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Introduction The Trades: Great Careers, Good Money, and Other Rewards Trades workers play a major role in the success of economies throughout the world. They build structures ranging from houses to skyscrapers, keep the power on, and install and repair pipes that carry water, fuel, and other liquids to, from, and within businesses, factories, and homes, among many other job duties. Others inspect plumbing and electrical systems, roofs, and entire buildings to ensure that they comply with building codes and are safe for users. Yet despite their pivotal role in our society, only 6 percent of students consider a career in the trades, according to ExploretheTrades.org. Why? Because many young people have misconceptions about the trades. They have been told that the trades are low paying, lack job security, and other untruths. In fact, working in the trades is one of the best career choices you can make. The following paragraphs provide more information on why a career in the trades is a good idea.

Good pay. Contrary to public perception, skilled trades workers earn salaries that place them firmly in the middle class. For example, average yearly salaries for construction and building inspectors in the United States are $61,250, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This salary is higher than the average earnings for some careers that require a bachelor’s or graduate degree—including

archivists ($54,570), event planners ($52,020), social workers ($50,710), recre- ational therapists ($48,190), and mental health counselors ($46,050). Construction and building inspectors who become managers or who launch their own businesses can have earnings that range from $50,000 to $200,000.

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