If you’re exploring alternatives to a traditional four-year college degree, you might be surprised by just how lucrative the skilled trades can be. The idea that everyone must go to a university no longer holds true for many people. Skilled labor careers not only offer competitive salaries, but they also let you begin earning sooner, avoid massive student debt, and enjoy job stability. This blog post covers several top-paying trades based on current data and industry insights. Each trade has the potential for six-figure earnings if you work hard, master your craft, and perhaps even start your own business one day.
Why Trades Are a Great Option
Many trades need only a high school diploma and some specialized training, like an apprenticeship, rather than years at a university. You’ll develop tangible, in-demand skills. You also typically won’t accumulate the kind of debt that often comes with college. Trades are hands-on, so if you love working with tools, solving real-world problems, and seeing direct results, a skilled trade can be deeply fulfilling.
Trade #1: Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Elevator and escalator specialists ensure that people can move up and down floors smoothly in high-rise buildings, malls, and large commercial properties. If you have a mechanical mindset, an eye for safety, and the courage to work at heights or tight shafts, this field can be exceptionally rewarding.
- Top Ten Percent Annual Income: Roughly $130,000
- Median Salary: About $97,000
- Training Path: Generally a 4–5-year apprenticeship after high school. Many join a union that provides structured training.
- Why It Pays Well: These systems are highly regulated, and each installation or repair can be critical for building codes and safety. Because the work is specialized, the supply of trained professionals is limited.
- Career Prospects: Around 23,000 total positions in the U.S. While that’s not huge, each job is usually well-compensated with strong benefits.
Trade #2: Boilermakers
Boilermakers construct, install, and repair containers like boilers, vats, and tanks holding liquids and gases. They can work in industries like refineries, shipyards, power plants, or manufacturing.
- Top Ten Percent Annual Income: Over $100,000
- Median Salary: Around $64,000–$65,000
- Training Path: Often a formal apprenticeship program or on-the-job training covering welding, metalwork, and blueprint reading.
- Why It Pays Well: Boilermakers handle large-scale industrial work in potentially hazardous environments. Skills in welding and heavy machinery are essential, and the risk factor plus expertise leads to higher wages.
- Career Prospects: Roughly 13,000 to 14,000 positions exist in the U.S. It’s a smaller niche, but the specialized nature keeps the pay high.
Trade #3: Construction and Building Inspectors
Inspectors verify that new and existing buildings comply with local and national codes, zoning regulations, and contract specifications. They can specialize in plumbing, electrical, structural, or general building inspections.
- Top Ten Percent Annual Income: Around $100,000
- Median Salary: Approximately $61,000–$62,000
- Training Path: Extensive knowledge in a related trade such as plumbing or carpentry, plus certifications in building inspection. Some states or municipalities license building inspectors.
- Why It Pays Well: Your sign-off can make or break a construction project’s timeline. This responsibility demands detailed technical expertise, thoroughness, and the ability to interpret complex codes.
- Career Prospects: About 129,000 jobs are available across the U.S. With ongoing construction and evolving codes, well-trained inspectors are always needed.
Trade #4: Electricians
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They also handle the wiring for new construction and major renovations.
- Top Ten Percent Annual Income: Close to $100,000
- Median Salary: About $60,000
- Training Path: A 4–5-year apprenticeship or technical school. Nearly all states require passing an exam to become licensed.
- Why It Pays Well: Electricity is essential, and skilled electricians are in short supply. With experience, you might specialize further (like industrial controls) and command higher rates.
- Career Prospects: Over 700,000 positions exist, making electrical work one of the largest trade fields. Opportunities expand as green technologies and “smart home” systems become more common.
Trade #5: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
This group covers professionals installing and maintaining water, gas, steam, and other piping systems. Plumbers often focus on residential or commercial water lines, while pipefitters handle industrial piping, and steamfitters work with high-pressure steam.
- Top Ten Percent Annual Income: Roughly $100,000
- Median Salary: Around $60,000
- Training Path: Typically a 4–5-year apprenticeship. States generally require licensing.
- Why It Pays Well: Water and gas lines are critical for everyday life. Skilled plumbers or fitters can demand high pay, especially for specialized or emergency work.
- Career Prospects: About 469,000 positions nationwide. The path can lead to self-employment or bigger industrial roles.
Trade #6: Ironworkers
Ironworkers assemble the structural framework in buildings, bridges, and other large projects by positioning and securing steel girders and columns. This job often involves working at significant heights.
- Top Ten Percent Annual Income: Around $98,000–$99,000
- Median Salary: About $58,000
- Training Path: Often union-based apprenticeship. Physical fitness and comfort with heights are musts.
- Why It Pays Well: Considerable risk plus specialized welding and rigging knowledge. High-profile projects need top skill.
- Career Prospects: Around 88,000 ironworker jobs. The demand can fluctuate with big infrastructure or commercial building booms.
Trade #7: Sheet Metal Workers and HVAC Technicians
Sheet metal workers may craft ducts, roofing metal, and other custom parts, while HVAC techs install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Often these roles overlap.
- Top Ten Percent Annual Income: Around $95,000
- Median Salary: About $53,000
- Training Path: High school diploma, then a formal apprenticeship or trade school focusing on HVAC or sheet metal fabrication. Some states require an HVAC license for handling refrigerants.
- Why It Pays Well: Climate control and metalwork are cornerstones of commercial and residential construction. Skilled workers can specialize in advanced or eco-friendly systems.
- Career Prospects: Approximately 129,000 positions. Retrofits for energy-efficient systems drive demand.
Trade #8: Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers
These tradespeople handle installing and finishing drywall (sheetrock) in homes and businesses. Taping, bedding, and texturing all require skill and patience.
- Top Ten Percent Annual Income: About $95,000
- Median Salary: Around $48,000–$50,000
- Training Path: Usually on-the-job training. Some might attend short courses in advanced taping and texturing.
- Why It Pays Well: Specialized finishing, decorative plaster, or high-end commercial jobs can pay top rates.
- Career Prospects: Nearly 130,000 openings. Many also do painting, making them versatile finishers.
Trade #9: Construction Equipment Operators
Operators work with bulldozers, excavators, and other machinery to move earth and prepare sites for building or infrastructure projects. They’re often the first on the scene at major construction sites.
- Top Ten Percent Annual Income: Around $85,000
- Median Salary: About $48,000–$49,000
- Training Path: Some complete short training programs; many learn on the job or through union apprenticeships.
- Why It Pays Well: Operating heavy machinery is a high-responsibility role. Skill ensures safety and efficiency.
- Career Prospects: Around 466,000 positions across the U.S. Infrastructure spending can greatly boost demand.
Trade #10: Carpenters
Carpenters handle framing, flooring, cabinetry, and more. They may work on everything from simple trim in a house to complex, detailed woodwork in commercial builds.
- Top Ten Percent Annual Income: Roughly $80,000–$82,000
- Median Salary: Around $48,000–$50,000
- Training Path: Usually on-the-job training, though unions provide structured apprenticeships. Some take specialized courses in cabinetry or finishing.
- Why It Pays Well: Highly skilled carpenters who do custom or specialized woodwork can earn premium pay.
- Career Prospects: Nearly 1 million positions nationwide. Carpenters have broad options, from new home builds to commercial or finish work.
Advice for Aiming Higher
Median salaries sometimes don’t look as glamorous, but if you aim for the top ten percent in any trade, six figures becomes realistic. Reaching that level might involve:
- Consistently delivering top-quality work
- Learning advanced or specialized skills (like control wiring for electricians or industrial piping for plumbers)
- Seeking union opportunities or large commercial projects
- Obtaining state or advanced certifications
- Considering self-employment once you’ve gained enough experience
Partnering with Ferguson
This content is sponsored by Ferguson, a major supplier supporting many of these trades—especially plumbing and HVAC. If you join or advance in one of these fields, you’ll likely rely on companies like Ferguson for tools, materials, and guidance. Their presence in local communities also supports trade businesses of all sizes.
Conclusion
These ten trades not only offer viable career paths without a standard college route, but they also have real potential for high earnings. With dedication and a willingness to learn, you could join the top ten percent who earn upward of $80,000, $90,000, or even $100,000 annually. Whether you’re drawn to mechanical problem-solving, building towering structures, or ensuring homes have reliable water and heat, the trades can provide a stable, rewarding future.
