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Tradespeople with specialized skills are in high demand, and dismissing this line of work can limit your opportunities. Whether you’re a high school student looking for the next education path or a working professional looking to switch careers, here are some options for the highest-paying trade jobs to widen your employment prospects.
High Paying Technical Trades and Careers
The best trade jobs and skilled trades that offer high-paying opportunities include being a licensed practical and vocational nurse, diagnostic medical sonographer, sailor and marine oiler, website developer, and occupational therapy assistant. These technical roles combine practical skills with specialized knowledge, making them highly sought-after in various industries.
Do you believe you have what it takes to earn well without having to invest that much or spend time on a four-year degree? Obtaining skills in technical and trade fields can lead you to the right career path. This list of high-paying trade careers may be the career guidance you’ve been looking for!
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Specialized Skill Set and Industry Knowledge | Job Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed Vocational or Licensed Practical Nurse | $59,730 | Patient care, administering medications, monitoring vital signs | 3% |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $89,020 | Operating ultrasound equipment, interpreting images, patient care | 10% |
| Sailor and Marine Oiler | $53,470 | Operating ship machinery, navigation, seamanship | 2% |
| Website Developer | $80,665 | Programming languages, web design, UI/UX design | 8% |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $68,170 | Rehabilitative exercises, documentation, assistive equipment | 21% |
| Power Plant Operator | $91,880 | Operating and monitoring plant equipment, troubleshooting | -8% |
| Hazardous Materials Removal Worker | $53,430 | Hazmat handling, safety protocols, decontamination procedures | 1% |
| Plumber | $61,550 | Pipe fitting, plumbing codes, blueprint reading | 6% |
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer | $57,300 | HVAC system repair/installation, electrical, refrigerant handling | 9% |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist | $95,080 | Radiation safety, operating imaging equipment, radiopharmaceuticals | 0% |
| Ironworker | $54,850 | Structural steel erection, rigging, welding | 4% |
| Electrician | $61,590 | Electrical theory, wiring, electrical codes | 11% |
| Carpenter | $56,350 | Framing, drywall, concrete forming | 4% |
| Funeral Service Worker | $60,580 | Embalming, grief counseling, burial planning | 4% |
| Dental Hygienist | $87,530 | Teeth cleaning, X-rays, patient education | 9% |
| Cardio Technologist & Technician | $70,270 | EKG, Doppler ultrasound, cardiac catheterization | 10% |
| Millwright | $64,310 | Machine assembly, precision alignment, troubleshooting | 13% |
| Legal Assistant | $60,790 | Legal research, documentation, administrative support | 1% |
| Aircraft Mechanic | $76,260 | Repair airframes/engines, inspections, FAA regulations | 4% |
| Elevator and Escalator Installer and Technician | $102,420 | Electrical/hydraulic systems, controls, safety codes | 6% |
| IT Technician | $60,810 | Hardware/software troubleshooting, networking, cybersecurity | 6% |
| Boilermaker | $71,140 | Welding, metal fabrication, blueprint reading | -1% |
| Line Installer and Repairer | $85,420 | Utility line installation/repair, climbing, truck operation | 8% |
| Construction Manager | $104,900 | Project management, budgeting, scheduling, safety | 9% |
| Respiratory Therapist | $77,960 | Respiratory care, ventilator management, patient assessment | 13% |
| Wind Turbine Technician | $61,770 | Electrical/mechanical systems, hydraulics, braking systems of turbines | 60% |
| Home and Building Inspector | $67,700 | Building codes, construction methods, defect identification | 0% |
| Rotary Drill Operator | $67,320 | Drilling rig operation, mud systems, down-hole tools | 7% |
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1. Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse
Nursing careers, such as licensed practical nurses and vocational nurses, help registered nurses and doctors by assisting them in the operating room or medical labs. Job duties generally include conducting regular visits in hospital rooms, usually with an accompanying nurse.
Those with advanced certifications, like IV certifications, can also help with performing necessary medical operations. There are projected 54,400 job openings for licensed vocational and practical nurses over the next decade.
- Median salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for licensed practical and vocational nurses is $59,730.
- Educational or training requirements: After completing a related nursing course at a trade school that takes around a year, graduates can take the NCLEX-PN exam. For a higher salary, you can earn additional certifications for specializations, like intravenous therapy.
2. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Also known as ultrasonographers, diagnostic medical sonographers mainly assist physicians and surgeons in consulting patients, diagnosing medical conditions, and preparing patients for operations. The main skill set for sonographers is the ability to use imaging machines for sonograms and ultrasounds.
Sonographers may specialize in the imaging of particular human body organs and parts, including blood vessels, muscles, or the heart. You can earn more as you specialize, like pediatric care or women’s reproductive health.
- Median salary: Diagnostic medical sonographers can receive a median annual salary of up to $89,020.
- Education or training requirements: Medical sonographers often need a technical certificate from schools accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. Some employers may require certain hours of clinical setting training as well.
3. Sailor and Marine Oiler
Sailors and marine oilers keep an eye out for anything that can block their ship’s progress. They may also be called upon to monitor water depth and rig or execute a range of maintenance or related jobs.
Aside from the technical skills you can learn from trade school programs, you also need to develop adaptability and resilience, especially when living aboard ships. Top paying industries for marine oilers and sailors include support activities for water transportation, seafood product preparation and packaging, and state governments.
- Median salary: Depending on experience and industry knowledge, a sailor or marine oiler can have an average yearly compensation of $53,470.
- Education or training requirements: Interested applicants must earn a Merchant Mariner Credential and a high school or GED to work as an oiler on a ship. It also validates the person’s ability to work aboard a ship. You may also need to pass a physical examination, a background check, and a drug test.
4. Website Developer
Creating and developing functional and design-focused websites is one of the roles of a website developer, along with managing a website’s technical features and layout. Some website developers also make content for their websites.
A website developer can work for a digital business or a website design company. Software publishers, technical consulting services, and educational services are among the top-paying industries for website developers.
- Median salary: Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, a website developer can earn up to $92,750 yearly.
- Education or training requirements: You usually have to get an associate’s degree in website design to become a website developer. Computer science, web development, and graphic design degrees could also be valuable. Though certifications are not required, applicants can gain an advantage by gaining certifications in SQL or JavaScript by taking online courses.
5. Occupational Therapy Assistant
Some therapists need an extra pair of hands, and occupational therapy assistants fulfill that function. They aim to help patients recover and improve a patient’s ability to move and live independently through exercises and the use of special equipment.
OT assistants often work in therapists’ offices in hospitals and nursing care facilities. The largest employers are state hospitals and home healthcare services.
- Median salary: The national average pay for occupational therapy assistants is $65,450 per year.
- Educational or training requirements: Earning an associate’s degree qualifies you for an occupational therapy assistant job. Accredited programs can take at least two years to complete. However, some certifications are mandatory for most states, like essential life support (BLS) certificates.
6. Power Plant Operator
Power plant operators are skilled tradespeople responsible for controlling and maintaining the machinery used to generate electricity from various power sources. Their core job duties involve monitoring the plant’s output levels and making necessary adjustments to optimize energy production and usage across the grid.
Do you have excellent dexterity and precision to operate complex control room equipment through repeated motions? These traits will present a strong mechanical aptitude to repair, maintain, and troubleshoot issues with the power plant machinery and tools.
- Median salary: Despite an expected 8% job outlook decline, a power plant operator has one of the most lucrative salaries among trade careers, reaching an average of $100,890 per year.
- Education or training requirements: A high school diploma and a certificate or associate degree are often the entry-level requirements for power plant operators. Some employers may also require extensive hands-on training.
7. Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
Factories and power plants generate products with accompanying waste, which can be quite toxic and dangerous. Similarly, mining and oil extraction businesses use chemicals that need to be safely disposed of to avoid harming the environment.
Hazardous waste removal workers contribute to a healthier society by making sure that the generated waste is appropriately contained, stored, or recycled.
- Median salary: Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the national median salary for hazardous materials removal workers is $47,280.
- Educational or training requirements: Most facilities require only a high school diploma. On-the-job training is the primary way to acquire the necessary skills and traits, with no trade school training required.
8. Plumber
Residential, commercial, and industrial facilities need piping systems to control temperature, water, and other liquids. Plumbers work on the circulation of these critical liquids and gases through the installation, maintenance, and repair of pipes.
Industrial clients pay a premium as their materials are typically high-risk and require more expertise than residential and commercial clients.
- Median salary: A plumber can earn an average of around $61,550 yearly.
- Educational or training requirements: Anyone with a high school diploma can be a plumber, although having a certificate of training for at least six months will boost your employment chances. Plumbers need to be certified by the state, and most states and employers need their plumbers to hold a driver’s license.
9. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer
Wholesale business technicians visit plants or factories that need a cooling or heating system. They help engineers install and maintain such machines in the construction industry.
On the retail side of the business, technicians install HVAC and refrigeration in houses, offices, and businesses with temperature issues due to their location or the structural design of their building. They must be well-versed in the operation of mechanical and electrical systems.
- Median salary: The median year income for HVAC and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $57,300.
- Educational or training requirements: Potential HVAC technicians need to earn a certificate by attending a six-month training course at a trade school or a two-year associate’s degree. Knowledge of plumbing, heating, and repairing electrical power parts helps as well, so expect a few hands-on lessons with machines.
10. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear medicine technologists are skilled healthcare professionals who prepare and administer radioactive drugs used for diagnostic imaging and treatment purposes. Their roles involve operating specialized equipment to conduct scans and tests ordered by physicians and explaining procedures and instructions clearly to patients.
Operating nuclear medicine imaging technologies is a high-risk job. You’ll also need to learn radiation physics, protection standards, and radiopharmaceutical preparation and administration methods, making it a complicated profession with a high income.
- Median salary: Nuclear medicine technologists in the United States have a median annual salary of $95,080.
- Education or training requirements: To enter this field, you need to complete an accredited associate’s degree program in nuclear medicine technology. Training provides a combination of classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical experience.
11. Ironworker
Buildings and machines need iron and other metals that are cost-effective and durable. Products ranging from alloys, nuts, and bolts to tools and motorcycles need iron and steel. Factories hire ironworkers to make sure the quality of the products meets standards.
You can expect job openings in industries like building construction and manufacturing due to the need to replace workers retiring, exiting the labor workforce, or transferring to other professions.
- Median salary: Reinforcing iron and rebar workers earn up to $54,850, whereas structural iron and steel workers may get $62,760.
- Educational or training requirements: A high school diploma is often required, although some companies may need at least a short trade course certificate.
12. Electrician
Electrical wiring is not the only structure electricians install and repair. They also repair telephone lines, control systems, and even circuits in homes and businesses that need the skilled hands of electricians.
Overtime is a usual dilemma among electricians, with jobs requiring most of them to work full-time, even on evenings and weekends. This demand results in high salaries and more job openings in industries like manufacturing and government services.
- Median salary: Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that the national average income for electricians sits at $61,590.
- Educational or training requirements: Trade jobs in this field require certifications and training for electrical systems, circuitry, and standard safety procedures. A lot of current electricians learn on the job, so apprenticeships are very common in the industry.
13. Carpenter
Carpenters often deal with wooden structures for homes and buildings. They are also trained to build using other materials, like fiberglass and plastic.
As a very hands-on job, carpentry sets a unique role in a society where homeownership and structural accuracy matter. Carpenters can work indoors and outdoors, depending on the type of construction project.
- Median salary: Carpenters can expect a yearly median pay of $56,350.
- Educational or training requirements: You can get certifications from trade school programs. In this industry, actual skills are considered more valuable than certifications, although specialized skills and state licensing requirements vary, leading to better opportunities. Construction managers often begin their careers as carpenters and work their way up.
14. Funeral Service Worker
Funeral services don’t only honor someone who has passed away; they also provide a sense of comfort for the living. Families may not be able to handle the formal but necessary tasks when they are grieving, so funeral service workers provide subtle yet invaluable assistance.
Funeral service workers go beyond the details of the funeral and burial. They also offer counsel to the bereaved family and ensure that the necessary paperwork has been completed. With valuable experience, the funeral business can be one of the highest-paid trade jobs.
- Median salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for funeral service workers sits at $60,580.
- Educational or training requirements: Most employers require an associate degree in either mortuary science or funeral service. These courses usually take two years and lead to an entry-level job. There is also an undergraduate degree in mortuary science, which can translate into higher annual pay for funeral service managers.
15. Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists function like secondary dentists, although they don’t perform tooth extractions or other surgical operations in dentistry. However, they can examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide preventive oral care.
While dental hygienists can work part-time, there’s a growing demand for the profession. You can expect 16,400 new openings in the next decade, especially in private practice and hospitals.
- Median salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of a dental hygienist is $87,530.
- Educational or training requirements: Aim to get an associate’s degree in dental hygiene. However, the course is typically longer than most.
16. Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician
Specializing in getting critical information, cardiovascular technicians operate life-saving medical tools to assist physicians in diagnosing heart and blood vessel diseases. They prepare the laboratory and set up the machines and devices as they use imaging equipment.
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians assist in diagnosing physicians and pharmacists by providing accurate patient information. They also assist patients who reside in their homes and are unable to visit their doctors.
- Median salary: The national average pay for a cardiovascular technologist and technician is $70,270.
- Educational or training requirements: Consider enrolling for an associate’s degree in cardiovascular technology. Courses usually take only one or two years to finish. Some states require a license, while others do not, as long as the student is supervised by an expert in the field.
17. Millwright
Millwrights assemble and install machinery and heavy equipment for factories and ensure the tools are in place. Frequently, these workers coordinate with the machinery manufacturer as well as the transporter.
From the sourcing of parts to installing the whole manufacturing system, millwrights are essential for any manufacturing company. Wood preservation, ferroalloy manufacturing, and commercial machinery employ the most number of millwrights.
- Median salary: A millwright has a national average pay of $64,310.
- Educational or training requirements: There are technical courses at trade schools that take two years to finish. Some employers accept high school graduates, although typically, they get lower pay than those who have obtained certification.
18. Legal Assistant
Legal assistants are foot soldiers in a legal setting. They gather essential information for a case, prepare research for lawyers, and maintain the necessary motions, letters, and other legal documents submitted.
With lawyers busy, assistants make client calls and speak to witnesses and third parties to have smooth legal proceedings. Working for the federal government has the potential to earn a higher average wage.
- Median salary: The median annual salary for legal assistants is $60,970.
- Educational or training requirements: You can earn an associate’s degree in paralegal studies or earn an undergraduate degree and then get a paralegal certificate.
19. Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics keep the engine and airframe of aircraft in good condition to meet the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. Their job includes performing standard repairs and checks, maintaining inventory records, and knowing the faults with the plane’s components.
As an aircraft mechanic, you’ll need to find and solve electrical and mechanical problems. This entails learning how to repair aircraft components and using diagnostic equipment to test aircraft parts.
- Median salary: Aircraft mechanics earned an average median salary of $75,020 in 2023.
- Education or training requirements: To become an aircraft mechanic, you should gain at least eighteen months of training from a Federal Aviation Administration-accredited educational program. There are college programs available for training linked to aviation management and technology.
20. Elevator and Escalator Installer and Technician
The responsibilities of elevator and escalator installers involve repairing, installing, and keeping the elevators, as well as moving sidewalks, escalators, and other similar devices in proper condition.
Elevator and escalator installers also assemble products or production tools. Elevator mechanics and technicians frequently work in tight areas in the machinery room or at the top of the elevator vent. This risky part of a complex job demands higher pay.
- Median salary: An elevator technician or mechanic can earn a median annual salary of $102,420.
- Education or training requirements: Mainly, you need to finish an apprenticeship program that takes five years to become an elevator technician or mechanic. You need to have a high school diploma or the like to start the apprenticeship program. When you pass the final test, you can opt to take certifications to improve your learning.
21. IT Technician
An IT technician identifies the problems or issues and keeps track of the processing system of the computer. Technicians install software and conduct computer software systems and equipment tests.
Other responsibilities of an IT technician include setting up the computer tools, instructing clients on how to utilize the software systems, and scheduling computer maintenance.
- Median salary: An IT technician can earn a median annual salary of up to $60,810.
- Education or training requirements: A computer science associate degree or any other similar field can open opportunities for this type of job. Though certifications are not required, these can make you a great applicant. Getting special certification programs can help IT experts discover new learning in technology.
22. Boilermaker
A boilermaker creates and places boilers and other big containers that hold gases and liquids, such as oil. Other duties involve cleaning and examining boilers for faults, reading blueprints, creating pieces and curving them into shapes, and welding pieces together.
This can be the perfect career for you if you are good with equipment, mostly welding tools, and are not bothered with a physically hard and dangerous job. You can find high-paying job openings in industries like product manufacturing, utility system construction, and equipment contractors.
- Median salary: The average median salary of a boilermaker is $71,140.
- Education or training requirements: It’s ideal to have a high school diploma. Look for programs with an apprenticeship. Having experience and certifications in welding advances your opportunity to get into apprenticeship programs.
23. Line Installer and Repairer
The responsibilities of power line technicians include installing, repairing, and keeping electrical equipment in good condition. They work with high-voltage electric power lines and need to climb utility posts to get to them.
Though they work regular hours, when there is an extensive power outage caused by storms or other sudden occurrences, extra hours are required. This demand makes it one of the highest-paying trade jobs, especially in construction and government work.
- Median salary: A line worker can receive a yearly median wage of $85,420.
- Education or training requirements: You should have a high school diploma or equivalent to proceed with the apprenticeship training program for a line worker. Formal education can give you an advantage, although you need a practicum.
24. Construction Manager
The primary responsibilities of construction managers include making plans for site locations, controlling the budget, and administering the project’s progress. They make sure projects are finished by the set deadline and manage problems on the budget should they happen.
For construction projects, some managers also need to handle the process of hiring construction workers, maintenance specialists, electricians, and technicians. Work in construction management can be a high-paying career for you once you gain the necessary technical trade skills, along with soft skills like risk management and planning.
- Median salary: Construction managers can earn an annual median wage of $104,900.
- Education or training requirements: Consider finishing an associate’s degree. Experiences in construction can also give you an advantage. Some large construction companies prefer those with both construction experience and a college degree in the related field of construction.
25. Respiratory Therapist
Respiratory therapists are used in a range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, doctors’ offices, critical care units, neonatal intensive care units, emergency rooms, outpatient care centers, and even patients’ homes.
As they engage with fragile patients who often require genuine comfort as medical treatment, respiratory therapists should be detail-oriented, patient, empathetic, and have exceptional interpersonal skills.
- Median salary: While the typical salary varies considerably in the state, a respiratory therapist’s national average annual wage is $77,960.
- Education or training requirements: Although respiratory therapists must complete a recognized associate degree program, certain employers prefer an undergraduate degree. Courses on human anatomy, chemistry, physics, and pharmacology are included in the programs, and clinical work with patients is supervised.
26. Wind Turbine Technician
Wind turbine technicians are responsible for installing, inspecting, maintaining, operating, and repairing wind turbines. Although some wind technicians work on new wind turbines, most of their time is spent in routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairing existing ones, notably, the nacelles, which house the generators.
This in-demand green career is expected to rise by 60% by 2033. This is the perfect trade job for you if you can work long hours outdoors at great heights and extreme temperatures or sometimes in confined spaces.
- Median salary: Wind technicians earn a median annual salary of $61,770, with the majority of them working on wind farms in rural areas.
- Education or training requirements: The wind turbine technician needs either a certificate or associate degree in wind technology to start a career in this field of sustainability. Many employers also require a year of on-the-job training for wind technicians.
27. Home and Building Inspector
As a house inspector, the role is to assess the state of buildings from the outside and report any problems or violations to potential buyers. You must be familiar with quality building materials and building codes, as local and state government mandates must be met.
Construction and building inspectors focus on commercial buildings, for the most part. The trade job can come with perks such as medical or health insurance, paid yearly leave, and a retirement plan available to those employed privately or by the government. Government agencies are more likely to pay more than private consulting, engineering, or architectural firms.
- Median salary: To compensate for the dangers, house inspectors earn an average salary of $67,700 per year.
- Education or training requirements: To apply for a home inspector training course, you must have a high school diploma or a GED. After completing the course, interested applicants must pass a certification exam in the state where they live.
28. Rotary Drill Operator
Operators drill the earth for natural resources. With the help of petroleum engineers, they extract oil or gas. They are also essential in the construction of massive skyscrapers that involve drilling the ground for the building’s foundation.
The work environment can be physically demanding, so this is only an ideal profession when you’re ready to get exposed to geological conditions, including dust and noise. Mining, oil and gas extraction, and machinery manufacturing are among the industries that offer the highest-paying job positions for rotary drill operators.
- Median salary: The national average pay for a rotary drill operator is $67,320. This can go higher depending on your area of specialty.
- Educational or training requirements: There are no hard-to-comply-with requirements. A high school diploma is enough for most employers, especially in areas with high demand yet a low supply of workers. However, a commercial driver’s license is preferred, as there will be a lot of travel related to the job.
What is a Skilled Trade Job?
A skilled trade job refers to an occupation that requires specialized training or technical expertise in a particular craft or field. The job involves hands-on, physical work while still challenging individuals mentally. Fixing, building, and creating are some of the tasks associated with technical trades.
Many trade jobs involve manual or practical labor, such as construction, manufacturing, repair work, or operating machinery and equipment. Skilled tradespeople typically receive hands-on instruction through vocational programs, apprenticeships, or extensive on-the-job training to develop the necessary skills for their trade.
These high-paying jobs span various industries and often provide pathways to stable employment with good wages and growth:
- Skilled medical trades like licensed practical nurses, diagnostic sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists, and respiratory therapists who work directly with patients.
- Construction and industrial trades such as plumbers, HVAC technicians, ironworkers, electricians, millwrights, boilermakers, and wind turbine technicians involve hands-on building, installation, and repair work.
- Transportation-related trades like sailors, aircraft mechanics, and line installers focused on operating vehicles or maintaining transportation infrastructure.
- Other specialized trades, such as IT technicians, legal assistants, funeral service workers, home inspectors, and hazardous material removal workers, require specific technical knowledge.
Why Should I Choose Trade Jobs?
One of the reasons why you could consider a trade job is because you can obtain training through skills-based education from a vocational or trade school for less than the number of years it would take to attend a traditional college.
While America has over 17 million skilled technical workers, this is expected to be short of around 3.4 million workers qualified for certain positions. This shortage of workers gives you the chance to grab more opportunities. By pursuing technical trades via a trade school, you can:
- Obtain the skills you need for less time and money
- Put your set of skills to the test
- Take pride in your work
- Enjoy a good income
- Get opportunities to advance in your career
Why Should I Consider a Trade School Over a Four-Year College Degree?
Are you ready to get into the workforce quickly? Do you need to earn a lucrative living to support your family? Trade schools offer several compelling advantages compared to traditional four-year universities. Here are a few examples:
- Lower tuition costs: For starters, vocational programs typically have much lower tuition costs and take less time to complete. A trade program enables you to enter the workforce and start earning sooner than a four-year college degree.
- Specialized training: The hands-on training provides practical technical trade skills and on-the-job opportunities that build valuable experience directly applicable to your chosen career path. With strong job outlooks projected for many skilled trades, the knowledge gained can offer job security even during economic fluctuations.
- Course flexibility: Beyond the financial and career benefits, trade schools let you learn alongside like-minded peers who share your passion while developing critical thinking abilities beyond just technical expertise. Rather than rigid deadlines, you can begin your trade education when it is optimal for your circumstances.
- Job placement: Trade schools frequently assist with job placement services after graduation and can help bolster your qualifications for future promotions through supplemental programs. The pathway prioritizes hands-on skill acquisition that is aligned with your interests.
Can I Earn Just as Much Money Learning Skilled Trades as I Can by Earning a Bachelor’s Degree?
You may be able to earn just the same with a trade education as those with a baccalaureate degree. The median salary for undergraduate degree holders aged 22 to 27 reached $60,000 in 2023. On the other hand, trade school graduates can earn an annual median salary of up to $67,000.
However, this can quickly change depending on the demand for certain jobs in different industries. Additionally, your earnings can remain stagnant, especially if your employer or company requires upskilling or further education.
Can I Study Trade Work Programs Online?
Although you can study trade programs online, the availability of online programs depends largely on the specific vocational field and the balance of theoretical instruction versus hands-on training required. In some cases, fully online learning may not be feasible for trades that heavily emphasize technical trade skills and practical applications.
Internships or apprenticeships are commonly integrated into vocational curricula to allow students to gain real-life experience before earning certification. Trade programs like electrician, plumber, and nurse training rely significantly on hands-on learning to develop essential proficiencies needed to enter the workforce.
Online classes cover foundational concepts and theoretical knowledge, while in-person sessions provide the opportunity to practice applied skills. While the virtual portions enable flexibility for knowledge acquisition, the in-person technical training makes sure graduates possess the core competencies to work safely and effectively in their chosen trade.
Where Can I Study Trade Degrees?
Instead of pursuing a traditional four-year degree, most trade workers acquire their skills and qualifications through technical or vocational programs. These career-focused educational paths combine classroom instruction with hands-on, practical learning to prepare students for their chosen trade profession:
- Vocational high school career programs provide entry-level trade training alongside academic courses.
- Technical schools, technical institutes, and career colleges offer diploma or certificate programs specifically designed to teach vocational skills.
- Career training centers and community colleges allow students to earn trade-specific certifications or associate’s degrees.
- Military vocational programs equip service members with technical specialties for roles during and after their military careers.
How Can I Determine Which Is the Highest Paying Trade Job for My Future?
When evaluating potential trade careers, consider the median salary and income potential for your area of interest. The highest-paying trade school jobs command competitive wages by combining specialized skills with steady demand in the job market.
Beyond just the starting pay, explore factors like job growth projections, opportunities for advancements, and long-term earnings over a full career span.
Identify Your Interests and Strengths
The key to finding your ideal job is reflecting on the types of hands-on work that excite and motivate you.
Combining your life passions with a high-paying trade job increases the likelihood of finding a genuinely rewarding career path. For example, if you have mechanical aptitude, you may thrive in automotive or industrial repair roles.
It can be helpful to research various high-paying trade jobs and their daily responsibilities to match your interests to an engaging career you feel enthusiastic about. While training programs provide comprehensive skill development, pursuing a trade aligned with your existing talents gives you a foundational advantage for excelling in that field.
Determine Your Preferred Working Environment
When exploring potential high-paying trade work, it’s important to reflect on your personal interests, skills, and work preferences to find the right fit. The more a high-paying trade job resonates with your inherent interests and desired working conditions, the more rewarding and sustainable that career path is likely to be in the long term.
Here are some questions you could ask yourself:
- What type of hands-on experience appeals to you? Do you enjoy working with your hands on mechanical, technological, artistic, or medical tasks?
- Do you thrive in environments that involve frequent communication and collaboration with others? Or do you prefer more independent, project-based work?
- Are you drawn to roles that involve problem-solving and customer service? Or would you rather focus on operating machinery or equipment?
- What kind of setting do you envision yourself in — offices, workshops, construction sites, outpatient care centers, or factories?
- Do you have a natural inclination toward technical fields, creative pursuits, or working with people?
- How important is it for your job to incorporate your interests in areas like technology, heavy equipment, arts/sciences, or healthcare?
Evaluate the Job Outlook and Median Wage
When researching potential lucrative career paths, it’s wise to utilize authoritative sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics for robust job outlook data and median annual salary information across different occupations. This can help identify trades projected for strong growth and competitive pay scales.
In addition to national averages, consider these key factors:
- Local wage data for your specific geographic region, as salaries can vary based on area cost of living.
- Standard benefits and perks are commonly offered for that trade.
- Opportunities for overtime hours or busy seasonal periods that could increase income.
- Long-term job outlook projections for stable employment prospects in that vocation.
Methodology: Evaluating the Highest-Paying Trade Jobs
In order to create this list of the best trade school jobs, I focused on in-demand, high-paying trade jobs you can obtain by studying in a technical school or taking a few specialized courses. I also highlighted these three things for each occupation:
- Income
- Job description
- Educational or training requirements
I gathered data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources relevant to the occupations on the list. The highest-paying trade jobs are listed in random order.
Related Questions
What Trade Skills are in Demand?
Trade skills that are in high demand include those related to health sciences, operations management, and air conditioning. Skilled tradespeople with expertise in construction management, HVAC systems operations, and medical assistance are often in demand, giving you a chance for a higher median salary.
How Long Does Trade School Take to Complete?
Generally speaking, many vocational schools require students to attend classes either on-campus or online, between three and six months or up to two years. Some two-year programs from professional organizations result in earning an associate’s degree.
What are the Disadvantages of Attending a Trade School?
Trade school programs are accelerated, resulting in a fast-paced and demanding workload for students. The credits earned may also not be transferable if you later decide to pursue an undergraduate degree in a four-year program.
However, with an accredited program and the right apprenticeship, the possibility of a high-earning trade job can overshadow a few disadvantages.
Will I Need to Work an Internship or On-the-Job Training to Graduate From a Trade School Program?
Depending on your chosen trade, you may be required to attend an apprenticeship program to obtain the skills needed for the best-paying trade jobs. Certain certificate or associate degree programs usually require it to graduate. While on-the-job training may be necessary, your trade school education will serve you well!
Conclusion
Whether you prefer honing an existing trade skill or learning a new one, doing so can land you the highest-paying trade job on the market. Skilled trades offer the potential for high earnings, job security, and personal fulfillment, making them an attractive option for students seeking a rewarding profession.
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