Top 15 Highest Paying Trade Jobs (With Salaries)

You don’t need a college degree to get a high paying trade job, despite what many people say. College isn’t for everyone and a trade job is perfect if you want to use your hard skills and work with your hands everyday.

If getting a career in the trades is what you want, we have a list of the highest paying trade jobs. We will also go over how a trade job is different from a job that requires a degree.

Key Takeaways:

• Some of the highest paid trades include being a plumber, an commercial airline pilot, and a construction manager.

• Between 2020 and 2030, the commercial pilot career is expected to grow 13% and produce 14,700 job opportunities across the U.S.

• Between 2020 and 2030, the radiation therapist career is expected to grow 11% and produce 23,100 job opportunities across the U.S.

• Trade jobs do not require any sort of college education. Instead training comes from vocational or experiential learning.

Top 15 highest paying trade jobs

1. Fire Chief

   Average Annual Salary: $53,000
   Job Outlook: Fire chief jobs are projected to grow 8% and produce 1,300 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2018 and 2028, according to the BLS

   The level of education required to become a Fire Chief will depend mostly on the location. To become a Fire Chief, many departments might ask you to have previous experience as an emergency medical technician. You must also have a prior background as a Fire Capitan.

   Most places require you to have at least ten years of experience before being considered to be a Fire Chief.

   According to our Zippia Careers website, Alaska, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts are some of the highest paying states for Fire Chiefs.

   Find Fire Chief jobs near me

2. Commercial Diver

   Average Annual Salary: $49,000
   Job Outlook: Commercial driver jobs are projected to grow 13% and produce 46,300 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2018 and 2028, according to the BLS

   A Commercial Diver is a person that inspects and procure items at the bottom of a large body of water. To become a commercial diver, you will need a high school diploma or your GED. You will also be required to pass the diving physical exam and be a good swimmer.

   Surprisingly enough, commercial divers are not required to have a scuba diving license. As you progress in this field, you can earn as much as $136,000.

   Find Commercial Diver jobs near me

3. Plumber

   Average Annual Salary: $56,000
   Job Outlook: Plumber jobs are projected to grow 5% and produce 23,400 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2020 and 2030, according to the BLS

   A plumber may be the first thing you think of when you think of a trade job. A plumber is a person that is responsible for the maintenance, repairs, and installation of both gas and water systems.

   To become a plumber, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to get certified by a trade or vocational institution. Many entry-level plumbers will work alongside a licensed professional as an apprentice. This apprenticeship is required in order to become a certified plumber.

   Find Plumber jobs near me

4. Construction Manager

   Average Annual Salary: $81,000
   Job Outlook: Construction manager jobs are projected to grow 11% and produce 51,400 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2020 and 2030, according to the BLS

   A Construction Manager is a person in charge of managing and supervising general contractors and laborers on job sites. Some of the most common places to work as a Construction Manager are telecommunications, roads, and construction sites. They are responsible for overseeing the area and making sure that all the deadlines are complete.

   According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, many construction managers work from an office. However, most can be found out in the field in a construction site. Keep in mind that there is always a potential risk working on site.

   Find Construction Manager jobs near me

5. Network Architect

   Average Annual Salary: $97,000
   Job Outlook: Network architect jobs are projected to grow 5% and produce 18,200 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2018 and 2028, according to the BLS

   A Network Architect is a person that designs and maintains networking systems for companies and organizations. They are responsible for creating a structure capable of running for the foreseeable future. Many can begin their journey by earning an IT Certification. This will put them ahead.

   Though many companies look for someone with a degree, they are willing to overlook it if you have the proper certifications and experience.

   Find Network Architect jobs near me

6. First-Line Supervisor

   Average Annual Salary: $46,000
   Job Outlook: Police chief jobs are projected to grow 7% and produce 51,700 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2020 and 2030, according to the BLS

   To become a Police Chief or Detective, many departments might ask you to have previous experience as police. You must also have a prior background as a Police Captain and Sergeant.

   Most places require you to have at least ten years of experience before being considered to be a Police Chief.

   Find Sergeant jobs near me

7. Light Technician and Media and Communication Equipment Workers

   Average Annual Salary: $34,000
   Job Outlook: Light technician jobs are projected to grow 8% and produce 11,500 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2018 and 2028, according to the BLS

   A light technician and media and communication equipment worker works in media. They are in charge of setting up and controlling the lighting for any form of video platform.

   To become a Lighting Technicians, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. You will also need to go to a trades school and earn a Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician certification.

   Find Light Technician jobs near me

8. Commercial Pilot

   Average Annual Salary: $71,000
   Job Outlook: Commercial pilot jobs are projected to grow 13% and produce 14,700 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2020 and 2030, according to the BLS

   If you are interested in becoming a Commercial Pilot, you need to understand that this is not the same as an Airline Pilot. Commercial Pilots are the people that fly cargo planes, flight instructors, and more.

   To become a Commercial Pilot, you will need to met specific requirements. These requirements include but are not limited to being at least 18 years old, be fluent in written and verbal English, and log at least 250 hours towards your commercial piloting license. You will also need to complete an aviation medical certificate and pass the FAA written exam.

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9. Air Traffic Controller

   Average Annual Salary: $64,000
   Job Outlook: Air traffic controller jobs are projected to grow 4% and produce 900 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2020 and 2030, according to the BLS

   An Air Traffic Controller is in charge of monitoring and directing aircrafts both on the ground and in the sky. They are the people that control the runways and let the pilots know when it is safe to take off and land. An Air Traffic Controller also reports critical information to the pilots and reports the weather condition.

   To become a air traffic controller, you will need a bachelor’s degree from the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative. You also need to complete a Federal Aviation Administration program and gain the relevant certification.

   Find Air Traffic Controller jobs near me

10. Elevator Mechanic

    Average Annual Salary: $57,000
    Job Outlook: Elevator mechanic jobs are projected to grow 10% and produce 2,800 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2018 and 2028, according to the BLS

    An Elevator Mechanic is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators, escalators, and walkways. To become an elevator mechanic, you will need a high school diploma or your GED and complete at least five apprenticeship years.

    Find Elevator Mechanic jobs near me

11. Radiation Therapist

    Average Annual Salary: $81,000
    Job Outlook: Radiation therapist jobs are projected to grow 9% and produce 1,600 job opportunities across the U.S. Between 2020 and 2030, according to the BLS

    Radiation therapists work alongside oncologists to treat cancer patients. They are responsible for letting the patients know how the process works and ensuring that they are only exposed to radiation in the proper area.

    This career path takes approximately two to four years to complete the training program. Getting a certification as a Radiation Therapy will help you to earn more as a radiation therapist.

    Find Radiation Therapist jobs near me

12. Dental Hygienist

    Average Annual Salary: $81,000
    Job Outlook: Dental hygienist jobs are projected to grow 9% and produce job 16,300 opportunities across the U.S. between 2020 and 2030, according to the BLS

    A Dental Hygienist is a licensed dental professional responsible for removing tartar, plaque, and stains from people’s teeth. They are also in charge of completing a preliminary exam before the dentist sees the patients.

    To become a dental hygienist, a person will need to earn an associate degree and a dental board license. It can take around three years to complete this training. Getting a certification as a Dental Assistant (RDA) will help you to earn more as a dental hygienist.

    Find Dental Hygienist jobs near me

13. Landscape Architect

    Average Annual Salary: $58,000
    Job Outlook: There will be little to no change in the amount of landscape architects between 2020 and 2030, according to the BLS

    If you love gardening and interior design, this is the field that marries both. A landscape architect is a person that is responsible for creating beautiful landscapes, gardens, playgrounds, and more.

    Like plumbers, landscape architects will need to complete an apprenticeship before they can be completely certified.

    Find Landscape Architect jobs near me

14. Corporate Executive Chef

    Average Annual Salary: $54,000
    Job Outlook: Corporate executive chef jobs are projected to grow 11% and produce 15,400 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2018 and 2028, according to the BLS

    A Corporate Executive Chef is responsible for every dish that comes out of the kitchen. Keep in mind that becoming a chef is no easy task. This position is full of stress and high expectations.

    If you are interested in becoming a chef, you will need a high school diploma or a GED and receive the proper training in a vocational school or earn an associate’s degree.

    Find Corporate Executive Chef jobs near me

15. Respiratory Therapist

    Average Annual Salary: $54,000
    Job Outlook: Respiratory therapy jobs are projected to grow 23% and produce 31,100 job opportunities across the U.S. between 2020 and 2030, according to the BLS

    A Respiratory Therapist is responsible for caring for patients who have trouble breathing. They are also in charge of interviewing and examine patients with breathing disorders.

    To become a respiratory therapist, you will need to earn an associate’s degree and become licensed and certified by the National Board for Respiratory Care.

    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs near me

What is a trade job and how is it different from a job that requires a degree?

A trade job is a job that requires a specialized form of training beyond high school.

Unlike with a bachelor’s degree, vocational training prepares a person to begin their careers in a shorter amount of time. This is because a four-year degree requires students to complete a certain number of general courses before they can specialize in anything. These courses usually take place during the first and second years of their college education. Once these courses are complete, you can take the course that coincides with your major.

Another difference between the two is the cost. Earning a degree takes time and a significant amount of money. The amount a person will need to invest in their college education can easily surpass six digits. At the same time, the average cost for a vocational school or trade school is between $3,000 to $15,000.

Keep in mind that many trade jobs are considered to be very hands-on. Some might involve using physical strength and the use of power tools. Another thing you have to remember is that some of these jobs also come with risks.

Highest paying trade jobs FAQ

1. Can you earn 100K in a trade jobs?

   Yes, you can earn 100K a year in a trade job. Construction managers, electricians, and welders can earn over 100K a year. However, most of these positions will not earn that in entry-level positions and you do have to have years of experience before you earn that wage.

2. What trade job is the most in demand?

   Plumber jobs are high in demand right now. A plumber is a technical professional responsible for the installment, maintenance, and repair of pipe systems, from water-carrying systems like toilets and sinks. It can take an average of two to four years of job training to become a plumber.

3. What is a hard trade to learn?

   Electrical work is a hard trade to learn. Becoming an electrician can be a physically demanding job because there will be times when you have to move through crawl spaces on your knees or climb ladders. You also need a basic understanding of algebra and math skills to be successful in this position.

Final thoughts

The bottom line is that finding a trade job is an excellent alternative for starting your career. As you can see, simply because a person does not earn a four-year degree, it does not mean that they won’t have the opportunity to gain a high-paying job. As long as you are willing to put in the work, you will get far in life.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.