gaining experience, building networks, and advancing in their careers.
3. Skilled Trades Offer Great Pay
Many entry-level jobs in the trades pay $20 an hour or more, and wages only increase with experience. Just consider some average wages:
- Software Developer: $49.82 per hour
- Dental Hygienist: $36.65 per hour
- Respiratory Therapist: $29.48 per hour
- Electrician: $27.01 per hour
- HVAC Technician: $23.43 per hour
There’s also the potential to start a business in fields like plumbing or electrical work, where skilled tradespeople often earn six figures.
4. Teens Need to See These Opportunities
Sometimes it’s not a stigma around trades that keeps kids from pursuing them—it’s that they aren’t even aware of the options. We all—parents, schools, counselors, and employers—need to help showcase these fantastic opportunities. Just like we celebrate top students and athletes, we should celebrate those who can fix engines, build apps, or install wiring.
5. Our Country Needs Skilled Workers
We can’t build the future without skilled workers, but there’s currently a shortage across the United States. Older tradespeople are retiring faster than new ones can replace them—over 50% are aged 50 or older, and nearly 20% are over 60. If we want a strong economy, we need young talent to step in.
6. The Trades Are a Great Opportunity for Women
While women in the overall workforce earn about 80% of what men do, things are different in the skilled trades. In construction, for example, women earn nearly the same as men—about 99%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The opportunities for women in the trades are better than ever.
7. Being a Maker Is Fulfilling
There’s something special about being a “maker”—someone who builds, repairs, or creates. In a time when people are looking to be more active creators rather than passive consumers, working in the trades can provide a sense of fulfillment that many traditional office jobs simply can’t match.
The Moment Is Here for Your Teen
Skilled trades could be the right path for your teen—a path that offers a good income, job security, and personal satisfaction without the heavy burden of student debt. It’s time to consider these opportunities seriously and support our teens in finding the path that’s best for them.
