Ronda Suder .png)
Entering a trade that pays well might just lead to your dream job!
If you're seeking a career that doesn't take a long degree or a lot of money in training and education to secure, then a trade job might be the perfect fit for you. Numerous trades also pay well and are in high demand, making them an attractive option for those seeking a lucrative career with job security. In this post, we discuss what trade jobs are and include a list of the top trade jobs that pay well.
What are trade jobs?
Trade jobs are jobs that don't require a four-year degree to obtain. Instead, they require some other type of specialized postsecondary training. Some common ways individuals acquire training for a trade include:
-
Specialized certifications
-
Associate degrees
-
Apprenticeships
-
On-the-job training
-
Vocational schools
-
Career colleges
Most pathways to landing a trade job are less costly and time-consuming than jobs requiring a bachelor's degree. This is an advantage in that you have the chance to begin making money sooner rather than later and without the high price tag or going into the debt that a four-year college degree requires. Many can land a job in one of the several trades that pay well within two years of initiating training.
Generally speaking, trade jobs are ideal for those who love practical and challenging work that's hands-on and technical in nature. Many trade jobs require a high level of physical labor, though a handful, like Dental Hygienists and Commercial Pilots, don't.
What are some of the trades that pay well?
Several high-paying trade jobs are available to meet various career interests. Whether you have a desire to fly high in the sky as a commercial pilot, get your hands dirty as an aircraft mechanic, support oral care as a dental hygienist, or put the pieces of the puzzle together to bring structures to life as a construction worker, the sky's the limit.
Below are 10 trades that pay well. All of these trades have a median income of $60,000 or higher, many of which are above six figures, based on current Bureau of Labor Statistics Data. The current average U.S. salary is $65,470, and the projected job growth rate is 1% through 2032.
Top trades that pay well
[consider inserting into a chart/infographic]
-
Carpenter - $51,390
-
Electricians - $61,590
-
Construction and Building Inspectors - $64,480
-
Aircraft and Avionics Mechanic - $75,400
-
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer - $80,850
-
Dental Hygienists - $87,530
-
Radiation Therapists - $98,300
-
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers - $102,420
-
Construction Manager - $104,900
-
Commercial Pilot - $113,080
Carpenter
-
Required education and training: High school diploma, apprenticeship
-
Median income: $51,390
-
Projected job growth: 1%
Carpenters use their hands to build all types of structures from the ground up. They are responsible for selecting suitable materials and tools based on the blueprints provided for each job.
Individuals typically secure an apprenticeship or work with a trained carpenter for entry into the carpentry trade. Some also choose to secure an associate's degree.
Electricians
-
Required education and training: Postsecondary nondegree award, apprenticeship
-
Median income: $61,590
-
Projected job growth: 6%
The Electrician trade is necessary to keep our electrical systems working in the world around us. Electricians work in both residential and commercial settings and install and set up electrical systems, as well as repair and troubleshoot electrical issues.
To work in this trade, many receive vocational school training and secure an apprenticeship. Certification and licensure are typically required to work in most states.
Construction and Building Inspectors
-
Required education and training: High school diploma or equivalent, additional license or certification, on-the-job training
-
Median income: $67,700
-
Projected job growth: 0%
Construction and Building Inspectors ensure buildings of all sorts meet the proper safety standards. To do their jobs effectively, they must be well-versed in local building codes and zoning laws.
Only a high school diploma is needed to be a construction or building inspector, and on-the-job training is necessary to secure experience. Some states require a license or certification to work.
Aircraft and Avionics Mechanic
-
Required education and training: Postsecondary nondegree award, on-the-job training
-
Median income: $75,400
-
Projected job growth: 4%
Aircraft and Avionics Mechanics are skilled at repairing and maintaining various types of aircrafts. You'll find them working in airfields, hangers, and repair stations.
Aircraft and Avionics Mechanics is a trade where most individuals receive certification from the Federal Aviation Administration and acquire experience through on-the-job training.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
-
Required education and training: Associate degree
-
Median income: $80,850
-
Projected job growth: 10%
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers specialize in ultrasound and sonogram images that help identify disease in a person's organs and tissues. Medical Sonographers can specialize in a particular area, such as vascular, obstetric and gynecologic, pediatrics, cardiac, breast, abdominal, or musculoskeletal.
An associate's degree or postsecondary certificate is necessary to enter this trade. Some schools offer a certification program that can be completed within 18 months.
Dental Hygienists
-
Required education and training: Associate degree
-
Median income: $87,530
-
Projected job growth: 7%
Dental Hygienist roles fall within one of the top trades that pay well. It's the perfect trade for those interested in working with teeth who don't want to go through tons of schooling like Dentists do.
A Dental Hygienist works with patients to provide mouth examinations and preventive care. They also conduct cleanings and sometimes capture X-Rays for the Dentist to review.
Most dental hygiene programs last two to three years. Hygienists also need a state license to work in their state.
Radiation Therapist
-
Required education and training: Associate degree
-
Median income: $98,300
-
Projected job growth: 2%
Among one of the highest paying trade jobs, Radiation Therapists require a license to work in the majority of states. Licensure requires individuals to graduate from an accredited ration therapy program followed by the passing of a national exam.
Radiation therapists, as the name implies, administer radiation therapy to patients with cancer and other conditions. They can work in outpatient centers, hospitals, cancer centers, and physician's offices to treat and monitor patients. They also maintain patient records and educate patients about the treatment and their treatment plans.
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
-
Required education and training: High School Diploma or GED; apprenticeship
-
Median income: $102,420
-
Projected job growth: 1%
You probably inferred that the role of an Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer is to install and repair escalators and elevators. They're also responsible for maintaining these machines, administering safety inspections, and testing.
Ranking as one of the best paying trade jobs, Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers often land an apprenticeship through an industry group, employer, or union to launch this career. Ongoing training is required to keep up with current trends and technology changes, and many states require individuals to hold a license to work in this trade. Some opt to secure certification through the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities International or the National Association of Elevator Contractors for career development and advancement.
Construction Manager
-
Required education and training: Associate degree, on-the-job training
-
Median income: $104,900
-
Projected job growth: 5%
After securing the proper license to work in their state, Construction Managers have the option to work for themselves or for an employer. They often have a primary office they work out of while also spending much of their time on job sites or in a field office, depending on project needs. As a Construction Manager, one ensures construction projects stay on budget while managing their planning and coordination. They also supervise the construction team.
Construction Managers tend to need some experience under their belts with a minimum of an Associate's degree to reach the management level. Working your way up to construction manager for some companies is possible. Though this is considered a trade job, some larger organizations may require Construction Managers to hold a bachelor's degree.
Commercial Pilot
-
Required education and training: High school diploma or equivalent, 3 months of flight training, on-the-job training
-
Median income: $113,080
-
Projected job growth: 4%
Where airline pilots often require a bachelor's degree to fly, commercial pilots do not. Instead, they need to complete three months of flight training to acquire their pilot's license.
Similar to airline pilots, commercial pilots operate airplane and helicopter aircraft. However, these aircraft aren't part of an airline conglomerate. Instead, commercial pilots typically fly aircraft for private flights, like charter flights and helicopter tours.
Trades that pay well FAQs
Let's now take a look at some commonly asked questions about trades that pay well.
Is a trade job right for me?
Trade jobs are the perfect fit for many, though not everyone will enjoy working in a trade field. To determine if a trade job might be right for you, ask yourself the following questions:
-
Do you desire a job that doesn't require a bachelor's degree or higher?
-
Do you enjoy working with your hands and physical labor?
-
Do you like project-focused work?
-
Do you like to work in a team setting?
-
Are you good with learning new technology?
-
Are you interested in labor, factory, healthcare, or technology-focused jobs?
-
Do you prefer to work in the field over an office setting?
If you answered “yes” to these questions, then a trade job might be right for you.
How can I secure a high paying trade job?
Here are some tips to help you land a job in one of the many trades that pay well:
-
Identify the trade you desire to work in through research. Do your homework and identify which trade you want to pursue. Conduct informational interviews, research industry trade sites, review job descriptions, and so on. As part of your research in identifying the trade path you want to pursue, take special note of job descriptions and all the requirements necessary to land a job.
-
Get the training and certification required. Once you've chosen a trade and are clear on what's needed, take the steps to acquire the necessary training, certifications, and licensure to work in that field. This might include seeking out and entering a vocational or certification program or landing an apprenticeship for hands-on experience.
-
Prepare your resume and job marketing materials. When you're ready to apply for jobs, including apprenticeships, you'll need a resume that stands out from the competition. It's also wise to submit a tailored cover letter with your application and update your LinkedIn profile to help you land a job.
-
Work with a recruiting agency. Some recruiting agencies specialize in trade jobs that could help you with your job search.
-
Network in person and online. Networking is an excellent way to make connections and land a job. Seek out in-person events that support your area of interest and connect with people online through LinkedIn and other appropriate channels.
Where can I find apprenticeships?
You have several options to research and land an apprenticeship for one of the trades that pay well. A few of them include:
-
Research industry organization sites for your trade of interest.
-
Connect with the apprenticeship agency in your state.
-
Talk to your high school guidance counselor.
-
Do an online search for the trade you're interested in. For example, “electrician apprenticeships near me.”
-
Find out what your vocational school or college program offers. Many have affiliations with or incorporate apprenticeship programs into their curriculum.
Pursuing a trade job comes with several benefits
As you can see, there are several trades that pay well, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Do an online search for trade jobs, and you'll find dozens of them come up. The sky truly is the limit in terms of landing a high paying trade job with the added benefit of not having to spend nearly as much as you would for a four-year degree to acquire the necessary training to enter the field.
That means you'll be able to start making money in your field sooner than you would if you had to wait at least four years to earn a degree. Use the information combined with your own research for trades that pay well to launch your career sooner rather than later!
Will your resume help you land the trade job you desire? If you're not sure, submit it for a free resume review today for specialized tips and insights on how to improve it!