Looking for a comprehensive list of skilled trades? College not your thing? Have a child who is just not interested in spending four more years behind a desk?
We hear everyone loud and clear – and you just landed on the best list of trade careers out there!
And, there has never been a better time 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.
List Of Skilled Trade Jobs
Below are some of the most popular skilled trade jobs for you to consider. Most of these jobs require less than 2-years of education and an apprenticeship to get started.
Eventually we will have a “how to become” page for every trade on this list so you can learn more about what it takes to do these jobs!
Skip To A Career Pathway
Construction Skilled Trades
- Carpenter
Median Annual Salary: $48,260 - Electrician
- Plumber
Median Annual Salary: $59,880 - Pipe Fitter and Steam Fitter
- Mason
- Painter
- HVAC Technician
Median Annual Salary: $48,630 - Boilermaker
Median Annual Salary: $64,290 - Carpet Layer
- Cement & Concrete Finisher
Median Annual Salary: $48,040 - Electrical Systems Technician
- Emergency Management
- Fencer
- Glaziers
- Home Inspector
- Home Remodeling & Repair
- Insulation Worker
- Ironworker
Median Annual Salary: $48,830 - Roofer
Median Annual Salary: $47,110 - Sheet Metal Worker
- Solar Installer
Agriculture Skilled Trades
- Animal Husbandry
- Crop Duster
Median Annual Salary: $79,000 - Farmer
Median Annual Salary: $73,060 - Farrier
Median Annual Salary: $116,486 - Landscaping Technology
- Logging Worker
Median Annual Salary: $46,330 - Professional Fisherman
Median Annual Salary: $29,680 - Rancher
- Tree Faller
- Tree Trimmer or Pruners
Food Skilled Trades
- Bartender
- Butcher
- Cook
- Food Service Manager
- Private Chef
- Waiter/Waitress
Maintenance and Repair Skilled Trades
- Aircraft Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $65,380 - Appliance Repair
- 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
- Gunsmith
Median Annual Salary: $38,040 - Locksmith
Median Annual Salary: $46,910 - Motorcycle Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $38,170 - Solar PV Installer
- Wind Turbine Technician
Median Annual Salary: $56,260
Manufacturing Skilled Trades
- CNC Programmer
- Fiberglass Fabricator
- Glassblower
Median Annual Salary: $49,960 - Iron Worker
- Line Installer
Median Annual Salary: $78,310 - Machinists
- Material Moving Machine Operator
- Metal Fabricator
Median Annual Salary: $51,370 - Millwright
Median Annual Salary: $59,380 - Welder / Welding
Median Annual Salary: $47,010 - Tool & Die Makers
Medical Skilled Trades
- Dental Hygienist
- EMT
Median Annual Salary: $35,470 - Home Health Aide
- Lab technician
- Massage therapist
- Paramedic
- Phlebotomist
Median Annual Salary: $37,380 - Radiation therapist
- Respiratory therapist
- Sleep Technologist
- Sterile Process Technician
Median Annual Salary: $38,220
Service Skilled Trades
- 911 Operator
Median Annual Salary: $46,670 - Dog Walker
- Exterminator
Median Annual Salary: $37,540 - Flight Attendant
- Florist
Median Annual Salary: $29,880 - Garbage Collector
Median Annual Salary: $30,320 - Hazardous Materials Removal
- Jeweler
Median Annual Salary: $46,640 - Landscaper/Groundskeeper
- Life Coach
Median Annual Salary: $38,970 - Luthier
Median Annual Salary: $37,160 - Mailman
Median Annual Salary: $51,730 - Maintenance + Repair Worker
- Mortician
Median Annual Salary: $74,000 - Patrol Officer
- Pet Groomer
Median Annual Salary: $28,600 - Watch Repairer
Median Annual Salary: $44,250
Transportation Skilled Trades
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Aircraft Cargo Handler
- Airfield Operations Specialist
- Asphalt Paver
- Bus Driver
- Deckhand/Deck Cadet
- Flight Attendant
- Freight Broker
Median Annual Salary: $46,910 - Heavy Equipment Operator
Median Annual Salary: $48,290 - Helicopter Pilot
Median Annual Salary: $202,180 - Mates
- Oilers
- Sailor
- Taxi Driver
- Traffic Technician
- Train Conductor
Median Annual Salary: $64,150 - Truck Driver
Median Annual Salary: $48,310
Other Skilled Trades
- Commercial Diver
- Meter Reader
- Utility Marker
- Quality control inspector
- Roustabout
Median Annual Salary: $38,920 - Umpire/Referee
- Professional Translator
- Woodworker
Reasons To Consider a Skilled Trade Career
While a college degree has always been seen as the “American Dream” with promises of job security, high pay, and plentiful opportunities – there is so much more to consider.
Many people go to college, not really knowing what they really want to do in life. How does an 18 year old know what they want to do in 10 years? They, then spend four years going through the motions – usually collecting a lot of debt along the way.
Then, they graduate and wind up working in a job that they did not even go to school for – or if they do go into their field, realize they hate it.
This is why it is important to have a discussion with kids about opportunities! A trade career may not be seen as the better option but it is what keeps America running, so we think they are very much a better option.
So when should someone consider a leap into the trades?
- When they 100% know that college is not for them
- They are bored or tired of their existing career path and want a change
- When they want to find a job that is more lucrative than their existing job
- If they love working with their hands and creating or fixing things
These are just a few signs a trade career might be a good fit. Our trade career guides can help you learn more about potential jobs to help you see if a career might be right for you.
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
Ready to find a trade school near you? Go ahead and check out our list of vocational schools to get started!
Every career is a bit different so be sure to do your research before you take that big step!