What is the fastest-growing trade?

By projected employment change from 2025 to 2035, solar photovoltaic installers lead at +36.5%, with wind turbine service technicians next at +29.5% (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

Why does job growth matter when choosing a trade?

A higher projected growth rate means an occupation is expected to add jobs faster, which can mean more entry opportunities. It is one factor alongside pay, training time, and local demand.

Fastest-Growing Trades 2026: Skilled Careers by Job Growth

Updated October 14, 2026 | TradeCareerPath Editorial Team

Quick answer: The fastest-growing skilled trade on this list is solar photovoltaic installers, with a projected +36.5% change in employment from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS). Wind turbine service technicians are next at +29.5%, and psychiatric technicians follow at +22.3%.

The trades below are ranked by their projected percent change in employment from 2025 to 2035, using the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections program. Growth signals rising demand for new workers, though actual openings also depend on replacement needs as workers retire or change fields.

The fastest-growing trades - Solar Photovoltaic Installers leads at +36.5%. Source: U.S. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-2035. — The fastest-growing trades

How we ranked these trades

Trades were ranked by projected percent change in employment from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections). Figures are national and can vary by state, metro area, and employer.

The ranking

1. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Projected employment change of +36.5% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

2. Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Projected employment change of +29.5% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

3. Psychiatric Technicians

Projected employment change of +22.3% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

4. Occupational Therapy Assistants

Projected employment change of +21.5% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

5. Logisticians

Projected employment change of +17.6% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

6. Massage Therapists

Projected employment change of +15.3% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

7. Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Projected employment change of +13.9% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

8. Medical Assistants

Projected employment change of +12.9% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

9. Tile and Stone Setters

Projected employment change of +9.8% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

10. Respiratory Therapists

Projected employment change of +8.5% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

11. Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors

Projected employment change of +7.3% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

12. Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers

Projected employment change of +6.8% from 2025 to 2035 (U.S. BLS Employment Projections).

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program, 2025 to 2035.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.