Craft Apprentice

Impact: Quality craftsmanship, tangible product creation, infrastructure maintenance

Assists skilled tradespersons in learning a craft through hands-on training and mentorship, developing practical skills and knowledge.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Moderate
Team vs solo
70% Team / 30% Solo
Client facing
Sometimes
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Minimal
Schedule flexibility
Structured
Remote work
On-site Only
Typical work hours
40 hours/week
Stress level
Moderate

At a glance

Median salary
$58,240
Entry-level
$41,600
Senior
$83,200
Growth by 2033
5% (average)
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Moderate
Salary growth potential
High to 100% growth from entry to senior
Typical student debt
None

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Tool Proficiency
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Material Handling
  • Safety Procedures
  • Measurement
  • Specific Craft Techniques

Soft skills

  • Willingness to Learn
  • Problem-Solving
  • Attention to Detail
  • Adaptability
  • Communication

Technical complexity: Moderate

How to get there

Minimum education
High School Diploma
Licensing
Varies by State
Years to mid-career
3-5 years
Years to senior
7-10 years
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Apprentice
      2. Journeyman
      3. Master Craftsman/Supervisor

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      15% to low risk due to hands-on skill and judgment components
      AI disruption risk
      Very Low
      Demand trend
      Stable

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      3.5/10
      Meaning
      3.8/10
      Work-life balance
      3.2/10
      Prestige
      5.5/10
      Social perception
      Moderate

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