When it comes to recovering job losses caused by the pandemic, Houston ranks in the bottom five of major American cities with 59.1% of jobs so far recovered, statistics from the federal Bureau of Labor reveal. In comparison, Dallas comes in at second highest with 87.5%. In Houston, nearly 50,000 jobs opened up in the first six months of 2021 with another 80,000 to 100,000 expected by the end of the year. Moreover, skilled trades is one industry creating significant career opportunities statewide and one of the few to experience growth nearly every month over the past eighteen months. However, a pre-existing shortage of skilled trades workers — largely caused by baby boomers recently retiring en masse — combined with soaring demand is resulting in a gap between need and supply that only continues to widen.
Significant growth
Nationwide, 388,345 job openings for skilled trades-related positions occurred between May and June, up 50% from pre-pandemic levels. On average, positions went unfilled for at least 24 days, a new analysis by PeopleReady Skilled Trades reveals. Looking at job posting statistics over the past year and a half, the analysis found significant growth across a number of skilled jobs, including: concrete masons with a staggering 904% growth in demand; window glaziers (422% increase in demand); house painters (329% increase); electricians (130%); plumbers (129%); carpenters (121%). Whether it’s fridges, dishwashers, laundry machines, or stoves, appliance repair is another area in continually high demand. In most cases, repairing home appliances is more affordable than buying new replacements, making it an attractive option for most people. For example, it costs around $392 on average to get a refrigerator repaired in Houston compared to $1,000-$2,000 to buy a new one.
Apprenticeships also available
Additionally, there’s also plenty of helper or beginner positions open across most skilled trades. Helper-level skilled trade jobs pay a median hourly rate of $16, which equates to around $33,000 a year. With additional training, these jobs can even pay up to 50% more. In particular, job postings for plumber apprentices increased by 24% in the eighteen last months with positions taking an average of 29 days to fill. Demand for roofer apprentices increased by 50% with openings taking 39 days on average to fill. Additionally, demand for carpenter helpers rose by 12% with positions staying open for around 28 days. Open carpentry apprentice positions also experienced a significant increase of 33%.
Great career opportunities in an unpredictable economic climate
“We are seeing explosive growth in the skilled trades industry right now. As businesses struggle to find skilled tradespeople amid current workforce challenges, more of them are turning to contingent workforces to help get the job done”, said Jill Quinn, executive leader of PeopleReady Skilled Trades. “These are steady, well-paying jobs that hold a bright future, even in an unpredictable economic climate. Whether you’re someone who left the skilled trades to pursue other work or are looking to get your start on a new career path in a booming industry, now is a great time to join the skilled trades”. In addition to offering steady, well-paying employment, skilled trades jobs are also popular for their flexibility.
The booming demand for skilled trades workers (already in effect even before the pandemic) is resulting in ample opportunity for people across Houston looking for work. Even for those with little to no experience in the industry and need job training, skilled trades is a worthy career avenue currently showing great promise.