If you enjoy working with your hands and staying active, a career in hands-on trades could be perfect for you. These jobs often involve performing physical tasks, solving problems, and seeing tangible results from your work. Here are the hands on trades jobs that will keep you active and engaged.
1. Elevator Technician
Elevator technicians install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, and other vertical transport equipment. Working closely with a local elevator repair service, they ensure the safety and efficiency of these systems. Their work is critical in high-rise buildings where reliable elevators are essential. The job requires problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work at heights.
Technicians need to be comfortable working in confined spaces and understand an elevator system’s complex mechanical and electrical components. Being an elevator technician is about fixing problems and preventing them. Regular maintenance and inspections can prevent breakdowns and ensure elevators operate smoothly and safely.
2. Drain Servicer
Drain servicers work with drain and sewer cleaning companies to unclog and service drains and sewer lines. This job requires knowledge of plumbing systems and the ability to use specialized tools. Understanding how different types of drains work and how to clean them properly is essential to this role. This hands on trade can be physically demanding but also rewarding when you solve a client’s issue.
There’s a sense of accomplishment in restoring a blocked drain or sewer line to proper working order. Plus, the job offers plenty of variety, as no two jobs are exactly alike. Drain servicers often work in challenging conditions, dealing with everything from outdoor weather to unpleasant smells. However, the satisfaction of solving a complex problem and helping a customer can make this hands on trade very fulfilling.
3. Chimney Repair Expert
A chimney repair expert works with local companies to maintain, repair, and rebuild chimneys. This hands on trades job requires a good understanding of masonry and fire safety. It’s a job that demands precision, safety consciousness, and physical strength. A local chimney repair often works at heights, dealing with brickwork, mortar, and flue liners.
They must be able to identify problems like leaks or structural damage and determine the best way to fix them. This job combines physical labor with problem-solving skills. The importance of chimney maintenance can’t be overstated. A well-maintained chimney not only functions better, but it’s also safer. Chimney repair experts are crucial in preventing fires and ensuring homes are safe and warm.
4. Drilling Specialist
Drilling specialists work with a local excavating company and a well driller to perform various drilling operations. This can include drilling for water, oil, natural gas, or geothermal energy. The job requires mechanical aptitude, physical strength, and the ability to operate heavy machinery. Working as a drilling specialist often involves working outdoors in all kinds of weather. It can be physically demanding work, requiring strength and endurance.
However, the job also offers the satisfaction of contributing to important projects like water wells, oil extraction, or geological surveys. Well driller specialists need to understand the different types of soil and rock they’re drilling into and how to operate the drilling equipment safely. This job combines physical labor with technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
5. Residential Remodeler
Residential remodelers work with local HVAC companies and basement finishers to renovate homes. This can involve everything from updating a kitchen or bathroom to finishing a basement or adding an addition. It’s a hands on trades job that requires a wide range of skills, from carpentry and plumbing to electrical work and interior design. Remodeling a home is a big project that can be both challenging and rewarding.
It requires careful planning, creativity, and hard work. But the result – a beautiful, comfortable, and functional home – makes all the effort worthwhile. Residential remodelers need to be able to work with various materials and tools. They also need to understand building codes and safety regulations. This job combines physical labor with creativity and problem-solving skills.
6. Cross-Country Mover
Cross-country movers work for a moving company, packing and transporting people’s belongings from one location to another. This physically demanding job requires strength, endurance, and excellent organizational skills. It can also take you to new places and allow you to meet various people. Moving can be stressful, and cross-country movers play a crucial role in smoothing the process.
They must carefully pack items to prevent damage, load them onto the truck, and then unload them at the new location. This job requires physical strength, patience, and attention to detail. Being a cross-country mover can be a rewarding job despite the physical demands. You’re helping people during a major life change, and at the end of the day, you can see the tangible results of your hard work.
7. Roofing Professional
Roofing professionals install, repair, and replace roofs on residential and commercial buildings. They often specialize in different roofing materials, such as metal roofing. This hands on trades job requires physical stamina, a good sense of balance, and attention to detail. Working on roofs can be physically demanding and requires working at heights.
Roofers must be comfortable working in all weather conditions, as they often have to complete projects within a specific timeframe. The importance of a well-installed and maintained roof can’t be overstated. It protects a building from the elements, contributes to its energy efficiency, and plays a major role in its aesthetics. As a roofer, you can take pride in knowing your work protects homes and businesses.
8. Paving Contractor
Paving contractors work with an asphalt paving contractor to install, repair, and maintain paved surfaces like driveways, parking lots, and roads. This job requires knowledge of different paving materials and techniques and the ability to work with heavy machinery. Paving contractors often work outdoors in all kinds of weather.
The job can be physically demanding, requiring strength and endurance. However, it also offers the satisfaction of seeing a project through from start to finish and improving a community’s infrastructure. As a paving contractor, you’ll need to understand how different weather conditions affect the paving process and how to create a smooth, durable surface. It’s a hands on trades job that combines physical labor with technical knowledge and problem-solving skills.
9. HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians work with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They install, repair, and maintain these systems, working closely with a local HVAC company. This job requires a good understanding of how these systems work and the ability to troubleshoot issues. HVAC technicians often work in various environments, from residential homes to commercial buildings.
They must be comfortable working with electrical and refrigeration systems and handling various tools and equipment. The work of an HVAC technician is crucial for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and good air quality. With advancements in energy efficiency and smart technology, there’s also a growing demand for skilled technicians.
10. Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They work with everything from lighting fixtures to control systems and ensure that these systems operate safely and efficiently. Electricians need a thorough understanding of electrical theory, building codes, and safety protocols.
They must be able to read blueprints, identify electrical problems, and implement solutions. Despite the technical nature of this job, it’s very much a hands-on trade. Electricians often work in confined spaces and at heights. They use various hand and power tools to install and repair electrical components.
11. Carpenter
Carpenters construct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made from wood and other materials. They work on various projects, from building kitchen cabinets to constructing building frameworks. Carpentry requires a high level of skill and precision.
Carpenters must be adept at measuring, cutting, and shaping materials and installing finished structures or fixtures. Being a carpenter can be physically demanding, but it’s also a job that offers a lot of satisfaction. Carpenters can see the results of their work at the end of every project, whether it’s a completed piece of furniture or a structure that’s part of a larger construction project.
12. Plumber
Plumbers install and repair pipes that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases to and from homes, businesses, and factories. They use various materials and tools and often have to work in tight spaces. Plumbing is a critical trade essential for modern life. Plumbers ensure that clean water enters buildings and wastewater leaves safely.
They also install and repair plumbing fixtures like bathtubs, sinks, and toilets. Being a plumber requires physical strength, stamina, and problem-solving skills. It’s a job that offers variety, challenge, and the satisfaction of helping people and businesses solve their plumbing problems.
13. Bricklayer
Bricklayers, block masons, or stonemasons build and repair walls, fireplaces, chimneys, and other structures with brick, concrete blocks, or stone. They mix mortar, cut and shape bricks, and lay them in a specific pattern. This hands on trades job requires physical strength, endurance, precision, and attention to detail.
Bricklayers need to understand how different materials work together and how to create sturdy and aesthetically pleasing structures. Despite the physical demands, being a bricklayer can be a rewarding job. Seeing a wall or structure take shape, brick by brick, is a sense of accomplishment because of your work.
14. Tile and Marble Setter
Tile and marble setters skillfully apply durable tile, wood tiles, and marble onto surfaces such as walls and floors. They must be able to measure and cut tile and marble, prepare surfaces, and arrange tiles in a pleasing pattern. This job requires a good eye for design, precision, and attention to detail.
Tile and marble setters work with various materials and tools, often kneeling or bending for long periods. Being a tile and marble setter can be physically demanding, but it also offers the satisfaction of creating beautiful surfaces. Whether it’s a bathroom floor, a kitchen backsplash, or a marble entryway, the work of a tile and marble setter can significantly enhance the look of a space.
15. Ironworker
Ironworkers install and repair iron or steel structures, such as buildings, bridges, and roads. They often work at great heights and must be comfortable with heavy materials and equipment. This hands on trades job requires physical strength and stamina, a good sense of balance, and an understanding of safety protocols.
Ironworkers must also be able to read blueprints, follow precise instructions, and work as part of a team. Being an ironworker can be physically demanding and risky, but it also offers the satisfaction of seeing a structure take shape because of your work. From skyscrapers to bridges, the work of ironworkers is all around us.
16. Land Surveyor
Land surveyors measure and map the Earth’s surface. They use special equipment to determine ownership boundaries, map routes for highways or pipelines, or create records for construction projects. This hands on trades job requires a good understanding of mathematics and geography and the ability to use complex surveying equipment.
Land surveyors often work outdoors, sometimes in remote areas, and must be able to stand and walk for long periods. Being a land surveyor can be a rewarding job despite the physical demands. It offers the opportunity to work in various environments and contribute to important construction and development projects.
17. Insulation Worker
Insulation workers, also known as insulators, apply insulating materials to pipes, ductwork, or other mechanical systems to help control and maintain temperature. They measure and cut insulation and then securely attach it to these systems. This hands on trades job requires physical strength, stamina, precision, and attention to detail.
Insulators often work in tight spaces and must be comfortable handling insulation materials, some of which can be itchy or irritating. Being an insulator can be physically demanding, but it’s also crucial for energy efficiency and comfort. Well-insulated buildings use less energy and maintain consistent temperatures, making them more comfortable and environmentally friendly.
Hands on trades jobs offer a unique blend of physical activity, problem-solving, and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results from your work. Whether you’re interested in construction, maintenance, or repair, a hands-on trade job is perfect for you. Start exploring these options today and find a career that keeps you active and engaged.
