Looking for a career that pays well, without needing a four-year degree? Trade jobs offer a faster, more affordable path to high earnings, hands-on work, and job security. In this guide, we’ve ranked the 25 highest-paying trade jobs based on the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), released in May 2024.

These careers span construction, energy, aviation, and healthcare technology. Most require only a high school diploma and specialized training, like an apprenticeship or certification.

Related: California Minimum Wage 2025: New Rates and What They Mean

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What Is a Trade Job?

For this list, a trade job is any skilled occupation you can enter without a bachelor’s degree, where mastery comes from vocational school, a registered apprenticeship, industry certification, or paid on‑the‑job training—not lecture halls. The work is hands‑on and technical: installing power lines, repairing aircraft, welding structural steel, running diagnostic scans, and more.

We focused on roles that meet three guidelines:

1. No four‑year degree required (high‑school diploma or equivalent is enough to start).
2. Skill proven through licenses, certificates, or apprenticeship hours.
3. Practical, manual, or technical tasks that must be done on‑site.

Jobs that fit these criteria often belong to construction, energy, transportation, mechanical maintenance, and healthcare technology—and many pay six figures once you progress from apprentice to journeyman or supervisor. These guidelines shaped every pick in our “25 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs” ranking.

Related: How to Become a CNC Machinist

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25 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs (Ranked by Salary)

These trade careers are ranked by national median annual wages, according to the May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) from the BLS. (Remember, “median” means half of workers earn more and half earn less—actual pay can swing higher or lower depending on your state, experience level, employer, and overtime opportunities.)

1. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators

Median Salary: $122,610
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; extensive long-term on-the-job training and licensing
What They Do: Control nuclear reactors used to generate power. Monitor systems, follow safety protocols, and respond to emergencies to ensure safe operation.

BLS Handbook: Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers

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2. Elevator & Escalator Installers / Repairers

Median Salary: $106,580
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; 4–5 year apprenticeship
What They Do: Install and repair elevators, escalators, and moving walkways in buildings. Their work ensures transportation systems are safe and functional.

BLS Handbook: Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

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3. Powerhouse, Substation & Relay Electrical Repairers

Median Salary: $100,940
Pathway: Postsecondary certificate or associate degree
What They Do: Repair and maintain high-voltage equipment in substations and power plants. These specialists ensure the electrical grid operates reliably.

BLS Handbook: Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers

4. Power Plant Operators

Median Salary: $99,670
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; long-term on-the-job training
What They Do: Operate machinery to generate electric power. Monitor instrumentation and ensure compliance with safety standards.

BLS Handbook: Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers

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5. Petroleum Refinery Operators

Median Salary: $97,540
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; moderate on-the-job training
What They Do: Control systems that process and distribute chemicals or petroleum products. Ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with environmental regulations.

BLS: Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers

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6. Electrical Power-Line Installers & Repairers

Median Salary: $92,560
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship
What They Do: Install and repair power transmission and distribution lines. Work often involves heights and extreme weather.

BLS Handbook: Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

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7. Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

Median Salary: $85,540
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; Coast Guard license and maritime experience
What They Do: Navigate and operate water vessels, including ferries, tugboats, and cargo ships. Responsible for crew, cargo, and vessel safety.

BLS Handbook: Water Transportation Workers

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8. Signal & Track Switch Repairers

Median Salary: $83,600
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; moderate on-the-job training
What They Do: Install and maintain track signals and switches used by trains. Critical for railroad safety and timing.

BLS: Signal and Track Switch Repairers

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9. Gas Plant Operators

Median Salary: $83,400
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; long-term on-the-job training
What They Do: Distribute and process gas for utility companies and other users. Monitor gauges and adjust valves to ensure steady supply.

BLS: Gas Plant Operators

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10. Transportation Equipment Electronics Installers

Median Salary: $82,730
Pathway: Postsecondary certificate
What They Do: Install and maintain electronic systems in vehicles like airplanes, trains, and ships. Ensure functionality of navigation and communication systems.

BLS Handbook: Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers

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11. Avionics Technicians

Median Salary: $81,390
Pathway: Associate degree or postsecondary certificate
What They Do: Install and maintain aircraft electronics systems including radar, navigation, and communication.

BLS Handbook: Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians

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12. Construction Supervisors

Median Salary: $78,690
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in trade required; advanced career stage
What They Do: Supervise and coordinate construction workers. Ensure that job sites are safe, tasks are completed on time, and quality standards are met.

BLS: First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers

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13. Aircraft Mechanics & Service Technicians

Median Salary: $78,680
Pathway: Postsecondary nondegree award; FAA certification
What They Do: Maintain and repair aircraft engines and airframes. Work is regulated and requires precision.

BLS Handbook: Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians

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14. Maintenance Supervisors

Median Salary: $78,300
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; work experience required
What They Do: Oversee repair crews across a variety of maintenance fields. Ensure work is done safely and efficiently.

BLS Outlook: First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

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15. Locomotive Engineers

Median Salary: $77,400
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; company training and certification
What They Do: Operate freight and passenger trains between stations. Monitor speed, air pressure, and equipment.

BLS Handbook: Railroad Workers

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16. Railroad Conductors & Yardmasters

Median Salary: $74,080
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; company training
What They Do: Coordinate train activities, manage cargo, and ensure safety protocols are followed.

BLS Handbook: Railroad Workers

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17. Boilermakers

Median Salary: $73,340
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship
What They Do: Assemble, install, and repair boilers and large containers that hold liquids and gases. They work in power plants, shipyards, and factories.

BLS Handbook: Boilermakers

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18. Construction & Building Inspectors

Median Salary: $72,120
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; Many states require ICC or similar certifications and several years’ trade experience
What They Do: Review blueprints and inspect construction to ensure compliance with building codes.

BLS Handbook: Construction and Building Inspectors

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19. Structural Iron & Steel Workers

Median Salary: $69,700
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship
What They Do: Erect steel frameworks for buildings and bridges. Operate cranes, cut metal, and bolt structures.

BLS Handbook: Ironworkers

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20. Telecommunications Technicians

Median Salary: $64,310
Pathway: Typically postsecondary nondegree award
What They Do: Install, maintain, and repair internet, phone, and cable systems for homes and businesses.

BLS Handbook: Telecommunications Technicians

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21. Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights

Median Salary: $63,510
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
What They Do: Install, maintain, and repair industrial machines and mechanical systems used in factories.

BLS Handbook: Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights

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22. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Median Salary: $62,970
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship
What They Do: Install and repair pipes for water, gas, and waste in residential, commercial, and industrial systems.

BLS Handbook: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

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23. Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians

Median Salary: $62,740
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent
What They Do: Inspect and repair heavy vehicles used in construction, agriculture, and rail.

BLS Handbook: Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Techs

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24. Wind Turbine Technicians

Median Salary: $62,580
Pathway: Postsecondary nondegree award
What They Do: Perform maintenance and troubleshooting on wind turbines, often working at heights and in remote areas.

BLS Handbook: Wind Turbine Technicians

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25. Electricians

Median Salary: $62,350
Pathway: High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship
What They Do: Install and maintain wiring, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and factories.

BLS Handbook: Electricians

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Quick Salary Comparison Table

Occupation	Median Salary ($)	Education/Training Path
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators	$122,610	High school diploma or equivalent; extensive on-the-job training and licensing
Elevator & Escalator Installers / Repairers	$106,580	High school diploma or equivalent; 4–5 year apprenticeship
Powerhouse, Substation & Relay Electrical Repairers	$100,940	Postsecondary certificate or associate degree
Power Plant Operators	$99,670	High school diploma or equivalent; long-term on-the-job training
Petroleum Refinery Operators	$97,540	High school diploma or equivalent; moderate on-the-job training
Electrical Power-Line Installers & Repairers	$92,560	High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels	$85,540	High school diploma or equivalent; Coast Guard license and maritime experience
Signal & Track Switch Repairers	$83,600	High school diploma or equivalent; moderate on-the-job training
Gas Plant Operators	$83,400	High school diploma or equivalent; long-term on-the-job training
Transportation Equipment Electronics Installers	$82,730	Postsecondary certificate
Avionics Technicians	$81,390	Associate degree or postsecondary certificate
Construction Supervisors	$78,690	High school diploma or equivalent; work experience in trade required
Aircraft Mechanics & Service Technicians	$78,680	Postsecondary nondegree award; FAA certification
Maintenance Supervisors	$78,300	High school diploma or equivalent; supervisory work experience
Locomotive Engineers	$77,400	High school diploma or equivalent; company training and certification
Railroad Conductors & Yardmasters	$74,080	High school diploma or equivalent; company training
Boilermakers	$73,340	High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship
Construction & Building Inspectors	$72,120	High school diploma or equivalent; licensure often required
Structural Iron & Steel Workers	$69,700	High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship
Telecommunications Technicians	$64,310	Typically postsecondary nondegree award
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Maintenance Workers & Millwrights	$63,510	High school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	$62,970	High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship
Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Technicians	$62,740	High school diploma or equivalent; postsecondary training often preferred
Wind Turbine Technicians	$62,580	Postsecondary nondegree award
Electricians	$62,350	High school diploma or equivalent; apprenticeship

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a college degree to earn a high salary or build a stable, long-term career. These top-paying trade jobs show that hands-on skills—backed by certifications, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training—can lead to impressive earnings and job security.

Whether you’re starting out or switching paths, the trades offer a faster, more affordable way to join essential industries like construction, energy, transportation, and healthcare technology. And with growing demand across the country, now is the time to explore your options.

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FAQs About the Highest-Paying Trade Jobs

What trade jobs pay over 100k?

Commercial pilots, nuclear reactor operators, power distributors, and elevator installers all surpass six-figure median salaries according to BLS data.

What’s the fastest trade to learn?

Electrician, HVAC technician, and welding careers can often be started in less than a year with certification or apprenticeship.

Do I need a college degree to get a trade job?

No. Most trade jobs require a high school diploma and specialized training or certification—not a bachelor’s degree.

Are trade jobs still in demand?

Yes. The BLS projects strong growth in construction, clean energy, utilities, and infrastructure-related trades through 2033.