Women are breaking into the trades industry, historically male-dominated. More entering jobs like construction for good pay and hours.
However, this shift will take some more time. Even today, women are highly underrepresented in certain areas only because people haven’t deemed them “appropriate” for women to do. Some fields have barely any women, that just shows how far we have to go.
As more women enter these careers from entry-level to senior positions, they serve as inspiring examples for others. Both women and men can see that gender does not hinder success or competence in this industry.
Trades Career – Is It Really Suitable For Women?
Yes! Women have had a strong work ethic for years. But they continue to be underpaid in many cases and pregnant workers are forced to stay home from work. Because their employers do not provide necessary benefits. Such as paid maternity leave after giving birth.
In 2013, the Department of Labor found that women earn $0.80 for every $1.00 a man earns. Overcoming gender discrimination requires education to show women’s societal standing and financial status compared to men.
To this day, the gender gap is still prevalent throughout the workplace.
Women hold only 14% of executive positions, but progress is being made in higher education and prominent career fields, encouraging gender equality.
More women than men are graduating from college, leading to a significant gender gap in higher education. Data reveals that 57% of college graduates are female, while only 42% are male, showing a consistent trend over the years. This shift is also reflected in job promotions, where women are advancing in their careers at a faster rate compared to men.
Top 13 Trades Career For Women
After extensive research, we’ve handpicked some trade jobs for women. Let’s check them out!
1. Architect/Civil Drafter
Women seeking career independence have a range of fields to consider, many requiring technical skills and a degree. However, without an engineering background, drafting roles offer a viable option with an average annual salary of around $56,700.
2. Electrical Technician
The electrical industry offers great opportunities for women due to high demand from employers. With constantly evolving technology, becoming an apprentice in the Electrical Technician field can lead to a successful career as an electrical engineer.
It’s worth mentioning that it takes some time to become an electrical engineer. But if you start soon enough and work hard at it, you could be well on track to learn the essential skills you need to succeed.
3. Electrical Engineer
Consider a high-paying job in electronics engineering, with an average salary of $101,600. In technology companies, engineers design, test, repair, and troubleshoot products. Women are well represented in this field, making up 70 percent of electrical and computer engineers.
4. Construction Technology
Constructing a building can be rewarding and exciting as a construction technologist. This trade offers opportunities to utilize new technologies and materials for both you and your team.
Being an early adopter of new construction technologies can lead to rewards. To pursue this path, contact schools for certification courses tailored towards building a career as a woman in the industry.
5. Construction Management
Indeed, women have not long been accepted in the realm of building technology. But we’re here to change all of that! For women looking to be a part of this exciting and ever-changing world, taking Construction Management courses is an amazing place for them to start.
While attending in-person courses or online programs for Construction Management, women will head into the workforce as an entry-level builders. They will train in how to manage buildings from maintenance and project management perspectives. Don’t let gender stereotypes dictate your future!
6. Mechanical Engineer
Passionate about energy production equipment? Consider mechanical engineering! Mechanical engineers earn $92,800 annually designing machines like generators and turbines. A key trade for combating climate change and meeting energy demands.
7. Industrial/Product Designer
Are you skilled in drawing and working independently as a woman? Consider becoming an industrial designer, creating concepts for everyday products. You can work on toys, furniture, and cars, with an average annual salary of $71,430 to support yourself or pay for education.
8. Oil and Gas Worker
In the oil and gas industry, historically, female roles were mostly lower-paying. Now, more women are enrolling in free training for higher-paying jobs like Roustabouts or Engineers due to new technologies.
With these opportunities available now (and plenty more to come) women have seized upon them. They do this by enrolling in training courses that are dedicated only to people who want to build careers in this sector. An oil and gas worker can earn an average annual salary ranging from $40,220 to $156,370.
9. Solar Energy Technician
Solar energy workers are vital for clean energy. Salaries range from $35,000-$43,000 annually. Traditionally male-dominated, the field is becoming more inclusive for women.
Demand for fossil fuels is declining due to economic and moral reasons, leading to a shift towards renewable energy sources like solar panels to meet energy needs without harmful byproducts.
10. Graphic Designer
Graphic designers play a vital role in creating logos and promotional materials for businesses. They collaborate with advertising agencies, retail stores, private companies, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Salaries for graphic designers can range from $35k to over $90k depending on their employer.
11. Wind Energy Technician
To work in wind technology, learn how to operate wind-capturing equipment for a starting salary of $58,000 annually, contributing to renewable energy and environmental conservation.
12. Computer Programmer
Learning computer application development offers women high-paying careers, with an average annual salary of $89,580, promoting financial independence.
13. Elevator Installers and Repairers
Elevator installers make sure everything is in working order, including pulleys, guides, and machinery that help with the operation of the elevators. They also conduct routine maintenance checks on the equipment such as cables, wires, governor systems, and boilers throughout stations.
Elevator installers need to complete core courses in addition to specialized electrician training. They may need to travel extensively for job sites, possibly all over the country or even internationally. The average salary for elevator installers is $76,650.
Top Trade Schools
Choosing the right trade school is tough with so many options. It’s important to find a school with program options and teaching methods that suit you. Some schools have more women students, others are more diverse.
They build these schools to offer an intimate and nurturing atmosphere with an exceptional student experience and paramount learning opportunities for women who want to become tradeswomen.
1. Bates Technical College
Bates Technical College in the Pacific Northwest offers a wide range of apprentice and non-apprentice programs. They have dual credit options that allow students to earn high school and technical credits simultaneously, potentially speeding up the time to degree completion to just two years with proper planning.
Bates Technical College stands out with 43% female attendees, offering great options for women pursuing careers in various fields independently, with support from experienced mentors sharing their own experiences.
2. State Technical College of Missouri
Non-Missouri residents can apply for admission. Most students come from Missouri. Out-of-state tuition is higher, consider private universities for cost savings.
On the roster, you’ll find quite a few people who take their education seriously. And not just any women either — women who aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty and give it all they have!
3. Lake Area Technical College
Lake Area Technical College ensures students find success in securing employment or continuing their education within 6 months of graduating. Community college is often seen as a stepping stone for those hesitant to attend, potentially delaying their educational goals if not fully committed.
Women seeking diverse educational opportunities at LA Tech must be prepared to work diligently, as half-hearted efforts are not accepted. Success at this institution, or any other, requires dedication and hard work, regardless of one’s readiness.
Despite the perception of LA Tech’s campus as traditional and plain, the nearly 200-acre campus just outside Pierre, South Dakota offers diversity to counter such assumptions of institutionalization or outdatedness.
4. North Central Kansas Technical College
North Central Kansas Technical College offers programs in automotive, HVAC, welding, culinary arts, construction, and welding for women. 45% of students are women and have high job placement success.
5. Northwest Louisiana Technical College
Consider Northwest Louisiana Technical College for the women in your life who are seeking a career. With a student population that is 38 percent female, it offers a welcoming campus with personalized attention.
Why Women Should Have A Career In The Trades Industry
There is a trade labor shortage of over 4 million jobs in the US, making it challenging for skilled workers to complete tasks. This leads to decreased sales and revenue for businesses.
Fortunately, more new workers, including women, are entering the construction/trades industry, providing companies with a boost in manpower. This trend benefits both companies and women by offering challenging and lucrative trade-related careers.
• The Trade Industry pays high wages
Money is important for supporting a family. Skilled trades like HVAC and plumbing can offer high salaries. Women are paid less than men on average, but the gap is smaller in carpentry.
A 2009 Department of Labor study found that women earn less than men in top-wage occupations, with those in lower-paying jobs making less than 75% of what men do. The study suggests these findings may be outdated due to women spending more time out of the workforce. Despite challenges, skilled tradeswomen can still expect career growth and financial rewards.
• You don’t necessarily need a lot of schooling
Trading a college degree for a trade can provide practical skills for career advancement without the burden of student debt. Plumbing is a recommended trade due to its usefulness and decent pay.
Trades offer high salaries without needing a college degree. They require less schooling and time, sometimes paying more than four-year degrees. Apprenticeship programs can help you finish school faster and start earning sooner.
• There’s concrete job security
With the current trends, trades like construction and machining will see a seven percent increase in job opportunities by 2030. Workers must adapt to new technology and have high levels of education and skills training to stay competitive. Skilled workers will continue to be in demand, providing a promising outlook for employment.
Closing Thoughts
Pursuing trades is breaking gender stereotypes, inspiring women to follow their passions despite societal norms discouraging them from “manly” work.
If you’re interested in a trade but unsure how to overcome gender stereotypes, follow these tips: believe in yourself, ask questions, work hard, ignore limits others impose, and be ready to start from the bottom.
