Highest Paying Trade Jobs in 2025
Discover the top 20 highest paying trade jobs that don't require a four-year degree. From elevator installers earning $97,860 to electricians making $60,240+, skilled trades offer excellent earning potential with less debt and shorter training time than traditional college.
Why Trade Jobs Pay So Well
Trade jobs pay well because of a combination of factors: high demand, specialized skills, physical requirements, and labor shortages. Many industries are experiencing a skilled trades shortage as older workers retire and fewer young people enter the trades. This supply-demand imbalance drives up wages, particularly for highly specialized roles like elevator installers, electrical lineworkers, and nuclear technicians.
Additionally, many trade jobs can't be outsourced or automated—you need a local electrician to wire your home, a plumber to fix your pipes, and an HVAC technician to repair your heating system. This job security, combined with the ability to work overtime, start your own business, or specialize in high-demand niches, creates strong earning potential throughout your career.
Top 20 Highest Paying Trade Jobs
The following list includes median salaries from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and industry sources. Keep in mind that experienced professionals, business owners, and those with specialized certifications often earn significantly more than the median figures shown.
Elevator Installer & Repairer
Install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, and other lift systems in residential and commercial buildings.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Union apprenticeship program (4-5 years)
- State licensing required in most states
- Strong mechanical aptitude
Electrical Power-Line Installer
Install and maintain the power grid infrastructure, working with high-voltage electrical systems.
- High school diploma
- Technical school or apprenticeship
- CDL often required
- Comfortable working at heights
Nuclear Technician
Assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear energy production.
- Associate degree in nuclear science or related technology
- Extensive on-the-job training
- Background check and security clearance
- Strong attention to detail
Radiation Therapist
Administer radiation therapy treatments to cancer patients using specialized medical equipment.
- Associate degree in radiation therapy
- State licensing/certification required
- Clinical training hours
- Strong patient care skills
Dental Hygienist
Clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide preventive dental care under dentist supervision.
- Associate degree in dental hygiene
- State licensing required
- Clinical rotations
- Patient interaction skills
Commercial Pilot
Fly aircraft for charter flights, rescue operations, aerial photography, and cargo transport.
- Commercial pilot license
- Flight training (250+ hours)
- Medical certificate
- Instrument rating
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment purposes in healthcare settings.
- Associate or bachelor degree
- Certification required
- Clinical training
- Radiation safety knowledge
MRI Technologist
Operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners to create diagnostic images of patients.
- Associate degree in MRI technology
- ARRT certification
- State licensing (some states)
- Patient care experience
Electrical/Electronics Repairer (Powerhouse)
Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in power generating stations, substations, and relay stations.
- Technical training or associate degree
- Apprenticeship
- Understanding of electrical systems
- Troubleshooting skills
HVAC Technician (Master Level)
Install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Master-level technicians with specializations earn significantly more.
- Technical school certificate or associate degree
- EPA Section 608 certification
- State licensing (varies)
- Ongoing education for new technologies
Electrician (Master/Journeyman)
Install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. Master electricians can earn $80k-$120k+ annually.
- High school diploma
- Trade school or apprenticeship
- State journeyman/master license
- 8,000+ hours on-the-job training
Plumber/Pipefitter
Install and repair pipes, fixtures, and equipment for water, gas, and waste systems. Master plumbers often earn $70k-$100k+.
- High school diploma
- Apprenticeship program
- State licensing
- Strong problem-solving skills
Boilermaker
Assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels that hold liquids and gases.
- High school diploma
- Apprenticeship
- Physical stamina
- Welding skills
Construction Manager
Plan, coordinate, budget, and supervise construction projects from start to finish. Often promoted from skilled trade positions.
- Trade experience + management training
- Bachelor degree (optional but helpful)
- Project management skills
- Leadership abilities
Diesel Mechanic
Inspect, repair, and maintain diesel engines in trucks, buses, construction equipment, and other heavy machinery.
- Technical school certificate
- ASE certification (optional)
- Strong mechanical skills
- Diagnostic abilities
Welder (Specialized)
Join metal parts using heat and pressure. Specialized welders (underwater, pipeline, high-rise) can earn $70k-$150k+ annually.
- Technical school or community college
- AWS certification
- Specialized training for high-paying niches
- Willingness to travel
Aircraft Mechanic
Perform maintenance, repairs, and inspections on aircraft to ensure airworthiness and safety.
- FAA-approved aviation maintenance program
- A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) license
- 30 months experience or aviation maintenance school
- Attention to detail
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Maintain and repair factory equipment and other industrial machinery including production machinery.
- Technical training
- Apprenticeship or on-the-job training
- Mechanical aptitude
- Troubleshooting skills
Millwright
Install, dismantle, repair, and move machinery and heavy equipment in factories, power plants, and construction sites.
- High school diploma
- Apprenticeship
- Blueprint reading
- Precision measurement skills
HVAC/R Engineering Technician
Design, test, and oversee HVAC systems installation and operation, working between engineering and hands-on installation.
- Associate degree in HVAC technology
- EPA certification
- CAD skills
- Understanding of thermodynamics
How to Maximize Your Earning Potential in the Trades
1. Get Specialized Certifications
Specialized certifications can add $10,000-$30,000+ to your annual salary. For example, welders with AWS certifications in underwater welding or pipeline welding can earn $70,000-$150,000+, compared to $47,540 for general welders. Similarly, electricians who earn a master license can command $80,000-$120,000+ versus $60,240 for journeyman electricians.
2. Start Your Own Business
Self-employed tradespeople often earn 50-100% more than employees. As a business owner, you set your own rates, choose your clients, and keep all profits. Many successful trade contractors earn $100,000-$300,000+ annually after establishing their business and building a client base.
3. Work in High-Demand Locations
Geographic location significantly impacts trade salaries. Electricians in San Francisco earn $106,680 median salary compared to $60,240 nationally. Similarly, HVAC technicians in Alaska earn $82,620 versus $51,390 nationally. Research high-paying markets and consider relocating for better opportunities.
4. Pursue Overtime and On-Call Work
Many trade jobs offer overtime pay at 1.5x or 2x regular rates. Emergency service calls, particularly for plumbers and HVAC technicians, can pay $100-$200+ per hour. Tradespeople willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays can significantly boost their annual income.
5. Combine Multiple Certifications
Multi-skilled tradespeople are highly valuable. An electrician who also holds HVAC and plumbing licenses can handle a broader range of projects, charge premium rates, and maintain steadier work throughout the year. This versatility is particularly valuable for self-employed contractors.
Trade School ROI: Faster Path to Six Figures
One of the biggest advantages of trade careers is the return on investment. Consider these comparisons:
- Electrician: $10,000 trade school + 4-year apprenticeship = $60k+ starting salary, $80k-$120k+ as master electrician
- Dental Hygienist: $20,000 associate degree (2 years) = $81,400 median salary upon graduation
- Elevator Installer: $15,000 training + 4-year apprenticeship = $97,860 median salary
- HVAC Technician: $5,000-$15,000 certificate (6-12 months) = $51,390 median, $70k-$100k+ with experience and specialization
Compare this to a bachelor's degree costing $100,000-$200,000+ over 4-6 years with no guarantee of employment. Trade school graduates start earning 2-4 years sooner with minimal debt, giving them a significant financial advantage over the course of their career.
Job Outlook and Demand
Most trades on this list show positive job growth, with several experiencing "much faster than average" growth rates. The aging of the Baby Boomer generation means hundreds of thousands of skilled tradespeople are retiring, creating openings for new workers.
Infrastructure investment, renewable energy expansion, and the construction boom in many U.S. cities are driving demand for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other skilled trades. Healthcare trades like dental hygienist, radiation therapist, and MRI technologist continue to grow as the population ages and medical technology advances.
Getting Started in High-Paying Trades
Ready to pursue a high-paying trade career? Here's how to get started:
- Research careers that match your interests, physical abilities, and salary goals
- Find accredited training programs in your area or online
- Compare costs, duration, and outcomes of different schools and programs
- Apply for financial aid including Pell Grants, state workforce development funds, and union scholarships
- Network with professionals in your target field to learn about job opportunities and apprenticeships
- Start your training and commit to excellence—your earning potential depends on your skills and reputation
Find Trade Schools Near You
Browse accredited trade schools offering training in these high-paying careers. Compare programs, costs, and outcomes to find the right path for you.