Top Trade Jobs for Women

The skilled trades have historically been male-dominated, but that dynamic is starting to change. More women than ever are entering the trades, bringing fresh perspectives, strong work ethics, and valuable skills to industries long in need of diversification. Despite facing barriers like limited access to mentorship, lingering gender biases, and outdated stereotypes, women are thriving in these roles and proving that trade careers are not only viable but also highly rewarding.

Thanks to increasing demand, modern tools, and platforms like Skillit, it has never been easier to connect talented women with trade opportunities that match their skills and interests. As trade jobs modernize, especially with the adoption of AI and digital tools, barriers to entry are lowering for women, and the opportunities for growth are greater than ever.

Here are the most promising and in-demand trade jobs for women today:

1. Welder

Welding became a primary trade the women took on during World War II, when many of the male workers were sent to the frontlines. The women in this trade inspired Rosie the Riveter and played a vital role in constructing ships and aircraft to support the war effort. 

Duties: Welders join metal parts using high-heat equipment and work on everything from pipelines to construction frames. They read blueprints, inspect materials, and maintain their tools.

Salary & Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), welders earn a median salary of around $47,000 annually, with opportunities for advancement in specialized welding or supervisory roles. Job growth is steady with strong demand in construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Why Women Thrive: Welding is detail-oriented and physically precise, qualities where women often excel. Many welding programs and employers now offer initiatives to support women entering the trade.

2. Electrician

Duties: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. They interpret blueprints, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety codes.

Salary & Outlook: The median pay is about $60,000 per year, with projected job growth of 6% through 2032. Experienced electricians can become licensed contractors or move into management roles.

Tools for Hiring: Platforms like Skillit are valuable for sourcing skilled female electricians ready to make an impact on any site.

Why Women Thrive: Electrical work involves problem-solving, precision, and code compliance, also areas where many women excel. With more companies promoting inclusive workplaces, this is a rapidly growing field for female tradespeople.

3. Plumber

Duties: Plumbers install and repair water systems, including pipes, fixtures, and appliances. They interpret plans, diagnose issues, and work with construction teams.

Salary & Outlook: The average plumber earns approximately $59,000 annually. Job growth is projected at 2%, but demand remains high due to aging infrastructure and new construction.

Why Women Thrive: Plumbing requires excellent diagnostic skills and attention to detail. Women who value autonomy and variety in their work find plumbing both lucrative and rewarding.

4. Carpenter

Duties: Carpenters build, install, and repair structures made of wood and other materials. This includes framing buildings, making cabinetry, and installing drywall or molding.

Salary & Outlook: Carpenters earn a median income of $51,000. The job market is competitive but stable, with many pathways into specialized fields like finish carpentry.

Why Women Thrive: Carpentry blends artistry and technical skill, an ideal combination for many women. Apprenticeship programs and on-the-job training make it accessible for new trades workers.

5. HVAC Technician

Duties: HVAC techs install and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They also inspect equipment and troubleshoot performance issues.

Salary & Outlook: The median salary is about $50,000, with job growth expected to be 6% through 2032, driven by green building trends and technology upgrades.

Why Women Thrive: The HVAC field is embracing innovation, making it a great fit for tech-savvy women. Certifications can be earned through short-term training programs.

6. Bricklayer/Stonemason

Duties: These tradespeople build and repair walls, patios, and other structures using brick, stone, and concrete. It’s highly skilled, physical work requiring precision.

Salary & Outlook: The median pay is about $49,000, and demand remains steady, especially in urban development and restoration projects.

Why Women Thrive: Physical endurance, attention to symmetry, and dedication to quality make this a great fit for women who enjoy outdoor and hands-on work.

7. Industrial Mechanic/Millwright

Duties: These professionals install, maintain, and repair industrial machinery in factories, energy plants, and construction sites.

Salary & Outlook: The average salary is around $59,000, with strong demand in manufacturing, utilities, and renewable energy sectors.

Why Women Thrive: Analytical thinking, attention to mechanical detail, and steady hands make women particularly effective in these roles.

8. Sheet Metal Worker

Duties: Sheet metal workers create and install products made from thin metal sheets, like ducts, siding, and roofing. They use specialized tools and work from detailed plans.

Salary & Outlook: Median earnings are about $56,000 annually, with projected job growth of 4% due to increased construction and energy efficiency efforts.

Why Women Thrive: Precision cutting and metal fabrication reward accuracy and craftsmanship, strengths often found in women tradespeople.

9. Painter and Decorator

Duties: Painters prepare surfaces, apply coatings, and handle finishing details for both residential and commercial buildings.

Salary & Outlook: The median salary is about $45,000, and job demand is driven by new construction and renovations.

Why Women Thrive: Women have an edge in visual detail and artistic design, making them ideal for this work. It’s also one of the more accessible trades in terms of training and entry.

Bridging the Gender Gap in Trades

More women entering the skilled trades means stronger, more inclusive workforces. Platforms like Skillit are helping companies hire faster and smarter by connecting them with qualified women in specialty trades. With tools tailored for modern hiring, companies can now build more diverse teams that meet the demands of today’s evolving construction landscape.

From welders to general contractors, the skilled trades offer women fulfilling careers with high earning potential, stability, and advancement opportunities. As awareness and support continue to grow, so too will the impact women have in building the world around us.