Bring Back the Trades Inc. together with F.W. Webb Company have released a landmark economic impact report that sounds the alarm on the skilled trades shortage across the United States, and every state in the country.

The analysis reveals the dire cost of inaction: the projected skilled trades gap includes 1.4 million jobs unfilled in just seven trade categories by 2030. This deficit represents an estimated $325.6 billion in lost GDP nationally each year. The shortfall also results in approximately $71.3 billion in lost federal, state, and local tax revenue.

Today, the seven trades analyzed — electricians, mechanics, plumbers, welders, construction, HVAC, and carpenters — consist of 5.6 million total jobs nationwide. Together, they generate $1.3 trillion in annual economic impact.

The report quantifies the skilled trades workforce gap across these essential occupations, detailing both national economic impacts and a focused breakout analysis for every region and state across the United States. While the skilled trades shortage is a national issue affecting communities in every state, some regions face especially acute challenges driven by an aging workforce, rising demand, and a limited pipeline of new skilled workers.

“This isn’t just a report — it’s a call to action,” said Steve Turner, founder and CEO of Bring Back the Trades. “The shortage in the skilled trades impacts every sector of our economy. We must act now to fill the current need, and share solutions on how to empower the next generation of skilled workers.”

The research was sponsored by F.W. Webb Company, a third-generation, family-owned company founded in 1866 and long recognized as an industry leader dedicated to supporting the vital work of the skilled trades.

“F.W. Webb is proud to support this work because solving the skilled trades shortage requires real data and real collaboration,” said Sean Davis, vice president of marketing at F.W. Webb Company. “By quantifying the economic impact of the gap, this report gives leaders, educators, and employers the insight they need to take meaningful action. The stakes are high, and together we can ensure America has the skilled workforce it needs to thrive.”

Parker Strategy Group, a national consulting firm, was secured by Bring Back the Trades to quantify the economic impact of the projected job deficit. Their analysis shows how the workforce shortage is creating ripple effects across industries using jobs data the University of New Hampshire pulled from Department of Labor sources.

“Closing the skilled trades gap is not just about filling jobs — it’s about sustaining industries, strengthening communities, and creating opportunities for the next generation,” added Shana Brunye, chief operating officer and research director at Bring Back the Trades. “Our national and regional analysis shows just how urgent this challenge is, and how much is at stake if we don’t act.”

Read the full report and RSVP to the trade jobs data webinar here.