Top 10 U.S. States Actively Hiring Skilled Trades Workers

If you’ve ever scrolled job listings or talked to someone in the construction, electrical, HVAC, or manufacturing world, you’ve probably heard the same thing: skilled trades jobs are everywhere if you know where to look.

Across the United States, demand for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, and many other trade professionals continues to grow as infrastructure projects expand, populations rise, and industries struggle to fill vacancies.

At KT Black, we work with employers and skilled professionals every day, and one thing keeps coming up: location matters. Where you live or choose to relocate can have a big impact on job opportunities, earnings, and career growth.

Here’s a look at the top 10 states hiring skilled trades talent right now,  and why they matter in 2026.

1. Texas: The Unmistakable Leader in Job Creation

Texas continues to dominate skilled trade hiring. With record job growth and a booming construction sector across cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin, this state’s need for skilled workers shows no signs of slowing. Major commercial and residential developments, coupled with energy-sector expansion, mean more openings for electricians, carpenters, welders, and more.

But it’s not just volume: the lack of personal income tax and business-friendly environment make Texas especially attractive to workers and companies alike.

2. California: Big and Busy

California may be known for its tech scene, but it’s also one of the largest employers of trade workers in the country. From residential builds in the Bay Area and L.A. to infrastructure upgrades up and down the state, California demands a massive workforce of electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and more.

Even with a competitive market and higher cost of living, the sheer number of projects keeps skilled trades professionals in demand statewide.

3. Florida: Rapid Growth Fuels Trades Hiring

Florida’s population explosion continues to drive construction. Cities like Orlando, Tampa, and Miami aren’t just bustling tourist hubs, they’re magnets for infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects too. This growth keeps demand high for general contractors, HVAC technicians, carpenters, and more.

Many trades professionals find that Florida offers both a strong job market and the lifestyle perks that come with warm weather year-round.

4. Illinois: Balanced Opportunities and Strong Wages

Illinois may not always top national headlines, but for skilled trades staffing, it’s a major player. With thousands of active construction projects and strong wages, especially for plumbers and electricians this Midwest state offers a compelling market for talent.

For many tradespeople, Illinois represents a balance between job availability and cost of living that is hard to beat.

5. Washington: A Northwest Hub for Trades Growth

With steady construction activity and a strong overall economy, Washington ranks high for trades hiring. Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters particularly benefit from steady demand in both urban and rural markets.

From Seattle’s tech-fueled expansion to infrastructure upgrades outside city centers, opportunities are plentiful.

6. New Jersey: Jobs Close to Major Northeast Markets

New Jersey benefits from proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia markets  and that trickles down to construction and skilled trades employment. Large ongoing projects mean consistent openings for a range of skilled roles, from plumbing to specialized electrical work.

High demand often comes with competitive pay, especially in metropolitan and suburban regions.

7. Arizona: Rapid Residential and Commercial Growth

As more people move into the Southwest, Arizona’s housing and commercial sectors have boomed, especially in Phoenix and Tucson. That growth translates directly into demand for HVAC techs, carpenters, electricians, and more.

For trades talent, opportunities continue to expand with the state’s population.

8. Ohio: Aging Infrastructure Meets Skilled Labor Need

Ohio’s combination of manufacturing, residential projects, and infrastructure upgrades creates openings across multiple trades. The state’s skilled workforce demand may not always make national headlines, but it’s steady and consistent,  ideal for both experienced professionals and those starting their trade careers. 

9. North Dakota & Oklahoma: Energy and Industrial Demand

While they may not have the population of larger states, North Dakota and Oklahoma punch above their weight in per-capita demand, especially for energy-related trades and industrial maintenance roles.

Welders, heavy equipment operators, and pipeline specialists find particularly strong markets here.

10. Pennsylvania: Infrastructure and Manufacturing Keep Hiring

Pennsylvania rounds out the list with steady demand. With ongoing infrastructure projects and a core manufacturing base, skilled workers continue to find opportunities for long-term work across trades, from carpentry to electrical.

Why This Matters for Employers and Job Seekers

The demand for skilled trades talent isn’t just a passing trend,  it’s a structural shift in the labor market. From construction booms to aging infrastructure needing repair, companies nationwide are struggling to fill critical roles. In fact, the U.S. could face a significant gap between job openings and qualified workers in the decade ahead.

That means employers who know where to focus their recruiting efforts will fill roles faster, and workers who understand where opportunities are strongest can build lasting careers.

Whether you’re hiring truck drivers, HVAC techs, carpenters, or machine operators, knowing which states are most active, and why, gives you a real edge in today’s job market.