More women are pursuing skilled trades: here’s their story

There is growing evidence that there are opportunities in skilled trades. However, these jobs are still primarily a male’s world.

In the face of a white-collar employment revolution driven by artificial intelligence, women remain significantly underrepresented in skilled trades, even as salaries rise and the possibility of long-term employment becomes increasingly valuable, research shows.

They make up a small portion of the workforce in industries such as automotive technology, diesel mechanics, plumbing, and carpentry. For example, the most recent occupation data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that in 2025, women would each make up 3.1% of carpenters and plumbers and 3.5% of electricians employed in the United States.

“We’re not at the point where we need a diverse workforce, but the numbers are growing,” said Ian Andrews, vice president of labor relations at the National Electrical Contractors Association, a trade group representing the electrical work industry. Twenty years ago, only 1.9% of electricians in the United States were women, according to government data.

Overall, younger workers are increasingly pursuing careers in skilled trades, and for good reason. The shortage of skilled tradespeople has led to increased job openings and higher salaries within these career-driven pathways.

But as experienced workers age and leave the field, younger men are more likely to fill the void. Some women have come forward anyway.

For women in particular, the demand for skilled trade jobs creates opportunities for job growth and higher salaries, potentially narrowing the gender pay gap and strengthening economic security.

“Women who pursue this career are looking for job security, stability, and growth,” Monster Career expert Vicki Salemi said. “These areas have great potential but are often underutilized.”

CNBC spoke to four women in skilled trades. They told us the following about their experience in the field:

Christina Barillas-McEntee, Plumber

Christina Barillas-McEntee, 55, was working as a makeup artist in Chicago in 1998 when a friend encouraged her to apply to the local plumbers union for a career that offered more long-term stability and benefits.

“I looked back on my life and realized that this is not where I want to be when I turn 60,” she said.

But before that, she had to take a pay cut. During her five-year apprenticeship program, Barillas-McEntee earned just $9 an hour.

“It’s a sacrifice you make for a greater end goal,” she says. “Once you finish your apprenticeship, you’re a journeyman.” With this certification, the union will cover not only her pension, but also her health, dental and vision care.

Barillas McEntee currently makes $56 an hour and plans to retire at age 60. “My life after retirement is going well. I’m very happy.”

After 25 years in the industry, Barillas-McEntee said she now encourages other women to consider a career in the skilled trades.

“In most places, I’m the only woman,” she says. “I’ve gotten used to it, but it can be quite lonely.”

Tegan Holabaugh, Heavy Duty Diesel Mechanic

“I didn’t want to sit behind a desk,” said Tegan Holabaugh, 22. “I knew I needed something very challenging to enjoy every day.”

Even before graduating from high school, Tegan enrolled at Rosedale Technical College in Pittsburgh. During her on-the-job training, she was offered a position as a diesel mechanic in her desired field and was able to secure a job immediately upon completing the program. This is a rare feat for young workers in today’s labor market.

But it’s also a career that few other women have, she said. “Right now, I’m the only female engineer in my garage.”

Without female mentors, there are fewer role models for balancing work and family, which can limit long-term potential, she said.

“I want to stay in the field and use that knowledge, but I also want to start a family,” Teagan said. “Being able to work where I work and be in the garage is impossible for me to do that and work at the same time.”

Lillian Holabaugh, HVAC Installation Technician

Indeed, Lillian Holabaugh said she only became interested in pursuing a skilled trade because her twin sister, Tegan, earned a technical degree and quickly found work. After considering several vocational training programs, Lillian settled on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). “This looks like fun,” she said.

However, getting hired wasn’t as easy as initially expected. “I went dressed like I was going to an interview,” she said. “And they almost…just seemed to think that because I dressed nice and had nice clothes, I didn’t want anything to do with that field. Everyone kept offering me administrative jobs.”

Initially, she said, systemic gender barriers stood in her way. “I definitely think it had something to do with the fact that I was a girl, and they just thought it would be a better place for me.”

But that wasn’t what Lillian had in mind. “I went to trade school because I wanted to work with my hands. I didn’t want to sit behind a desk all day.”

Eventually, she was hired as an HVAC installation technician and rose through the ranks in the company in just two years. “I’ve been promoted to Tech 1, Tech 2, Tech 3, and I’m about to become a crew leader. I’ll get promoted very quickly and make more money.”

Like her sister, Lillian is the only woman at work, but she said that doesn’t bother her. “I like being the only woman in the company because I’m highly respected.”

She also believes she has a future in this field, even as other industries face layoffs and job destruction due to AI.

“There is always a need for the work we do,” she said. “Robots will never be able to do our jobs.”

Larry Nicholson, Diesel Technician

Rayleigh Nicholson, 25, chose not to go to college and went straight to trade school after high school, mainly because she was worried about the rising cost of a four-year degree and mounting student loan debt. This sentiment is causing more students to reconsider the value of college.

“I think the debt-to-payment ratio works better after you graduate from trade school than if you took on debt during a four-, six-, or eight-year college program,” she said. Her parents supported the decision, she added.

Although Nicholson took out loans to pay for trade school, she said she ended up with less debt than if she had borrowed for a four-year degree. Additionally, Nicholson added that her current position pays well and provides long-term financial benefits.

“It was nice to be able to earn a decent income right out of vocational school,” she said. “I have a retirement (account) that I can add to every two weeks.”

Nicholson, who has now been working in the field for about seven years, said she enjoys the hands-on work and plans to continue working in the field. Nicholson said, “I’ve progressed and put in all the time and effort, so I’m going to be in this career for a while.”

“As women in male-dominated fields, we are typically still in the minority,” she says. “But people don’t seem to look at you that differently. You’re there to do a job.”

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