25% Of Trades Jobs Researched Projected to be Open By 2030
Rebuilding America: Reviving The Trades and The Economy – The Backbone of the Nation
The skilled trades form the backbone of America’s economy, powering the infrastructure, industries, and services that keep communities growing and the nation moving forward. Currently, seven essential trades support 5.6 million jobs directly and 11.1 million jobs overall across the United States. These workers generate $521.3 billion in direct economic activity and contribute $284.2 billion in tax revenue.
But if these positions go unfilled, the nation could lose an estimated $325.6 million in economic impact and leave 2.8 million jobs vacant by 2030. Our country depends on the trades to build the future, and the time to strengthen this workforce is now—because doing nothing will cost far more in the long run.
The Skills Gap: A National Crisis
Every year the United States falls short of filling the skilled trades pipeline, the nation loses economic impact, jobs, and revenue that should be strengthening our communities.
If we do nothing, the projected annual loss by 2030 includes:
- $325.6 Billion in lost GDP impact each year. Projects delayed, housing and commercial buildings not developed.
- 1.4 Million in Direct Trades Jobs will be vacant (all seven jobs categories are projected to have concerning vacancy rates).
- $210 Billion in lost wages. Money that would have gone back into local shops, restaurants, and communities.
- $71.3 Billion in lost tax revenue—meaning less funding for schools, safer roads, and stronger communities.
Workforce Demand by Trade (2024–2030)
We face a critical decision: accept ongoing losses or bring the trades back to full strength.
| Trade | Current Employment (2024) | Projected Openings (Through 2030) |
| Construction | 2,042,796 | 976,980 |
| Carpenters | 953,308 | 425,345 |
| Electricians | 814,692 | 411,400 |
| Plumbers | 517,385 | 243,790 |
| Welders | 460,069 | 242,425 |
| HVAC | 406,078 | 192,365 |
| Mechanics | 400,774 | 207,065 |
Regional Impact of Unfilled Positions
The shortage of skilled workers is a national issue with significant regional consequences.
- South Atlantic: 292,663 unfilled jobs; $60.4B total GDP lost.
- Pacific: 238,744 unfilled jobs; $66.9B total GDP lost.
- West South Central: 216,264 unfilled jobs; $43.6B total GDP lost.
- Mountain: 169,477 unfilled jobs; $37.9B total GDP lost.
- East North Central: 158,632 unfilled jobs; $41B total GDP lost.
- West North Central: 95,027 unfilled jobs; $22.9B total GDP lost.
- Middle Atlantic: 91,600 unfilled jobs; $23.9B total GDP lost.
- East South Central: 85,975 unfilled jobs; $17.9B total GDP lost.
- New England: 41,784 unfilled jobs; $11.1B total GDP lost.
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics. INPLAN. Data compiled by the University of New Hampshire and analyzed by Parker Strategy Group.
