List of Skilled Trades

Download PDF List of Trades

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Explore more than 100 types of trades that make great careers. Every item in the list is organized by industry and lists the median annual salary.

Skip to the industry you are most interested in using the links below. 

Construction Trades

Construction trades include flooring, carpentry, painting, plumbing, masonry, electrical careers, and more. Many construction workers learn with on-the-job training or as an apprentice under an experienced journeyman.

Plumbers, electricians, and other trades may require some education combined with an apprenticeship.

The construction industry is facing unprecedented shortages with shortages expected to top half a million in 2023 (Association Builders and Contractors). This means there has never been a better time to consider a construction career. 

Agriculture Trades

Agricultural trades are more than just farmers. These careers can also have you working on the ocean, in the air, or in forests across the world. Many of these jobs require working outdoors and can be more dangerous than some other skilled trade sectors.

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9-pages of skilled trades categorized by industry. Perfect for parents, educators, and counselors for career exploration
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Food + Culinary Trades

Skilled trade workers in the food industry can range from working as a waiter to creating masterpieces as a chef. The industry requires exceptional customer service skills and the ability to work nights and weekends. Most food trades require little to no education. Chefs will require culinary training, while most other positions can be learned on the job.

  • Bartender


    $26,350
    Career Guide Coming Soon

  • Butcher


    $36,050
    Career Guide Coming Soon

  • Chef/Head Cook


    $50,160
    Career Guide Coming Soon

  • Food Service Manager


    $59,440
    Career Guide Coming Soon

  • Food Service Worker


    $25,980
    Career Guide Coming Soon

Maintenance and Repair Trades

Maintenance and repair trades are filled with opportunities. From automotive repair to a general home repairmen – there is plenty of jobs waiting for you.

These careers usually require vocational training combined with on-the-job training. The shortages in this industry are also large with an estimated shortage of 642,000 automotive, diesel, and collision technicians possible by 2024. (Auto Service World)

Manufacturing Trades

Manufacturing trade jobs are experiencing a huge decline in workers making it a top pick for those looking for a new career. Millwrights, lineman, and welders are just a few of the many trade careers that are looking for new tradeworkers to enter the industry.

Recent surveys show 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030 (National Association of Manufacturers).

Manufacturing jobs are critical to our daily lives. In these jobs you will be a part of the process that creates other products. The opportunities in manufacturing are large and diverse.

Healthcare Trades

The medical worker shortage is straining our healthcare system. Trades in the medical industry require a lower barrier to entry with less education than other medical jobs. But these healthcare careers can bring great opportunities. 58% of medical practices reported staffing as their biggest challenge in 2023.  (MGMA)

Service Trades

Service based trades are those workers that provide a service of some sort. From manual labor to working retails, these careers usually have a lower barrier to entry.

Transportation Trades

Skilled trades in transportation are those that require your handling of a moving vehicle. Transporting people and products is the goal of those jobs. From flying high in the sky to ocean transport, there are no shortage of opportunities. Shortages of workers are large in transportation as well. 96% of transit agencies reported experiencing a workforce shortage, with 84% adding that this shortage is affecting their service. (APTA)

Additional Trades

A few extra opportunities to become a tradesperson that do not quite fit into any specific category.

trade careers list

Not sure if a trade career is right for you? Take one of these free career tests and see what jobs match your personality, education, and passions. Now, onto the list so you can see what trades there are waiting for you!

Skilled Trade Requirements

Each of the above trade professions will have specific requirements for working in the field.

Tradespeople typically need to meet a few general requirements to get started.

  • Be over 18 years of age
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Attend a trade school or technical college to get classroom and hands-on training
  • Secure and complete an apprenticeship which provides on-the-job-training under a more experienced worker

Work experience will be very important as a tradeworker and can help you achieve higher earnings. The more invested you are in your training and education, the more successful you can be.

Ready to find a trade school near you? Go ahead and check out our list of vocational schools to get started!

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