Skilled Trades Emerge as a Promising Career Path Amid Labor Shortages and AI Disruption
As industries worldwide grapple with a significant shortage of skilled workers and the future of white-collar jobs faces disruption from artificial intelligence, skilled trades are increasingly emerging as a promising and stable career path. Yet, despite rising demand and competitive wages, professions such as plumbing, electrical work, and diesel mechanics remain largely male-dominated. However, this landscape is slowly changing as more women enter fields traditionally seen as men’s work, motivated by the promise of job stability, faster career progression, and long-term financial security.
Women's Representation in Skilled Trades: A Slow but Steady Rise
Recent occupational data reveals that women still account for a small share of the workforce in many trades. In the United States, for instance, women made up just 3.1% of carpenters and plumbers and 3.5% of electricians in 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Ian Andrews, vice president of labor relations at the National Electrical Contractors Association, noted in an interview with CNBC, "We are not where we want to be with a diversified workforce, but we are seeing that number grow." Two decades ago, only about 1.9% of electricians in the U.S. were women, indicating a gradual but positive shift.
Stability and Rising Pay in Skilled Trades
Experts highlight that the growing demand for skilled workers is creating robust career opportunities. As older workers retire and industries struggle to fill roles, wages and job openings in skilled trades are on the rise. Vicki Salemi, a career expert at Monster, told CNBC, "Women that pursue this path are positioning themselves for job security, stability, growth. The possibilities are robust in these fields, and they are often underserved." For many women, these roles provide a pathway to narrow the gender wage gap while building long-term financial security.
Personal Journeys: From Career Shifts to Financial Independence
Cristina Barillas-McEntee, now a plumber with over two decades of experience, switched careers in 1998 after working as a makeup artist in Chicago. Seeking better long-term prospects, she applied to a plumbers’ union apprenticeship. "I was looking at my life and was like, this is not where I want to be at 60," she explained. The transition required patience and sacrifice; during her five-year apprenticeship, she earned just $9 an hour. However, the payoff was substantial. Today, Barillas-McEntee earns $56 an hour and benefits from union-backed health care and retirement plans, stating, "This is a sacrifice you make for the larger end goal."
Young Workers Drawn to Hands-On Careers
For younger professionals, skilled trades offer a way to enter the workforce quickly without the burden of long college degrees. Teagan Hollabaugh, 22, chose to train as a heavy-duty diesel mechanic because she preferred a practical career over a desk job. "I didn’t want to sit behind a desk," she said. "I knew I needed something that was very involved to keep me entertained day to day." Even before graduating high school, she enrolled in technical training and secured a job soon after completing her program—a feat many young graduates struggle to achieve.
Overcoming Stereotypes and Advancing in the Field
Gender stereotypes still pose challenges in these professions. Lilian Hollabaugh, who works as an HVAC installation technician, recalled how employers initially assumed she wanted an office role. "I went dressed like I was going to an interview… and everybody kept offering me an office position," she shared. "I went to trade school because I want to use my hands." Despite these hurdles, she quickly moved up in her company and is now preparing to lead a crew.
A Future-Proof Career Path with Financial Benefits
For others, the appeal of skilled trades lies in financial independence and long-term career prospects. Diesel technician Raelee Nicholson chose technical school over a four-year college degree due to concerns about student loan debt. "I think the debt-to-pay ratio works better after a trade school," she explained. Now seven years into the field, she earns a stable income and contributes regularly to her retirement savings. Although women remain a minority in many trade jobs, Nicholson believes attitudes are changing, emphasizing, "You’re there to do a job."
As labor shortages persist and automation reshapes traditional career paths, experts assert that skilled trades could become an increasingly attractive option for the next generation—including more women ready to challenge long-standing norms and secure their futures in these vital industries.
