For those seeking careers in the skilled trades, opportunities abound. And that's not likely to change in the near future.
“There's an interesting gap in the job market right now,” said Cory Stahl, an economist at job search engine Indeed.com. “While demand for knowledge workers — white-collar professionals like software developers, mathematicians — was hot. [it’s given way to] Construction and manufacturing, healthcare, security and similar sectors, which have persisted and even grown since the pandemic.
According to the New York City Department of Labor, carpentry, construction, building maintenance and repair, transportation, infrastructure and service trades (think barbers) are especially hot when it comes to New York City.
And while some jobs, such as those of accountants, customer service professionals, financial underwriters and paralegals, may be rapidly and negatively affected by AI, “demand for workers in skilled trades will be less disturbed.” Stahle said.
The pay for skilled jobs, once you've completed the apprenticeship stage, isn't very low either. Consider that salaries for elevator installers and mechanics range between $76,147 and $113,621, according to Salary.com, while Payscale.com sees an hourly rate of $210 (about $436,800 per year).
It's not just that the pay is good, but also that the work is rewarding. Don't believe us? Then take it from Mike Rowe, creator and host of Discovery Channel's “Dirty Jobs” and trade spokesperson.
“Work is not just what I do, it's a part of who I am,” he said. “I am a working class businessman and as far as I am concerned there is no greater honour.”
Here's a sample of the most popular jobs in skilled trades in New York City.
A cut above
Many men go to the barber every two or three weeks, barbershops are busy. And it's not just about hair and beards; They are a place for men to relax, socialize and feel refreshed.
They're also willing to spend — and tip.
With a growth rate of 18% and no slowdown in sight, barbers are in higher demand than data scientists or other tech workers.
To enter the profession, you must obtain a health certification and work as a registered apprentice for two years before successfully completing the NYS practical exam.
According to Glassdoor, pay an average of $84,644 in NYC.
pipe dream
If you have a valid driver's license, strong communication skills and mechanical aptitude, you have the basic requirements to become an apprentice/technician at companies like Roto-Rooter.
New recruits receive paid training at a local plumbing trade school run by or in partnership with their company. After completing their training, they work under a master plumber.
Once they complete all the required training and put in the necessary hours, they are eligible to take the exam to become a master plumber. Starting pay is between $55K and $65K depending on location.
Another path to plumbing is to attend a trade school, many of which promise to provide a fast path into the profession. Nine months after admission, trainees are set to enter programs as second-year apprentices and obtain OSHA 10 certification.
Helmets to Hardhats, a service for veterans, offers no-cost or low-cost training through a partnership with the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of America and Canada.
Master plumbers in NYC earn $104,000 to $168,000, according to Glassdoor.
Hot and cold blowing
According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the role of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration workers is expected to grow by 6 percent by 2030.
After earning a high school diploma, aspiring professionals typically complete apprenticeships as well as training programs.
A variety of technical schools offer training, including Building Skills NY, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping historically underemployed New Yorkers gain the skills and certifications necessary to enter and advance in the construction industry. Dedicated. It partners with LaGuardia Community College.
According to Indeed.com, the salary may be low initially (in the high teens) but then increases significantly after the first six months, ranging between $41,927 and $107,472 in NYC.
It should be made of wood
“Extensions will create the next New York City skyline,” said Jill Watson, director of communications at the New York City District Council of Carpenters.
There are numerous roles in this area—consider the category “dock builders and lumbermen,” which includes a number of sub-occupations. There is one for divers who build, inspect and repair bridges and weld and strengthen steel underwater. Another, “shoreman,” describes a profession whose members design, install, and maintain temporary support systems.
To learn more about these and other types of roles, “you'll have to attend an in-person information session,” Watson said. However, the selection is competitive. Among other requirements, proof of any trade-related experience, certification or education is required.
Helmets to Hardhats, Building Skills NY, Workforce 1, City Tech, Non-Traditional Employment for Women and Business Trade Schools can all serve as good starting points.
A journeyman carpenter's salary in NYC ranges from $75,000 to $114,000, while construction managers earn up to $248,000, according to Glassdoor.