Highest Paying Trade Jobs in the US (2026 Rankings)

The highest paying trade jobs in the US pay well over $100,000 per year — without a four-year degree. Elevator installers earn a median of $106,580. Power plant operators hit $103,600. Nuclear technicians top $104,000. These are not outliers; they are the median wages for workers in those trades, meaning half of all workers in these occupations earn even more.

The data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics release — the most comprehensive national wage survey available — makes the case clearly. Skilled trades are not a second-tier career option. For anyone willing to invest in apprenticeship training and licensing, they represent one of the most reliable paths to six-figure income in the United States.

With 500,000+ skilled trade jobs currently unfilled (Associated Builders and Contractors, 2026) and an aging workforce retiring faster than replacements are being trained, wages in the trades are under sustained upward pressure. If you are choosing a trade for income potential, timing has rarely been better.

How we ranked these trades

Every trade on this list is ranked by median annual wage from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2024 (officially released on April 2, 2025). The median is the cleanest number to use: it represents what the worker in the middle of the pay distribution actually earns, unaffected by outliers at either extreme.

A few things to keep in mind as you read:

Median vs. top-10% earnings: The median wage is the floor of a successful career in these trades, not the ceiling. For every occupation listed, the top 10% of earners significantly exceed the median — often by $40,000–$80,000 per year. Union membership, overtime, specialization, and running your own business can push earnings well above the medians shown.

What counts as a “trade”: For this list, we focused on occupations that are primarily entered through apprenticeship, vocational training, or a short-cycle certificate or associate’s degree — not a four-year bachelor’s degree. A few occupations with unique entry requirements (such as nuclear technicians, who typically need an associate’s degree) are included because they meet the spirit of the question: high pay, no four-year degree required.

What’s not on this list: Construction managers and some other roles can earn significantly more than the trades listed here, but they often require a degree or substantial advancement from trade work. This list covers the trade occupations themselves.

The 10 highest paying trade jobs, ranked

*Welding median reflects the full range of welders including entry-level manufacturing roles. Certified pipe welders, underwater welders, and aerospace welders earn considerably more — see the welding section below.

All salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 (officially released on April 2, 2025).

Now let’s go deeper on each trade. For every occupation below, you’ll find what the job actually involves, what the realistic earning range looks like at different career stages, and what training is required to get in.

1. Elevator Installer and Repairer — $106,580 median

Elevator mechanics install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other vertical transportation systems. They work primarily in commercial buildings, hospitals, hotels, and urban high-rises — and the job demands a serious combination of electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical skills.

The median annual wage for elevator and escalator installers and repairers was $106,580 in May 2024, with the highest 10% earning more than $149,250. The lowest 10% — typically early-career apprentices — earned less than $54,720.

This is the highest median wage among all skilled trades that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. The reason is scarcity: there are only around 23,000 elevator mechanics employed in the US, and the work is highly specialized. You cannot get into this trade without going through the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), which runs the primary apprenticeship pathway. Employment of elevator and escalator installers and repairers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.

What drives elevator installer pay so high: Every elevator in every commercial building requires routine maintenance, modernization, and code compliance inspections. Urban infrastructure expansion — new high-rises, hospital expansions, transit systems — creates steady demand. The job also involves serious risk: working in machine rooms and elevator shafts at heights, with high-voltage electrical systems. That risk premium is built into the wage.

Career path: You enter through a 4–5 year IUEC apprenticeship. Apprentices start at roughly 50% of journeyman scale and advance every 6 months. After completing the apprenticeship and passing your state licensing exam, journeyman elevator mechanics earn well above the median. Senior mechanics, inspectors, and contractors frequently earn $130,000–$180,000+.

2. Nuclear Technician — $104,240 median

Nuclear technicians assist nuclear physicists, engineers, and plant operators in power generation facilities and research laboratories. They monitor radiation, operate radiation-monitoring equipment, maintain nuclear equipment, and enforce safety protocols.

The median annual wage for nuclear technicians was $104,240 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $64,370, and the highest 10% earned more than $126,890.

The entry requirement sets this apart from most trades: nuclear technicians typically need an associate’s degree in either nuclear science or a nuclear-related technology. Some enter the occupation with a high school diploma or postsecondary nondegree award plus experience, such as from the military or an apprenticeship. Many nuclear technicians are veterans who worked on naval reactors.

The growth caveat: Employment of nuclear technicians is projected to decline 8 percent from 2024 to 2034. This reflects the aging fleet of nuclear power plants and slow permitting of new ones. Despite declining overall employment, the salaries remain very high for the workers who are in the field — driven by the specialized knowledge required, stringent safety licensing, and the fact that nuclear plant operators cannot easily retrain replacements.

Who this is right for: People with strong math and mechanical aptitude, an interest in energy systems, and a tolerance for strict regulatory environments. Military veterans with nuclear operations experience have a significant advantage entering civilian nuclear roles.

3. Power Plant Operator — $103,600 median

Power plant operators control and monitor the machinery that generates electricity — from conventional thermal plants to nuclear reactors. They work around the clock in shifts, managing complex control room systems, responding to equipment alerts, and adjusting output to match grid demand.

The median annual wage for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers was $103,600 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $62,690, and the highest 10% earned more than $135,500.

Nuclear power reactor operators — the most senior category — earn at the top of this range and require a federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) license, which involves a rigorous written examination and extensive on-the-job qualification. Overall employment of power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is projected to decline 10 percent from 2024 to 2034, largely due to the shift away from coal-fired generation. Renewable energy systems do not require the same level of human operation.

Bottom line: The pay is genuinely exceptional, and the entry path (high school diploma plus extensive on-the-job training) requires no upfront tuition debt. But this is an occupation with a shrinking number of openings, dominated by replacement hiring rather than growth. It rewards patience — you may wait years for an opening, then spend years qualifying for senior operator roles.

4. Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer — $92,560 median

Linemen build and maintain the transmission and distribution infrastructure that delivers electricity from power plants to homes and businesses. They climb utility poles, work on energized lines, install transformers, and respond to outages — often in dangerous conditions and at significant heights.

The median annual wage for electrical power-line installers and repairers was $92,560 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $50,020, and the highest 10% earned more than $126,610.

This is one of the better growth stories among the highest-paying trades. Employment of electrical power-line installers and repairers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. The proliferation of electric vehicles, new housing construction, grid modernization projects, and renewable energy integration are all driving demand for linemen. Every new EV charging network, solar farm, and residential development requires grid connections — and linemen install them.

Entry is typically through a 3–5 year apprenticeship administered by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) or the Utility Workers Union of America (UWUA). Some employers also run their own utility line worker apprenticeship programs. The IBEW Lineman apprenticeship combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training, starting wages in the $20–$27/hour range depending on region.

5. Boilermaker — $73,340 median

Boilermakers assemble, install, and maintain boilers, pressure vessels, and large industrial tanks used in power plants, refineries, chemical plants, and manufacturing facilities. The work is technically complex, physically demanding, and involves welding, rigging, and precision fitting in confined and often hazardous spaces.

The median annual wage for boilermakers was $73,340 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $48,390, and the highest 10% earned more than $107,600.

Employment of boilermakers is projected to decline 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, primarily because the transition away from coal power reduces demand for new boiler installation. However, existing boilers in chemical plants, LNG facilities, water treatment infrastructure, and industrial manufacturing still require ongoing maintenance and repair — and the boilermaker workforce is aging rapidly, creating replacement openings despite overall employment decline.

Union boilermakers — represented by the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers — typically earn well above the median, particularly when working on industrial turnarounds (scheduled plant shutdowns for maintenance) that involve substantial overtime pay.

6. Electrician — $62,350 median (high upside)

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. The median wage of $62,350 understates the realistic earning potential for an experienced journeyman or master electrician significantly.

The median annual wage for electricians was $62,350 in May 2024. The highest 10% earned more than $106,030.

What makes electricians stand out is a combination of strong job growth, widespread demand, and high upside at the master electrician and contractor level. Employment of electricians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 81,000 openings for electricians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

The clean energy transition is the main driver of that growth. Solar installations, EV charging infrastructure buildouts, battery storage systems, and commercial building electrification all require licensed electricians. An IBEW journeyman electrician specializing in solar or industrial work in a high-cost state — Illinois, Washington, California — routinely earns $90,000–$120,000+ per year with overtime. Running your own electrical contracting business is one of the most common paths to $150,000+ in the trades.

Read our step-by-step, complete guide on how to become an electrician in the US in 2026.

7. Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter — $62,970 median

Plumbers install and repair water supply and drain systems in residential and commercial buildings. Pipefitters and steamfitters work with higher-pressure systems in industrial settings — power plants, refineries, shipyards, and chemical facilities — and command higher wages than residential plumbers as a result.

The median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $62,970 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $40,670, and the highest 10% earned more than $105,150.

Employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 44,000 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

The split between plumbers and pipefitters matters for pay. A residential service plumber in a non-union market earns considerably less than an industrial pipefitter working on LNG infrastructure in the Gulf Coast. For maximum earning potential, the pipefitter path — especially through the United Association (UA) — targets industrial construction, which pays significantly above the national median. Master plumbers who run their own businesses in shortage markets routinely earn $100,000–$140,000+.

Read our complete step-by-step guide on how to become a plumber from apprentice to master plumber.

8. Wind Turbine Technician — $62,580 median (fastest growing)

Wind turbine technicians — also called windtechs — inspect, repair, and maintain wind turbines. The work involves climbing towers over 200 feet tall, performing electrical diagnostics, replacing mechanical components, and working in remote outdoor locations.

The median annual wage for wind turbine technicians was $62,580 in May 2024. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,110, and the highest 10% earned more than $88,090.

The growth number is what makes this trade exceptional: employment of wind turbine technicians is projected to grow 50 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That is the single highest growth projection of any occupation on this list — and one of the highest of any occupation in the entire BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

The median pay is lower than several other trades on this list, partly because the field is still young and partly because many positions are in rural or remote areas where cost of living is lower. Experienced windtechs — particularly those who are licensed electricians or who hold advanced turbine-specific certifications — earn considerably more than the median, especially at offshore wind farms.

Entry path: An associate’s degree or 1–2 year certificate in wind energy technology from a community college. Many programs can be completed for under $15,000 in tuition. The training time-to-income ratio is excellent.

9. HVAC Technician — $59,810 median (strong upside)

HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They work in homes, schools, hospitals, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities — and the demand for their services is year-round and recession-resistant.

The median annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $59,810 in May 2024. The highest 10% earned more than $91,020.

Employment of HVAC technicians is projected to grow 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 40,100 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

The growth is driven by two trends running simultaneously: the increasing sophistication of climate control systems requiring more skilled maintenance, and the green building wave pushing adoption of high-efficiency heat pump systems, which require technicians trained on newer technology. HVAC technicians who specialize in commercial refrigeration or industrial HVAC systems — and who hold EPA 608 certification plus state licensing — routinely earn $75,000–$100,000+.

One honest note: HVAC technicians have one of the highest rates of injuries and illnesses of all occupations. The work involves physical demands — working in tight spaces, extreme temperatures, carrying heavy equipment — that you should weigh honestly against the career benefits.

10. Welder (Specialty) — $51,000 median; much higher for certified specialties

The median wage for welders across all industries is $51,000 — the median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $51,000 in May 2024, with the highest 10% earning more than $75,850.

That median is pulled down by the large number of general manufacturing welders doing repetitive production work. Specialty welders — certified pipe welders, underwater welders, aerospace welders, and welders working in the LNG/petroleum pipeline sector — earn in a fundamentally different income range. Certified 6G pipe welders working on industrial construction projects routinely earn $70,000–$120,000+, with premium overtime pushing totals higher.

Employment of welders is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. General manufacturing welding faces pressure from automation. Specialty welding — the kind that requires human judgment, precision certification, and the ability to work in difficult conditions — remains difficult to automate and commands premium wages.

What actually drives trade pay

Looking at the salary ranges across these 10 trades, a few variables consistently separate the workers at the top of the pay scale from those at the median.

Union membership: This is the single largest lever. Among full-time wage and salary workers, nonunion workers had usual median weekly earnings that were 85 percent of earnings for workers who were union members in 2024 ($1,138 compared with $1,337). In construction specifically, the gap is even wider: union construction workers earned a median of $1,530 per week, versus $1,051 for nonunion workers — a 46% difference. Over a 30-year career, that gap compounds significantly.

State and metro area: An electrician in Washington state earns a mean wage of $88,620, while one in Arkansas earns $49,800 — a 78% gap for the same occupation. Union density, cost of living, construction activity, and state prevailing wage laws all drive regional variation.

For a full breakdown of salaries in each trade, use our skilled trades salary calculator to see what you can expect to earn nationally and in your state at every stage of your career.

To see what your specific trade pays in your state — broken down by experience level from first-year apprentice to top specialist — use the salary estimator below. The figures are derived from BLS OEWS May 2024 state-level data.

Specialization and certification: General tradespeople compete on cost. Specialists compete on capability. An HVAC technician certified on commercial refrigeration earns more than one doing residential service calls. A welder with 6G pipe welding certification earns more than a production welder. The specific certifications worth pursuing vary by trade, but investing in them consistently pays off.

Experience and career stage: Apprentice wages start at roughly 40–50% of journeyman scale and step up every 6 months. Reaching journeyman or journey-level status typically takes 4–5 years. The master license, where applicable, opens the door to contracting work and business ownership — the highest income tier in most trades.

Overtime: Most trades pay time-and-a-half for overtime and double-time for holidays and emergency call-outs. Linemen who respond to storm damage, boilermakers on industrial shutdowns, and HVAC technicians during extreme weather regularly work substantial overtime, pushing annual income well above their base rate.

Highest paying trades with no degree

Every trade on this list except nuclear technician (which typically requires an associate’s degree) is fully accessible without a bachelor’s degree. In most cases, the entry path is a registered apprenticeship — a structured, paid earn-while-you-learn program that typically lasts 4–5 years.

The three highest-paying no-degree trades — elevator installer, power-line installer, and boilermaker — all enter through apprenticeship programs run by their respective unions. You earn from your first day on the job, starting at 40–50% of journeyman scale and advancing with regular raises every 6 months.

You can search for registered apprenticeship programs in your trade and state at apprenticeship.gov — the Department of Labor’s official apprenticeship registry. Programs listed there are federally recognized, which matters for pay standards and credential portability.

Highest paying trades for women

Women remain significantly underrepresented in the skilled trades — under 10% of the skilled trades workforce, according to McKinsey’s 2024 labor analysis. That is starting to shift: women in registered apprenticeship programs surged 214% from 2015 to 2024, with nearly 100,000 women now enrolled in registered programs, according to the Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship USA data.

The highest-paying trades for women are the same as the highest-paying trades overall — the pay scales in union trades, particularly, are based on hours worked and certification level, not gender. Many trades (especially union-heavy ones) run on transparent wage steps. That structure reduces “negotiation roulette” because pay is tied to hours and level, not vibes.

That said, some trades have a significantly higher percentage of women already working in them, which can affect the day-to-day experience of being one of the first women in a workplace. Women currently make up a larger share of the HVAC workforce compared to the lineman or boilermaker trades, for example.

Top paying trades by women’s considerations:

Resources specifically for women entering the trades include Tradeswomen Inc. (tradeswomen.org), the National Association of Women in Construction (nawic.org), and Hard Hatted Women (hardhatted.org). Most state apprenticeship programs also have pre-apprenticeship programs specifically designed to help underrepresented groups qualify and compete for registered apprenticeship slots.

How to get into a high-paying trade

1. 1
   Pick the right trade for your situation Match the trade to your physical tolerance, preferred work environment, and income goals. Lineman work pays extremely well but demands outdoor physical work in all weather. Elevator mechanics earn the highest median but have limited openings and competitive entry. HVAC offers faster entry and strong growth. There is no universally “best” trade — the best trade is the one you’ll actually commit to for 10+ years.
2. 2
   Identify the union apprenticeship in your area For the highest-paying trades, union apprenticeships are the primary entry path. Search apprenticeship.gov for registered programs in your state. Contact the local joint apprenticeship training committee (JATC) directly. For electricians, find your local IBEW chapter at ibew.org. For plumbers and pipefitters, find your local UA at ua.org. For elevator mechanics, contact IUEC at iuec.org.
3. 3
   Meet the basic qualifications Most apprenticeship programs require: a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, drug screening, and a qualifying aptitude test (typically a math and reading comprehension test). For electrician and lineman apprenticeships, the math requirement is real — algebra and basic electrical theory are tested. Some programs require a physical examination to confirm ability to meet the job’s physical demands.
4. 4
   Consider a pre-apprenticeship program if you’re not immediately ready If you don’t qualify for an apprenticeship directly, pre-apprenticeship programs — often offered through community colleges, Job Corps, or union training centers — prepare you for the aptitude tests and provide basic trade exposure. They typically run 8–16 weeks and dramatically improve your odds of apprenticeship acceptance. Search for pre-apprenticeship programs through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (nccer.org).
5. 5
   Apply and pass the selection process Apprenticeship programs hold intake periods, typically 1–2 times per year. Application windows are competitive — apply as soon as an intake opens. Programs rank applicants by aptitude test score, sometimes weighted with a structured interview. The IBEW JATC test in particular requires meaningful preparation; study materials are available through the NJATC (njatc.org) and commercial prep sites.
6. 6
   Complete your apprenticeship and earn your journeyman license The apprenticeship typically runs 4–5 years, combining paid on-the-job training with required hours of technical classroom instruction. Your wage steps up every 6 months. At the end, you take your state journeyman licensing exam. Passing that exam is what unlocks the higher salary brackets — it’s non-negotiable.

For a deeper look at your options, see our complete trade school vs college comparison.

Frequently asked questions

What to do next?

If you are serious about entering a high-paying trade, the next clear action is to contact the union apprenticeship in your area for the trade that interests you. Use apprenticeship.gov to find registered programs — filter by state and occupation, then contact the local joint apprenticeship training committee directly. Do not wait for an opening to appear online; most programs require you to show up and register interest in person.

If you are still deciding between trades, our complete guide to [INTERNAL LINK: how to choose a trade career] walks through the comparison by physical demand, income potential, training time, and job growth — including the trades on this list and several more.