U.S. Skilled Trades Labor Shortage Heightens as In-Demand Jobs Remain Unfilled the Longest

Rhea-AI Summary

A recent analysis from PeopleReady reveals a significant shortage of skilled trade workers in the U.S., with jobs remaining unfilled for an average of one month. The gap is largely attributed to retiring baby boomers. According to Jill Quinn, the demand for apprentice-level positions is high, offering steady, well-paying job opportunities. Notably, job postings for plumber apprentices have surged by 24%, while median hourly wages for helper positions stand at $16, potentially increasing with training. This presents a compelling opportunity for job seekers.

Positive

• High demand for skilled trades jobs due to labor shortage.
• Median hourly rate for helper-level jobs is $16, which can rise with additional training.
• Increase in job postings for plumber apprentices by 24% in the past month.

Negative

• Jobs in skilled trades are sitting unfilled for an average of 29 days.
• Labor shortage predominantly driven by retiring baby boomers exiting the workforce.

While millions of Americans affected by pandemic job loss are still looking for work, the number of skilled trade jobs in the U.S. is far outpacing the supply of qualified workers to fill them. A new analysis by the skilled trades division of staffing leader PeopleReady finds that the most in-demand skilled trade jobs are remaining unfilled the longest—roughly a month on average—due to the shortage of qualified workers.

The skilled trades labor shortage—predominantly driven by a mass exit of baby boomers retiring from the sector—can be an opportunity for people looking for work, especially those who have little to no experience in the skilled trades and need job training, says PeopleReady.

“The skilled trades are in dire need of workers right now, with a particularly high demand for apprentice-level and skilled labor positions. These are steady, well-paying jobs that hold a bright future, even in an unpredictable economic climate,” said Jill Quinn, executive leader of PeopleReady Skilled Trades. “For the millions of Americans who are struggling in their job hunt right now, our message is simple: Consider a career in the skilled trades.”

In the company’s analysis of hundreds of thousands of skilled trade jobs across the nation, PeopleReady found the following helper and apprentice-level areas in most need of workers based on growth in demand over the past month and length of time that jobs typically remain unfilled:

• Plumber apprentices: Job postings have increased by 24% in the past month, and jobs are sitting unfilled for an average of 29 days.
• Roofer apprentices: 50%; 39 days.
• Carpenter helpers: 12%; 28 days.
• Carpentry apprentices: 33%; 31 days.
• Construction workers: 17%; 27 days.
• Electrician helpers: 15%; 27 days.

The median hourly rate for helper-level skilled trade jobs is $16 an hour—or roughly $33,000 a year—and can pay up to 50% higher with additional training.

PeopleReady Skilled Trades works throughout the nation to connect tradespeople, from highly skilled to apprentice-level and beginner, with work across a variety of trades. To learn more, visit skilled.peopleready.com.

About PeopleReady Skilled Trades

PeopleReady Skilled Trades is a specialized division of PeopleReady, a TrueBlue company (NYSE: TBI). Since 1987, this specialized division has connected tradespeople and work across a wide range of trades, including carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding, solar installations and more. Whether customers need a single tradesperson or require a coordinated effort to dispatch trades workers across multiple projects, PeopleReady Skilled Trades ensures they have the right people with the right tools, on-site and on time. Learn more at skilled.peopleready.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210318005265/en/

FAQ

What is the current job market situation for skilled trades in the U.S. as of 2023?

The U.S. is experiencing a significant shortage of skilled trade workers, with jobs remaining unfilled for an average of one month due to a lack of qualified candidates.

Which skilled trade jobs are currently in high demand?

The most in-demand skilled trade jobs include plumber apprentices, roofer apprentices, carpenter helpers, and electrician helpers.

How much do skilled trade jobs pay on average?

The median hourly rate for helper-level skilled trade jobs is $16, translating to approximately $33,000 per year, with potential for higher earnings with additional training.

What are the implications of the skilled labor shortage for job seekers?

The labor shortage in skilled trades presents a unique opportunity for job seekers, especially those with little to no experience, as there is a high demand for workers.

How has the pandemic affected job opportunities in skilled trades?

While many Americans faced job loss during the pandemic, the skilled trades sector has seen a robust demand, particularly for apprentice-level and skilled labor positions.