Skilled Trades by State: Demand, Pay, and Growth Trends

It’s tough to argue against the importance of tradespeople; they’re literally responsible for keeping the lights on, and ensuring your office building maintains a tolerable temperature.

The need for skilled plumbers, electrical engineers and mechanics is fairly universal — however, geography often dictates demand for a given area’s specific needs (frozen pipes aren’t so much an issue in Arizona compared to the harsh winters up north, etc).

Thanks to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ determined efforts to stay up-to-date on this sort of thing, we were able to dive into ten popular trades to better understand where workers are earning the most, which trades are on the rise, and where we can expect an explosion of new opportunities in the near-future.

Where most tradespeople work (total and per capita)

Unsurprisingly, states with the largest economies and populations (California, Texas, Florida, New York and Ohio) employ the largest numbers of tradespeople overall. These states are construction powerhouses, and can generally be counted on to always have major residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects in the works.

When looking at the number of tradespeople relative to state populations, smaller, energy-driven states tend to rise to the top. Louisiana, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Arizona show especially high concentrations thanks to strong manufacturing, energy, and construction sectors.

These states often offer higher per-capita opportunities for skilled workers and present unique challenges and rewards for trades (oh, and speaking of unique challenges, get ready to see a lot of Alaska mentions below).

Top-paying states for skilled trades

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024

States with growing demand for skilled trades

The numbers show demand for virtually all trades on an upward trend, which is extra impressive considering 34.7 million people already held a trade profession as recently as 2023.

Still, today there are reportedly more than 1 million unfilled trade jobs in the U.S., and by 2027-28 demand for trades is expected to increase by 345,000 new jobs. States projecting the highest demand include:

• Texas and California – Massive construction and industrial projects drive continuous hiring.
• Florida and Arizona – Population growth and residential expansion keep trades in high demand.
• Ohio and Pennsylvania – Aging infrastructure and manufacturing revival are fueling recruitment.
• North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Louisiana – Energy-sector expansion is keeping welders, operators, and pipefitters busy.

Top trades across the U.S.

Each skilled trade follows its own pattern of opportunity, pay, and growth. Here’s our breakdown of ten common trades along with where they’re most likely to find employment and good pay:

Technology and the future of the trades

We can’t think of a single skilled trade job that isn’t made simpler with the right equipment. 

And “equipment” doesn’t just mean tools and trucks — it includes technology that helps teams work smarter and safer. As trade businesses grow, tools like GPS tracking and dash cams (hey, we know something about those) offer clear ways to manage assets and keep crews safe on the job.

Here’s just a few of the ways technology is transforming daily operations across the trades:

• Efficiency on the move: Electricians, HVAC techs, and plumbers often juggle multiple service calls a day. With GPS tracking, dispatchers can quickly locate the nearest vehicle, reroute around traffic, and shave hours off wasted drive time.
• Safety and accountability: Dash cams protect drivers from false claims, promote safe driving habits, and create peace of mind for both crews and customers.
• Asset protection: Heavy equipment operators and construction crews rely on costly machinery. A good dash cam/GPS can alert managers the moment something moves offsite unexpectedly.
• Customer confidence: Location data and route histories make it easy to verify service calls and arrival times — a small detail that builds trust and brings in repeat business.

With skilled labor in such high demand, technology is also a competitive advantage; businesses that use smart fleet tools can take on more jobs, protect their investments, and keep their workers safe and productive.

What it all means

Skilled trades are entering a pivotal era. As automation and technology streamline processes across many industries, skilled trade expertise remains irreplaceable. For job seekers, these trends point to lasting career security. For businesses, they underscore the importance of workforce planning and competitive pay to attract and retain talent. For everyone, it’s a reminder that the future of the trades will be built on both skill and technology.

From GPS tracking that keeps crews connected to dash cams that promote safety and accountability, tools like Linxup help ensure every mile, job, and worker contributes to long-term success. Learn more about how Linxup helps you get the most out of every job here.