Highest Paying Trade Jobs in the US (BLS May 2025 Data)

The highest paying trade jobs in the US pay well over $100,000 per year — without a four-year degree. Elevator installers earn a mean annual wage of $109,820. Nuclear technicians hit $108,940. Power plant operators reach $99,790. These are not outliers; they are the national average wages for workers in those occupations, meaning a large share of experienced workers in these trades earn even more.

The data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) release — published May 15, 2026 — the most comprehensive national wage survey available. 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. Electricians jumped from a $62,350 median in 2024 to a $71,490 mean annual wage in 2025. Plumbers moved from $62,970 to $72,170. The trades are not standing still.

How we ranked these trades

Every trade on this list is ranked by mean annual wage from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2025 (officially released May 15, 2026, report USDL-26-0725). Mean annual wage is used where BLS publishes it directly from the OEWS table; where noted, median hourly figures are also referenced.

A few things to keep in mind as you read:

Mean vs. top-10% earnings: The mean wage shown is the national average for all workers in that occupation — not the ceiling. For every occupation listed, top-10% earners significantly exceed the mean, often by $40,000–$80,000 per year. Union membership, overtime, specialization, and running your own business can push earnings well above what the tables show.

What counts as a “trade”: For this list, we focused on occupations entered through apprenticeship, vocational training, or a short-cycle certificate or associate’s degree — not a four-year bachelor’s degree. Nuclear technicians, who typically need an associate’s degree, are included because they meet the core question: high pay, no four-year degree required.

What’s not on this list: Construction managers and some supervisor roles earn more, but they often require a degree or substantial management experience beyond the trade itself.

The 10 highest paying trade jobs, ranked

All salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (released May 15, 2026, USDL-26-0725).

Note on ranking methodology: Power plant operators are placed at #4 despite ranking below power-line installers in mean wage because of the NRC-licensed nuclear reactor operator category, which earns a mean of $121,380 (BLS, May 2025) — the highest single sub-category among all skilled trades. The broader “power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers” group averages lower. Both numbers are accurate; the context matters.

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 — $109,820 mean annual wage

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 mean annual wage for elevator and escalator installers and repairers was $109,820 in May 2025 (BLS), up from $106,580 in May 2024. With 23,790 workers employed nationally, this is a small but exceptionally well-compensated occupation. The median hourly wage is $52.84 — meaning the worker in the middle of the distribution earns roughly $109,800 annualized at full-time hours.

This is the highest mean wage among all skilled trades that don’t require a bachelor’s degree. The reason is scarcity: there are only around 23,000–24,000 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.

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.

For a full salary breakdown, read our guide Elevator Installer and Repairer Salary: What You Can Earn in 2026.

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 mean. Senior mechanics, inspectors, and contractors frequently earn $130,000–$180,000+.

See the complete career path breakdown: How to Become an Elevator Installer and Repairer.

2. Nuclear Technician — $108,940 mean annual wage

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 mean annual wage for nuclear technicians was $108,940 in May 2025 (BLS), up from $104,240 in May 2024. With 6,470 workers employed nationally, this is among the smallest specialized occupations on this list.

The entry requirement sets this apart from most trades: nuclear technicians typically need an associate’s degree in nuclear science or a nuclear-related technology. Some enter with a high school diploma plus experience 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 over the coming decade, reflecting the aging fleet of nuclear power plants and slow permitting of new ones. Despite declining overall employment, salaries remain high for workers in the field — driven by the specialized knowledge required, stringent safety licensing, and the difficulty of retraining replacements quickly.

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. Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer — $91,970 mean annual wage

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 mean annual wage for electrical power-line installers and repairers was $91,970 in May 2025 (BLS), with a median hourly wage of $45.83. The lowest 10% — typically early-career linemen — earn considerably less; the highest 10% earn well above $120,000 annually when overtime is included.

This is one of the better growth stories among the highest-paying trades. Grid modernization projects, the proliferation of EV charging infrastructure, renewable energy integration, and new residential and commercial construction all drive sustained demand for linemen. Every new solar farm, EV charging network, and housing 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). Starting wages in the $20–$27/hour range depending on region, stepping up every 6 months.

4. Power Plant Operator — $99,790 mean annual wage

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 mean annual wage for power plant operators was $99,790 in May 2025 (BLS). Within this category, nuclear power reactor operators earn a mean annual wage of $121,380 — the highest single sub-category of any skilled trade occupation in the BLS database. Power distributors and dispatchers earn a mean of $111,320.

Nuclear power reactor operators 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 is projected to decline, largely due to the shift away from coal-fired generation. Renewable energy systems do not require the same level of human operation as traditional thermal plants.

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 shrinking openings, dominated by replacement hiring rather than growth.

5. Boilermaker — $80,090 mean annual wage

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 mean annual wage for boilermakers was $80,090 in May 2025 (BLS) — a significant jump from $73,340 in May 2024, an increase of nearly $6,750 in a single year. With 10,190 workers employed nationally, this is a small and highly specialized workforce.

Employment of boilermakers is projected to decline over the coming decade, 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 mean, particularly when working on industrial turnarounds (scheduled plant shutdowns for maintenance) that involve substantial overtime pay.

6. Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter — $72,170 mean annual wage

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 mean annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $72,170 in May 2025 (BLS), with a median hourly wage of $30.67. This is a notable jump from $62,970 in May 2024 — an increase of over $9,200 in one year, one of the largest single-year wage gains of any skilled trade in the 2025 data release.

Employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected to grow approximately 4 percent through 2034. 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. Master plumbers who run their own businesses in shortage markets routinely earn $100,000–$140,000+.

Read our complete guide on how to become a plumber and the full plumber salary breakdown.

7. Electrician — $71,490 mean annual wage

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. The mean wage of $71,490 significantly understates the realistic earning potential for an experienced journeyman or master electrician.

The mean annual wage for electricians was $71,490 in May 2025 (BLS), with 757,220 electricians employed nationally — making this the largest occupation on this list by employment. This is also one of the biggest wage gains in the 2025 release: up from $62,350 in May 2024, an increase of over $9,140 in one year.

What makes electricians stand out is a combination of strong job growth, widespread demand across every sector of the economy, and high upside at the master electrician and contractor level. Employment of electricians is projected to grow 9.5 percent through 2034 — triple 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 primary 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 complete guide: How to Become an Electrician in the US and the full electrician salary breakdown.

8. Millwright — $69,780 mean annual wage

Millwrights install, align, disassemble, and move heavy industrial machinery and mechanical equipment in manufacturing plants, power generation facilities, construction sites, and warehouses. The work spans precision alignment of turbines and conveyor systems, installation of robotics and automated equipment, and diagnosis of mechanical failures that would shut down an entire production line.

The mean annual wage for millwrights was $69,780 in May 2025 (BLS), up from $63,510 in May 2024 — an increase of over $6,200. With 40,330 millwrights employed nationally, this is a relatively small but growing occupation.

What makes millwrights stand out beyond the salary is the growth trajectory: employment of millwrights is projected to grow 13 percent through 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. That growth is driven by reshoring of US manufacturing, the expansion of data centers, buildout of renewable energy infrastructure, and the rapid adoption of industrial automation — all of which require millwrights to install and maintain the underlying mechanical systems.

What drives millwright pay: The trade sits at the intersection of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems. A skilled millwright reads blueprints, uses precision measuring instruments, rigs and moves multi-ton equipment, and troubleshoots complex machinery under production pressure. Employers in manufacturing and energy cannot afford downtime — which means experienced millwrights command serious leverage in wage negotiations.

To compare state-by-state millwright salaries, read Millwright Salary by State (2026 Data Guide). For the complete career path, see How to Become a Millwright.

9. Wind Turbine Technician — $68,980 mean annual wage (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 mean annual wage for wind turbine service technicians was $68,980 in May 2025 (BLS), up from $62,580 in May 2024 — an increase of over $6,400. With 9,980 workers employed nationally, this remains a small occupation, but the growth trajectory is unlike anything else in the trades.

Employment of wind turbine technicians is projected to grow 60 percent from 2023 to 2033 (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook) — the single highest growth projection of any occupation on this list, and one of the highest of any occupation in the entire US labor market.

The mean pay is lower than several other trades on this list, partly because the field is still maturing and partly because many positions are in rural or remote areas. Experienced windtechs — particularly those who are licensed electricians or hold advanced turbine-specific certifications — earn considerably more than the mean, 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.

For a more detailed breakdown, read: Wind Turbine Technician Salary (2026 Data) and How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician.

10. HVAC Technician — $64,780 mean annual wage

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 mean annual wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers was $64,780 in May 2025 (BLS), with 409,670 HVAC technicians employed nationally. Employment of HVAC technicians is projected to grow 8.1 percent through 2034 — significantly faster than the average for all occupations.

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 higher rates of injuries and illnesses of occupations in the trades. The work involves physical demands — working in tight spaces, extreme temperatures, carrying heavy equipment — that you should weigh honestly against the career benefits.

Our guide on how to become an HVAC technician walks through the training path, licensing requirements, and career progression with specific timelines and costs. For pay by state, read the full HVAC technician salary guide.

What about welders (specialty)? — $56,760 mean annual; much higher for certified specialties

The mean annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $56,760 in May 2025 (BLS), up from $51,000 in May 2024 — an increase of nearly $5,800. With 416,210 welders employed nationally, this is the largest production-side occupation in the skilled trades.

That mean 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 LNG/petroleum pipeline construction — 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 approximately 2–3 percent through 2034. 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.

Read our full breakdown: Welder Salary in the US: What You’ll Actually Earn (2026) and How to Become a Welder.

What actually drives trade pay

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

Union membership: This is the single largest lever. BLS data shows union construction workers earned a median of $1,530 per week in 2024 compared to $1,051 for non-union workers — a 46% gap. Beyond base wages, union members also typically receive employer pension contributions, health insurance, and paid apprenticeship training. The lifetime financial difference between a union and non-union trade career is substantial.

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. Use our skilled trades salary calculator to see what your specific trade pays in your state.

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 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 power plant operator — all enter through apprenticeship programs or extensive on-the-job training. You earn from your first day, starting at 40–50% of journeyman scale and advancing with regular raises every 6 months.

No-degree path to $100K: the realistic timeline

• Year 1: Enter apprenticeship — earn ~$20–$27/hr while learning
• Years 2–3: Advance through apprenticeship levels with regular wage increases
• Years 4–5: Complete apprenticeship, pass journeyman exam, reach full journeyman wage
• Years 6–10: Build specialty skills, accumulate overtime, pursue master license or supervisor roles
• Year 10+: Master tradesperson or contractor earning $90,000–$150,000+

Search for registered apprenticeship programs in your trade and state at apprenticeship.gov — the Department of Labor’s official apprenticeship registry.

Highest paying trades for women

Women remain significantly underrepresented in the skilled trades — under 10% of the skilled trades workforce (McKinsey, 2024). 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 (Department of Labor Apprenticeship USA data).

The highest-paying trades for women are the same as the highest-paying trades overall. Union trades pay by hours worked and certification level, not gender — the transparent wage step structure eliminates negotiation roulette.

Resources for women entering the trades: Tradeswomen Inc. (tradeswomen.org), the National Association of Women in Construction (nawic.org), and Hard Hatted Women (hardhatted.org).

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 mean wage 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. 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 math and reading comprehension). For electrician and lineman apprenticeships, the math requirement is real — algebra and basic electrical theory are tested.
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 — 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 acceptance.
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).
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.

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 (JATC) 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 trade school and a college degree, read our detailed comparison of trade school vs. college.