I'm thinking about attending trade school instead of a traditional college. Does anyone know about the job prospects for trade school grads? Are certain trades more in demand or offer better career opportunities? Would love to know what I'm getting into!
The job prospects for trade school graduates can vary widely depending on the trade you're planning to go into. Overall, though, the demand for skilled tradespeople is generally very strong, and this trend doesn't seem to be changing any time soon. There are fields like plumbing, electrical work, and healthcare technologies that will always be essential and therefore hold steady job prospects.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) tends to be a reliable source for job growth projections. For instance, for 2023-2034, they predicted that the demand for welders will grow by 3%, electricians by 11%, and HVAC technicians by 9%.
The job prospects can also fluctuate based on geographical region. Some areas might have greater demand for certain trades than others due to factors like local industries, populations, and infrastructure needs. For example, areas with a lot of older buildings may have more demand for plumbers and electricians, while mining or oil towns may have more demand for heavy equipment operators.
As far as earning potential, that too can be quite varied but is generally competitive with careers that require a four-year degree. According to BLS data, the median annual wage for all occupations in 2020 was $41,950. Meanwhile, the median annual wage for construction and extraction occupations was $48,610, and for healthcare technologists and technicians, it was $44,700.
While you're considering different trades, it can be advantageous to look at factors like the cost of education and licensing requirements, physical demands, work environment, and work-life balance in addition to job growth and earning potential. That way, you can make a decision that not only capitalizes on industry demand but also creates a career that fits your personal lifestyle and health needs.
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