More Women Are Entering Vocational Professions—Here Are Four to Consider

With tuition costs rising and student loans becoming an increasingly unfavorable option, more women are turning to trade jobs.

According to data from the Department of Labor, 11.6% of those who completed trade programs in 2020 were women. While men still dominate fields like electrical work and carpentry, women are rapidly gaining ground in these industries.

One of the main attractions of trade certifications is affordability. These programs are also typically quicker to complete than traditional college degrees. For example, a pre-apprenticeship plumbing program at a trade school can take anywhere from four to 24 months, depending on the state. Training to become an auto mechanic can take between six months and one year, depending on whether the student attends full-time or part-time. In contrast, many undergraduate degrees at universities take four years, with master’s and PhD programs taking even longer.

Women are also drawn to trade professions for their livable wages and job stability. As technology continues to replace many jobs, service industry careers have remained secure.

Choosing a trade job is a personal decision, but here are four professions that offer great pay and growth opportunities for women:

Plumber

• Median Salary: $59,880 annually
• Top Earners: Over $100,000 annually (especially those who own their own businesses)

@kim.maltezz

1st year plumbing apprendice 🚽👩🏻‍🔧 #plumberapprentice #plumber #plumbing #plumbinglife #womeninthetrades #womeninplumbing

♬ Hung Up (SDP Extended Vocal) [Edit] – Madonna

Surgical Tech

Median Salary: $54,000 annually

Top Earners: Over $73,000 annually

@lifewithsheree

Spend the day with me! #surgicaltechnologist #blackwomeninhealthcare #operatingroom #surgerytiktok #surgerytiktok #scrubnurse #scrublife #fyp #surgicaltechsoftiktok

♬ original sound – Lifewithsheree

Automotive Mechanic

Median Salary: $47,000 annually

Top Earners: Over $70,000 annually

@mecanics.cars

mecanic girl ❤️ #mechanic #mecanico #ميكانيكي #تصليح_السيارات #mecanica #repaircar #fypシ

♬ Ooh Ahh (My Life Be Like) [feat. Tobymac] – Grits

Electrician

Median Salary: $60,000 annually

Top Earners: Over $99,000 annually

@j.a.hz

fun fact: i’d rather put on fans than put them together 🤢 #electrician #electriciansoftiktok #electricista #trimwork #az #phoenix #milwaukee #foryou #parati #fyp #nuevavida #workbestie @Betsy <3

♬ La Suma (En Vivo) – Javier Rosas Y Su Artillería Pesada & Lupe Borbon y su Blindaje 7