There are so many different skilled trade careers out there, and many of them take only a few months to a couple years to get trained and be work-ready. We've included some medical and healthcare jobs in this article because many of these programs can be found at trade and technical schools. Read on to learn more about some excellent careers in the skilled trades.
Data has been taken from the latest 2024 figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries are listed as the national average for each occupation in 2023.
10 High Paying Skilled Trade Careers
Schooling or training for these careers normally takes under 2 years though some apprenticeships take longer than that. But if you're an apprentice you'll be on the job making money while you train.
Welder — Average Salary: $52,640
- Education: To become a welder, you must have your high school diploma or GED. You’ll either learn welding through a trade school program, or through on-the-job training. Many employers will pay for the cost of any certifications they may need you to get.
- Job Outlook: Demand for welders is expected to increase 2 percent between now and 2032.*
Find a welding program near you.
HVAC Technician — Average Salary: $59,620
- Education: You will need to get your high school diploma or GED before enrolling in an HVAC tech program. These are available through trade schools or community colleges. You may also learn the trade through an apprenticeship. Licensing is required of anyone handling refrigerants, so there are tests you will need to pass once you finish your training.
- Job Outlook: Demand for HVAC technicians is expected to increase 6 percent between now and 2032.*
Find HVAC training near you.
Electrician — Average Salary: $67,810
- Education: You will need your high school diploma or GED. Electricians usually learn through apprenticeships. These take 4-5 years to complete. You can also go to a trade school to start your electrician training. Once your education is finished, you’ll be required to get licensed.
- Job Outlook: Demand for electricians is expected to increase 6 percent between now and 2032.*
Find electrician training near you.
Plumber — Average Salary: $67,840
- Education: You’ll need your high school diploma or GED first. Then, you’ll typically get into an apprenticeship which will take 4-5 years to complete. Most states will require you to get your license once your training is finished.
- Job Outlook: Demand for plumbers is expected to increase 2 percent between now and 2032.*
Find plumbing training programs near you.
Electronic Engineer Technician — Average Salary: $74,440
- Education: An associate degree in electronic or electrical engineering through a community college or vocational school is needed. Certifications are available and are optional, but recommended.
- Job Outlook: There is expected to be no significant increase or decrease in demand for electronic engineering technicians between now and 2032.*
Aircraft Mechanic — Average Salary: $76,260
- Education: You must have your high school diploma or GED. First, can either go through an FAA-approved training program, or receive on-the-job training. You will need to pass certification exams, which need to be retaken every 2 years.
- Job Outlook: Demand for aircraft mechanics is expected to increase 4 percent between now and 2032.*
Find aircraft mechanic and maintenance programs near you.
Electric Powerline Installer and Repairer — Average Salary: $85,900
- Education: You’ll need your high school diploma or GED. There are one year diplomas through trade schools, as well as associate degrees through community colleges available. You will have to complete a training period which typically lasts 3 years, and it will be through your employer. Certifications, although not mandatory, are available.
- Job Outlook: Demand for electric powerline installers and repairers is expected to increase 3 percent between now and 2032.*
Find electrician training near you.
Dental Hygienist — Average Salary: $89,890
- Education: Dental hygienists typically need an associate degree in dental hygiene. Community colleges, trade schools, and colleges all offer dental hygiene programs. They take 3 years to complete. The program you attend must be accredited through the Commission on Dental Accreditation, which is an arm of the American Dental Association.
- Job Outlook: Demand for dental hygienists is expected to increase 7 percent between now and 2032.*
Find a dental hygiene program near you.
Elevator Mechanics — Average Salary: $100,060
- Education: You’ll need a high school diploma or GED first. You’ll need to get into an apprenticeship program through a union, association, or contractor. You will receive 144 hours of instruction, and 2,000 hours of on-the-job paid training per year. Most states require elevator mechanics to have a license.
- Job Outlook: Demand for elevator mechanics is expected to show little to no change between now and 2032.*
*Job outlook information has been taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, along the national average of job salaries. (Updated May 1st, 2024)
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