Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for contractor assistants in the United States
Contractor assistant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected contractor assistant job growth rate is 4% from 2018-2028.
About 69,500 new jobs for contractor assistants are projected over the next decade.
Contractor assistant salaries have increased 8% for contractor assistants in the last 5 years.
There are over 21,056 contractor assistants currently employed in the United States.
There are 12,816 active contractor assistant job openings in the US.
The average contractor assistant salary is $39,453.
Are contractor assistant jobs in demand?
Contractor assistant job and salary trends over time
Contractor assistant jobs over time
Contractor assistant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 21,056 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 19,419 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 19,801 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 18,917 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 17,591 | 0.01% |
Average contractor assistant salary over time
Contractor assistant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $39,453 | $18.97 | +2.5% |
| 2025 | $38,505 | $18.51 | +1.5% |
| 2024 | $37,935 | $18.24 | +1.8% |
| 2023 | $37,260 | $17.91 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $36,627 | $17.61 | +1.5% |
Contractor assistant jobs by state
Most common states for contractor assistants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 437 | 4% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 27 | 4% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 207 | 3% |
| 4 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 142 | 3% |
| 5 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 55 | 3% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 45 | 3% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 30 | 3% |
| 8 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 22 | 3% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 17 | 3% |
| 10 | Texas | 28,304,596 | 450 | 2% |
| 11 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 387 | 2% |
| 12 | New York | 19,849,399 | 309 | 2% |
| 13 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 208 | 2% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 157 | 2% |
| 15 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 85 | 2% |
| 16 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 72 | 2% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 28 | 2% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 18 | 2% |
| 19 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 18 | 2% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 16 | 2% |
Most common cities for contractor assistants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlantic City | 1 | 3% | $38,998 |
| 2 | Bethesda | 1 | 2% | $42,602 |
| 3 | Bothell | 1 | 2% | $44,715 |
| 4 | Daytona Beach | 1 | 2% | $39,966 |
| 5 | Downers Grove | 1 | 2% | $52,523 |
| 6 | Lenexa | 1 | 2% | $40,676 |
| 7 | Irving | 2 | 1% | $43,170 |
| 8 | Frederick | 1 | 1% | $42,712 |
| 9 | Pasadena | 1 | 1% | $51,486 |
| 10 | Los Angeles | 2 | 0% | $51,520 |
| 11 | San Diego | 2 | 0% | $51,205 |
| 12 | Arlington | 1 | 0% | $36,730 |
| 13 | Columbus | 1 | 0% | $34,713 |
| 14 | Dallas | 1 | 0% | $43,170 |
| 15 | New York | 1 | 0% | $46,687 |
| 16 | Stockton | 1 | 0% | $52,050 |
Contractor Assistant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of contractor assistant experts
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Contractor Assistants in the next 3-5 years?
Ira Wiesenfeld: The areas of greatest growth will include communications, medical equipment, and lab testing, transportation, renewable energy, SCADA, consumer electronics, HVAC, automotive and truck repair, agriculture, security, and computer systems. In some of these areas, it would be fair to characterize the expected growth as "explosive."
In many of these specialties, there is an alarming disconnect between the current and projected need for trained workers and the dearth of training providers. Many schools are even cutting back or closing programs related to these fields. Other schools offer instruction that is decades out of date. There are metropolitan cities of a million or more with no available Electronics training whatever. Much of the advanced technology now available to us was developed in the USA, but we could find ourselves unable to make use of it due to a lack of trained technicians.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Contractor Assistants in the next 5 years?
Ira Wiesenfeld: It is likely that employers will demand more graduates, but it is certain that employers will demand a different kind of graduate. A graduate with only academic knowledge requires extensive on-the-job practical training before they can be productive, and an employer simply can't afford to wait that long in today's economy. Someone with less theoretical knowledge but more hands-on training and experience can be a productive employee beginning the day they're hired. That is the person who is most in demand.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Contractor Assistant job market given the pandemic?
Trish Serratore: The biggest trends facing the automotive service repair market are the need to help car owners understand that they still need to service their vehicles, even if they are not driving them as much due to remote working situations.
Smaller shops will have difficulties staying in business due to shutdowns and prior technician furloughs. Finding good technicians in this pandemic is just as complicated as before. Keeping technicians trained and updated will also be a factor in the repair business as shops get used to virtual and distance learning.
New graduates entering the field will need to showcase their credentials (ASE Certifications) and be able to quantify their experience. We are still hearing about a technician shortage, but many shops are still wary of an inexperienced individual.
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Contractor Assistants in the next 5 years?
Trish Serratore: Hard to say. There is no shortage of folks who would like to work as technicians. As technology increases, the competencies required will change the job descriptions. We will always need technicians for oil changes, brake repairs, HVAC, and the like. However, we will also need, but not as many, technicians with highly developed computer and electronic skills.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Contractor Assistants to find work opportunities?
Monica Pfarr: Since the skill of welding can be applied across many career pathways, generally employment opportunities exist in many parts of the country.
Which region or state accounts for the highest demand for welders and welding professionals. When viewing total job postings, the great lakes region (MI, OH, IL, IN, WI, MN) accounts for most demand with a combined total of over 22,000 postings in the past 12 months. (Source BurningGlass July 2020)
How do you envision technology impacting Contractor Assistants in the next 5 years?
Monica Pfarr: With the projected welding professional shortage of 275k by 2023 - (EMSI July 2020) it's hard to observe negative impacts of technology, especially automation. Understandably, organizations may be entertaining or may be taking a serious look at the need to automate certain welding processes within their company due to the skill shortage.
It is rare that we see a welding robot replacing a human welder; they are most often complementing the production process, or are filling a need that the manufacturer is unable to fill due to the shortage of welders.
What general advice would you give to a Contractor Assistant?
Steve Harris: Given connectivity's essential role in our daily lives, telecommunication networks must be extremely reliable, and installers are expected to operate at a higher level than ever before. Installers must be well-trained and have the proper certifications to safely work on telecom networks - to reduce the risk of human error and ensure issues are addressed as efficiently as possible.
What type of skills will young Contractor Assistants need?
Kate Cinnamo: For those looking to start their careers in the plumbing, heating and cooling (HVAC) or electrical industries, technical aptitude is just as important as the ability to work with customers. As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow, many tradespeople will note that it's important to hire for character, train for skill. Meaning, technical training can be done with anyone and, if you have the right personality for working with clients and homeowners, you'll be a great fit for the trades.
Regarding education, a high school diploma or GED is required to begin an apprenticeship or training. With the three trades, courses in math (like algebra and geometry), science (specifically physics and chemistry) and drafting are important in providing a solid foundation for the knowledge you'll need as a tradesperson.
And, while it may seem out of place, courses in technology and communication are great for the industry, too! In all three trades, technology is changing all the time. Just think of all the ways to make a home "smart" these days! As noted above, communication is key to developing great soft skills and positive rapport with clients and/or homeowners.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Contractor Assistants to find work opportunities?
Kate Cinnamo: Plumbing, HVAC and electrical are essential to every community in the United States, which means these opportunities exist anywhere. With so many tradespeople aging out of the workforce, it's vital to our quality of life that those jobs are replaced. Simply stated, these industries keep the country running. Along with the benefit of taking your technical skills anywhere in the country, the trades offer many opportunities for advancement and career stability!
How do you envision technology impacting Contractor Assistants in the next 5 years?
Kate Cinnamo: With ever-changing technology, it's no secret that the plumbing, HVAC and electrical trades have also been impacted. Plumbers are well-trained to install devices that monitor water usage, HVAC technicians install equipment that makes it possible to control thermostats using Wi-Fi, and electricians are installing residential charging stations for electric cars! The list could go on and on. As more homeowners are utilizing technology to their home's advantage, this also creates a positive outcome for conservation and the environment. Technology has been, and will continue to be, an essential tool for all tradespeople.