10 Best Trades for Women: Schools, Jobs & Salaries

Skilled trades are experiencing a surge in demand, and more women are stepping into these careers than ever before. Unlike four-year degrees that can require years of study and significant debt, trade programs often allow you to gain skills in under two years and move quickly into well-paying jobs.

These opportunities offer a mix of job security, competitive pay, and hands-on work that many women find both practical and rewarding. Below, you’ll explore the best trades for women, learn where you can find training programs, and see what kind of salary you might expect after graduation.

Top Trades for Women

The types of trades listed below combine competitive pay with training programs that are within reach. You’ll see career details, schools where you can train, and the salaries these roles typically offer.

1. Dental Hygienist

If you like the idea of working directly with patients while supporting overall health, dental hygiene can be a strong choice. Hygienists clean teeth, take X-rays, and guide patients in preventive care. 

The role includes science, communication, and technical skill, and it usually requires two to three years of training. Programs at the University of Texas, the University of Michigan, and West Coast University in California prepare you for licensure and steady demand in dental offices.

• Median annual salary: $94,260
• Job outlook: 7% growth (much faster than average)
• Training length: Two to three years

2. Medical Sonographer

This career centers on using ultrasound technology to capture images that help doctors diagnose medical conditions and monitor patients. You’ll gain hands-on experience operating imaging equipment, learning anatomy, and working closely with both patients and health care teams. 

Associate programs can get you started in about two years, with bachelor’s programs offering more advanced training. Schools like Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Concordia University Wisconsin, and Oregon Institute of Technology provide respected programs in this fast-growing field.

• Median annual salary: $89,340
• Job outlook: 13% growth (much faster than average)
• Training length: Two to four years

3. Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter

From residential sinks to industrial piping, plumbers keep essential systems running. Training includes classroom instruction and apprenticeships where you’ll learn installation, repair, and safety practices while earning income. 

It’s a career that rewards problem-solving and offers flexibility to work for an employer or build your own business. Schools such as Apex Technical School in New York, Ranken Technical College in Missouri, and South Louisiana Community College in Louisiana all offer pathways into the trade.

• Median annual salary: $62,970
• Job outlook: 2% growth (as fast as average)
• Training length: One to four years

4. Wind Turbine Technician

If renewable energy interests you, becoming a wind turbine technician puts you at the heart of the clean energy movement. You’ll train to climb turbines, work with electrical systems, and ensure safety during maintenance and repairs. 

Many programs take less than two years, so you can enter the workforce quickly. Cowley College in Kansas, Kalamazoo Valley Community College in Michigan, and Ecotech Institute in Colorado all offer focused programs that prepare you for this high-growth field.

• Median annual salary: $62,580
• Job outlook: 50% growth (much faster than average)
• Training length: One to two years

5. Electrician

Electricians keep the lights on, literally, by installing and maintaining electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories. Your training covers blueprint reading, safety codes, and electrical theory, with apprenticeships providing paid, hands-on experience. 

Programs at Orleans Technical College in Pennsylvania, Michigan State University, and College of the Canyons in California prepare students for state licensing exams. With solid pay and options to specialize in areas like renewable energy or industrial systems, this trade offers both stability and variety.

• Median annual salary: $62,350
• Job outlook: 9% growth (much faster than average)
• Training length: One to four years

6. Carpenter

Carpentry offers a chance to see your work take shape, whether you’re building furniture, framing houses, or renovating commercial spaces. Training emphasizes measurement, tool safety, and blueprint interpretation, and often includes apprenticeships that combine earnings with experience. 

Schools such as Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Pennsylvania, Fox Valley Technical College in Wisconsin, and Blinn College in Texas provide strong programs. If you enjoy hands-on projects and the satisfaction of creating tangible results, this career path may be a fit.

• Median annual salary: $59,310
• Job outlook: 4% growth (as fast as average)
• Training length: One to four years

7. HVAC Technician

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technicians make indoor spaces livable by installing and repairing climate-control systems. Training covers refrigeration, electrical circuits, and troubleshooting skills, with most programs designed for completion in two years or less. 

Lincoln Technical Institute, Remington College, and Austin Community College all provide HVAC programs that prepare you for certification exams. Because climate control is essential in nearly every building, this trade offers steady demand and nationwide opportunities.

• Median annual salary: $57,300
• Job outlook: 9% growth (much faster than average)
• Training length: Six months to two years

8. CNC Machinist

CNC machinists use technology to turn raw materials into precision parts for industries like aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. Training focuses on reading blueprints, measuring accurately, and programming machines. 

While job growth is flat, skilled machinists are consistently needed to keep production lines moving. Schools such as Pennsylvania College of Technology, St. Louis Community College, and San Diego City College provide training that mixes classroom instruction with shop floor practice. If you enjoy problem-solving and working with advanced tools, this path may appeal to you.

• Median annual salary: $56,150
• Job outlook: 0% growth (little or no change)
• Training length: One to two years

9. Welder

Welding is a craft that fuses metal parts for construction, manufacturing, and repairs. You’ll study different welding methods, safety standards, and blueprint reading, often completing your training in less than a year. 

Tulsa Welding School, The Lincoln Electric Welding School, and Universal Technical Institute (UTI) provide intensive programs that get you job-ready quickly. For those who want a balance of creativity and technical expertise, welding can open doors to a range of industries.

• Median annual salary: $51,000
• Job outlook: 2% growth (slower than average)
• Training length: Six months to two years

10. Automotive Technician

Cars and trucks are increasingly complex, and automotive technicians are the experts who keep them running. You’ll learn to diagnose issues, repair engines, and handle new technologies like hybrid and electric systems. 

Many programs are designed to be completed in under two years, with certifications available in specialty areas. Schools such as New England Institute of Technology in Rhode Island, Universal Technical Institute (UTI), and Hill College in Texas prepare you to step straight into auto shops or dealerships.

• Median annual salary: $49,670
• Job outlook: 4% growth (as fast as average)
• Training length: One to two years

How We Chose the Best Trades for Women

When selecting the best trades for women, we looked at careers that offer strong wages, attainable training paths, and reliable demand across the country. These jobs were chosen based on:

• Job growth projections: Trades with expanding demand give you more opportunities after graduation.
• Median annual salaries: Competitive pay ensures your investment in training pays off.
• Training time and cost: Shorter programs mean you can begin earning faster without heavy student debt.
• Accessibility of trade schools and apprenticeships: We highlighted careers with training options available nationwide.
• Demand for women in the workforce: Fields where women are underrepresented may open new opportunities and create room for advancement.

Tips for Women Entering the Trades

Starting a career in the trades can feel like a big step, but there are practical strategies to help you succeed. Below, you’ll find resources and advice that can make your journey smoother and more rewarding.

Research Apprenticeship Opportunities

Apprenticeships give you the chance to learn directly from professionals while earning a paycheck. They combine classroom instruction with hands-on training, so you’re building skills in real-world settings from the start. Many trades, such as plumbing, electrical, and carpentry, offer structured apprenticeship programs that lead directly to certification and employment. 

Join Women-in-Trade Organizations

Professional groups dedicated to women in trades provide community, networking, and career resources. Organizations such as Women in Construction or Women in HVACR create support systems where you can share experiences and gain industry knowledge. 

Joining one of these associations not only builds your confidence but also opens doors to leadership training, mentorship, and scholarship opportunities. Being part of a supportive network can make it easier to navigate industries that have traditionally been male-dominated.

Look Into Scholarships for Women in Trades

Many scholarships are designed specifically for women pursuing careers in the skilled trades. These awards can cover tuition, books, or even tools, making it easier to focus on your training. You’ll find scholarships offered through national organizations, local unions, and trade associations. 

For example, some construction and welding organizations have financial aid set aside specifically for women applicants. Make sure to apply early so you can increase your chances of securing funding.

Network With Industry Mentors

Mentors can be an invaluable part of your success in the trades. Experienced professionals offer guidance, encouragement, and access to job opportunities you might not find on your own. 

Networking with mentors can help you learn the ropes faster and avoid common challenges in your chosen field. You can connect with mentors through trade schools, professional associations, or apprenticeship programs.

FAQs About Women in the Trades

If you’re considering a career in the trades, you probably have questions about pay, training, and opportunities. Below are answers to some of the most common questions women ask as they explore these careers.

What Are the Highest-Paying Trades for Women?

Some of the top-paying trades for women include health care-related roles like dental hygienists and medical sonographers, both of which offer median salaries above $85,000 and strong job growth. 

Electricians also earn competitive wages, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as renewable energy or industrial systems. These fields provide financial security and room for advancement while remaining accessible through training programs that take less time than a four-year degree.

How Long Does It Take To Train for a Trade Career?

Most trade programs are designed to get you into the workforce quickly. Depending on your chosen field, training can take as little as six months or up to two years. 

For example, welding and HVAC programs may be completed in under a year, while dental hygiene or diagnostic medical sonography typically take two to three years. Apprenticeships can extend training but also allow you to earn while you learn, balancing time and financial investment with on-the-job experience.

Are Trade Jobs Physically Demanding for Women?

Some trades do involve physical work, such as carpentry or plumbing, which may require lifting or working in active environments. However, many rely more on technical skill, precision, and problem-solving than on physical strength. 

Careers like medical sonography, dental hygiene, and CNC machining focus on specialized equipment and knowledge. Increasingly, technology and tools are designed to reduce physical strain, meaning women can succeed in both traditionally demanding and precision-based trades.

Can Women Get Apprenticeships in Male-Dominated Trades?

Yes, apprenticeships are open to women, and more organizations are encouraging female participation than ever before. Programs in fields such as electrical work, welding, and carpentry welcome women and often provide added support networks. 

National and local trade organizations are also working to improve accessibility by offering mentorships and scholarships. With growing awareness of diversity in the workforce, women entering apprenticeships today may find more support and opportunities than previous generations.

What Scholarships Are Available for Women in Trades?

Scholarships for women in trades come from a variety of sources, including industry associations, unions, and nonprofit organizations. For instance, groups supporting women in construction, welding, or HVAC often award scholarships to encourage more women to enter these fields. 

Some states also fund grants for students pursuing high-demand technical careers. Check with your trade school’s financial aid office and search industry-specific organizations to find scholarships.

Explore Trade Programs

Trade careers can provide a rewarding path with competitive pay and shorter training than traditional degrees. To take the next step, explore programs on Learn.org, connect with trade schools or apprenticeship providers, and ask financial aid offices about scholarships designed for women in the trades.