Occupations
18
Skilled-trade occupations in the published index.
Media & research kit
Use the data. Cite the source. Keep the context.
A newsroom-ready summary of TrainingForFuture's original skilled-trades research, with downloadable data, transparent methodology and clear attribution guidance.
Verified snapshot
What the 2026 research actually measures
Wage vintage
May 2025
National median annual wage benchmark used in the current edition.
Projection window
2025 to 2035
BLS employment-growth and annual-opening horizon.
Formula
40 / 30 / 30
Pay / growth / annual openings in TrainingForFuture's weighted percentile score.
Top five overall
Current Opportunity Index leaders
#1
Industrial Machinery Mechanic / Millwright
$64,100 median · +14% growth · 51,900 annual openings
81index score
#2
Electrician
$63,190 median · +9% growth · 72,700 annual openings
74index score
#3
Electrical Power-Line Installer / Repairer
$95,320 median · +10% growth · 10,900 annual openings
73index score
#4
Plumber / Pipefitter
$63,800 median · +7% growth · 42,000 annual openings
70index score
#5
HVAC Technician
$61,010 median · +11% growth · 40,600 annual openings
64index score
The ranking is a TrainingForFuture comparison of the 18 occupations in the published dataset. It is not a BLS ranking and it is not a forecast of an individual's earnings or career success.
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About TrainingForFuture
TrainingForFuture is an independent skilled-trades career intelligence platform. It combines public workforce benchmarks, state and local career resources, apprenticeship pathways and personalized planning tools. TrainingForFuture separates official benchmarks from planning estimates and publishes its research methodology, source policy and corrections process.
How the data is handled
Official benchmarks, planning estimates, update cadence and limitations.
StandardsEditorial policy
Source hierarchy, AI use, review standards and corrections.
DistributionPartner toolkit
Copy-ready outreach for schools, workforce groups and publications.