The trades touch many industries. These include but aren’t limited to medical, IT, skilled labor, truck driving, welding, and solar energy. Of course, trades that are considered the “best” are subjective and depend on one’s personal preferences.
We’ll take a look at some in-demand trades across various industries. Learn about what these careers entail, along with any industry benefits and pay information. In fact, some of these trades are expected to see explosive growth in coming years. Take a look and see if any of these careers could be for you.
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Wind Turbine Technology
Wind turbines generate renewable energy, and the industry is expected to see a significant increase in demand. Wind turbine technicians are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of wind turbines. They perform their job at great heights, and are responsible for successfully scaling these wind towers.
If you are passionate about renewable energy, and are looking to bring your mechanical aptitude to a more unconventional, adventurous job, becoming a wind turbine tech could be the perfect career for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, wind turbine technicians earned an average pay of $65,380 in 2023, with the top 10 percent making $90,300 or more.
By 2032, demand for wind turbine technicians is expected to increase by 45 percent. Explosive industry growth, plus a higher earning potential makes the career of wind turbine technicians a great one to pursue.
Truck Driving
Truck driving is another great trade to look into, especially if you’re someone who does not mind a more solitary career and enjoys the idea of traveling across the country for work. Trucking positions commonly involve local, regional, or OTR (over-the-road) routes. OTR truck drivers cross state lines, and typically travel across the country to deliver goods to various locations nationwide.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2023, truck drivers made an average pay of $55,990, with the top 10 percent making $76,780 or more. There are many truck drivers who earn salaries well into six-figures.
The fun in truck driving is not only found in the adventurous nature of the job, but also in the freedom it affords drivers. There are many specialized industries drivers can break into upon earning their CDL-A.
Find a truck driving school in your area, today!
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering can be very lucrative. Electrical engineers work on many different products throughout various industries. They design, develop, test, repair, and oversee the manufacturing of various electrical equipment. This includes GPS devices, computer hardware, motors, radar systems, communication systems, power generation equipment, and more.
If you’re someone with an interest in and talent for engineering, consider pursuing a path as an electrical engineer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2024, electrical engineers earned an average of $117,680, with the top 10 percent making $172,050 or more. You might find that you’d like to specialize, as certain specializations can be higher paying than others.
By 2032, it is expected that demand for electrical engineers will increase 5 percent, which is growth that is slightly faster than that of the national average. Electrical engineers typically require slightly more schooling than other occupations in the skilled trades. An electrical engineer will need at least a bachelor’s degree, although some do opt for master’s degrees.
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Aircraft Mechanics
In general, mechanical careers are considered great trades work. Specifically, aircraft mechanical work is seen as an exciting division of the field to break into. Aircraft mechanics typically diagnose, repair, maintain, and inspect various types of aircraft. Many are generalists who work on jets, helicopters, and airplanes. Others might specialize in engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, or a specific aircraft.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2023, aircraft mechanics earned an average of $76,260, with the top 10 percent making $114,750 or more. Aircraft mechanics tend to need at least an associate degree, and to have attended an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technology training.
If you have a mechanically-inclined mind, a career as an aircraft mechanic may be a particularly exciting one. Predicted job security, and great pay are just some of the many components making this a great trade to enter. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects that by 2032, demand for aircraft mechanics will increase 4 percent, which is as fast as that of the national average of all occupations.
Find an aircraft mechanic training program near you, today!
Underwater Welding
Underwater welding is a specialized welding process performed underwater at great depths. Welding itself is a fabrication process using high heat to join materials (usually metals) together by melting the work pieces and forming a strong joint in the center. Learn more about the overall process of welding here.
Underwater welding is an exciting, but dangerous, field of welding to enter. Those who elect to become underwater welders must undergo rigorous training and be certified divers before they can work.
If you’re an adventurous person, great with your hands, and would enjoy working in water, underwater welding could be an excellent career for you to break into. Due to the precarious nature of this position, underwater welders tend to earn a higher income than other standard welding jobs.
To get started with a welding education, find a welding program near you, today!
Nursing
Did you know that nursing is also considered a trade? With room for career advancement, and many specializations to pursue, nursing is a great career for anyone interested in the medical world. The level of education you’ll need, along with your pay, depends on your title.
For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2023, licensed practical nurses earned an average of $60,790, with the top 10 percent making $77,870 or more. LPNs typically complete certificate or diploma programs at either community colleges or technical schools, then must pass the NCLEX-PN exam.
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Registered nurses, on the other hand, must either earn a bachelor’s degree, or diploma, and receive their license by taking and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that registered nurses in 2023 earned an average pay of $94,480 with the top 10 percent making $132,680 or more. Registered nurses may also choose to enroll in continuing education to become a nurse practitioner.
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Nurse Practitioners are generally required to have a master’s degree, or a related doctorate in their specialty, pass their certification exam, and earn their APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) license. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2023 that nurse practitioners earned an average of $128,490 with the top 10 percent making $168,030 or more.
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Nursing jobs are expected to remain steadily in demand in coming years. If you’re someone who is interested in taking a medical path with room for advancement, nursing is one of the top medical trades to pursue.
Medical Sonography
Sonography is also a great medical trade. Typically, people think of ultrasounds used in pregnancy when they hear about sonographers. However, sonographers conduct imaging for many other reasons. By operating ultrasound equipment, sonographers diagnose illnesses, detect injuries, conduct tests on different body parts, and monitor various health conditions.
Diagnostic medical sonographers generally need formal education and training, usually an associate degree or certificate. Sonography is a medical trade that comes with the favorable balance of minimal training, plus stable pay.
In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that medical sonographers earned an average pay of $89,020 with the top 10 percent making $116,300 or more. Some sonographers might also apply for certain certifications. Although certification is not usually required for sonographers, it can lead to career advancement opportunities later in their career.
Find a medical sonography program in your area, today!
Elevator and Escalator Installation and Repair
Elevator and escalator workers are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of elevators, escalators, moving walkways, along with other lift technologies. Most can break into the industry under an apprenticeship that lasts around 4 years. There are many states that will require these professionals to be licensed.
This is considered a great trade to pursue because of the job’s high earning potential. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that elevator and escalator installers and repairers in 2023 earned an average of $100,060, with the top 10 percent making $138,910 or more.
If you’re a mechanically-inclined mind who is looking to break into a more specialized sector of mechanics, you may enjoy a career as an elevator and escalator installer and repairer.
Find the Trade That’s Right for You!
We’ve listed just some careers out of the countless skilled trade jobs out there. Of course, the “best” trade for you is the one that fits your lifestyle, career needs and goals, and the type of work you enjoy the most. However, we’ve considered pay, industry demand, and what each job entails when selecting some of the many excellent trades in this article.
Want to see more? Explore more skilled trade and technical programs that could be offered at schools in your area!
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