The AI-Assisted Trades Pro: Real-World ROI and Opportunities in 2025
 
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AI in the trades: 6 important takeaways on real-world use and ROI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making headlines in the trades. But how are home service professionals (Pros) actually using AI in their day-to-day work, and what impact are they seeing?

In our new report, “The AI-assisted trades Pro: How the field is leading the future of work,” we surveyed 400+ home service professionals (Pros) across North America to uncover the key trends, challenges, and opportunities of AI. Here are the biggest takeaways:

  1. Almost 40% of Pros actively use AI, and at least 60% use AI across all age groups.
  2. Generative AI is the top tool, used for both content and admin tasks.
  3. Pros are saving 4.2 hours per week on average with AI, with some seeing a 9% revenue gain.
  4. HVAC professionals are the most common users, while electrical professionals are the most satisfied with AI.
  5. Almost 40% of non-users do not understand how AI would help their business.
  6. AI is not replacing humans in the trades—at least not yet. 

Why is this important now? Global investment in AI is soaring, and so is the demand for skilled trade work. The findings from the report are clear: AI and blue-collar careers are working hand in hand. Across the U.S., Pros are using AI to streamline quoting, automate scheduling, respond faster to leads, and stay connected with customers—all without losing the personal touch that their businesses are built on.

Takeaway 1: Nearly 40% actively use AI in the trades.

AI is rapidly expanding into home service operations. Over 70% of respondents have tested AI tools, with almost 40% actively using AI tools in their business.  From solo operators to large teams, adoption is spreading across all business sizes. This widespread adoption highlights AI’s growing importance in the modern home services sector and its role in driving industry innovation.

Younger Pros are leading the way—those under 35 are almost twice as likely to use AI compared to those over 65—but even the most seasoned professionals are exploring AI tools for home service businesses. About 60% of those 65+ have tried AI tools. Curiosity spans generations, and the gap is closing faster than most expect. 

Takeaway 2: Generative AI is the #1 tool for Pros, especially for content creation and admin work.

Among the various tools available, generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Jasper are the most popular, empowering Pros to streamline content creation and administrative tasks. But generative AI isn’t the only resource available. Other popular AI tools include:

  • AI for marketing and reviews
  • Platform-integrated AI
  • AI for quoting and estimating 
  • AI phone answering

With insights from 400+ home service Pros across multiple trades, our research reveals how Pros are using AI to get ahead. To see more real-world uses, get the full “The AI-assisted trades Pro: How the field is leading the future of work” report. 

Takeaway 3: AI users save 4.2 hours each week, and some see a 9% revenue gain on average.

AI adoption isn’t just about being tech-forward. It’s delivering measurable ROI. In fact, all AI users we surveyed reported saving time with AI, with an average of 4.2 hours per week. 

To put this into perspective, consider a company with 10 full-time technicians who each lose a full workday on inefficient tasks. Based on U.S. average hourly wages, the weekly loss from inefficiencies could be over $2,600. This highlights the financial impact of saving a few hours of work, especially with scheduling conflicts and administrative work being two of the biggest efficiency blockers.

How does this translate into real numbers? About 57% of users say AI has helped them grow their business, with 20% reporting significant growth. Some Pros are seeing an average revenue gain of 9%. And here’s what matters: 83% of Pros say AI has met or exceeded their expectations, citing benefits like reduced administrative costs, increased operational efficiency, and improved customer retention—things that form the foundation of a successful company. The real benefits of AI will come from implementing the right tools for your business‚ not just chasing trends and numbers.  

Whether it’s fewer weekend calls, automated follow-ups, or quicker estimates, AI is helping Pros reclaim time—and reinvest it into billable work.

Takeaway 4: AI impact varies by trade, but successful Pros use multiple tools.

Based on the survey data, AI adoption and results vary across different trades.

About 64% of plumbing Pros reported that AI contributed to their business growth, which was the highest among different home service providers. HVAC Pros, however, are the biggest adopters. Electrical businesses report the highest satisfaction rates with AI. This suggests that every trade has specific needs, and identifying the right tools to address these needs will maximize the benefits.

For a closer look at AI applications by trade and the solutions that are more likely to free up the most time and drive ROI, explore the full “The AI-Assisted Trades Pro: How the Field is Leading the Future of Work” report. 

While there may be no one-size-fits-all approach, certain tools are more likely to contribute to growth. For example, Pros using generative AI for content creation and administrative tasks are 4X more likely to report definite business growth than non-users. Furthermore, successful Pros are using 2–3 AI tools in conjunction to maximize results.

Looking ahead, 57% of Pros believe AI-powered marketing and lead generation will have the biggest impact on their business in the next five years. Other major trends include:

  • 24/7 virtual customer service (47%)
  • Instant quoting and estimating (41%)
  • Automated invoicing and payments (38%)

Takeaway 5: AI is not impacting hiring (at least for now).

A primary concern with AI adoption is its potential to replace human workers. However, our survey offers some reassurance, as 73% of Pros report that AI has not had a significant impact on their hiring practices. Why? Because field service work still relies on skills, trust, and in-person expertise. Pros see AI as a force multiplier—not a replacement. Jobs like customer service, technical work, and sales will stay human for the long haul. 

This finding aligns with a recent shift in preference for the skilled trades over traditional career paths, driven by factors like job security, career flexibility, and earning potential. Pros are finding that AI gives them more bandwidth to do the hands-on work that really matters.

Takeaway 6: There’s still a big knowledge gap for AI in the trades.

Despite the benefits of AI in the trades, a big hurdle remains: a lack of understanding. About 29% of Pros surveyed have not used AI at all. Many reported not using AI simply because they are unsure of how they can apply it to their business. This highlights a massive opportunity for education and training—especially in showing how AI for contractors, technicians, and trade professionals can drive real results in the trades.

The home services industry looks to the future.

Looking ahead, the home services industry will continue to embrace AI. The key takeaways from our report highlight AI’s real-world benefits, including an average time saving of 4.2 hours per week and a 9% revenue gain for Pros who used AI to grow their business. Businesses that streamline quoting, scheduling, marketing, and payments into one seamless flow will stand out where it counts. AI is the assistant. The Pro is still the boss. And that’s the dynamic building the shop of tomorrow.

Furthermore, embracing the tools that have been successful for other Pros can help lay the groundwork for success. Our full report dives deep into:

  • Which specific AI tools are the most popular and effective across trades
  • Recommendations for choosing the right tools based on business size and trade
  • The potential drawbacks of AI implementation
  • Predictions of what the future of AI in home services holds

Get the full report today and learn how to leverage the power of AI in 2025 and beyond.

Methodology

1. Housecall Pro surveyed 400+ current customers across North America who represent diverse trades, business sizes, and age groups. The survey was executed in April 2025.


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Housecall Pro

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Last Posted May, 2025
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