The Future of the Mechanical Trades: A Growing Industry Powering America’s Workforce
The world runs on comfort we all tend to take for granted… warm homes in January, cool classrooms in August, reliable hot water and clean indoor air all year long. Behind that comfort is a fast-growing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) workforce keeping communities functioning day in and day out. In the United States alone, nearly 400,000 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently support these essential systems (source), earning an average salary of approximately $59,600 per year. And the demand is only growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation will see about 40,100 HVAC technician openings each year over the next decade due to new construction needs and a significant wave of retirements.
Zooming out to the broader construction and skilled trades sector, the trend continues upward. The BLS projects 649,300 job openings every year in construction and extraction occupations from now through 2034, which is driven by both new project growth and workforce turnover. Independent industry research reinforces this outlook, estimating that the U.S. construction trades will see roughly 488,000 open positions annually, adding more than 157,000 new jobs by 2032. Mechanical trades such as HVAC and plumbing consistently remain among the most in-demand roles, and HVAC technicians, specifically, continue to rank among the higher-earning positions within the skilled trades.
Looking forward, the long-term picture is even more compelling. Employment for HVAC mechanics and installers is expected to grow around 9% from 2023 to 2033, which is significantly faster than the national average for all professions. Much of this growth is driven by increasing energy-efficiency requirements, system upgrades, and ongoing maintenance of aging infrastructure. At the same time, the skilled trades workforce is aging. More than half of today’s trades professionals are between 50 and 65, and research suggests 41% of the construction workforce could retire by 2031. With the median age in construction nearing 42 years old—slightly above the national labor force average—the industry is approaching a generational turnover unlike anything seen before.
For Star Mechanical, these trends are not abstract forecasts, they shape how we build, train, and support our teams today. The data is clear: mechanical trades are not a fallback career or a “plan B.” They are one of the strongest, most resilient career paths available, offering competitive pay, job stability, and countless opportunities for advancement. As the industry expands and seasoned professionals transition into retirement, we remain committed to developing the next generation of technicians. We provide continuous training, the opportunity to work with new technologies, and create pathways for long-term career growth. You can learn more about the Star team by visiting our website here: https://www.starmep.com/about
The future of this industry is bright (pun intended), and the opportunities are real. Whether you’re a young professional considering your first career, someone exploring a new field, or a community leader focused on economic growth, the mechanical trades represent a powerful avenue for building strong families, strong businesses, and strong communities. At Star Mechanical, we’re proud to be part of that future… and even more proud to help shape it.
We are now taking applications for an experienced HVAC technician. Call our office at 940-549-7686 for more information!