The belief that a four-year college degree is the only path to a high income is a common misconception. The skilled trades present many financially rewarding career opportunities, with numerous professionals earning six-figure salaries. These careers offer a practical, hands-on alternative for those who prefer to build, create, and repair, linking specialized skills directly to high earning potential.
Understanding High-Paying Trades
A skilled trade is a profession that demands hands-on expertise and technical knowledge in a specific field. This proficiency is acquired through an apprenticeship, vocational school, or on-the-job training rather than a bachelor’s degree. The training is intensive and practical, combining classroom theory with real-world application under the guidance of experienced professionals.
The earning potential in these fields is substantial. A primary driver is the persistent skills shortage in many trades, creating high demand for qualified workers. As experienced tradespeople retire, there are not enough new entrants to fill their roles, which increases the value of those with the right training.
The work performed by skilled trades professionals is fundamental to society. Plumbers, electricians, and power-line installers provide services that are consistently needed, regardless of economic fluctuations. The physically demanding, complex, and sometimes hazardous nature of these jobs also contributes to higher compensation, requiring a blend of physical capability and specialized problem-solving skills.
Trades That Can Earn Six Figures
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
These professionals assemble, install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts. Their work is a highly specialized blend of electrical, electronic, and mechanical knowledge. Given the safety component of their job, the training is rigorous and the standards are exacting.
The most common path into this trade is a four-year apprenticeship program, sponsored by a union and an employer. A six-figure income is common for experienced technicians; the median annual wage was $106,580 in May 2024, with the top 10 percent earning more than $149,250. Overtime pay for emergency repairs and meeting construction deadlines further boosts earning potential.
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Line workers install and maintain the vast network of power lines that deliver electricity from generation plants to customers. They work with high-voltage electricity, making the job dangerous and requiring meticulous attention to safety protocols. The work involves climbing poles and transmission towers, operating heavy equipment, and repairing faults in the system.
Training involves an apprenticeship that can last up to three years, combining on-the-job training with technical instruction. While the median annual wage was $92,560 in May 2024, experienced line workers can surpass the $100,000 mark. Emergency repair work following storms involves significant overtime, which can substantially increase annual earnings.
Construction Managers
Construction managers oversee building projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are finished on time, within budget, and to the required safety and quality standards. While many in this role have a bachelor’s degree, it is not a requirement. Extensive experience in a construction trade can provide a viable pathway to a management position.
An individual can start in a trade like carpentry, and through years of on-site experience, move into supervisory roles and eventually become a construction manager. The median salary for construction managers is $104,900 per year, with the highest 10 percent earning over $172,040. Those who work their way up without a degree can achieve these high salaries with a proven track record.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
These tradespeople install, maintain, and repair the pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, and gas in homes, businesses, and factories. Plumbers focus on systems for water and drainage, while pipefitters and steamfitters specialize in pipe systems used in manufacturing and power generation. Their work is important for public health and infrastructure.
A four- to five-year apprenticeship is the standard training path, providing thousands of hours of paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction. The median annual wage was $62,970 in May 2024, but the highest 10 percent of earners made more than $105,150. Reaching six figures often involves becoming a master plumber or starting a business.
Electricians
Electricians design, install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Their work ranges from wiring a new home to troubleshooting complex control systems in a factory. As technology advances, electricians are also involved in installing smart home systems and renewable energy solutions.
The path to becoming a licensed electrician involves a four- to five-year apprenticeship. During this time, apprentices earn a progressively increasing wage while learning from experienced journeymen. While the median salary is around $60,000, master electricians can earn over $100,000 annually, with top earners exceeding $99,800 per year.
Boilermakers
Boilermakers are specialized artisans who fabricate, install, and repair boilers, tanks, and other large vessels that contain liquids and gases under high pressure. This physically demanding job requires expertise in welding, rigging, and metal fabrication. They work in settings like power plants, refineries, and shipyards.
Most boilermakers enter the trade through a four-year apprenticeship program. The median annual wage for boilermakers was $73,340 in May 2024, with the top 10 percent earning more than $107,600. Those willing to travel for projects can command the highest salaries, often supplemented by overtime and per diem pay.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
These technicians inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft to meet safety standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They work on various parts of an aircraft, including engines, landing gear, and electrical systems. Avionics technicians are a specialized subset who focus on electronic instruments.
Training involves completing a program at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school, which can take 18 to 24 months. While the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics was $78,680 in May 2024, experienced technicians working for major airlines can earn well over $100,000. The top 10 percent of earners in this field made more than $120,080.
Rotary Drill Operators
In the oil and gas industry, rotary drill operators set up and operate the drills used to extract underground resources. The work is physically demanding, taking place in remote locations and harsh weather conditions, and is central to energy extraction.
A high school diploma is preferred but not required, as most training happens on the job. The salary for these operators can fluctuate with the energy market. The highest 10 percent of rotary drill operators earn more than $98,510 annually, and those with over 20 years of experience can average over $100,000.
Millwrights
Millwrights are industrial mechanics who install, maintain, dismantle, and repair heavy machinery and industrial equipment. They must be precise and able to read complex blueprints to assemble machinery to exact specifications. Their work is found in factories, power plants, and construction sites.
Training is done through a formal apprenticeship that lasts about four years. While average salaries are around $58,000, experienced journeyman millwrights can earn significantly more. The top 10 percent of millwrights earn over $77,000, with pathways to higher earnings through supervisory roles.
Factors That Influence Your Earning Potential
A tradesperson’s income is not static, as several factors can increase earning potential. Geographic location plays a role, as wages are higher in metropolitan areas with a greater cost of living and stronger demand for labor. A plumber or electrician in a major city will likely earn more than one in a rural area.
The choice between union and non-union work also impacts compensation. Union positions come with collectively bargained wages that are higher than non-union rates, along with more robust benefits packages. This structure provides a clear path for wage progression and job security.
Developing expertise in a specialized, high-demand niche is another way to increase income. An electrician could command a higher salary by becoming an expert in industrial control systems. These specialized skills are less common, making those who possess them more valuable to employers.
The highest earning potential comes from entrepreneurship. After gaining experience, many tradespeople start their own businesses. Becoming a contractor allows an individual to move beyond earning a wage and into generating business profits. This path involves managing employees, projects, and clients, but it offers the greatest opportunity for financial growth.
How to Start a Career in a Skilled Trade
Starting a career in the skilled trades begins with research. Explore the various trades to identify one that aligns with your interests and aptitudes. It is beneficial to research the daily responsibilities, working conditions, and long-term outlook for any trade you are considering.
Once you have a trade in mind, seek out foundational training. Many community colleges and vocational schools offer pre-apprenticeship programs that provide basic skills and knowledge. These programs can cover areas like job site safety, tool usage, and trade-specific mathematics, making you a more competitive candidate for an apprenticeship.
The most common pathway into a skilled trade is a formal apprenticeship, which combines paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction. You can find these opportunities through local trade unions, private companies, and industry associations. The application process is competitive, so be prepared to demonstrate a commitment to the trade.
Beyond technical skills, developing strong soft skills is necessary for success. Reliability, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work effectively as part of a team are highly valued by employers. Demonstrating these qualities will be a factor in your advancement and long-term success.