Hey there! Are you a woman looking for a career change or exploring new opportunities? Have you considered trade jobs?
Nowadays, more and more women are breaking down gender barriers and embracing the trade industry as a viable and rewarding career path.
In this article, you will find a list of the best trades for women. So let’s dive in and see which trade job is a perfect fit for you!
Benefits of Trade Jobs for Women
High demand for skilled trade workers:
Skilled tradespeople are in high demand because, as technology advances, so does the need for skilled tradespeople to repair, maintain, and install new equipment and infrastructure. This high demand means that trade workers are often in short supply, creating a lucrative job market for those with the necessary skills.
Competitive pay and benefits:
Trade jobs often pay well, with many offering higher salaries than the national average. Additionally, trade jobs often come with benefits such as healthcare, retirement plans, and paid vacation time.
Opportunities for advancement and self-employment:
In the trades industry, there are often opportunities to move up the ranks and take on supervisory or managerial roles. Additionally, many tradespeople start their businesses, giving them more control over their work and financial futures.
Job security and stability:
Because trade jobs are in high demand, they often offer job security and stability that is hard to find in other industries.
Best Trades For Women
1. Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists are essential healthcare professionals who help patients with breathing or cardiopulmonary disorders breathe more accessible and improve their quality of life. Respiratory therapy is a promising career choice for women, with a median pay of $29.73 per hour and high demand for skilled workers.
As a respiratory therapist, you will interview and examine patients, consult with physicians, perform diagnostic tests, treat patients, and monitor their progress. With an associate’s degree and a state license, you can become a licensed respiratory therapist and pursue additional certifications to advance your career.
2. Multimedia Designer
Do you have a passion for creativity and design? As a multimedia designer, you can use your artistic talents to create visually stunning content for various media platforms. From web design to video production to animation, multimedia designers have the opportunity to work on diverse projects and expand their skill sets.
According to the BLS data, the median pay for multimedia designers in 2021 was around $37.88/hour. This can vary depending on the industry and location, but it’s still a lucrative career option for women seeking a creative and dynamic career path.
3. Carpenter
Are you someone who loves to work with your hands and has a knack for building and creating things? Then a career as a carpenter may be the perfect fit for you! Carpenters are skilled tradespeople who work with wood and other materials to build houses, furniture, and other structures.
Carpentry is a versatile trade with various specialities, such as rough carpentry, finish carpentry, and cabinetmaking. Carpenters can work on residential or commercial projects and may specialize in remodelling, restoration or custom furniture design.
In addition to the satisfaction of building and creating things, carpentry can be a lucrative career choice for women.
According to the BLS, the median pay for carpenters in 2021 was $23.20/hour, with opportunities for overtime and bonuses.
4. Plumber
Becoming a plumber might be the perfect trade if you enjoy problem-solving and working with your hands. Plumbers install and repair piping systems that carry water, gas, and sewage in homes, businesses, and industrial buildings. Plumbers work with various tools and materials and often have to be able to work in tight spaces and physically demanding environments.
According to the data, the median pay for plumbers in 2021 was $28.79/hour. With an expected job growth of 4% from 2019 to 2029, the plumbing industry is expected to continue to provide opportunities for skilled workers. If you want to become a plumber, apprenticeship programs and vocational schools offer training and certification.
5. Chef
Do you have a passion for food and love to cook? A career as a chef could be an excellent fit for you. Chefs and head cooks are responsible for creating delicious meals and managing the kitchen staff. In 2021, the median pay for chefs was $24.11 per hour.
As a chef, you’ll be responsible for checking the freshness of food, developing recipes, planning menus, and ensuring the quality of meals.
You’ll also need to supervise and coordinate the activities of other food preparation workers, hire and train new staff, and monitor sanitation practices to ensure the kitchen is clean and safe. As a chef, you will have plenty of options to explore with an opportunity to work in various restaurants, from high end to cafeterias.
6. Esthetician
Becoming an esthetician may be the perfect trade if you have a passion for skincare and beauty. As an esthetician, you will work to enhance the appearance of your clients’ skin by providing facials, exfoliating treatments, and hair removal services.
You’ll also learn to recommend and apply skincare products to improve the overall health of your client’s skin. The demand for estheticians is expected to grow in the coming years, making it a lucrative and stable career path.
7. Electrician
Consider becoming an electrician if you are looking for trade which will always be in demand. As an electrician, you’ll install and maintain electrical systems for homes, businesses, and other structures. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for electricians was $28.87/hour in 2021, making it a lucrative career choice.
Your duties as an electrician may include reading blueprints or technical diagrams, installing and maintaining wiring, control, and lighting systems, inspecting electrical components, identifying electrical problems using various testing devices, and repairing or replacing wiring, equipment, or fixtures using hand and power tools.
8. Landscaper
If you love working outdoors and have a knack for designing beautiful landscapes, a career as a landscaper might be perfect for you. Landscapers design, install, and maintain outdoor spaces, including gardens, lawns, and parks.
As a landscaper, you’ll have the opportunity to work with plants, hardscaping materials, and outdoor lighting, among other elements.
It’s a physically demanding job that offers plenty of creativity and a sense of satisfaction in transforming outdoor spaces into stunning works of art. Plus, with a median pay of $32.67/hour in 2021, it can be a lucrative career choice.
9. Wind Turbine Technician
If you are interested in renewable energy and enjoy working with your hands, becoming a wind turbine technician may be your perfect career path. As a wind turbine service technician, you’ll assist in installing new turbines, inspect their physical integrity, and climb towers to perform maintenance or repairs.
You’ll test and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems, collect data for research, and service transmission and control systems.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for wind turbine technicians in 2021 was $27.05/hour. With the growing demand for renewable energy sources, this career path offers stability and a sense of purpose.
10. Welder
If you have an eye for detail and enjoy working with your hands, welding might be your career! As a welder, you’ll be able to work on projects ranging from building structures to crafting art pieces. The median pay for welders in 2021 was $22.60 per hour, making it a financially rewarding career option.
As a welder, you’ll be responsible for reading and interpreting blueprints, measuring parts, inspecting materials, and welding them together according to specifications. You’ll also need to monitor the welding process, adjust heat as necessary, and maintain equipment and machinery.
11. HVAC Technician
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. As an HVAC technician, you’ll troubleshoot HVAC equipment, replace parts, and ensure systems function properly.
This trade can be physically demanding but offers a stable and rewarding career path. As an HVAC technician, you can expect to earn a competitive salary, receive on-the-job training, and have opportunities for advancement.
12. Automotive Service Technician
Are you interested in cars and trucks? Do you love working with your hands? If so, an automotive service technician career might be the perfect fit for you. These professionals identify and repair vehicle problems, ensuring they run smoothly and safely.
The median pay in 2021 is $22.54/hour. Duties include using computerized diagnostic equipment to identify problems, planning work procedures using charts and technical manuals, and testing parts and systems. You may also repair or replace worn parts and explain automotive problems and repairs to clients.
13. Dental Hygienist
Becoming a dental hygienist might be the perfect fit if you enjoy working with people and are interested in oral health. As of 2021, the median pay for dental hygienists is $37.41 per hour, making it a lucrative and rewarding career.
As a dental hygienist, you’ll be responsible for removing tartar, stains, and plaque from teeth, applying sealants and fluorides to help protect teeth, taking and developing dental X-rays, and assessing patients’ oral health.
You’ll also be responsible for documenting patient care and treatment plans and educating patients about proper oral hygiene techniques, such as brushing and flossing correctly.
14. Registered Nurse
Registered nurses are critical to the healthcare industry, providing vital care and support to patients in various settings. With a median hourly pay of $37.31, becoming a registered nurse is a fulfilling and financially rewarding career choice.
RNs are responsible for multiple duties, including assessing patients’ conditions, recording medical histories and symptoms, administering medicines and treatments, operating and monitoring medical equipment, and teaching patients and their families how to manage illnesses or injuries.
As an RN, you can work collaboratively with doctors and other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care to your patients.
15. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Aircraft maintenance engineering is a highly skilled and technical trade that involves inspecting, repairing, and maintaining aircraft to ensure their safety and airworthiness. This field is an excellent option for women interested in aviation and with strong mechanical aptitude.
The job requires extensive knowledge of aircraft systems, components, and regulations and can offer a challenging and rewarding career with good pay and benefits. Women interested in pursuing this trade should consider enrolling in a specialized training program and obtaining relevant certifications to increase their job prospects.
16. Makeup Artist
Makeup artistry is a creative and exciting field that allows you to express your artistic talents while helping others look and feel their best. As a makeup artist, you will work with clients to create looks for special events, photoshoots, or even film and television productions.
Whether you’re passionate about bridal makeup, editorial work, or special effects, there are many paths you can take in this field. There has never been a better time to pursue a career as a makeup artist than now, with the rise of social media and online beauty influencers.
17. Mechanic
Are you someone who enjoys fixing things and has a knack for problem-solving? Becoming a mechanic might be your perfect career choice! Mechanics work with various vehicles, from cars to trucks, and specialize in diagnosing and repairing mechanical issues.
As a mechanic, you can earn an average salary of $22.54 per hour, with opportunities for growth and advancement. With a passion for engines and a desire to learn, you can enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career as a mechanic.
Conclusion:
The world of trade jobs offers countless opportunities for women to explore their passions, hone their skills, and build fulfilling careers. Embracing a trade job can open doors to financial stability, personal growth, and the satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives.
So, dare to dream big and step out of your comfort zone! Break free from stereotypes and let your talents shine through in a trade career that suits your interests and abilities. Remember, your potential is limitless, and success awaits you in the world of trade jobs. Take the leap, believe in yourself, and create a future you can be proud of.