The highest-paying trade jobs in 2026 include construction managers ($106,980), elevator installers ($106,580), IT systems administrators ($96,800), and dental hygienists ($94,260). Most don't require a four-year degree.
May 29, 2026
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Daniella Flores
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You don’t have to work in a corporate office to increase your salary. High-paying trade jobs are great career options that are increasing in demand and don’t often require a bachelor’s degree. Many also have the potential to earn six figures as your seniority grows. For example, May 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that trade jobs like construction managers and elevator installers/repairers both make annual salaries over $100,000.
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Breaking into a trade may require some schooling or work experience. Several skilled trades often have low barriers to entry in which you can get paid to learn in an apprenticeship or other on-the-job training options (which are perfect for people without a college degree). Other education requirements may include trade schools, associates degrees, certifications, or licenses.
But what actually qualifies as a trade job?
Key points:
Here's a sneak peak into a few top-paying trade jobs from our recent interviews with real trade workers:
Trade jobs are careers that require specialized training and skills (often working with one's hands), and exist in many different industries including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, and even tech. There are also lesser-known careers that qualify fully under the trade job umbrella, such as culinary and cosmetic trades.
Several trade jobs are also union jobs. Union jobs are jobs where workers are represented by a labor union, which is an organized group that negotiates wages, pay raises, benefits, and working conditions on behalf of its members. Because of this, they tend to be some of the highest-paying jobs.
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According to Union Plus, Union workers make 30% more than non-union workers and 92% of union workers have job-related health coverage versus 68% of non-union workers. Many also have guaranteed pensions, which is extremely rare in today’s job market and most often seen in government jobs.
We interviewed a few union trade workers at Indianapolis’s LaborFest in the video below who let us know that anyone who wants to join a union and get started in a trade, to apply at your local union hall!
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This article was put together using salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Glassdoor, our Salary Database of thousands of self-reported salaries, and interviews with real trade workers. Every salary figure in this article also links directly back to its original source. Thankfully, pay transparency laws and the salary transparency movement has increased the amount of salary data available for us to use and report on.
Keep in mind that the numbers below may change depending on your location. You may notice that the higher paying trades may include more education requirements, such as completing accredited programs, apprenticeships, and obtaining licenses. Requirements may change depending on the company and state.
BLS median annual salary: $106,980
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $89,000 - $147,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $125,000
Construction managers are the foundation of any construction project. They're the ones who plan, coordinate, and oversee building projects from start to finish. This includes setting and managing budgets, overseeing material orders, interpreting contracts, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements and building/safety codes.
Those managing large-scale commercial or government-funded projects tend to earn the highest salaries ($121,060 median annual salary), especially when working in high-demand urban areas or for industries like renewable energy. We interviewed a construction project manager in the video below who makes $105,000 a year working for a mechanical contracting company!
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Entry-level education required: High school diploma, associate’s degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related field, and some work experience. Need help paying for school? Check out our top student loan picks to compare options and find what fits your future.
Work experience required: A few years of experience in construction trades or site supervision. Those wanting to get experience can start with a paid construction apprenticeship.
Projected growth rate through 2034: 9%
Learn the skills for this job: Construction Management Fundamentals
BLS median annual salary: $106,580
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $75,000 - $114,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $106,000
Elevator installers and repairers are the mechanics of elevators and get paid handsomely for it too. They do it all: commercial, residential, and even high-rise buildings. One day they could be working with electrical wiring, and another day, they could be reading blueprints and assembling different components.
Jobs tied to the construction industry or union-backed roles tend to offer higher wages and more consistent work opportunities. According to the BLS’s filtered pay data, government jobs pay the most for elevator installers/repairers ($110,390 median annual salary).
Entry-level education required: A high school diploma or equivalent.
Work experience required: Apprenticeship (typically 4 years). Paid apprenticeships can be found through local unions or contractors.
Projected growth rate through 2034: 5%
Learn the skills for this job: Electric Power Systems
BLS median annual salary: $96,800
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $9240,000 - $14254,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $154,000
Like this one, there are many tech roles that are also actually considered trade jobs. These technical trade workers are in the weeds of networks and systems. They're responsible for managing several systems at the company they’re at, such as security and network systems, and get paid pretty well to do so as one of the highest-paying tech jobs available. The BLS reported that IT systems administrators that work in management earn the highest, with a $101,600 median annual salary. We interviewed a system administrator in the video below who currently makes $93,000 a year!
If you've ever worked anywhere where you had to use a computer and company systems for your job, thank your company's IT systems administrator. They're the ones who make sure everything runs smoothly so you can do your job effectively.
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This trade requires a high level of technical proficiency and some programming skills to be able to work with different types of systems from different locations (which are also essential skills needed for many remote jobs too). They should also possess problem-solving skills for troubleshooting and reverse engineering problems.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent. Some companies will hire without a degree if there is some work experience such as working in a help desk IT support role or past freelance experience. Other companies may require an associate's degree, completion of a technical trade program, or specific certifications for specialists.
Work experience required: It depends on the company and role. Typically no prior experience is required when education qualifications are fulfilled.
Projected growth rate through 2034: 2%
Learn the skills for this job: System Administration and IT Infrastructure Services
BLS median annual salary: $94,260
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $94,000 - $137,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $150,000
Dental hygienists are the ones who tirelessly work to make our smiles brighter with every teeth cleaning, treatment, and round of X-rays. So naturally, they have to be good with their hands and have a keen eye for detail and pointing out abnormalities.
Working as a dental hygienist is a more accessible job option than many other top healthcare jobs. It’s one of the few medical trades that only requires an Associate’s degree to take the exam and get licensed with high chances of being on your way to earning $100,000+ within a few years. Dental hygienists who work at dentist offices make the most ($94,570 median annual salary), as reported by the BLS.
We found a dental hygienist in our Salary Database making $125,000 a year with an associate’s degree and four years of experience! We interviewed another making $55 to $60 an hour in our dental interviews below that we did in collaboration with the American Dental Association!
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Entry-level education required: An associate’s or bachelor’s degree from a program that’s been approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and be licensed by the state they work by taking and passing the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam.
Work experience required: None required besides entry-level education requirements.
Projected growth rate through 2034: 7%
Learn the skills for this job: Check out our free Dental Career Guide (with tips from real dental professionals)!
BLS median annual salary: $89,340
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $86,000 - $124,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $230,000
Healthcare careers can be trade careers too. A sonographer is a medical trade worker who uses ultrasound technology to create sonograms or ultrasounds of what's happening inside the body. Sonographers must have the ability to understand how to use ultrasound equipment and have good communication skills to convey information clearly when discussing images with the healthcare team.
Many high-paying healthcare jobs are tough to break into without an advanced degree, which is what makes sonography such an attractive career option. Instead of spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on university degrees, a sonography program and certification can be completed through technical and trade schools.
Because of its high pay and growing demand, sonography is a great top-paying job for the future. According to BLS’s filtered pay data, sonographers that work at outpatient care centers tend to make the most, with a $123,610 median annual salary. They also have a 13% projected growth rate, which I can definitely tell by looking at any imaging center I've made an appointment at. They're always packed!
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and depending on the company and state, completion of an accredited sonography program or sonography certification. License requirements vary by state.
Work experience required: Some companies may require work experience but clinical hours from certificate programs normally fit requirements.
Projected growth rate through 2034: 13%
Learn the skills for this job: Visualizing the Living Body: Diagnostic Imaging
BLS median annual salary: $79,140
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $62,000 - $102,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $220,000
Aircraft mechanics and technicians have the responsibility of inspecting and working on aircraft to ensure they're ready to go up in the air. They’re basically the reason we can safely fly wherever we want. So, thank an aircraft technician for keeping our planes in the sky if you ever come across one.
Precision is extremely important in aircraft maintenance. Aircraft mechanics must have a special eye for detail to ensure that all repairs and inspections are carried out correctly. This job can be particularly difficult, and technicians have a lot riding on their shoulders, but that's why they make the big bucks! According to BLS’s filtered pay data, the highest paying mechanics work in air transportation, with a median annual salary of $95,320.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and certification from a Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school.
Work experience required: None
Projected growth rate through 2034: 4%
Learn the skills for this job: Fundamentals of Flight Mechanics
BLS median annual salary: $78,980
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $72,000 - $116,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $131,000
Working as a radiology technician is another medical trade in which they perform diagnostic imaging to help treat patients. They operate imaging equipment such as X-ray machines, computed tomography (CT) scanners, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, and fluoroscopy equipment to produce images of the inside of the body. Technicians that are the highest paid are those that work at outpatient care centers ($128,290 median annual salary), according to BLS filtered pay data.
The skills that are crucial to their role are radiation safety and math skills to calculate the right amount of radiation emitted in imaging procedures. Technical skills are also required to operate imaging equipment and technology.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and completion of an accredited program. The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accredits programs in radiography. It depends on the state if licenses or certifications are required.
Work experience required: None
Projected growth rate through 2034: 5%
Learn the skills for this job: The Science of Radiation Therapy
BLS median annual salary: $66,050
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $61,000 - $99,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $88,000
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work under the supervision of licensed occupational therapists to provide rehabilitative services to individuals with physical, developmental, or emotional challenges. Their role is to help patients live independently through developing goals and improving their ability to perform daily tasks and activities.
For instance, if you were to suffer a stroke or anything else that is difficult to recover from, an OTA would be who you would work with to help return to your daily life.
OTAs who make the most work in home healthcare services and receive a median annual salary of $76,800, according to the BLS.
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Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and completion of an accredited occupational therapy assistant program, certification, and license. Follow the steps lined out by the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Work experience required: There are some fieldwork requirements, but those are already required when applying for a license.
Projected growth rate up to year 2034: 18%
Learn the skills for this job: Patient Care Technician Fundamentals
BLS median annual salary: $62,970
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $65,000 - $102,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $110,000 (for a journeyman)
Union plumbers and pipefitters install and repair piping systems for homes, businesses, factories, and other places. They're essential to our infrastructure. Depending on the specific job, they may be responsible for installing gas lines and water supply pipes, testing pipes, and repairing malfunctions. Plumbers that work for the government are reported to have the highest salaries, with a median annual wage of $69,160, according to the BLS.
We interviewed a plumber in the video below who makes between $80,000 and $110,000 a year with 4 years of experience! They also gave a great tip: many companies will actually send you to school for free once you start working with them.
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Plumbers need to be able to work with a variety of materials like copper, PVC, steel, and cast iron, and have the skills to use different tools and know how to maneuver them. Troubleshooting skills are also required to be able to quickly find and repair problems.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and an apprenticeship where they get paid while training on the job. Go to your local union hall to apply for apprenticeship. License requirements depend on your state.
Work experience required: None
Projected growth rate up to year 2034: 4%
BLS median annual salary: $62,350
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $54,000 - $91,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $220,000 (for an industrial electrician)
Union electricians are skilled tradespeople who specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems. A few of their key duties include inspections, troubleshooting, making upgrades, reading blueprints, and following safety protocols, all of which are high income skills as the demand for electricians continues to increase.
Electricians who work in the government tend to make more than those who work in manufacturing, with a median annual salary of $77,080, according to the BLS. We found an industrial electrician in our Salary Database who makes $220,000 working for the government in New York City and interviewed another in the video below who makes $100 an hour in Los Angeles!
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Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and an apprenticeship where they get paid while training on the job. One of the electricians we interviewed at the The IBEW's International Women's Conference in New Orleans, LA (in the video above) is making $77.55 an hour in her 4th year of apprenticeship. And that’s only 60% of what they'll be making when they become a journeyperson!
Work experience required: None
Projected growth rate through 2034: 9%
Learn the skills for this job: Introduction to Electronics
BLS median annual salary: $61,940
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $50,000 - $73,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $134,000
Ironworkers fabricate and install structural iron and steel components used in construction projects. They work primarily with iron, steel, and other metal materials to build frameworks, structures, bridges, and other infrastructure, and it isn't an easy job. This is one of the most dangerous jobs out there, according to the OSHA and BLS numbers that show a 21.3 mortality rate per 100,000 workers. It's no wonder this position pays well. The highest-paid ironworkers work in nonresidential building construction ($62,780 median annual salary), according to the BLS.
Skills needed include metalworking skills, the ability to read blueprints, and physical strength to handle heavy steel. They’ll also need to be able to work at great heights and walk on narrow beams. Because of the specialized skills in this trade, it pays pretty well. We interviewed an IronWorker in the video below who makes $40 an hour!
Entry-level education required: High school diploma, and on-the-job training through apprenticeships.
Work experience required: None
Projected growth rate up to year 2034: 4%
BLS median annual salary: $61,300
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $29,000 - $240,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $240,000
Web and graphic designers are creative professionals that design websites and pieces of digital media with the goal of making them not only beautiful, but also user friendly. Look at the website that you're on right now! It wouldn't exist without a designer.
Web and graphic designers must have both creative and technical skills to be able to use different software for crafting designs. They usually work within design teams that work with different departments such as product and technical teams for projects. As they become more experienced in their career, they can move on to other higher-paying creative jobs in specialized design, like UX design. Designers that work in specialized design make the most at a median annual salary of $63,410, according to the BLS.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent. Some companies may require completion of a technical trade school program. But you may not need specific education credentials if you can demonstrate prior related work experience or project work. We interviewed a graphic designer in the video below who makes $100,000 a year and is entirely self taught!
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Work experience required: None but some companies may require internships or apprenticeships (which you can learn on the job). Portfolios of past work based on personal projects, school projects, or freelance projects can also be shown in the place of work experience.
Projected growth rate through 2034: 2%
Learn the skills for this job: Fundamentals of Graphic Design
BLS median annual salary: $59,810
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $64,000 - $97,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $130,000
Commercial HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians are in charge of installing, maintaining, or repairing (or whatever the job that day entails) HVAC systems in commercial and industrial buildings. Think about the last time the AC went out at your work or any other building you've been in. You can thank an HVAC technician for being there to fix it and saving your sanity (and potentially your life, depending on how hot it was).
Commercial HVAC technicians make the most in wholesale trade, with a median annual salary of $65,760, according to the BLS. Wholesale trade refers to the companies that supply HVAC equipment to contractors and businesses, rather than selling directly to homeowners. We also interviewed an HVAC technician in the video below who makes $25 an hour with less than a year of experience, with the prospect of making $30 an hour by the end of the year!
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Their skills usually include technical HVAC knowledge and mechanical and electrical skills. Commercial HVAC technicians should also have strong diagnostic skills to identify and resolve HVAC system issues quickly.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training through apprenticeships and other training programs.
Work experience required: None
Projected growth rate through 2034: 6%
Learn the skills for this job: Basics of Air Conditioning & Heat Load Calculation
BLS median annual salary: $59,310
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $51,000 - $79,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $89,000
Carpenters build almost anything you can think of with wood, like the skeletal framework of buildings (walls and floors), staircases, and even small add-ons like cabinets. There are actually several different types of carpentry jobs that you could specialize in. Rough and formwork carpenters are those who usually handle the skeletal framework. Other carpentry jobs include trim carpentry, ship carpentry, and set and production carpentry (for putting together things like movie sets). The highest-paid carpenters work in nonresidential building construction and make a median annual salary of $63,330, according to the BLS.
An important skill that they must have, aside from reading blueprints and carpentry techniques, is their attention to detail. The stability of entire structures depends on that attention to detail. They should also be familiar with using hand and power tools.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and training is usually done on the job through paid apprenticeships.
Work experience required: None
Projected growth rate through 2034: 4%
Learn the skills for this job: Construction Techniques and Practices
BLS median annual salary: $57,950
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $57,000 - $117,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $96,000
Massage therapists are healthcare professionals who use touch and manipulation techniques to provide therapeutic relief to their clients. They're a godsend to people who need pain relief, to destress, and to improve circulation, especially for those who are recovering from injuries or surgeries. It's a pretty low-stress job with work available in a variety of settings, including spas and medical offices.
Massage therapists that work in chiropractor offices make the most, with a median annual salary of $66,710, according to the BLS. We interviewed a massage therapy student in the video below who makes between $35,000 and $40,000 a year.
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Important skills to have include the ability to evaluate the needs of their clients and recommend treatments. They must also be physically capable to apply pressure and manipulate muscles while administering massage therapy.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent and massage therapy education programs. Currently, 45 states require massage therapists to be licensed.
Work experience required: None but some companies may require internships or apprenticeships (which you can learn on the job). Some companies like to see portfolios of past work based on personal projects, school projects, or freelance projects.
Projected growth rate through 2034: 15%
Learn the skills for this job: Anatomy: Musculoskeletal and Integumentary Systems
BLS median annual salary: $56,260
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $56,000 - $94,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $40,000
A tattoo artist creates permanent designs on the skin using tattooing techniques and equipment. They usually work in tattoo studios or shops, and also have the option to work at events and conferences for extra pay, like Comic Con and Horror Con.
We interviewed a tattoo artist in the video below who said earnings will depend on the time of year and clientele. They currently charge $150 an hour!
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Tattoo artists need to have artistic talent and creativity to produce unique designs, but also need the technical tattooing skills to execute those designs. They must also pay close attention to detail when applying tattoos since they are permanent. Many of these skills are learned on the job during apprenticeships and with continuous practice.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, and on-the-job training through apprenticeships that lead to certification or a license.
Work experience required: None
Projected growth rate up to year 2034: 4%
BLS median annual salary: $49,670
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor)Total potential pay: $61,000 - $91,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $154,000
Automotive mechanics specialize in working on a variety of vehicles. It depends on what specific vehicle the mechanic specializes in, whether that's cars, trucks, or motorcycles. They typically work in settings like dealerships and repair shops (and even places like Costco's Tire Service Center). Diesel mechanics who work for local government make the most, with a reported median annual salary of $67,710, according to the BLS.
Mechanics should have a good grasp of vehicle systems and their components, and also know how to use different tools to perform repairs. Even though they may learn some of this from hands-on training during certification programs, they can continue to build their expertise through on-the-job training and other continous learning.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent. Although some mechanics may not be certified, most shops require certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. We interviewed a mechanic who currently makes $100,000 a year and got started by going to a trade school!
Work experience required: None
Projected growth rate through 2034: 4%
Learn the skills for this job: Introduction to Mechanics
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BLS median annual salary: $46,050
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $43,000 - $66,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $66,000
Construction workers perform various duties around a construction site. They clean and prepare sites, load and unload materials, operate power tools, and assist other trade workers, such as carpenters and electricians. They’re not only involved in building, but also disassembling, and may be responsible for taking apart structures too.
We interviewed a construction worker in the video below who’s a lagger (insulates pipes) and a bracer (installs structural supports), and makes $21 an hour with 4 months of experience!
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Once you get started in construction, there are several other roles you can pivot or move up to for a higher salary. These include roles like “Construction Equipment Operator”, “Construction Manager" (which is #1 on this list!)”, “Construction Project Manager”, “Construction Foreman”, and several other position titles.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent. Employers may require a safety certification that meets Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
Work experience required: None. Many get paid while learning on the job. There are also apprenticeship programs available that may be sponsored by local unions or trade associations, but aren’t required.
Projected growth rate through 2034: 4%
Learn the skills for this job: Construction Techniques and Practices Specialization
BLS median annual salary: $41,560
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $53,000 - $88,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $50,000
Estheticians are licensed professionals who work in salons or spas to provide skincare services to clients. Some of these services may include skincare analysis and facial treatments, like acne treatments, or full-body treatments, like hydrating body wraps or laser hair removal. The top skills that need to have to do their job include knowledge of skincare, hygiene, and sanitation practices, and interpersonal soft skills (like emotional intelligence, communication, and active listening skills) to build trust with clients.
We interviewed a lead master esthetician in the video below who makes over $100,000 a year with 10 years of experience! She indicated that she doesn’t have a college degree but she has an esthetician license.
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Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, completion of a cosmetology or esthetician program, and state license. Licensing requirements vary by state.
Work experience required: None
Projected growth rate up to year 2034: 7%
BLS median annual salary: $35,420
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $54,000 - $91,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $80,000
Hair colorists specialize in applying hair color treatments to enhance the look of their client’s hair, while hair stylists provide a broader range of services, including cutting, styling, and sometimes coloring hair. While both roles may involve some overlap in coloring techniques, the primary difference lies in the colorist's expertise in achieving and maintaining various hair colors, whereas the stylist focuses on the overall hairstyle and appearance.
You’d think that this profession may not make much, but think again. We interviewed two hair stylists who make $160,000 and $130,000 a year!
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Hair colorists and stylists should have a strong understanding of color theory to create hair color combinations that complement clients' features, as well as cutting and styling techniques and being able to handle different types of hair and textures.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent, completion of a state-approved cosmetology program, and state license. License requirements vary by state.
Work experience required: None
Projected growth rate up to year 2034: 9%
BLS median annual salary: $34,660
Employer-reported salary range (Glassdoor): $58,000 - $104,000
Highest self-reported salary in our database: $60,000
Nail technicians help keep our nails beautiful and healthy. They work with several clients a day, performing manicures, pedicures, and creating custom nail art designs. Some may work for nail salons or spas, but also have the option to work independently for themselves.
We interviewed a nail artist in the video below who has 6 clients a day and charges anywhere from $60 to $80 per client, totaling around $75,000 to $90,000 a year! She also sells press-on nails for Labubus as her side hustle.
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It's a given that nail techs should have creative abilities, but they also need some customer service and social skills since they work one-on-one with the public. Nail technicians who run their own salons must understand business principles to manage a salon and make it profitable.
Entry-level education required: High school diploma or equivalent. State licensing requirements vary.
Work experience required: None
Projected growth rate up to year 2034: 9%
Pro tip: Learn more about beauty and skincare jobs in our creative career guide, including what they do, how much they make, how to get started, different courses available, and more!
Choosing the right trade job for you comes down to what you like, what you’re good at, what work goes best with your personality, and your lifestyle and career goals. For example, if you’re curious about the human body and are normally interested in medical subjects, you should explore medical trades. Take our free Skilled Trades Career Quiz to find what trade is right for you.
Based on BLS median salary data, the highest-paying trade jobs are construction managers ($106,980) and elevator installers and repairers ($106,580), both of which don't require a four-year degree. IT system administrators ($96,800), dental hygienists ($94,260), and sonographers ($89,340) round out the top five. Outside of the BLS, our Salary Database shows aircraft mechanics and electricians earning up to $220,000 and sonographers earning up to $230,000.
Trades that pay $100,000 or more a year are construction managers and elevator installers and repairers, both of which don't require a traditional four-year college degree. We also found aircraft mechanic and sonographer salaries in our Salary Database paying over $200,000 a year!
According to BLS projections, the fastest-growing trade jobs are occupational therapy assistants (18% growth), massage therapists (15%), and sonographers (13%). Electricians (9%) and HVAC technicians (8%) are also in high demand as infrastructure investment and new construction continue to increase. If you're prioritizing job security alongside pay, sonography and occupational therapy assistance offer the strongest potential for high salaries and fast growth on this list.
Trade jobs don't require a bachelor's degree, but some may require completion of a trade or technical school program for an associate's degree, licensing, or certification. Several trade jobs, like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, only require a high school diploma and workers get paid to learn on the job through apprenticeships and other on-the-job training programs.
There are tons of high-paying trade jobs that require minimal schooling and paid training so you get hands-on experience as you learn your job. This is the complete opposite of paying thousands for a bachelor's degree that doesn’t provide any sort of experience.
If you have a trade in mind, the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Explore The Trades are great resources for looking up each trade, their requirements, and information on how to actually land the job. We also recently created an all-in-one skilled trades career guide with step-by-step guidance and tips to find the trade that's perfect for you (with our free Skilled Trades Career Quiz included)!
For trades that require program completion with a certification, the handbook has links for which ones are accredited and are better to take. This way you’re not confused about how to proceed forward. You can also search job sites for any trade position to see what current trade jobs are requiring.
If you want to work for a union, apply at your local union hall before jumping in to pay for any of these programs because they may help cover the bill.
Don’t forget to browse our Salary Database and share your salary here!
Alright, that wraps it up for this week! I’m Daniella Flores, a former software engineer turned career researcher who writes about tech, money, and different jobs. My work has been featured in TIME, CNBC, CNET, Business Insider, and Investopedia (among many others). I’m extremely passionate about workers' rights and financial freedom, so it’s a pleasure to be able to bring you this type of content through the Resource Hub (thank you for the opportunity, Hannah!) If you want to connect, follow me on Linkedin. Chat soon!
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