More women are pursuing the skilled trades: Here are their stories

Increasing evidence points to opportunities in skilled occupations. But these jobs remain largely a man’s world.

Research shows that women remain significantly underrepresented in skilled jobs, despite higher wages and increasingly valuable long-term employment prospects in the face of an AI-driven white-collar jobs revolution.

They make up only a fraction of the workforce in industries such as automotive technology, diesel mechanics, plumbing and carpentry. For example, in 2025, women represented 3.1% of carpenters and plumbers and 3.5% of electricians employed in the United States. US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

“We’re not where we want to be with a diverse workforce, but we’re seeing that number increasing,” said Ian Andrews, vice president of labor relations for the National Association of Electrical Contractors, a trade group representing the electrical contracting industry. Two decades ago, only 1.9% of electricians in the United States were women, according to government data.

Overall, young workers are increasingly pursuing careers in skilled trades – for good reason. The shortage of skilled tradespeople has led to more job opportunities and higher wages across these career-focused pathways.

But even as experienced workers withdraw from the field as they age, younger men are more likely to fill those spots. Some women came forward anyway.

Demand for skilled trades roles, particularly for women, is creating opportunities for employment growth and rising wages, potentially narrowing the gender pay gap and strengthening their economic security.

“Women who follow this path are positioning themselves for job security, stability, and growth,” said Monster career expert Vicki Salemi. “The possibilities in these areas are powerful and often underexploited.”

CNBC spoke with four women working in skilled jobs. They told us about their experiences in the field as follows:

Cristina Barillas-McEntee, plumber

Cristina Barillas-McEntee, 55, was working as a makeup artist in Chicago in 1998 when a friend suggested she apply to a local plumbers union for a career that would provide longer-term stability and benefits.

“I was looking at my life and thought, this is not where I want to be when I’m 60.”

But first he had to take a pay cut. During the five-year apprenticeship program, Barillas-McEntee earned just $9 an hour, he said.

“It’s a sacrifice you make for the greater end goal,” he said. “When you leave the apprenticeship, you become a journeyman.” With this certification, the union covers health, dental and vision care, as well as pensions.

Today, Barillas-McEntee earns $56 an hour and plans to retire at 60: “My retirement looks good. I’m very happy.”

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

“In most job fields, I am the only woman,” she said. “I’ve gotten pretty used to it, but it can get pretty lonely.”

Teagan Hollabaugh, heavy-duty diesel mechanic

“I didn’t want to sit at a desk,” said Teagan Hollabaugh, 22. “I knew I needed something very relevant to keep me entertained every day.”

Before graduating from high school, Teagan enrolled at Rosedale Technical College in Pittsburgh. During on-the-job training, he was offered a position as a diesel mechanic, his preferred field, and found a job immediately after completing the program; a rare achievement for young workers in today’s labor market.

But it’s also a career in which there are very few women, she said. “I’m the only female technician in my garage right now.”

Without female mentors, she said, there won’t be as many role models to balance work and family, which can limit long-term potential.

“I want to stay in the field and use the knowledge, but I also want to start a family,” Teagan said. “Working where I work and being in the garage, it’s not possible for me to be able to do that and do my job at the same time.”

Lilian Hollabaugh, HVAC installation technician

Admittedly, Lilian Hollabaugh said she became interested in a skilled trade after her twin sister, Teagan, finished her technical degree and quickly found a job. After looking at various job training programs, Lilian decided on heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC. “It looks like it could be fun,” he said.

However, getting hired was not as easy as he initially expected. “I was dressed like I was going to an interview,” he said, “And it was like… they assumed that because I was wearing nice clothes and dressed nice, I had nothing to do with the field. Everyone kept offering me an office position.”

Systemic gender barriers stood in her way initially, she said. “I definitely think it had something to do with me being a girl, and they thought it would be a better place for me.”

But that wasn’t what Lilian had in mind. “I went to trade school because I wanted to use my hands. I don’t want to sit at a desk all day.”

He was eventually hired as an HVAC installation technician and rose through the ranks at his company in just two years. “I went from tech one to tech two to tech three and I’m about to become a team leader. You move up very quickly and make more money very quickly.”

She said Lilian, like her sister, was the only woman at work, but that didn’t bother her. “I love being the only girl in my company because I have gained a lot of respect.”

Even as other industries face AI-driven layoffs and even a job apocalypse, he sees a future for himself in this field.

“There will always be a need for the work we do,” he said. “Robots will never be able to do what we do.”

Raelee Nicholson, diesel technician

Raelee Nicholson, 25, went straight to technical school after graduating from high school instead of going to college; This was largely due to the rising cost of a four-year education and concerns about rising student loan debt. It’s a sentiment that’s causing more students to rethink the value of college.

“I think the debt-to-repayment ratio works better after a trade school than if you took out debt during a four-, six- or eight-year college program,” he said. He added that his parents supported the decision.

Even though he took out a loan to pay for trade school, Nicholson said he still owes less than he would have if he had borrowed for a four-year education. Additionally, Nicholson added that his current position provides good returns and provides long-term financial benefits.

“It was nice to be able to earn a decent income right out of trade school,” he said. “I have retirement [account] I can add this every two weeks.”

Nicholson, who has been in the field for about seven years, says he enjoys the hands-on work and expects to stick with it. “I’ll be in this career for a while just because I’m making progress and putting all my time and effort into it,” said Nicholson.

“As women in a male-dominated field, we are normally still a minority,” she said. “But people don’t actually look at you that much differently. You’re there to do a job.”

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