List Of Skilled Trades

We know the choices can be overwhelming that is why we created the most comprehensive list of skilled trades you can find. There has never been a better time for you to get into the trades!

Check out some of these industry statistics:

  • 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030 (National Association of Manufacturers)
  • Construction workforce shortage tops half a million in 2023 (Association Builders and Contractors)
  • An estimated shortage of 642,000 automotive, diesel, and collision technicians is possible by 2024. (Auto Service World)
  • 58% of medical practices reported staffing as their biggest challenge in 2023. (MGMA)
  • 96% of transit agencies reported experiencing a workforce shortage, with 84% adding that this shortage is affecting their service. (APTA)

What does this mean for you? It means there is a lot of opportunity out there waiting for you in all different types of trades.

You can skip to a specific skilled trade career sector using the buttons below, or scroll the page and view all the opportunities waiting for you!

Construction Skilled Trades

  • Carpenter
    Median Annual Salary: $48,260
  • Electrician
    Median Annual Salary: $60,040
  • Plumber, Pipefitter or Steamfitter
    Median Annual Salary: $59,880
  • Mason
    Median Annual Salary: $48,040
  • Painter
    Median Annual Salary: $45,590
  • HVAC Technician
    Median Annual Salary: $48,630
  • Boilermaker
    Median Annual Salary: $64,290
  • Flooring Installer
    Median Annual Salary: $47,310
  • Cement & Concrete Finisher
    Median Annual Salary: $48,040
  • Electrical Technician
    Median Annual Salary: $63,640
  • Fencer
    Median Annual Salary: $37,700
  • Glaziers
    Median Annual Salary: $47,180
  • Construction & Building Inspector
    Median Annual Salary: $61,640
  • Insulation Worker
    Median Annual Salary: $46,760
  • Ironworker
    Median Annual Salary: $48,830
  • Roofer
    Median Annual Salary: $47,110
  • Sheet Metal Worker
    Median Annual Salary: $53,440
  • Solar PV Installer
    Median Annual Salary: $47,670

Agriculture Skilled Trades

Food Skilled Trades

  • Bartender
    Median Annual Salary: $26,350
  • Butcher
    Median Annual Salary: $36,050
  • Chefs / Head Cook
    Median Annual Salary: $50,160
  • Food Service Manager
    Median Annual Salary: $59,440
  • Food Service Workers
    Median Annual Salary: $25,980

Maintenance and Repair Skilled Trades

Manufacturing Skilled Trades

  • CNC Programmer
    Median Annual Salary: $60,800
  • Fiberglass Fabricator
    Median Annual Salary: $38,110
  • Glassblower
    Median Annual Salary: $49,960
  • Iron Worker
    Median Annual Salary: $48,830
  • Line Installer
    Median Annual Salary: $78,310
  • Machinists
    Median Annual Salary: $48,510
  • Material Moving Machine Operator
    Median Annual Salary: $38,380
  • Metal Fabricator
    Median Annual Salary: $37,170
  • Millwright
    Median Annual Salary: $59,380
  • Welder / Welding
    Median Annual Salary: $47,010
  • Tool & Die Makers
    Median Annual Salary: $57,000

Medical Skilled Trades

Service Skilled Trades

  • 911 Operator
    Median Annual Salary: $46,670
  • Exterminator
    Median Annual Salary: $37,540
  • Florist
    Median Annual Salary: $29,880
  • Garbage Collector
    Median Annual Salary: $30,320
  • Hazardous Materials Removal
    Median Annual Salary: $46,300
  • Jeweler
    Median Annual Salary: $46,640
  • Landscaper/Groundskeeper
    Median Annual Salary: $35,460
  • Life Coach
    Median Annual Salary: $38,970
  • Luthier
    Median Annual Salary: $37,160
  • Mailman
    Median Annual Salary: $51,730
  • Maintenance + Repair Worker
    Median Annual Salary: $43,180
  • Mortician
    Median Annual Salary: $58,900
  • Patrol Officer
    Median Annual Salary: $65,790
  • Pet Groomer
    Median Annual Salary: $28,600
  • Watch Repairer
    Median Annual Salary: $44,250

Transportation Skilled Trades

  • Air Traffic Controllers
    Median Annual Salary: $132,250
  • Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor
    Median Annual Salary: $53,490
  • Bus Driver
    Median Annual Salary: $45,760
  • Flight Attendant
    Median Annual Salary: $61,640
  • Freight Broker
    Median Annual Salary: $46,910
  • Heavy Equipment Operator
    Median Annual Salary: $48,290
  • Helicopter Pilot
    Median Annual Salary: $202,180
  • Train Conductor
    Median Annual Salary: $64,150
  • Truck Driver
    Median Annual Salary: $48,310

Additional Skilled Trades

  • Commercial Diver
    Median Annual Salary: $60,360
  • Quality control inspector
    Median Annual Salary: $38,580
  • Roustabout
    Median Annual Salary: $38,920
  • Woodworker
    Median Annual Salary: $36,710

Getting Started In A Trade Career

While a four year degree is not required, there will be some steps you will have to complete to get into just about any trade job.

In most cases you will need the following:

  • 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

Experience will be very important to grow into your chosen career and command higher earnings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Trade Careers Worth It?

Yes, trade careers are worth it. Trade jobs can offer a high level of job security, above-average pay, great benefits, and growth opportunities for those that work hard and continue growing their skills.

How Do You Choose A Trade?

Think about the things you enjoy, the environments you work best in, and where you might see yourself in a few years. Talking to people in existing fields or you are interested in or reading our career profiles can help you determine if a specific career might be right for you.

What Are Trade Skills?

Trade skills are those that focus on learning hands-on skills, technical skills, or practical skills instead of a traditional education degree that a traditional college may provide.