The start of 2026 has seen unusually strong winter weather, geopolitical shifts, and economic re-balancing. While some of these events had significant impacts on the trades throughout the first quarter of 2026, particularly the storms of late January and the overthrow of the Iranian Regime, data indicates these are temporary disruptions, and job creation continues at above-average rates.
In this issue of the State of the Trades, we’re taking a deep dive into several individual states and what the data shows:
- Tennessee and Arizona are punching well above their weight.
- Virginia is leading the data center revolution and the creation of long-term skilled trade careers.
- North Carolina remains a consistent jobs creator.
1. Arizona and Tennessee Are Punching Above Their Weight
Despite their modest populations, Arizona and Tennessee are creating skilled trade jobs at a far greater rate and number than most states.
Arizona ranks 14th and Tennessee 15th among the most populous states in the country, each with just over 7.5 million residents. However, both states created more skilled trades jobs than eight states with larger populations (nine in the case of Tennessee).
Even with a severe ice storm impacting Tennessee’s most populated region in early February, the continued influx of residents into both states, combined with business-friendly public-private policies is creating an environment ideal for growth.
Most in demand trades in Arizona: Most in demand trades in Tennessee:
- Concrete Finisher 1. Carpenter
- Heavy Equipment Operator 2. Heavy Equipment Operator
- Electrician 3. Plumber
- HVACR Technician 4. CNC Operator
- Solar Installer 5. Automotive Technician
- Fabricator 6. Electrician
2. Virginia’s “Data Center Alley” Is a Job-Creation Super Engine
Virginia ranked #2 in skilled trade job creation this quarter and Northern Virginia is the top ranked data center market in the world, with roughly a quarter of all the world’s daily internet traffic flowing through the region.
Loudon County alone is now home to more than 260 centers.
With more than 3,000 data centers either under construction or planned in the United States, demand for Welders, Concrete Finishers, and Glaziers is greater than ever. At the same time, long-term employment opportunities for roles like Electricians, Plumbers, and HVACR Technicians at these facilities are transforming Northern Virginia communities and driving additional job creation.
- Electricians are the most in demand skilled trade workers nationwide.
- Other states seeing significant data center growth include Arizona, Ohio, and Nebraska.
3. North Carolina: Temporary Weather Slowdown, Long-Term Growth
While unusably strong winter weather slowed North Carolina job creation in January, the Tar Heel State continues to be one of the country’s most the Tar Heel State reliable job creators.
Back-to-back weeks of uncharacteristically heavy snow across North Carolina caused the state to drop from a top 3 state for skilled trades job creation for all of 2024 and 2025 to 7th in January. However, the state rebounded quickly and has already returned to #3.
For context, North Carolina is the 9th most populous state, with a population of approximately 11.5 million.
Most in demand trades in North Carolina:
- Carpenter
- Concrete Finisher
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Plumber
- Automotive Technician
- Electrician
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