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Choosing a career path can be daunting, especially when you factor in the cost of education. But you don’t always need to invest several years and thousands of dollars in a degree to secure a stable job. Skilled trades can make for stable, lucrative careers and often do not require a college degree.
Skilled trades take a practical approach to education and training, shortening the time needed to learn a subject and allowing you to start earning a wage right away. Read on to learn about education requirements and career outlooks for some of the highest-paid skilled trades on the job market.
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What Is a Skilled Trade?
A skilled trade is a job that requires a specialized skill set learned through either an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Technical schools, often called vocational or trade schools, equip students to pursue skilled trades. Professionals in these occupations may need an academic certificate or an associate degree, and many need licensure or certification.
When many people think of skilled trades, they think of jobs requiring manual labor. Though some skilled trades fit this description, not all of them do.
Skilled trades can be broken down into five broad categories:
- Skilled industrial and manufacturing trades, such as welders and machinists
- Skilled construction trades, such as plumbers and carpenters
- Skilled service trades, such as nursing assistants and hair stylists
- Skilled transportation trades, such as train operators and automotive technicians
- Skilled agricultural trades, such as farm managers and agricultural equipment operators
Skilled trades take a practical approach to education through hands-on learning and training. Not all skilled trades require a four-year degree, making well-paying careers attainable to aspiring professionals who don’t attend college.
Benefits of Skilled Trade Jobs
Skilled trades offer ample opportunities for career growth and high earning potential. Demand for skilled trade workers is steady, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting that overall employment growth for construction and extraction occupations will keep pace with the average projected growth rate of 3% for all U.S. jobs from 2022 to 2032.
Some specific skilled trades have even stronger growth projections. In fact, wind turbine technicians tie with nurse practitioners for the fastest-growing occupation in the United States. The BLS projects a whopping 45% job growth rate for wind turbine service technicians from 2022 to 2032. Also making the fastest-growing occupations list are solar voltaic installers, veterinary technicians and physical therapist assistants.
As technology develops in areas like solar and electric vehicles and other specialized sectors, opportunities to work on these fast-growing, cutting-edge technologies can be profitable and exciting.
Another benefit of pursuing a skilled trade is saving on education costs. Bachelor’s degrees can be expensive; the National Center for Education Statistics reports that annual tuition and fees at public, four-year schools averaged about $9,700 in the 2021–22 academic year, totaling $38,800 for a full degree. Public two-year schools—which often house vocational associate degree and certificate programs—average around $4,000 per year, and degrees often take less than two years to complete.
Education for Skilled Trades
The education requirements for skilled trades vary depending on the career path. Some employers require professional certificates or apprenticeships. Most ask for a high school diploma or GED certificate; in some cases, taking the SAT or ACT can help you stand out against the competition.
Below we explore common educational paths for skilled trades.
Trade Schools
What are trade schools? Trade schools are a great alternative to the typical four-year college experience. Trade programs can take up to two years to complete, giving students hands-on experience with a skilled trade. Most trade school programs give certificates or associate degrees upon completion.
Attending trade school can help you determine your career path. Trade and vocational schools often offer a variety of subject areas, but some specialize in specific trades. You can apply to top online trade schools, or attend an in-person or hybrid program.
Apprenticeships
What is an apprenticeship? Not all trades require a vocational degree. Many employers provide training programs where you work closely with seasoned professionals, gaining hands-on experience while earning an income. This type of training is known as an apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships can be formal and sponsored through unions and agencies or employers. Typical apprenticeships last anywhere from one to four years, depending on the trade and program. Most apprenticeship programs are registered through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). After completing an apprenticeship program, you may earn a certificate of completion to verify your competency in the trade. There are a variety of ways to get an apprenticeship.
Highest-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs
The following jobs represent some of the most lucrative skilled-trade careers. We sourced the below salary data from the BLS.
Boilermakers
Median Annual Salary: $71,140
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): -4%
Job Description: Boilermakers assemble and maintain boilers and other large vessels that hold gasses and liquids. Boilermakers work in physically demanding environments and may travel to worksites for long periods. A high school diploma or the equivalent is required to become a boilermaker. Boilermakers typically learn their trade through apprenticeships.
Electricians
Median Annual Salary: $61,590
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): +6%
Job Description: Electricians install and maintain electrical power systems in homes and businesses, inspect transformers and use testing devices to diagnose electrical problems. To become an electrician, you need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Training to become an electrician involves either an apprenticeship or technical school. Depending on the state, electricians usually need a license to work.
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Median Annual Salary: $102,420
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): +1%
Job Description: Elevator and escalator installers repair and maintain elevators and other moving walkways and lifts. Elevator repairers are competent in assembling elevator cars and interpreting blueprints to evaluate the layout and components needed for installation. Most elevator repairers work on call to make emergency repairs.
A high school diploma or the equivalent is required to become an elevator repairer. These professionals typically complete apprenticeships to learn their trade.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Median Annual Salary: $61,420
Projected Job Growth (2021-2031): +15%
Job Description: Industrial machinery mechanics maintain and repair factory equipment like conveying systems and production machinery. They interpret manuals and disassemble machinery to diagnose problems. Machinery mechanics typically work full time and may be asked to work on call on weekends.
Industrial machinery mechanics need a high school diploma. Once hired, they need at least a year of training. Some employers ask for a two-year associate degree in industrial maintenance.
Millwrights
Median Annual Salary: $62,980
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): +3%
Job Description: Millwrights work on dismantling or reassembling machinery to move it into factories or power plants. They also calibrate and adjust equipment to ensure machinery meets specifications. Millwrights need a high school diploma and typically complete three- to four-year apprenticeships.
Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters
Median Annual Salary: $61,550
Projected Job Growth (2022–32): +2%
Job Description: Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters repair fixtures and systems that carry fluids or gasses. They read blueprints to determine the materials needed for a job and estimate customer costs. Aside from installation, pipefitters, plumbers and steamfitters run tests to ensure pipes are air- and watertight. A high school diploma is required to become a pipefitter or plumber. Technical school and apprenticeships are also options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Skilled Trades
What is an example of a skilled trade?
Welders are a common example of a skilled trade. Welders work with equipment like welding torches to manipulate metal and fuse pieces to either repair or build, depending on the project. Welders can also apply their skills to other aspects of metalwork. Other examples of skilled trade professionals include electricians, plumbers, hair stylists and automotive technicians.
What is the highest-paying skilled trade?
According to the BLS, the highest-paid skilled trade professionals include construction managers and elevator and escalator installers. These professionals earn median salaries of $104,900 and $102,420 per year, respectively. Allied healthcare professionals in skilled occupations that don’t require a four-year degree may also enjoy strong earning potential. For example, the BLS reports a median annual wage of $92,500 for nuclear medicine technologists.
What skills are required for skilled trades?
Each skilled trade has its own set of specific technical competencies which professionals must master. Skilled tradespeople typically learn these skills through trade school, apprenticeships and on-the-job training. However, skills that can benefit workers across all skilled occupations include problem solving, attention to detail and communication. Physical stamina is also a desired qualification for many trades roles.
