Yes, there is a shortage of  trade labor  in the U.S. However, if you listen to some of our politicians, you may believe that jobs for people who work with their hands are rapidly disappearing. This pervasive idea has even entered the realm of education. As  CBS News  recently reported, "Students are frequently exhorted to study programming and computer science to find a high-paying job". However, "the most in-demand careers might be elsewhere."

Over the next two decades, the United States will face an increased labor shortage. While a labor shortage may seem difficult to believe based on the numbers of people having difficulty finding work or full-time employment, many Baby Boomers are retiring. There is a demographic shift that will increase demand for workers who can lift the hammer. Nevertheless, the labor shortage is not a new or emerging problem.

In July 2014, the National Association of Home Builders wrote a study that relieved builders were experiencing a shortage of labor, especially in the area of finding subcontractors. Moreover, the shortage was seen across all trades, including plumbers, electricians, HVAC, and more. Why are subcontractors (the self-employed) important in these numbers? According to NAHB, over 95 percent of all builders always use subcontractors for at least some of their work, and over half use subcontractors for 75 percent of construction.

Ultimately, all the data shows that you do not need a college degree in computer science to make a good living. The shortage of laborers, low unemployment, and large numbers of retirements will mean trade labor jobs will increase in demand. Moreover, the  Wall Street Journal  reports that many experts are expecting a dramatic increase in wages in the near future as unemployment rates continue to fall.

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