CAREERS IN THE TRADES
Careers in the skilled trades are in-demand which means there are always jobs available. Learn more about the most popular careers in the skilled trades below.
CARPENTRY
Carpenters are essential in constructing the backbone of our communities, from residential homes to commercial buildings. By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, carpenter jobs offer dynamic career paths filled with innovation and creativity. To become a carpenter, one can pursue the Path to Pro entry-level virtual training within the carpentry trade and join our network of hiring pros within this trade. The field offers numerous entry-level carpenter jobs and opportunities for advancement, making it a rewarding career choice with competitive carpenter salary prospects.
Salary Range
$36K-$90K
Jobs Available
956K+
Carpentry
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Attention To Detail
Critical Thinking
Physical Endurance
Construction Math
Problem Solving
Carpentry
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build, repair, and install structures and molding
- Measure, shape, and cut materials including wood, shiplap, and glass
- Construct building foundations and framework, including doors, floors, and walls
- Repair or replace damaged structures
- Understand and practice safety procedures and proper tool handling
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HVAC
HVAC technicians are integral to maintaining comfortable and healthy indoor environments in homes, offices, and businesses throughout the United States. These professionals ensure efficient heating and cooling systems, enhancing air quality and energy efficiency year-round. Enrolling in the Path to Pro program, individuals can embark on a rewarding journey in the skilled trades, with opportunities for skilled pros hiring for HVAC jobs. As well as entry-level virtual training in the skilled trades. This pathway not only supports career growth but also contributes significantly to creating healthier, more comfortable spaces.
Salary Range
$36K – $83K
Jobs Available
415K+
HVAC
REQUIREMENTS
Analytical Skills
Hand-Eye Coordination
Critical Thinking
Physical Endurance
Communication Skills
Technical Skills
HVAC
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Install, repair, maintain, and clean HVAC units
- Identify and troubleshoot HVAC malfunctions
- Replace or repair faulty parts
- Explain HVAC problems and solutions to customer
- Respond to emergency repair requests after regular working hours
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PLUMBING
Plumbers are the backbone of clean water access across the United States, ensuring we can wash our hands, do the dishes, and enjoy safe drinking water every day. These skilled professionals install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems for homes and businesses, keeping our communities running smoothly. Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a major installation, plumbers are essential to residential and commercial infrastructure. With opportunities to learn through the Path to Pro virtual training, this field offers a promising career path. Explore entry-level plumber jobs and the journey to become a plumber and discover why the plumbing trade is a gateway to a rewarding career in the skilled trades.
Salary Range
$37K – $101K
Jobs Available
482K+
Plumbing
REQUIREMENTS
Problem Solving
Attention To Detail
Analytical Skills
Physical Endurance
Communication Skills
Customer Service
Plumbing
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Install and repair pipes and fixtures
- Perform inspections and tests to determine source of the problem
- Read and interpret blueprints
- Understand and follow building code regulations
- Effectively communicate problems and recommendations to customers
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ELECTRICAL
Electricians play a crucial role in powering homes, businesses, and communities across The United States, ensuring safe and reliable access to electricity daily. These skilled professionals, through electrician training and programs, install wiring in new buildings and maintain and repair electrical systems, keeping everything running smoothly. With opportunities in residential electrician jobs and paths to becoming a master electrician, this field offers essential contributions to the country’s growth. Our Path to Pro program provides a foundation for a successful career in these Skilled Trades, providing entry-level virtual training, highlighting their importance in our daily lives.
Salary Range
$37K – $102K
Jobs Available
762K+
Electrical
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Attention To Detail
Analytical Skills
Problem Solving
Communication Skills
Technical Skills
Electrical
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Diagnose and repair electrical issues
- Plan and install electrical wiring and systems
- Inspect, perform tests, and troubleshoot systems
- Perform maintenance checks
- Practice safety procedures while handling tools
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MASONRY
The masonry trade is the backbone of the United States, crafting essential structures like hospitals, schools, and homes. Skilled professionals in this field ensure that buildings are not only safe and durable. Whether in urban or suburban areas, masonry workers actively contribute to the beauty and structure of our communities, one project at a time. For those interested in a career, exploring masonry jobs through our Path to Pro network where hiring pros are waiting for you.
Salary Range
$36K – $82K
Jobs Available
294K+
Masonry
REQUIREMENTS
Creativity
Physical Endurance
Analytical Skills
Attention To Detail
Construction Math
Problem Solving
Masonry
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Interpret blueprints to determine the materials needed for a job
- Precisely cut materials in correct shape and size
- Ensure structures are level
- Demolish and build structures like chimneys and walls
- Mix concrete for roads, sidewalks, driveways, and floors
- Operate equipment and machinery safely
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WELDING
Skilled Trades professionals, such as welders, are essential to the infrastructure and innovations across The United States. These experts in welding and fabrication are pivotal in constructing everything from bridges and buildings to custom cars and tools. In both urban areas and local communities, they ensure each welding job is completed with precision and expertise. Whether you’re interested in exploring how to become a welder or you’re searching for a welding community. Path to Pro offers entry-level virtual training and a network of hiring pros within the welding trade.
Salary Range
$35K – $68K
Jobs Available
431K+
Welding
REQUIREMENTS
Organizational Skills
Analytical Skills
Attention To Detail
Physical Endurance
Technical Skills
Hand-Eye Coordination
Welding
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build, repair, and install structures and molding
- Analyze blueprints and sketches to determine dimensions of materials
- Cut and fuse metals and other materials together
- Fill and repair holes and dents in structures
- Utilize torches and power tools safely
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PAINTING
Skilled trades professionals, particularly those in painting careers, bring vibrancy and character to homes and businesses throughout the United States. These professional painter jobs involve everything from repairing walls to creating custom color schemes, making them essential for both residential and commercial aesthetics. Whether you’re just starting within an entry-level painter or an experienced painter, this field offers opportunities to enhance community beauty and infrastructure. With competitive industrial painter salary and openings in residential painter jobs, this trade promises a rewarding career path in the painting sector. Path to Pro offers entry-level virtual training for those interested in kick starting their career in the painting trade.
Salary Range
$32K – $72K
Jobs Available
372K+
Painting
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Creativity
Detail-Oriented
Time Management
Communication Skills
Customer Service
Painting
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Use professional techniques to apply primers, sealer, paint coating, and other finishes
- Clean work area before and after painting
- Cover floors, furniture, and other surfaces to protect from paint
- Fill holes and cracks with plaster or mud
- Determine the amount of materials needed for the job
- Provide professional suggestions and communicate clearly with customers
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ROOFING
Roofing professionals are essential in protecting homes, hospitals, and businesses across the United States, ensuring these structures remain safe. These skilled trades careers focus on the installation, maintenance, and repair of residential and commercial roofs, safeguarding communities from harsh weather. Programs like the Home Depot Path to Pro offer aspiring roofers’ access to roofing apprenticeship opportunities, providing aspiring roofers with a network of hiring pros, looking for roofers of all levels. By becoming a roofer, individuals can enter a rewarding career with competitive roofer salary prospects in the commercial and residential roofing jobs market.
Salary Range
$31K – $75K
Jobs Available
154K+
Roofing
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Physical Endurance
Organizational Skills
Time Management
Communication Skills
Team Player
Roofing
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Inspect damages and recommend repairs
- Calculate materials needed to install or repair a roof
- Install ventilation, insulation, and vapor barriers
- Remove and replace damaged or unwanted roof
- Spray roofs with chemical treatments and seal exposed nails to protect from weather damage
- Clearly answer customer questions and concerns
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CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING
Construction workers and remodelers are the backbone of our country, ensuring safety and progress through their dedication to building and improving infrastructure. Whether constructing residential or commercial properties, these skilled trades professionals play a vital role in shaping our neighborhoods. Programs like Home Depot’s Path to Pro offer pathways to enter this field through entry-level construction jobs and resources for obtaining contractor training. Path to Pro also offers entry-level virtual training opportunities for general construction. Explore opportunities to start your journey in the skilled trades and contribute to the community’s growth and development.
Salary Range
$29K – $66K
Jobs Available
1.6M
Construction & Remodeling
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Physical Endurance
Critical Thinking
Detail-Oriented
Team Player
Time Management
Construction & Remodeling
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Clean and prepare construction sites
- Build and deconstruct temporary structures, barricades, and scaffolding
- Load and unload materials, tools, and equipment
- Safely operate equipment and heavy machinery
- Dig holes and tunnels
- Mix, pour, and level concrete
- Collaborate with electricians, carpenters, and other trades workers
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LANDSCAPING
Landscapers, often referred to as groundskeepers, are the creative minds sculpting the beautifully trimmed hedges, lush lawns, and vibrant flowers that adorn neighborhoods across the United States. These skilled trades professionals excel in designing and maintaining outdoor spaces for homes, businesses, and public areas, blending creativity with precision. Whether you’re a seasoned landscaper or just starting on your journey, these professionals are key to creating inviting environments. Embrace a career in commercial and residential landscaping jobs through programs like Home Depot’s Path to Pro, which offers resources and connections for those in the landscaping and groundskeepers’ fields.
Salary Range
$27K – $50K
Jobs Available
1.2M+
Landscaping
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Physical Endurance
Detail-Oriented
Creativity
Time Management
Customer Service
Landscaping
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain grounds by adding mulch, fertilizer, and pesticides to customer properties
- Remove weeds, leaves, and damaged or unwanted trees
- Install drainage system to prevent flooding
- Maintain an understanding of various plant species
- Strategically design and plant floral arrangements, hedges, and trees
- Install sprinkler and irrigation systems
- Follow safety guidelines while utilizing landscaping equipment
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PROPERTY INVESTMENT
Pursuing a property investment career is a strategic way to shape your future and influence the real estate landscape. Real estate investors enhance communities by boosting property values through smart renovations and repairs. Their work not only benefits individual properties but also elevates neighborhood values, making it a rewarding path in the housing market. Programs like Home Depot’s Path to Pro offer resources to those considering a career in the skilled trades, ensuring a promising and impactful future in the industry.
Salary Range
$80K – $288K
Jobs Available
18K+
Property Investment
REQUIREMENTS
Customer Service
Financial Acumen
Critical Thinking
Detail-Oriented
Communication Skills
Time Management
Property Investment
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build a list of leads and contacts to find sellers and buyers
- Arrange and manage demolitions, repairs, and renovations
- Market your property for rent or sale and manage upkeep while vacant
- Understand property value and return on investment to make the best decisions when buying and selling properties
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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Property Managers and maintenance personnel have the important job of ensuring communities run smoothly and are well maintained. Property management positions require customer service and business administration skills, along with great attention to detail. Maintenance positions, which are more associated with the skilled trades industry, perform hands-on technical tasks and hold expertise that is transferable to other skilled careers.
Salary Range
$35K – $129K
Jobs Available
429K+
Property Management
REQUIREMENTS
Customer Service
Physical Endurance
Problem Solving
Hand-Eye Coordination
Management Skills
Attention to Detail
Property Management
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee and/or perform regular maintenance checks and arrange repairs as needed
- Perform inspection and diagnosis of the safety of equipment
- Review inventory and order supplies as needed
- Identify, diagnose, and clearly explain technical problems to clients
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HANDYWORK
Handy workers are the unsung heroes who ensure our communities function smoothly. With a diverse skill set in the skilled trades, they handle everything from home repair to assembly, making them essential in residential and commercial settings. Programs like Home Depot’s Path to Pro and the Skilled Trades Program provide valuable training and job networks. Helping build a strong workforce of handy workers dedicated to maintaining comfort and efficiency in our daily lives.
Salary Range
$29K – $68K
Jobs Available
1.6M+
Handywork
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Physical Endurance
Interpersonal Skills
Detail-Oriented
Communication Skills
Time Management
Handywork
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage basic repairs and maintenance
- Identify and diagnose mechanical and electrical problems
- Assemble machinery, equipment, furniture, etc.
- Maintain general upkeep of property and equipment
- Clearly communicate details of repairs and estimates with clients
- Order supplies and materials needed for a job
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RESTORATION
Restoration technicians are essential in the recovery process within the skilled trades industry, managing the cleanup and rebuilding efforts after property damage from fires, water, or storms. With empathy and strong communication skills, they assist customers in restoring their homes and businesses, ensuring communities can rebuild with confidence. Programs like Home Depot’s Path to Pro offer vital resources for careers in property restoration, providing valuable connections in the Skilled Trades Program to meet the growing demand for these crucial roles.
Salary Range
$36K – $66K
Jobs Available
27K+
Restoration
REQUIREMENTS
Hand-Eye Coordination
Detail-Oriented
Physical Endurance
Critical Thinking
Communication Skills
Problem Solving
Restoration
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Inspect and assess damaged properties to create a restoration plan
- Remove damaged materials, hazardous waste and mold, and sanitize area
- Replace irreparable materials and foundation like drywall and flooring
- Dry areas of property affected by water damage
- Follow safety procedures and wear the correct safety gear
- Clearly explain restoration plan to customers, and address customer questions and concerns
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HOW TO BECOME A TRADES PROFESSIONAL
There’s more than one way to a successful career. Explore the paths to building a future in the skilled trades
Boost Your Credentials
Technical College
- Experience hands-on training and learn practical skills
- Choose between a two-year degree or specialized certificate
- Search schools and certification programs by name, state, or zip code
- Enhance your credentials to earn more in less time
- Earn certifications in your specialty
