10 Eye-Opening Skilled Trade Facts
Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
- 1. Alaska Has the Highest Skilled Trade Wages ($72,710 Median in 2024)
- 2. Puerto Rico Offers the Lowest Median Skilled Trade Wage ($28,155)
- 3. California Leads in Skilled Trade Employment (2.51 Million Jobs)
- 4. The Virgin Islands Have the Smallest Skilled Trade Workforce (4,010 Workers)
- 5. Top-Paying Role: Construction Managers in Massachusetts ($147,750 Median)
- 6. Most Common Skilled Trade Category: Construction and Extraction (6.4 Million Jobs)
- 7. Oregon’s Construction Managers Have the Largest Wage Gap ($166,650)
- 8. Guam Has the Highest Concentration of Skilled Trade Jobs (3.37× National Average)
- 9. National Median Skilled Trade Wage: $50,750/year
- 10. Skilled Trades Employ Over 25 Million People Nationwide
- Quick Reference: Highest Median Skilled Trade Wages by State (2024)
- Why You Should Pay Attention
While many college grads are burdened with debt, skilled trades offer high earnings, job security, and career growth without a four-year degree.
The latest 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reveal some surprising—and motivating—facts.
Here’s what the data says, plus tips to help you turn these facts into career advantages.
1. Alaska Has the Highest Skilled Trade Wages ($72,710 Median in 2024)
Why it matters: Location can make a big difference in pay. Alaska’s remote worksites, union strength, and high cost of living help drive wages higher.
Career Tip: If you’re open to relocation, targeting high-demand states like Alaska could boost your earnings by 30% or more.
2. Puerto Rico Offers the Lowest Median Skilled Trade Wage ($28,155)
Why it matters: That’s less than half the national median, showing the importance of researching local wage trends before committing to a market.
Career Tip: Consider upgrading your skills or certifications to work in higher-paying regions if possible.
3. California Leads in Skilled Trade Employment (2.51 Million Jobs)
Why it matters: More jobs mean more opportunities, especially in construction, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Career Tip: Even in high-cost states, demand can outweigh competition if you have in-demand certifications.
Related Guide: Trade Careers in California
4. The Virgin Islands Have the Smallest Skilled Trade Workforce (4,010 Workers)
Why it matters: Small markets can mean fewer job openings, but also less competition for niche roles.
Career Tip: In small markets, networking and personal reputation can be your biggest job-getting tools.
5. Top-Paying Role: Construction Managers in Massachusetts ($147,750 Median)
Why it matters: Leadership roles pay big, especially in complex or high-cost markets.
Career Tip: If you’re in the trades now, consider management training—it can double your earning potential.
6. Most Common Skilled Trade Category: Construction and Extraction (6.4 Million Jobs)
Why it matters: These jobs—electricians, heavy equipment operators, welders—are the heart of the skilled workforce.
Career Tip: Demand in these roles means more job security and room for advancement.
7. Oregon’s Construction Managers Have the Largest Wage Gap ($166,650)
Why it matters: The difference between entry-level and top earners is massive, showing how experience, certifications, and project scale impact pay.
Career Tip: Target certifications like PMP (Project Management Professional) or OSHA leadership training to move up the pay ladder.
8. Guam Has the Highest Concentration of Skilled Trade Jobs (3.37× National Average)
Why it matters: A high location quotient means a bigger slice of the job market is in the trades.
Career Tip: Areas with high trade concentrations often have stronger union presence and better job stability.
9. National Median Skilled Trade Wage: $50,750/year
Why it matters: This is competitive with many degree-required jobs, and most trades can be entered in under two years of training.
Career Tip: Use this number as a benchmark when negotiating your pay.
10. Skilled Trades Employ Over 25 Million People Nationwide
Why it matters: This is one of the largest sectors of the U.S. economy, and demand is projected to stay strong as older workers retire.
Career Tip: The best time to start is now—many trades offer paid apprenticeships that let you earn while you learn.
Quick Reference: Highest Median Skilled Trade Wages by State (2024)
| Rank | State | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $72,710 |
| 2 | Hawaii | $66,430 |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $65,880 |
| 4 | Washington | $64,750 |
| 5 | New Jersey | $63,110 |
Why You Should Pay Attention
These facts aren’t just trivia—they’re a career roadmap.
If you choose the right state, the right trade, and the right certifications, you can build a six-figure career without the college debt.
📍 Next Step: Find the Best Trade Schools in Your State to start your skilled trades journey.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), State Data (XLSX). Retrieved from the BLS OEWS Data Explorer and State Data Files.
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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