12 High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs In Demand (With Salaries And Job Responsibilities)

There are many high-paying trade jobs out there that involve hands-on work and specialized skills. You generally don’t need an undergraduate degree to become a skilled tradesperson, and there is always high demand for professionals in these fields.

In this article, we’ll share a list of 12 highest-paying skilled trade jobs and the responsibilities and benefits of skilled trade careers. Whether you’re exploring career paths for the first time or considering a career change, there are many great trade jobs with high salaries and growing demand.

Key Takeaways

• The top three best-paying skilled trade jobs in demand are automotive service technician, HVAC technician, and electrician.

• Most jobs in the skilled trades involve hands-on work rather than desk work.

• Many skilled trades jobs require attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills.

12 Examples of high-paying trade jobs

1. HVAC technician
   Average Annual Salary: $54,500

   Job Outlook: HVAC technician jobs are projected to grow by 5% through 2030, according to the BLS.

   A high-paying trade job with plenty of room for growth, an HVAC technician specializes in mechanically maintaining heating and cooling systems within a home, business, or industrial complex. In this position, you can work with boilers, furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductwork.

   It takes an average of six to 12 months to become an HVAC technician. Getting an EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA) will help you to earn more.

   Job responsibilities for an HVAC technician are:

   • Installing heating, venting, and air-conditioning systems

   • Repairing equipment

   • Learning and using HVAC codes on the job

   • Working with the customer to provide exceptional service

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2. Welder
   Average Annual Salary: $39,500

   Job Outlook: Welder jobs are projected to grow by 8% through 2030, according to the BLS.

   One of the best trade school jobs for people who want to get started fast in a career in metallurgy, welders work in a variety of specialty niches, but generally, their job responsibilities include creating structures from metal using welding, cutting, and shaping tools.

   It can be a very dangerous vocation without the proper training because most of a welder’s duties are handling metal at extremely high temperatures for conjoining purposes. Achieving advancement in a welding career often involves earning a certification through the American Welding Society.

   Job responsibilities for a welder are:

   • Understanding construction drawings and blueprints

   • Installing the piping and similar mechanical systems

   • Deciding on an appropriate welding method

   • Welding components together using the proper equipment

   • Inspecting welding jobs for mistakes and completion

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3. Electrician
   Average Annual Salary: $49,000

   Job Outlook: Electrician jobs are projected to grow by 9% through 2030, according to the BLS.

   Becoming an electrician can be one of the highest-paid trade jobs out there, if you stick through all the training and steps of apprenticeship to become a master electrician.

   An electrician’s duties are similar to the job tasks of an HVAC technician in that they handle the installation, repair, and maintenance of complicated systems. However, an electrician works with electrical communication, control, and lighting systems, as opposed to heating.

   Job responsibilities for an electrician are:

   • Installing electrical systems

   • Performing routine maintenance and repairs on electrical systems

   • Determine the cause for electrical issues

   • Use testing devices and tools to fix electrical issues

   • Adhering to safety protocol as determined by the National Electrical Code

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4. Plumber
   Average Annual Salary: $56,000

   Job Outlook: Plumber jobs are projected to grow by 5% through 2030, according to the BLS.

   Most people don’t think of plumbers when they’re considering trade jobs that pay well, but rising to the level of master plumber is one of the best-paying trade jobs out there.

   For every appliance that people rely on daily, there’s a skilled trade professional who handles its maintenance and installation. For water systems, these people are plumbers. Plumbers do most of their work in residential and commercial properties by identifying water system-related issues and formulating a plan of action to fix them.

   Job responsibilities for a plumber are:

   • Gathering floorplan information about buildings and water system structure

   • Assemble pipes and tubing to upgrade or repair systems without damaging them

   • Installing and maintaining water systems

   • Continue learning about the most up-to-date plumbing techniques

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5. Automotive service technician
   Average Annual Salary: $43,000

   Job Outlook: Automotive service technician jobs are projected to grow by 0% through 2030, according to the BLS.

   Automotive service technicians don’t start out at high salaries, but there are plenty of high-paying trade careers that these roles can lead into.

   If you’re a person who enjoys working on cars, then being an automotive service technician might be the right trade for you. Their job is to perform repairs and maintenance on vehicles to keep them driving for years to come. A position as an automotive service technician requires an in-depth knowledge of car mechanics and the ability to work well with others.

   Job responsibilities for an automotive service technician are:

   • Perform vehicle maintenance according to a schedule, such as oil changes and tire rotations

   • Diagnosing car problems

   • Coming up with plans for car repairs

   • Doing car inspections in accordance with state law

   • Maintain company records of services performed

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6. Cardiovascular radiologic technologist
   Average Annual Salary: $63,000

   Job Outlook: Cardiovascular technologist jobs are projected to grow by 14% through 2030, according to the BLS.

   One of the highest-paying medical trade jobs that you can get without a degree, working as a cardiovascular technologist means working specifically with matters of the heart. They work cohesively with doctors to diagnose, treat, and monitor heart diseases.

   Their job largely takes place in a laboratory setting where they perform medical procedures involving cardiac and vascular health, such as placing pacemakers.

   Job responsibilities for a cardiovascular technologist are:

   • Preparing patients for cardiac procedures under the supervision of a doctor

   • Helps the doctor perform difficult cardiac procedures

   • Handles cleaning tasks in the laboratory

   • Use cardiac monitoring systems to monitor patients and rely on important events to the physician

   • Explaining procedures and how they can improve their heart Healthwise in layman’s terms to patients

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7. Carpenter
   Average Annual Salary: $41,500

   Job Outlook: Carpenter jobs are projected to grow by 2% through 2030, according to the BLS.

   Easily among the best trade jobs for people who like working with their hands to build things, carpenters enjoy high levels of job satisfaction and security.

   The trading medium of choice for carpenters is wood, which they use in addition to other materials to construct everything from a home’s framework to the furniture in its living room. A big part of a carpenter’s job is repairing wooden items or foundations in the client’s houses.

   Being a carpenter requires planning and organizational skills, as they’ll often need to create a blueprint to complete projects.

   Job responsibilities for a carpenter are:

   • Installing wooden fixtures such as foundations, walls, floors, windows, and ceilings

   • Communicating with clients about their carpentry needs

   • Follow blueprints to complete projects promptly according to client preference

   • Inspecting workspaces for safety considerations

   • Using tools to shape materials to the needed size

   • Building and fixing wooden structures, such as doors, house foundation, and cabinets

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8. Landscape Architect
   Average Annual Salary: $62,500

   Job Outlook: Landscape architect jobs are projected to grow by 0% through 2030, according to the BLS.

   Among the list of trade jobs we’ve covered so far, none work outside so much as landscape architects. It’s a high-paying trade job for creative people who enjoy making beautiful spaces.

   When contentedly strolling through a beautiful park or playground, few people stop to consider who made the place possible. The answer, in part, is landscape architects. A landscape architect takes stock of a location and outlines a blueprint for designing pleasant features to enhance quality.

   Landscape design architects handle the plans and execution for walkways, buildings, gardens, and roads.

   Job responsibilities for a landscape design architect are:

   • Consulting with clients to determine their landscaping goals

   • Preparing cost estimates for design projects

   • Deciding upon materials to use for design construction

   • Drawing up landscaping design blueprints

   • Consider the properties of the land they’re working on

   • Following city and community guidelines

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9. Dental hygienist
   Average Annual Salary: $88,500

   Job Outlook: Dental hygienist jobs are projected to grow by 11% through 2030, according to the BLS.

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   While many trade jobs are male-dominated, 93% of dental hygienists are female, making it one of the best trade jobs for women out there. It’s also one of the best-paid trade jobs you can get into in under two years.

   A dental hygienist assists a dentist during oral care. They often act as the connection between a busy dentist and their patients to help them accomplish their daily goals. Much of the work that a dental hygienist does is performing teeth cleaning routines and examinations to evaluate mouth health.

   In addition to helping dentists in their responsibilities, dental hygienists work directly with patients to educate them on the best ways to keep a healthy mouth and handle recovery after procedures.

   Job responsibilities for a dental hygienist are:

   • Doing preliminary examinations on new patients to establish a baseline

   • Cleaning teeth procedures and applying tooth protectant, like fluoride

   • Taking dental X-rays

   • Documenting exams, procedures, and treatment plans of all patients

   • Communicating well with both the dentist and patients

10. Aircraft mechanic
    Average Annual Salary: $60,500

    Job Outlook: Aircraft mechanic jobs are projected to grow by 11% through 2030, according to the BLS.

    A fast-growing trade job with a high starting salary, aircraft mechanics serve a vital role in making sure that planes are secure and safe before taking off. They inspect aircraft systems and repair any broken or malfunctioning pieces using various hand tools.

    People who work as aircraft mechanics are usually required to be certified in their craft through a credible organization, like the Federal Aviation Administration, because their expertise ensures the safety of every flight.

    Job responsibilities for an aircraft mechanic are:

    • Consulting with aircraft manuals and blueprints for proper functioning and system layouts

    • Inspecting aircraft for malfunctions and determining issues

    • Repairing aircraft malfunctions

    • Assembling various aircraft systems

    • Running follow-up tests to ensure that their maintenance worked

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11. Diagnostic medical sonographer
    Average Annual Salary: $85,500

    Job Outlook: Medical sonographer jobs are projected to grow by 14% through 2030, according to the BLS.

    One of the best-paid trade jobs that are in high demand, medical sonographers can get accredited in just two years before starting at an entry-level role.

    There are many different reasons that a person could need an ultrasound on a particular part of their body. Most commonly, this is done on pregnant women to monitor the developmental status of a fetus. The person who performs this medical practice is called a diagnostic medical sonographer.

    Sonography produces high-frequency waves through a patient’s body to see a picture of internal functionings and diagnose conditions. The bulk of a diagnostic medical sonographer’s duties are practicing this specific procedure.

    Job responsibilities for a diagnostic medical sonographer are:

    • Communicating effectively with patients about the sonography process

    • Performing the sonography properly to produce a clear image to work from

    • Examining the results of sonography for irregularities or diagnosis

    • Sharing results and working directly with doctors

    • Cleaning and maintaining sonography equipment properly

    • Keeping records of patient interactions, diagnosis, and treatments

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12. Air traffic controller
    Average Annual Salary: $64,000

    Job Outlook: Air traffic controller jobs are projected to grow by 4% through 2030, according to the BLS.

    As far as trade school jobs that pay well go, air traffic controller is among the most stressful. The responsibilities of an air-traffic controller are three parts safety concerns and one part managing efficiency. They control the flow of various aircraft through a landing station by coordinating both on-land and in-sky travelers.

    Job Responsibilities for an air traffic controller are:

    • Monitoring aircraft that are flying and on the ground

    • Managing movement of all aircraft on the ground

    • Communicating landing and take-off instructions with the pilots

    • Providing information about weather and closures to aircraft staff

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What are trade jobs?

A trade is a profession that doesn’t require a four-year degree from an accredited university but does involve specialized training or certification courses. There are many areas available for a trade specialist to focus on, depending on their passions and interests.

The skills associated with careers in a trade field are learned through attending a trade school, becoming an apprentice, or specialized training offered by an employer.

The benefits of working at a trade job

1. Lots of available jobs. Working in a trade job is appealing to a lot of recent high school graduates who are new to the workforce because there are so many great jobs available. More people retire from their trade positions every day, and somebody needs to fill their spot. That person could be you.

2. Trade school costs less money and time. Getting a bachelor’s or master’s degree takes many years and a lot of money to complete. It is tempting to skip this constraint altogether and opt for vocational school to gain employable skills because it takes about half the time with a much lower price tag.

3. A high salary. Many people mistakenly believe that working in a trade position earns a lower paycheck than other careers. The reality is that this is far from the truth. The median average salary for skilled trade positions overall is actually slightly higher than that of other jobs.

   The closeness of average salary, in addition to the decreased cost of schooling and wide availability of jobs, leads many people to work towards a trade career.

High-paying skilled trade jobs in demand FAQ

1. What trade jobs are most in demand?

   Plumber, electrician, and HVAC technician are trade jobs that are in demand right now. While these jobs do not require a four-year degree, they do require different training. This training often takes between six months to two years to complete.

2. Can you make 100K in a trade?

   Yes, you can make 100K a year working in a trade job. Construction managers, electricians, and welders often make 100K a year. Entry-level positions for these jobs will not make that high of a wage, but after being in the industry and gaining more experience, you can earn more.

Author

Sky Ariella

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.