The 10 most popular trade careers right now

Are you considering trade school? 

When it comes to plans after high school, trade school can be a great option— and it’s a route that more and more students are choosing. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, two-year college skilled trades program enrollment rose, as of Spring 2022.¹

But which trades have the highest projected job growth rate? Hint: a job’s projected growth estimates the change in the number of people that are employed in that occupation over a select period of time.

Here’s a closer look at 10 common trades. 

Wind turbine technician

A wind turbine technician assists engineers and ironworkers in installing new wind turbines. 

Minimum education required: Postsecondary nondegree award

Projected job growth rate (2021-2031)²: 44% 

Web developer

If you’re a web developer, then you help create functional, user-friendly websites and web applications. You might write code, develop and test new applications, monitor site performance, and more.

Minimum education required: Associate’s degree

Projected job growth rate (2021-2031)²: 23% 

Legal assistant

Also sometimes referred to as paralegals, legal assistants support lawyers through research, organizing, and assisting during trials and hearings. 

Minimum education required: Associate’s degree

Projected job growth rate (2021-2031)²: 14% 

Respiratory therapist

A respiratory therapist helps people who are having difficulties breathing. They give patients oxygen, manage ventilators, administer drugs to the lungs, and more. 

Minimum education required: Associate’s degree

Projected job growth rate (2021-2031)²: 14%

Diagnostic medical sonographer 

If you’re a diagnostic medical sonographer, then you’re trained to use specialized equipment to generate images used for accessing and diagnosing various medical conditions. 

Minimum education required: Postsecondary nondegree award

Projected job growth rate (2021-2031)²: 10% 

Dental hygienist

Dental hygienists are trained and licensed to clean teeth, take dental x-rays, and provide overall dental care—usually under the supervision of a dentist. 

Minimum education required: Associate’s degree

Projected job growth rate (2021-2031)²: 9% 

Electrician

Electricians install, repair, and maintain the electrical systems and wiring of homes, buildings, and more. 

Minimum education required: High school diploma or equivalent 

Projected job growth rate (2021-2031)²: 7%

IT technician

Also sometimes called support specialists, an IT technician either provides general desktop and printer support for a company, or they offer network support.

Minimum education required: High school diploma or equivalent 

Projected job growth rate (2021-2031)²: 6%

HVACR technician

An HVACR technician works on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. 

Minimum education required: High school diploma or equivalent 

Projected job growth rate (2021-2031)²: 5% 

Plumber

A plumber installs and repairs water, gas, and other piping systems in homes and businesses. 

Minimum education required: High school diploma or equivalent

Projected job growth rate (2021-2031)²: 2% 

Don’t forget to research other requirements

Another good thing to keep in mind if you’re exploring the trade school route is license and exam requirements. They vary by both trade and the location you’re in, so be sure to do your research first. 

Whether one of these exciting trades caught your eye or you’re interested in a completely different trade, there’s a ton of options out there. It’s all about finding the best path for you.