As industries face a shortage of skilled workers and the future of white-collar jobs is disrupted by artificial intelligence, skilled trades are emerging as a promising career path. Yet, despite growing demand and competitive wages, these professions — from plumbing to diesel mechanics — remain largely male-dominated.However, this scenario is slowly changing as more women enter fields traditionally seen as male work, driven by the promise of job stability, faster career progression and financial security.Recent occupational statistics show that women still make up a small part of the workforce in many trades. For example, in the United States, only 3.1% of carpenters and plumbers and 3.5% of electricians will be women in 2025, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.“We’re not where we want to be with a diverse workforce, but we’re seeing an increase in that number,” Ian Andrews, vice president of labor relations for the National Electrical Contractors Association, told CNBC. Two decades ago, only 1.9% of electricians in the US were women.Skilled trades offer stability and increased pay.Experts say the growing demand for skilled workers is creating strong career opportunities. As older workers retire and industries struggle to fill roles, wages and job opportunities in skilled trades are rising.“Women who follow this path are positioning themselves for job security, stability, advancement,” Monster Careers expert Vicky Salemi told CNBC. “The potential in these areas is very strong, and they are often underutilized.”For many women, these roles also provide a way to close the gender wage gap while building long-term financial security.Choosing trades for long-term stabilityChristina Barella-McEntee, now a plumber with more than two decades of experience, switched careers in 1998 after working as a makeup artist in Chicago. Looking for better long-term prospects, he applied for a plumbers’ union apprenticeship.“I was looking at my life and was like, this is not where I want to be when I’m 60,” she told CNBC.Change required patience and sacrifice. During his five-year apprenticeship, he earned just $9 an hour. But the payoff came later. Today, Barillas-McEntee earns $56 an hour and receives benefits from union-backed health care and retirement plans.“It’s a sacrifice you make for a greater cause,” she said.Young workers were attracted to hands-on careers.For young professionals, skilled trades offer a way to quickly enter the workforce without the burden of lengthy college degrees.Teagan Hollabaugh, 22, chose to train as a heavy-duty diesel mechanic because she preferred a practical career to a desk job.“I didn’t want to sit behind a desk,” she told CNBC. “I knew I needed something more involved to keep me entertained everyday.”Before graduating high school, he enrolled in technical training and landed a job shortly after completing his program—something many young graduates struggle to achieve.Overcoming stereotypes at workGender stereotypes are still challenges. Lillian Hollabaugh, who works as an HVAC installation technician, recalled how employers initially assumed she wanted an office role.“I was dressed like I was going to an interview … and everyone kept offering me office positions,” she told CNBC. “I went to trade school because I want to use my hands.”Despite the obstacles, she quickly moved up in her company and is now preparing to lead the staff.Future proof career pathFor others, the appeal of skilled trades lies in the financial independence and long-term career prospects.Diesel technician Raelee Nicholson chose technical school over a four-year college degree because of concerns about student loan debt.“I think the debt-to-payment ratio works better after trade school,” he told CNBC.Now seven years into the field, she earns a steady income and contributes regularly to her retirement savings.Although women remain a minority in many trade jobs, Nicholson believes attitudes are changing. “You’re there to work,” he said.As labor shortages persist and automation reshapes traditional career paths, experts say skilled trades could become an increasingly attractive option for the next generation — including more women ready to challenge long-held norms.
