List of Skilled Trades

Explore over 80 trade careers that need workers like you!

Download PDF List of Trades

Agriculture Trade Careers

Agricultural jobs without degrees offer hands-on work in farming, equipment operation, fishing, and more. Many of these jobs provide good wages and career growth as well as self-employment opportunities.

Animal Careers

You may be surprised to know that there are animal jobs available that do not require a degree! So, if you love animals you have come to the right place to find that animal career that does not require college.

Aviation Careers

There is a lot to know about choosing a career in aviation, but the most important thing is to do your research. Make sure you are passionate about flying and working with planes because it's not an easy career path. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to become a pilot or aviation worker, but the rewards are worth it.

Construction Trade Careers

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.

Healthcare & Medical

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)

Maintenance & Repair Careers

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 Careers

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.

Mechanical Careers

If taking things apart and putting them back together sounds like fun, then a mechanical trade career would be a perfect fit. College is not required for these jobs but the opportunity for growth and great experiences is definitely there.

Transportation Careers

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)

Utility Careers

Getting a job in the utility industry without a degree is a possibility! Whether you want to get into electricity, gas or even water - there are so many jobs that offer great salaries, opportunities for growth and more.