A career in the skilled trades is a great option for young people who are looking for an alternative to a traditional college education. Tradespeople typically have higher starting salaries than their non-skilled counterparts, with wages that increase over time as they gain experience. Skilled trade careers also offer a variety of benefits and job security, making them an attractive option for many people.
Appliance Repair
Appliance repair training provides a pathway to a stable career without requiring a college degree, with technicians earning a median annual wage of $47,170 and job security driven by constant appliance breakdowns. Training options include formal programs at vocational schools and community colleges lasting six months to two years, online courses for flexible learning, or apprenticeships that provide paid hands-on experience alongside experienced technicians. Essential skills include electrical and refrigeration system knowledge, diagnostic troubleshooting, tool proficiency, and customer communication abilities. Professional certifications like NASTeC, PSA, and EPA Section 608 (required for refrigerant work) enhance credibility and earning potential, while the field offers opportunities for entrepreneurship and business ownership.
Automotive
Explore diverse career paths in automotive repair through online programs and local schools, including Auto Repair Technician, Diesel Mechanics/Heavy Truck Maintenance, Motorcycle Repair Technician, and Small Engine Repair. These programs prepare students to diagnose and repair vehicles or motorcycles, ensuring smooth operation and safety through hands-on training and specialized equipment use. With high demand across the country and opportunities for specialization, these programs offer a stable career path with average salaries ranging from $44,000 to $47,000, catering to both entry-level technicians and those seeking advanced roles in the automotive industry.
Aviation
Aviation programs across various institutions, including Pilot Institute and major colleges like Broward College and Texas State Technical College, prepare students for careers as airline and commercial pilots. These programs cover extensive coursework and flight training necessary to obtain licenses such as the Commercial Pilot License and Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, crucial for flying airplanes and helicopters. With competitive salaries ranging from $80,000 to $115,000 depending on experience and location, the aviation industry offers stable employment opportunities and diverse career paths in areas such as air transportation, aerial tours, and agricultural piloting.
Carpentry
Carpentry is a highly sought-after trade, ranked among the top construction jobs for its utility and earning potential. This skilled profession involves constructing, repairing, and installing wooden structures, from residential homes to commercial buildings. With online carpentry courses available through institutions like Penn Foster and others, aspiring carpenters can gain essential skills in framing, roofing, and furniture-making, completing programs in as little as 6 months. The field offers promising job prospects, with a median annual wage of $51,390 and ample opportunities for specialization through certifications like OSHA training or NWFA Certified Installer
Construction
A career in construction offers a dynamic path to impact communities and build a secure future. Whether pursuing online degrees in construction management or completing hands-on vocational training, prospective workers can expect to enter the field within 9 months to 4 years, depending on their chosen educational path. With job growth at 12%, faster than the national average, construction offers competitive salaries starting at $35k annually, with opportunities for advancement into specialized roles such as electricians or plumbers, earning over $80k per year.
Drone Pilot
Professional drone pilots operate unmanned aircraft systems for commercial applications across industries like real estate, agriculture, construction, and emergency services, earning between $43,000 to $140,000 annually. To fly commercially, pilots must obtain an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, which requires passing an aeronautical knowledge exam and meeting basic eligibility requirements. Training options range from online courses to hands-on programs through providers like UAV Coach, Pilot Institute, and DARTdrones. With the global drone market projected to reach $54.6 billion by 2030 and a gap between registered drones and certified pilots, career opportunities continue expanding across 17+ industries.
Electrician
Electricians are essential for ensuring the functionality and safety of electrical systems in homes and businesses. By enrolling in electrician programs nearby, you can gain the skills needed to install, maintain, and repair electrical components. Courses cover a range of topics, from basic electrical theory to complex wiring practices, preparing you for certification and apprenticeship opportunities. With a projected job growth of 10% over the next decade, electricians can anticipate a strong demand for their expertise. Whether specializing in residential wiring or commercial installations, becoming an electrician offers a stable and rewarding career path in the electrical industry.
Facilities Maintenance
Building Maintenance Programs prepare students with essential skills in HVAC/R, electrical systems, and plumbing. The cost and duration of these programs vary, with certifications typically completed in under a year, enabling quicker entry into the workforce. Salaries for Facilities Maintenance Technicians range nationally from $39,000 to $49,500 annually, with variations based on location and specific job responsibilities.
Gunsmith
Gunsmithing offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about firearms, involving tasks such as repairs, customization, and restoration. Training typically includes certification courses lasting 6-8 months or associate’s degrees spanning 2 years, with online options offering flexibility. A Federal Firearms License (FFL), costing around $200 for a 3-year license, may be required for independent practice. Essential coursework covers firearm design, metalworking, woodworking, and safety protocols, preparing gunsmiths for tasks like disassembly, assembly, and troubleshooting. With salaries starting around $41,600 annually and opportunities for higher earnings with experience, gunsmiths can find employment in gun shops, sporting goods stores, or opt for self-employment with an FFL.
HVAC
HVAC-R technicians play a crucial role in meeting the demand for climate control systems in both new constructions and existing homes. Training for this field typically involves certification programs or associate degrees, available online for flexibility and completion in as little as 6 months to 2 years, depending on the program type. Costs range from $4,000 to $5,000 for shorter programs, with potential for accelerated learning through online coursework. Essential skills covered include HVAC system mechanics, electrical work, and safety protocols, preparing technicians for jobs in residential and commercial settings.
Certification from organizations like NATE or HVAC Excellence validates skills and can lead to starting salaries around $47,000 annually, with potential to earn up to $75,000 or more with experience. Employment benefits often include medical insurance, retirement plans, and allowances for tools. Technicians are in demand nationwide, with job growth projections strong at 15%, ensuring steady opportunities in diverse environments such as hospitals, hotels, and businesses.
Home Inspector
Pursuing a career as a home inspector offers independence and flexible hours, with a critical role in ensuring public safety and property integrity. Training typically involves completing a 200-hour self-paced online course over about 12 months, meeting national and potentially state-specific educational requirements. Costs for these programs generally range between $2,500 to $3,000, providing essential knowledge in home construction, inspection protocols, and report drafting, essential for earning an average annual salary ranging from $43,000 to $73,500, with top earners reaching up to $100,000 annually.
Locksmith
Becoming a locksmith offers a hands-on career solving practical problems and aiding people in emergency situations, making it ideal for those who enjoy problem-solving independently. Training typically ranges from 5 to 7 months, though self-paced options allow for faster completion, and costs generally fall between $800 to $1,000, excluding potential additional expenses for in-person training or apprenticeships. Locksmith education covers key identification, lock operation and rekeying, home security systems, and surveillance technologies, preparing graduates for an average annual salary of $50,210, with opportunities for higher earnings in specialized fields like automotive or commercial locksmithing.
CNC Machinist
Becoming a CNC machinist opens doors to a dynamic career where precision meets innovation. Typically requiring about 12 months of dedicated training, this path equips you with skills vital for transforming raw materials into intricate components essential across industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical technology. Training costs vary widely—from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the program type—offering flexibility for different financial situations and career aspirations. Certification, though optional, enhances employability, showcasing proficiency in CNC operations and adherence to industry standards. With an average starting salary of $49,560 annually, CNC machinists enjoy stable career prospects in a field integral to modern manufacturing’s advancement and growth.
Plumbing
Plumbing offers a vital career path with training durations ranging from 6 months to 4 years, depending on the program chosen. Vocational colleges and trade schools typically offer certificates in under a year, while apprenticeships extend over four years, providing on-the-job training. Costs vary widely, with vocational programs ranging from $700 to $3,000, and online courses averaging around $2,300. Essential coursework includes plumbing principles, materials, installation techniques, and safety protocols, preparing individuals for roles in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Plumbers can expect stable job prospects with a median annual income of $60,090, complemented by union benefits like paid training and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Solar Panel Installer
Solar panel installer training is a fast-growing and highly sought-after skill in today’s renewable energy market. With the demand for solar energy soaring, this training provides everything you need to launch a successful career, from system design and installation techniques to essential safety protocols.
Whether you’re looking to become a certified solar PV installer or explore roles like system designer or technician, this guide breaks down the key skills and certifications needed to thrive. If you’re ready to tap into the booming solar industry and secure a future in clean energy, this is the perfect starting point.
Tower Technician
Tower technicians are the skilled professionals who climb cellular and broadcast towers to install, maintain, and repair telecommunications equipment that keeps our wireless networks running. With median salaries of $61,310 and top earners making up to $95,680 annually, this career offers excellent pay without requiring a college degree. Training typically takes 6-12 months and includes safety protocols, climbing techniques, and technical skills, with many community colleges now offering free programs to meet growing industry demand. The field is projected to grow 6% through 2032 as 5G networks expand nationwide.
Welding
Welding programs across numerous institutions, including Blue Mountain Community College, Forsyth Technical Community College, and many others, prepare individuals to fuse metal and thermoplastics for various industrial applications. With over 50,000 welding professionals in the U.S., the career involves using heat to join metals, essential in sectors like manufacturing, construction, and aerospace.
Training typically involves hands-on experience with tools like arc welders and robotic arms, with options ranging from vocational schools to military training programs. Prospective welders benefit from gaining additional certifications for specialized roles such as robotic arm welding or inspection, enhancing career opportunities in diverse fields like shipbuilding and underwater welding.
Wind Turbine Technician
Wind turbine technicians maintain and repair wind turbines, working hundreds of feet above ground to keep clean energy systems operational while earning a median salary of $62,580 annually. This career requires formal training through 6-month to 2-year programs at community colleges or specialized schools, plus industry certifications like OSHA 30 and Global Wind Organization safety training. With 60% projected job growth from 2023-2033, wind turbine technician is the fastest-growing occupation in America, offering excellent job security in the expanding renewable energy sector. The field appeals to those seeking meaningful work that directly combats climate change while providing competitive pay without requiring a college degree.
Exploring a Career Path in the Skilled Trades
If you’re thinking about going to college, you’re not alone. College is a popular choice for high school graduates, but it’s not the only option. In fact, if you’re not sure what you want to do with your life, or if you don’t have the money for college, consider whether a skilled trade or technical education is better for you.
Skilled Trade Jobs vs. College Degrees
A college degree is no longer an assurance of a job that pays well or provides great benefits. In fact, many college graduates are struggling with student loan debt and low-paying jobs that don’t match their education level. A skilled trade job provides valuable training while earning a paycheck at the same time.
Why the Skilled Trades?
A career in the skilled trades can be a rewarding and lucrative opportunity. Skilled trade workers have always been in demand, and with the aging of the baby boomer population, this trend is expected to continue for years to come. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there will be an estimated 637,000 new construction jobs created by 2024.
There are many reasons why choosing a career in the skilled trades may be right for you:
- The average salary for a skilled trade worker is $51,350 per year — nearly double that of those who don’t pursue post-secondary education or training.
- You can earn while you learn! Many programs offer apprenticeship programs where you can earn while getting trained on the job under the supervision of experienced journeymen.
- You are more likely to find employment than traditional college graduates because there are more opportunities available across multiple fields within the construction industry than there are qualified candidates.
If you love working with your hands and it’s something that comes naturally to you, then pursuing a career as an apprentice electrician or plumber may just be what’s best suited for your interests and abilities.
How do I start a career in skilled trades?
To begin a career in skilled trades, you typically need specialized training through vocational schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job experience. Some trades may require a certificate or associate’s degree, which can take anywhere from a few months to two years to complete, depending on the field. For many students, it is possible to simply get started through an online course.
What role do apprenticeships play in skilled trades?
Apprenticeships are essential for many skilled trades, offering hands-on training while allowing you to earn money as you learn. Fields like plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work often require apprenticeships to gain real-world experience and technical expertise.
Why are skilled trades important for the economy?
Skilled trades are vital to the economy because they support sectors like construction, manufacturing, and maintenance. These workers ensure the production of goods, maintain infrastructure, and address labor shortages, all of which contribute to economic stability and growth.
What is the difference between engineers and skilled tradespeople?
Engineers typically have four-year college degrees and focus on design and problem-solving, while skilled tradespeople often have technical or on-the-job training and focus on executing practical tasks. Both work together to bring projects to life, with engineers designing and tradespeople carrying out those designs.
Are skilled trades a good career option?
Yes, skilled trades offer a rewarding and secure career path with good pay, job stability, and hands-on work. These professions often have high demand and provide quicker entry into the workforce compared to traditional four-year degrees.
What industries offer skilled trade jobs?
Skilled trade jobs are available in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, healthcare, and IT. Some examples of skilled trades include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, dental hygienists, chefs, and aircraft mechanics.
The Bottom Line
So is a career in the skilled trades right for you? The short answer is yes. First, there’s a shortage of skilled workers in today’s economy, meaning that competition for jobs is lower when compared to many other fields. On top of that, according to historical data, construction trade jobs are some of the best paying in the U.S. and require less than four years of training. Definitively, learning a skilled trade could be an excellent choice for anyone looking to become a master at their craft and make good money doing it.