Many high-paying, in-demand careers do not require a four-year college degree. These professions, known as the skilled trades, rely on specialized manual and technical abilities acquired through vocational training, apprenticeships, or community college programs. As industries face a shortage of qualified workers, the financial prospects for skilled tradespeople continue to improve, making them a strong alternative to traditional academic paths.
Highest Paying Skilled Trades
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers assemble, install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. The role requires reading blueprints, connecting electrical wiring, and troubleshooting complex malfunctions in brakes, motors, and control systems. It carries significant responsibility, as these professionals ensure vertical transportation systems are safe, often working in cramped shafts or at great heights.
The median annual salary was over $100,000 as of May 2024. Entry is most commonly achieved through a four-year apprenticeship that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Construction Manager
Construction managers plan, coordinate, and supervise construction projects from inception to completion. Their duties involve preparing budgets, hiring staff, scheduling work, and ensuring the project adheres to building codes and safety regulations. This position requires a deep understanding of construction methods, often gained from prior experience in another trade. As leaders, they serve as the central point of contact between architects, engineers, and clients.
The median annual salary was $104,900 as of May 2023. While some enter the field after years of on-site experience, many employers now prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management.
Power Lineman
Power linemen install and maintain the network of cables that deliver electricity. Their work involves erecting poles and transmission towers, stringing power lines, and repairing components like transformers and switches. This job is physically demanding, requiring linemen to climb poles and towers in all weather conditions. They respond to power outages caused by storms or other emergencies.
The median annual wage was $92,560 in May 2024. Aspiring linemen typically complete a multi-year apprenticeship or attend a vocational program for technical and safety training.
Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters specialize in installing and repairing piping systems. Plumbers work with water, drainage, and gas systems in residential and commercial buildings, while pipefitters and steamfitters focus on industrial systems that transport liquids and gases under high pressure. All three trades require reading blueprints and ensuring systems are properly sealed.
The median annual wage for these professions was $62,970 in May 2024. The most common path is a four- or five-year apprenticeship, and many states require plumbers to be licensed.
Boilermaker
Boilermakers assemble, install, and repair boilers, tanks, and other large containers designed to hold liquids or gases under pressure. Their work involves fabricating parts from heavy metal plates, which they shape and assemble using welders and flame cutters. These professionals also perform maintenance, inspecting systems for defects and replacing worn components.
The job is physically demanding and takes place in industrial settings like power plants. The median annual wage for boilermakers was $73,340 in May 2024, and most enter the trade through a formal apprenticeship that provides training in welding and safety.
Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, lighting, and control systems in nearly every type of building. Their work includes reading technical diagrams, installing wiring and fixtures, inspecting electrical components, and troubleshooting issues. Electricians work in settings from residential homes to large industrial facilities.
The median annual salary was approximately $61,500 in 2024. The standard entry path is a multi-year apprenticeship combining on-the-job training with classroom education on the National Electrical Code.
Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics perform maintenance, repairs, and inspections on airplanes and helicopters to ensure they operate safely. Their responsibilities include diagnosing mechanical or electrical problems, repairing components like engines, and replacing parts according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Avionics technicians specialize in a plane’s electronic systems.
The median annual wage was $78,680 in May 2024. Most mechanics attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance school and must obtain certification.
HVAC Technician
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians work on the systems that control temperature and air quality in buildings. Their duties include installing, cleaning, and repairing HVAC units, which involves inspecting components and troubleshooting malfunctions.
The national average salary is often cited around $48,000, though this varies by region and experience. Entry into the field typically involves completing a postsecondary certificate or associate degree program from a vocational school.
Factors That Influence Trade Salaries
Several factors cause salaries to vary from the national averages. Geographic location is significant, as pay scales are higher in metropolitan areas with a greater cost of living and stronger demand.
Union membership also plays a role. Trade unions negotiate agreements that establish wage rates and benefits, which can lead to higher earnings than non-union positions.
A tradesperson’s level of experience and specialization determines their income. An apprentice earns a percentage of what a fully qualified journeyman makes, while those with master-level status or expertise in a high-demand niche command higher wages.
The type of project also influences pay rates. Working on large-scale industrial or commercial projects yields higher pay than residential work due to their complexity and larger budgets.
How to Start a Career in a Skilled Trade
The journey into a skilled trade can begin in high school. Foundational courses in math, science, and shop classes provide practical knowledge and help develop problem-solving abilities.
After high school, many aspiring tradespeople enroll in programs at vocational schools or community colleges. These programs offer certificates or associate degrees that provide technical knowledge and practical experience, giving candidates a competitive edge.
The most direct pathway into many skilled trades is an apprenticeship. This formal program combines paid, full-time, on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing individuals to earn a wage while they learn.
The Future Outlook for Skilled Trades
The long-term career outlook for skilled trades is strong, driven by a significant skills gap. As much of the current workforce retires, there are not enough new tradespeople to fill their roles, creating job security and opportunity.
Technology is also shaping the future of these professions. Rather than replacing workers, it is transforming how work is done, with tools like diagnostic software and building information modeling (BIM) becoming common.
This evolution requires tradespeople who are adaptable to emerging technologies. The integration of digital processes is making work more efficient, positioning the skilled trades as a stable and evolving career path.