Homeowners in the U.S. are facing rising costs and long wait times when it comes to hiring those in the skilled trades. That’s why with our new mission called “Trade Up” – we’re highlighting the work trade men and women of Detroit do; by showing there’s a pathway to a successful and lucrative career in the trades.
During our mission we want to elevate careers in skilled trades especially in Monroe. Researchers at Today’s Homeowner found that homeowners in Monroe and all across the country are feeling the pinch when it comes to less skilled trade workers
Monroe is the hardest hit when it comes to problems like fewer contractors, longer waits, and rising costs.
Nationally, there are just 57 home service workers per 1,000 homeowners, but Monroe has only 23.4 – putting it among the 10 worst-staffed metros in the country for home services.
Monroe findings:
- In 2021, Monroe had 1,060 contractors for 50,129 homeowners.
- In 2024, Monroe had 1,190 home service professionals, or 23.4 per 1,000 homeowners.
- Despite an increase in skilled trade workers, Monroe remains part of 63% of metros where contractor access has not kept up with demand.
The trade with the most growth in employment is in Tallahassee, FL in construction and building inspectors.
Is the trades shortage here to stay?
According to the report, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that by 2033 there will be modest growth in most home service occupations. Electricians are expected to grow by 11%, HVAC technicians by 9%, and plumbers by 6%.
Many trades will face greater hiring needs due to workforce turnover. Maintenace and repair workers will have over 157,000 annual openings, despite just 5% projected growth from 2023 to 2033. Electricians are expected to see over 80,000 openings a year, mostly due to retirements or workers switching careers.
How to navigate trade shortage:
- Plan Repairs and Renovations Early: Whether you’re replacing your HVAC system or planning a new roof, expect longer timelines and higher prices than you might have seen a few years ago.
- Vet Contractors Carefully: If you’re hiring for complex jobs, such as plumbing or electrical, it’s essential to ask for licenses and references. Price estimates can also help you gauge quality.
- Know Your Limits on DIY Projects: While DIY may seem like a way to avoid long wait times, it often ends up costing more if you need a professional to fix mistakes. Save yourself the trouble by sticking to cosmetic upgrades and leaving the rest to certified pros.