In short
Good trades for women are the same ones that are good for anyone: electrician, HVAC, plumbing, wind turbine technician and elevator work all pair solid pay with paid apprenticeships. Pay in registered apprenticeships follows a set wage scale. Many areas also have pre-apprenticeship programs aimed at women that prepare you to apply.
Trades with paid apprenticeships
| # | Job | Median pay | Typical way in | Growth 2025 to 2035 | Openings a year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electricians | $63,190 | High school or GED | 9.2% | 72,700 |
| 2 | Carpenters (BLS) | $60,580 | High school or GED | 3.9% | 62,800 |
| 3 | Industrial machinery mechanics (BLS) | $64,520 | High school or GED | 17.8% | 44,400 |
| 4 | Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters | $63,800 | High school or GED | 6.8% | 42,000 |
| 5 | Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers | $61,010 | Certificate | 10.9% | 40,600 |
| 6 | Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists (BLS) | $61,770 | High school or GED | 3.6% | 24,400 |
| 7 | Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines (BLS) | $65,510 | High school or GED | 6.7% | 15,000 |
| 8 | Automotive body and related repairers (BLS) | $54,890 | High school or GED | 3.7% | 12,600 |
| 9 | Electrical power-line installers and repairers (BLS) | $95,320 | High school or GED | 10.3% | 10,900 |
| 10 | Sheet metal workers (BLS) | $61,800 | High school or GED | 2.5% | 9,800 |
| 11 | Telecommunications line installers and repairers (BLS) | $74,330 | High school or GED | a decline of 3.4% | 8,000 |
| 12 | Structural iron and steel workers (BLS) | $62,780 | High school or GED | 3.1% | 5,900 |
| 13 | Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment (BLS) | $74,090 | Certificate | 0.3% | 4,700 |
| 14 | Maintenance workers, machinery (BLS) | $60,850 | High school or GED | a decline of 1.9% | 4,400 |
| 15 | Brickmasons and blockmasons (BLS) | $62,120 | High school or GED | 1.1% | 4,100 |
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 (Table 1.2), May 2025 median wages, retrieved 2026-10-09. Openings include jobs that open up when people retire or switch fields.
Finding support
The Department of Labor lists registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships at Apprenticeship.gov. Search for women in trades programs near you; many building trades councils and community colleges run them. Pre-apprenticeship programs often cover math refreshers, tool basics and help with applications.
Questions worth asking an employer
- Is there a written anti-harassment policy and someone to report to?
- Are there other women on the crew or in leadership?
- Do you provide properly fitting safety gear?
Questions people ask
Do women earn the same as men in the trades?
In registered apprenticeships and union jobs, pay is set by the wage scale for the job and level.
What trade is easiest for women to start in?
There is no trade only for women. Pick one whose work you like and whose apprenticeship you can get into.
Are there scholarships for women in the trades?
Some unions, colleges and associations offer them. Ask local programs directly.