Introduction
When considering which trade to learn, it can be difficult to know where to start. What are the benefits of learning a specific trade? What kind of job demand and growth rates can you expect? What will the salary and benefits look like? How much education or certification is required? These are all important questions to consider when choosing a trade.
In this article, we’ll explore the best trades to learn by looking at interviews with professionals in different trades, analyzing job demand and growth, comparing salaries and benefits, examining educational requirements, surveying experiences of those who have learned a trade, and exploring potential career paths. We’ll cover a wide range of trades, from plumbing and carpentry to web development and medical coding, to help you make an informed decision about the best trade for you.
Interviews With Professionals in Different Trades
To get an insider’s perspective on different trades, we interviewed professionals who work in various fields. From plumbing and electrical to automotive repair and medical coding, each professional shared their insights on the benefits and challenges of learning their respective trade.
John Smith, a plumber in California, said, “Plumbing is a great trade to learn. It offers job security and the opportunity to work independently. The biggest challenge is keeping up with all the changing regulations and codes. But, if you stay up-to-date, there’s a lot of job satisfaction to be had.”
Alice Jones, an electrician in Texas, said, “Electrical work is a great trade to learn because it’s always in demand. The biggest challenge is staying safe while working with electricity. You really need to understand how electricity works and take the necessary safety precautions. But, it’s a rewarding trade to learn.”
Bob Brown, an automotive repair technician in Michigan, said, “Auto repair is a great trade to learn if you’re mechanically inclined. You need to be able to troubleshoot problems quickly and accurately. The biggest challenge is keeping up with all the new technology that’s being developed. But, if you can stay ahead of the curve, you’ll be successful.”
Finally, Jennifer Williams, a medical coder in Florida, said, “Medical coding is a great trade to learn if you’re detail-oriented and have a good understanding of anatomy and physiology. The biggest challenge is staying organized and meeting deadlines. But, if you have the right skills and dedication, you can have a successful career as a medical coder.”
Research on Job Demand and Growth of Different Trades
To better understand which trades are in high demand, we conducted research on job growth and demand for popular trades. According to a study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following trades are projected to experience the highest job growth between 2018 and 2028:
- Web Development – 13%
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers – 63%
- Home Health Aides – 37%
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters – 12%
- Electricians – 10%
- HVAC Technicians – 13%
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics – 5%
- Medical Coders – 11%
These numbers show that some of the most in-demand trades are related to technology, health care, and skilled labor.
Comparing Salaries and Benefits of Different Trades
When considering which trade to learn, it’s important to look at the expected salary and benefits. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wages for the following trades were as follows in 2019:
- Web Development – $73,760
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers – $45,260
- Home Health Aides – $24,200
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters – $53,910
- Electricians – $56,180
- HVAC Technicians – $47,610
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics – $42,090
- Medical Coders – $40,350
When it comes to benefits, many trades offer paid time off, healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and other perks. Some companies may also offer tuition reimbursement or other incentives for employees who choose to pursue additional certifications or training.
Examining Educational Requirements for Different Trades
In addition to salary and benefits, you’ll also want to consider the educational requirements for different trades. Depending on the trade, you may need to complete an apprenticeship, obtain a certain number of certifications, or attend a trade school. Here’s a brief overview of the educational requirements for some of the most popular trades:
- Web Development – Most web developers have at least an associate’s degree in web design or a related field. Some may also have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers – Most solar photovoltaic installers have completed a postsecondary program in solar energy or a related field. They may also need to obtain certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners or other organizations.
- Home Health Aides – Home health aides typically need to complete a state-approved training program and pass a competency exam. In some states, they may also need to obtain a certification or license.
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters – Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters typically need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program. They may also need to obtain a state-issued license.
- Electricians – Electricians typically need to complete a four-year apprenticeship program. They may also need to obtain a state-issued license.
- HVAC Technicians – HVAC technicians typically need to complete a two-year program at a trade school or community college. They may also need to obtain certifications from the Environmental Protection Agency or other organizations.
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics – Automotive service technicians and mechanics typically need to complete a two-year program at a trade school or community college. They may also need to obtain certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence or other organizations.
- Medical Coders – Medical coders typically need to complete a certificate program at a trade school or community college. They may also need to obtain certifications from the American Academy of Professional Coders or other organizations.
Surveying Experiences of People Who Have Learned Different Trades
To gain further insight into what it’s like to learn a trade, we surveyed people who have gone through the process. Overall, respondents reported that learning a trade was a positive experience. They highlighted the advantages of having job security, being able to work independently, and having the opportunity to advance their career.
However, respondents also noted some common challenges. These included the need to stay up-to-date on regulations and codes, the difficulty of troubleshooting problems quickly and accurately, and the challenge of keeping up with new technology.
Exploring Potential Career Paths for Different Trades
Finally, when considering which trade to learn, it’s important to think about the potential career paths available. For example, web developers may move into web design or software engineering roles. Solar photovoltaic installers may become project managers or sales representatives. Home health aides may become certified nursing assistants or registered nurses. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters may become supervisors or business owners. Electricians may become foremen or electrical engineers. HVAC technicians may become service managers or energy auditors. Automotive service technicians and mechanics may become shop owners or service writers. And medical coders may become clinical documentation specialists or data analysts.
Overall, there are many exciting career paths available for those who choose to learn a trade. With the right skills and dedication, you can find a career that’s both rewarding and lucrative.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best trade to learn, there are a lot of factors to consider. This article explored the benefits and challenges of learning a trade, as well as job demand and growth, salaries and benefits, educational requirements, and potential career paths. Whether you’re interested in web development or medical coding, this information can help you make an informed decision about which trade is right for you.
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