10 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs in 2025

High paying trade jobs offer strong earning potential and steady job security, even without a four-year college or bachelor's degree. Different types of trades are increasingly in demand, yet often only require hands-on skills gained through vocational schools, community colleges, or apprenticeship programs.

Keep reading to see which trade jobs pay well, along with tips for training and success.

10 Best High-Paying Trade Jobs in the US

Trade jobs can be attractive career choices for those who want to quickly enter the workforce. From health to mechanics, there are many career paths trade workers can pursue. These high-paying trade jobs not only offer good salaries but also provide job security since many of these positions are in demand.

The following salary information was sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which provides official data on wages, employment trends, and job outlooks across various industries. Please note that these salaries are based on national averages. The actual salary will vary depending on experience level, geographic area, and other factors.

1. Elevator/Escalator Installers and Repairers

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers work to maintain machinery and ensure accuracy and safety. These skilled technicians fix things like elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. They often acquire their expertise through extensive apprenticeship programs that cover mechanical, electrical, and safety practices. Licensure requirements vary by state.

Given the expertise required, these workers earn an estimated median salary of $102,420 annually, making it one of the top trades that pay well.

2. Nuclear Technicians and Repairers

Nuclear technicians monitor nuclear energy production, conduct radiation testing, and maintain nuclear imaging equipment to ensure safety and efficiency. They typically hold an associate degree in nuclear science or a related healthcare technology field, acquiring specialized skills through intensive technical training and certification programs.

These technicians often collaborate with technologists to handle complex equipment requiring meticulous safety protocols (e.g., diagnostic medical sonographers). With a median annual salary of around $101,000, nuclear technicians rank among today's highest paying trade jobs.

3. Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers

Power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers manage systems that generate and distribute electricity to homes and businesses. To ensure reliable, safe power delivery, these skilled trades professionals monitor and perform troubleshooting on equipment like:

• generators
• turbines
• reactors

With an estimated median salary of $100,890, this occupation ranks among the highest paying trade jobs — and they typically only require a high school diploma plus extensive on-the-job training. These roles remain in demand within the current job market; however, automation and technology may impact future employment.

4. Radiation Therapists

Radiation therapists administer targeted radiation treatments to patients battling diseases such as cancer. These healthcare professionals operate advanced imaging equipment, including devices producing X-rays, carefully following safety protocols and physician guidelines to deliver precise treatments.

Typically, a radiation therapist must hold an associate degree and obtain state licensure — though some jobs may require a bachelor's degree. With a median annual salary of $98,300, radiation therapy offers strong earning potential, positioning it among high paying trade jobs that provide meaningful, rewarding career opportunities.

5. Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Nuclear medicine technologists administer radioactive medications, known as radiopharmaceuticals, to patients for diagnostic imaging and treatment purposes. These healthcare technologists operate advanced imaging equipment to capture detailed scans of internal organs and tissues. They collaborate closely with diagnostic medical sonographers and other medical professionals.

This role typically requires an associate degree and completion of certification programs. The specialized skills involved contribute to a median annual salary of $92,500, positioning nuclear medicine among today's top trades in demand with attractive earning potential.

6. Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists specialize in preventive oral hygiene, performing tasks such as cleaning teeth, examining patients for oral diseases, and educating individuals on dental health. They typically complete an associate degree and must obtain state licensure to practice.

With a favorable growth rate driven by increasing demand for preventive care, dental hygienists enjoy a median annual salary of $87,530, making this role one of the top trades in demand.

7. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Electrical power-line installers and repairers, commonly called line workers, are specialized electricians who work on power systems that deliver electricity to homes and businesses. They often work outdoors in challenging weather, installing, inspecting, and repairing high-voltage cables and poles.

It typically includes on-the-job-training — and sometimes apprenticeship programs — and industry-specific certifications to develop the specialized skills required. With infrastructure upgrades fueling job growth, line workers earn a median annual salary of around $85,420, ranking among today's high-paying trade jobs.

8. Aircraft Mechanics and Technicians

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians, often known as aircraft mechanics, perform critical maintenance, inspections, and troubleshooting on essential aircraft components. Their expertise extends to:

• engines
• avionics systems
• hydraulic and pneumatic systems

They gain extensive hands-on experience through associate degree programs, specialized vocational school training, or military service, followed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification programs. Due to steady growth in air travel and an emphasis on aviation safety, aircraft mechanics earn a median annual salary of about $75,400. This strong demand places them among the best trades to get into today.

9. Electrical Engineering Technicians

Electrical and electronics engineering technicians assist engineers in developing, testing, and maintaining systems and devices. They set up and run experiments, record data, and use strong problem-solving skills to ensure equipment functions properly.

Typically, these technicians complete a training program at community colleges, such as an associate degree in electrical or electronic technology. With their expertise crucial to product quality and innovation, these technicians earn a median salary of about $72,800.

10. Boilermakers

Boilermakers build, install, maintain, and repair boilers, as well as tanks and other large vessels that hold liquids or gases under pressure. These roles often require:

• welding
• heavy lifting
• interpreting detailed blueprints
• travel to worksites

These professionals typically only need a high school diploma and train through structured apprenticeship programs to gain extensive hands-on experience. Due to the demanding nature of the work, boilermakers earn a median salary of $71,140, ranking among the top high-paying trade jobs in today's market.

How To Secure a High-Paying Trade Job

Securing a high-paying trade job involves targeted vocational training, hands-on apprenticeships, and essential certifications. Specializing within your trade, staying current with industry advancements, and targeting employers in high-demand regions will significantly boost your earning potential.

1. Explore High-Paying Trade Careers

Begin by researching high paying trade jobs that align with your interests and strengths. Explore sectors such as healthcare, aviation, energy, or construction, and consider enrolling in good trade schools to get started.

2. Get Proper Training and Certifications

Enroll in accredited vocational programs, apprenticeships, or trade schools that provide specialized training. Many trades require certifications, associate degrees, or licenses, so prioritize obtaining the credentials relevant to your field.

Rigorous, hands-on training will boost your marketability and help you secure high paying trade jobs in competitive sectors.

3. Gain Hands-On Experience

Seek apprenticeships, internships, or entry-level positions within your chosen trade. Practical experience helps you develop core skills, understand workplace dynamics, and build a professional network. Employers value hands-on training, which can significantly elevate your earning potential and speed up career advancement.

4. Specialize and Get Advanced Certifications

Specializing within your trade and pursuing advanced certifications can increase your income. Consider areas like advanced diagnostics, renewable energy, or specialized healthcare techniques. Employers often reward specialized skills with higher salaries, making it crucial to stand out in trades that pay well.

5. Find High-Paying Employers and Locations

Research employers and geographic regions that offer higher compensation for your trade. Urban areas or states with robust infrastructure investment may provide better pay, as do companies with strong reputations for benefits and advancement. Flexibility to relocate can open doors to the highest paying trade jobs.

6. Keep Learning and Upgrade Your Skills

Stay up to date with industry advances and new technologies through workshops, professional certifications, or continuing education. By learning new techniques or expanding your skill set, you remain adaptable, competitive, and ready for higher-paying roles in your trade.

FAQs About Skilled Trades That Pay Well

It's important to make informed decisions about the best vocational career paths available; however, even with research, you may still have questions. Here are answers to common questions about trades that pay well.

What Are The Best Trades To Get Into?

The best trades to get into provide strong salaries and stable job prospects, positioning them among the highest-paying jobs without needing a bachelor's degree. These include:

• elevator installation
• HVAC technicians
• plumbers
• carpentry
• electrical line installation
• dental hygiene
• licensed practical nurse
• respiratory therapist
• radiation therapy
• aircraft maintenance

Emerging careers like wind turbine technician, solar installer, and ironworker also offer rapid growth.

Learn More: Do Trade Schools Pay You To Attend?

What Is The Easiest Trade To Learn?

The easiest trades to learn typically include careers such as plumbing, carpentry, HVAC technicians, pipefitters, and construction workers. They require minimal prerequisites — usually just a high school diploma or GED — and provide quick hands-on training.

Some of the highest paying blue-collar jobs don't require a bachelor's degree. These trades often feature short training periods at vocational schools or community colleges.

Learn More: Fastest Trades To Learn

What Are The Highest Paying Trades Without A Degree?

Some top-paying careers that don't require a four-year degree include elevator installers and repairers, power-line installers, boilermakers, construction workers, HVAC technicians, and plumbers. Many require apprenticeship programs, certifications, or vocational training rather than a traditional college path.

With strong growth rates and steady employment, these positions represent some of the best trades for excellent salaries and long-term stability.

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