U.S. Department of Labor Blog
Apprenticeships in the construction trades are well known, but did you know there are many other occupations that also offer this type of paid, hands-on learning and training?
The 10 occupations below had the largest numbers of active apprentices outside of construction in 2022. As post-apprenticeship career options, these occupations also offer opportunity: Combined, they are projected to average nearly 900,000 openings each year from 2021 to 2031.
All but two – nursing assistants and pharmacy technicians – had a median annual wage higher than the median annual wage for all occupations in 2021, $45,760. (Note: Many program agreements stipulate that the starting wage for apprentices is 50 to 70% of the journey-level wage.)
Electrical power-line installers and repairers install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems.
2022 number of active apprentices: 15,249
2021 median annual wage: $78,310
2021 employment: 126,600
Occupational openings, projected 2021–31 annual average: 11,100
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another.
2022 number of active apprentices: 9,944
2021 median annual wage: $48,310
2021 employment: 2,094,700
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 259,900
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers work on the systems that heat and cool buildings, chill perishable items, and ventilate air.
2022 number of active apprentices: 8,535
2021 median annual wage: $48,630
2021 employment: 394,100
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 40,100
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers, install and fix telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.
2022 number of active apprentices: 4,810
2021 median annual wage: $60,370
2021 employment: 178,000
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 22,500
Nursing assistants provide basic care and help patients with activities of daily living.
2022 number of active apprentices: 4,033
2021 median annual wage: $30,310
2021 employment: 1,343,700
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 212,700
Correctional officers and jailers oversee those who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison.
2022 number of active apprentices: 3,124
2021 median annual wage: $47,920
2021 employment: 402,200
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 31,200
Industrial machinery mechanics install, adjust, repair, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems.
2022 number of active apprentices: 3,095
2021 median annual wage: $59,840
2021 employment: 384,800
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 42,500
Firefighters control and put out fires and respond to emergencies involving life, property, or the environment.
2022 number of active apprentices: 2,306
2021 median annual wage: $50,700
2021 employment: 326,100
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 28,000
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care and educate patients and the public about various health conditions.
2022 number of active apprentices: 2,281
2021 median annual wage: $77,600
2021 employment: 3,130,600
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 203,200
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.
2022 number of active apprentices: 2,167
2021 median annual wage: $36,740
2021 employment: 447,300
Occupational openings, 2021–31 annual average: 43,500
Want to learn more about the occupations above? Explore them and hundreds more in the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Many other occupations have apprentice opportunities, from restaurant managers and pharmacy technicians to early childhood educators and cybersecurity specialists. Search for opportunities near you using the Apprenticeship Finder tool.
Ryan Farrell and Bill Lawhorn are economists in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Follow BLS on Twitter at @BLS_gov.
Data sources: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (active apprentices data) and Bureau of Labor Statistics (employment, wages, education, projections).
