Top 10 Trades for Women in 2025

As more women enter the workforce, skilled trades have become one of the most sought-after career paths. Whether you’re looking for job security, flexibility, or the opportunity to work with your hands, a career in the trades offers countless benefits. In this post, we’ll explore the top 10 trades for women.

1. Painting

Painting offers the perfect mix of creativity, structure, and results. Women in painting often mention how satisfying it is to transform a room in just a day. It’s also highly portable—you can work solo, as part of a team, or even run your own business (WITHOUT needing an apprenticeship!) Painting is an ideal trade for women for several reasons:

• High earning potential: Many women in the painting industry can earn competitive salaries.

• Flexibility: As a painter, you can set your own schedule and work on a variety of different projects.

• Low barrier to entry: It requires no formal education or expensive tools to get started.

• Easy on the Body: No heavy lifting or prolonged exposure to the elements

2. Carpentry — Building Strong Foundations

Carpentry is one of the most traditional trades, and it’s an area where women are increasingly making their mark. With a solid skill set, carpenters can work on everything from framing homes to crafting intricate cabinetry. It’s a physically demanding trade, but one that offers high job security and excellent pay.

3. Plumbing — A High-Demand Career

Plumbing is another trade that’s in high demand. As more women choose plumbing as a career, the industry has proven that there is plenty of opportunity for both growth and advancement. Plumbers enjoy high wages, job stability, and the satisfaction of solving real-world problems. The ability to work independently is also a great advantage.

4. Electrical Work — Powering Up Your Career

Electricians are responsible for everything from wiring homes to troubleshooting complex electrical systems. This is an ideal trade for women who are detail-oriented and interested in problem-solving. As electrical systems become more complex, the demand for skilled electricians continues to rise, offering a promising future in the field.

5. Welding — Sparking Opportunities

Welding is a versatile and rewarding trade that’s in high demand. Women who pursue welding can work in a variety of industries, from construction to manufacturing. Welding offers high pay and the opportunity to learn a trade that is always needed, no matter the economic climate.

6. HVAC — Heating Up Your Career

HVAC technicians are essential to keeping homes and businesses comfortable year-round. From installing and maintaining heating and cooling systems to troubleshooting complex issues, this trade provides women with a hands-on career that is both financially rewarding and essential to everyday life.

7. Masonry — Laying the Foundation for Success

Masonry involves working with brick, stone, and concrete to build everything from walls to intricate stonework. This trade requires strong skills and attention to detail, but it offers excellent job satisfaction and job security. Women in masonry are often hired for their attention to detail and the precision required for many projects.

8. Roofing — Scaling New Heights

Roofing may seem daunting, but it’s a trade that pays well and is always in demand. Roofers are essential for keeping homes and businesses protected from the elements. This physically demanding job offers the opportunity to travel, work outdoors, and make a significant impact on a community's safety.

9. Landscaping — Beautifying the World Around You

Landscaping is an exciting trade for women who love working outdoors and making spaces beautiful. Whether you’re designing stunning landscapes or maintaining lush gardens, landscaping offers job flexibility, creativity, and the ability to see your work come to life.

10. Automotive Repair — Fixing What’s Broken

Automotive repair involves diagnosing and fixing car issues, from engine problems to brake repairs. As the automotive industry continues to grow, there’s a high demand for skilled mechanics. Women in automotive repair can thrive in this trade with the right skills, tools, and experience.

Conclusion

If you're wondering which specific trade careers are seeing the most success for women, you're not alone. Many women are excelling in various skilled trades, taking on leadership roles and breaking new ground. To help you explore these exciting opportunities, check out our next article on The Top 10 Trade Careers Women Are Thriving In. It’s a perfect follow-up to this guide, offering insights into the best trade careers for women and how you can start thriving in your chosen field.

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