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
- Crop Duster
Median Annual Salary: $79,000 - Farmer or Rancher
Median Annual Salary: $73,060 - Farrier
Median Annual Salary: $116,486 - Logging Worker
Median Annual Salary: $46,330 - Professional Fisherman
Median Annual Salary: $29,680
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
- Aircraft Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $65,380 - Appliance Repair
Median Annual Salary: $46,000 - Auto Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $46,880 - Boat Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $93,370 - Diesel Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $48,690 - Elevator Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $97,860 - Facilities Maintenance
Median Annual Salary: $97,930 - Gunsmith
Median Annual Salary: $38,040 - Locksmith
Median Annual Salary: $46,910 - Motorcycle Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $38,170 - Wind Turbine Technician
Median Annual Salary: $56,260
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
- Dental Hygienist
Median Annual Salary: $77,810 - EMT
Median Annual Salary: $35,470 - Home Health Aide
Median Annual Salary: $29,430 - Massage therapist
Median Annual Salary: $46,910 - Paramedic
Median Annual Salary: $46,770 - Phlebotomist
Median Annual Salary: $37,380 - Radiation therapist
Median Annual Salary: $35,470 - Respiratory therapist
Median Annual Salary: $70,540 - Sleep Technologist
Median Annual Salary: $50,000 - Sterile Process Technician
Median Annual Salary: $38,220
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!