Stable Trades (2024)
Trades with 0-10% wage growth in the past 5 years
Stable Trades by Wage Growth
| Rank | Trade | Category | Median | Grade | 5yr Growth | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glazier | Construction | $58,622 | C | +8% | 26,230 |
| 2 | Power Line Installer | Electrical | $101,512 | B | +7% | 39,600 |
| 3 | Electrical Power-Line Tech | Electrical | $101,512 | B | +7% | 39,600 |
| 4 | Locksmith | Specialty | $52,024 | D | +7% | 7,020 |
| 5 | Plumber | Plumbing | $69,782 | C | +6% | 189,520 |
| 6 | HVAC Technician | HVAC | $62,556 | C | +6% | 157,240 |
| 7 | Pipefitter | Plumbing | $69,782 | C | +6% | 189,520 |
| 8 | Millwright | Industrial | $72,209 | C | +6% | 11,870 |
| 9 | Fire Sprinkler Fitter | Plumbing | $69,782 | C | +6% | 189,520 |
| 10 | Steamfitter | Plumbing | $69,782 | C | +6% | 189,520 |
| 11 | Refrigeration Mechanic | HVAC | $62,556 | C | +6% | 157,240 |
| 12 | Aircraft Mechanic | Automotive | $79,931 | B | +6% | 60,720 |
| 13 | Diesel Mechanic | Automotive | $64,435 | C | +5% | 107,570 |
| 14 | Construction Manager | Management | $114,957 | B | +5% | 160,280 |
| 15 | Environmental Engineering Tech | Specialty | $63,192 | C | +5% | 3,820 |
| 16 | Welder | Welding | $54,982 | C | +4% | 124,810 |
| 17 | Ironworker | Structural | $70,146 | C | +4% | 5,830 |
| 18 | Sheet Metal Worker | Metalwork | $67,236 | C | +4% | 45,860 |
| 19 | Crane Operator | Heavy Equipment | $75,123 | C | +4% | 16,150 |
| 20 | Heavy Equipment Operator | Heavy Equipment | $68,475 | C | +4% | 160,130 |
| 21 | Maintenance Mechanic | Industrial | $51,020 | C | +4% | 627,680 |
| 22 | Pile Driver Operator | Heavy Equipment | $87,644 | C | +4% | 1,070 |
| 23 | Structural Welder | Welding | $54,982 | C | +4% | 124,810 |
| 24 | Underwater Welder | Welding | $54,982 | C | +4% | 124,810 |
| 25 | Elevator Mechanic | Specialty | $116,702 | B | +3% | 9,770 |
| 26 | Insulation Worker | Construction | $50,860 | D | +3% | 15,840 |
| 27 | Carpenter | Construction | $61,080 | C | +2% | 299,230 |
| 28 | Auto Mechanic | Automotive | $53,986 | D | +2% | 269,550 |
| 29 | Concrete Finisher | Construction | $60,072 | C | +2% | 84,630 |
| 30 | Roofer | Construction | $56,189 | D | +2% | 54,380 |
| 31 | Septic Tank Servicer | Plumbing | $52,193 | D | +2% | 8,860 |
| 32 | Telecommunications Tech | Electrical | $66,876 | C | +1% | 63,360 |
| 33 | Building Inspector | Management | $75,182 | C | +1% | 63,540 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Trades with 0-10% wage growth in the past 5 years There are 33 trades in this category based on 2024 BLS wage data, representing 3,629,580 total jobs across 30 metro areas.
The highest paying stable trade is Glazier with a national median of $58,622 and 8% wage growth over the past 5 years.
Wage growth reflects increasing demand for a trade. Fastest-growing trades typically offer the best long-term earning potential as employers compete for skilled workers. However, current median pay, local market conditions, and personal aptitude should also factor into career decisions.
Wage data from BLS OEWS 2024. Growth rates based on 5-year nominal wage changes. Fastest growing = >10%, Stable = 0-10%, Declining = <0%.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES, 2026.