If you’re looking for a career that pays well and doesn’t require a four-year degree but still requires a specialized skill, you might be in the market for a trade job.
Whether you’re exploring career options for the first time or considering a career shift, there are plenty of opportunities that don’t require a four-year education. Trade jobs are a viable option that will get you into the field faster while providing you with solid pay, stability and benefits.
Note: These are the highest-paying trade jobs, based on U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook. Salaries are based on 2021 median pay for these roles.
| Trade Job Title | Median Salary in the U.S |
|---|---|
| Licensed practical nurse | $48,070 per year |
| Power plant operator | $94,790 per year |
| Ironworker | $57,160 per year |
| Elevator mechanic | $97,860 per year |
| Electrical lineman | $74,530 per year |
| Respiratory therapist | $61,830 per year |
| Radiation therapist | $82,790 per year |
| Aircraft technician | $65,550 per year |
| Nuclear medicine technician | $78,760 per year |
| Millwright | $59,380 per year |
| Diagnostic medical sonographer | $75,380 per year |
| Dental hygienist | $77,810 per year |
| Boilermaker | $64,290 per year |
| Real estate agent | $48,770 per year |
| Pipefitter | $59,880 per year |
| Construction inspector | $61,640 per year |
| Electrician | $60,040 per year |
| Automotive service technician | $46,880 per year |
| Electronics engineering technician | $63,640 per year |
| HVAC technician | $48,630 per year |
| Computer support specialist | $57,910 per year |
| Cable technician | $60,370 per year |
| Solar energy system installer | $47,670 per year |
| Paralegal | $56,230 per year |
1. Licensed practical nurse
Licensed practical nurses monitor and report on the health and wellness of their patients, attending to their basic medical care needs under the direction of doctors and registered nurses. They primarily serve as the messenger between a patient, other health care providers and the patient’s family.
Median salary: $48,070 per year
Education or training requirements: Completion of a state-approved educational program and state licensure
2. Power plant operator
A power plant operator is a highly skilled tradesperson who controls, operates and maintains machinery that generates electricity for the grid. They also monitor a power plant’s output and make necessary adjustments to optimize energy usage.
Median salary: $94,790 per year
Education or training requirements: High school diploma or equivalent + long-term on-the-job training
3. Ironworker
The main job of an ironworker is to construct buildings and other structures by heating, cutting, bending and welding steel and iron frames. Some ironworkers may also help demolish or reconstruct older structures such as buildings and bridges.
Median salary: $57,160 per year
Education or training requirements: High school diploma or equivalent + apprenticeship
4. Elevator mechanic
Elevator mechanics oversee elevator installation, maintenance and repair. They frequently will also work on escalators and moving walkways. This is a skilled trade that takes a considerable amount of time to learn — however, it’s a rewarding career as it is a high-paying trade job.
Median salary: $97,860 per year
Education or training requirements: High school diploma or equivalent + apprenticeship
5. Electrical lineman
An electrical lineman, often referred to as a line installer or repairer, installs, repairs, tests and maintains electrical lines and auxiliary equipment found both overhead and underground. Many of these power lines originate from power plants to neighborhoods, individual homes and buildings.
Median salary: $74,530 per year
Education or training requirements: High school diploma or equivalent + long-term on-the-job training
6. Respiratory therapist
A respiratory therapist helps patients who have trouble breathing because of conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They test and assess their patient’s lung capabilities and work with health care providers to create a treatment plan for patients.
Median salary: $61,830 per year
Education or training requirements: Associate’s degree in respiratory therapy + state licensure in most states
7. Radiation therapist
Radiation therapists work with oncologists to prepare and administer radiation treatments to patients with cancer and other diseases. A radiation therapist operates machinery to deliver concentrated radiation to shrink or eliminate cancerous tumors.
Median salary: $82,790 per year
Education or training requirements: Associate’s degree in radiation therapy + state or national licensure may be required
8. Aircraft technician
An aircraft technician’s job is to perform testing, maintenance and repair on aircraft. From commercial planes to fighter jets and helicopters, technicians keep pilots and passengers safe by inspecting and maintaining the aircraft’s electronic, mechanical and structural elements.
Median salary: $65,550 per year
Education or training requirements: Associate’s degree recommended + completing a Federal Aviation Administration-approved maintenance technician school and on-the-job training
9. Nuclear medicine technician
Nuclear medicine technicians, or technologists, prepare radioactive drugs to use for treatment and imaging for patients. Doctors use these images to diagnose infections and medical disorders.
Median salary: $78,760 per year
Education or training requirements: Associate’s degree from an accredited nuclear medicine technology program
10. Millwright
A millwright installs, dismantles, maintains and repairs factory machinery and mechanical equipment and components.
Millwrights typically work in factories, warehouses, power plants and construction sites. They must be familiar with how to read blueprints and have working knowledge of when machines need repairs.
Median salary: $59,380 per year
Education or training requirements: On-the-job training or apprenticeship
11. Diagnostic medical sonographer
A diagnostic medical sonographer, or a sonographer, uses imaging equipment to record images known as ultrasounds. Ultrasounds are a noninvasive way to visualize internal organs.
Median salary: $75,380 per year
Education or training requirements: Associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate
12. Dental hygienist
Dental hygienists assist dental patients. They’re responsible for taking X-rays, completing routine cleanings and assisting dentists with procedures like cavity fillings.
Median salary: $77,810 per year
Education or training requirements: Associate’s degree in dental hygiene + state licensure
13. Boilermaker
Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain and repair boilers, enclosed vessels that heat liquids and gases. A boilermaker must be a skilled welder. As environmental standards evolve, boilermakers are tasked with upgrading existing boilers and replacing old ones.
Median salary: $64,290 per year
Education or training requirements: High school diploma or equivalent + apprenticeship
14. Real estate agent
Real estate agents are paid by the commission as they help their clients purchase, rent or sell their properties. They should be an expert on housing market conditions so they can provide guidance throughout the process. Real estate agents must work with licensed brokers.
Median salary: $48,770 per year
Education or training requirements: High school diploma or equivalent + state licensure
15. Pipefitter
A pipefitter builds and maintains piping systems for heating, cooling and the transportation of water, oils, chemicals and natural gases. A pipefitter reads design specifications and blueprints to cut and weld pipes, perform inspections and lay pipework.
Median salary: $59,880 per year
Education or training requirements: High school diploma or equivalent + apprenticeship
16. Construction inspector
Construction and building inspectors make sure that buildings and other structures are safe for use by upholding federal and local safety laws and codes. Inspectors can work in a variety of settings, inspecting the stability and safety of buildings, dams, bridges, streets, highways and sewer systems.
Median salary: $61,640 per year
Education or training requirements: High school diploma or equivalent + work experience in a construction trade and on-the-job training. Some states may require licensure.
17. Electrician
People in homes, businesses and factories depend on electricians to repair and maintain the electrical wiring that provides communications, lighting and control systems. Electricians are a necessity in the construction industry and emergency services.
Median salary: $60,040 per year
Education or training requirements: High school diploma or equivalent + apprenticeship. Some states require licensure.
18. Automotive service technician
This role is the go-to person for car servicing and repairs. Technicians perform routine car maintenance such as oil changes, tire rotation, and transmission servicing. They also repair and replace worn parts such as brake pads, sensors and engine parts as necessary.
Median salary: $46,880 per year
Education or training requirements: Completion of a program at a post-secondary institution + industry certification in many instances
19. Electronics engineering technician
An electronics engineering technician typically works alongside engineers, building and making any adjustments to electrical equipment. They can read blueprints and engineering instructions to diagnose, assemble and repair equipment malfunctions.
Median salary: $63,640 per year
Education or training requirements: Associate’s degree in electronic engineering technology
20. HVAC technician
An HVAC is the heating, ventilation and air-cooling system used in residential and commercial buildings. HVAC technicians install, repair and replace these heating and air conditioning systems.
Median salary: $48,630 per year
Education or training requirements: Completing a program at a postsecondary institution or apprenticeship. Some states require licensure.
21. Computer support specialist
Computer support specialists helps people troubleshoot technical problems. They are often responsible for enhancing the hardware and software systems of their employer’s electronic equipment.
Median salary: $57,910 per year
Education or training requirements: Associate’s degree typically required in information technology or relevant IT certifications
22. Cable technician
A cable technician usually works for a cable company that provides cable and internet services to homes and businesses. They install and maintain telecommunication cables by laying ground lines, setting up telephone poles, repairing faulty wiring and calibrating equipment.
Median salary: $60,370 per year
Education or training requirements: Postsecondary education in electronics, telecommunications or computer technology + on-the-job training
23. Solar energy system installer
A solar energy system installer’s responsibility is to provide solar paneling by measuring, cutting and assembling the support structure. They must be educated and mindful of building codes and standards while performing their job duties.
Median salary: $47,670 per year
Education or training requirements: High school diploma or equivalent + on-the-job training. Some college coursework may be required.
24. Paralegal
Paralegals are essential to practicing attorneys and law offices. Also known as legal assistants, a paralegal’s responsibilities include drafting legal documents, organizing files and conducting research. Paralegals help lawyers build their cases and maintain a legal library within their offices.
Median salary: $56,230 per year
Education or training requirements: Associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies usually required.
Trade jobs FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about trade jobs.
What is a trade job?
A trade job is a technical skill or craft learned from advanced training, like an apprenticeship, that doesn’t typically require a college education. Trade workers often hone their skills through on-the-job training or certification courses.
These are a few common examples of trade jobs that you likely see in your everyday life.
- Electrician
- Hairstylist/barber
- Landscaper
- Mechanic
- Dental hygienist
- Paramedic
- Commercial truck driver
Why should I consider a trade job?
Many trade jobs offer livable take-home pay and great benefit and retirement packages without requiring attending a four-year college. In many trades, you can start your education or training and begin working full-time in less time than it takes to finish a university degree.
Another benefit is the cost. A trade job can be a financially responsible decision as you’re less likely to acquire a high amount of student debt.
What is the highest-paying trade job?
According to the above data, the highest-paying trade job is an elevator mechanic (median salary $97,860 per year), followed by a power plant operator (median salary $94,790 per year).
It is important to remember that salaries can differ depending on your location and the demand in your area.
You should also keep in mind that many of the above trade jobs are in demand and hold plenty of growth potential. As trades become more competitive, there may be an opportunity for other trades to pay more.
What is the quickest trade to learn?
A major perk of choosing a career in trades is how quickly you can enter the job field.
These are a few of the quickest trades to learn.
- Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers — Truck drivers, or transporters, are an essential part of our economy, transporting goods from one place to another. Truck drivers make a median wage of $48,310 per year and must attend a professional truck driving school that can take several months to complete. They must also obtain and maintain a commercial driver’s license.
- Medical records specialists — Medical records specialists, otherwise known as medical coders, play a necessary part in the health care system. Their primary job is compiling, processing and maintaining patient medical files. The median salary is $46,660 per year and typically requires at least a post-secondary certificate that can take up to one year.
- Personal fitness trainers — Fitness is a growing industry, and licensed trainers are helpful for people working towards their personal fitness goals. A fitness trainer or Instructor makes a median salary of $40,700 per year. The education and licensing requirements differ between specialties, but you can obtain an American Council on Exercise certification in as little as three to six months.
What trade offers the most stability?
Many trades can offer high stability rates and growth potential, especially labor-heavy jobs such as construction workers, maintenance specialists, technicians and electricians.
The PeopleReady Skilled Trade Analysis reports that 40% of the 12 million people in the skilled trades workforce are older than 45, with nearly half older than 55.
Less than 9% of workers ages 19 to 24 are currently entering the trades. With a decline in the number of workers entering the trade workforce, it almost guarantees stability to the individuals of younger generations who join.
What’s next: Learn about your finances
Trade jobs can be a good opportunity to quickly jump into the job market and provide important services that support the economy provide a solid living.