Top 12 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs in Demand

Trade careers cover far more than construction. They include energy, aviation, industrial maintenance, renewable technology, oral health, medical imaging, respiratory care, and heavy equipment operation. Entry routes may include an apprenticeship, technical school, employer training, a postsecondary certificate, or an associate degree.

The jobs in this article were selected because they typically do not require a bachelor's degree for entry, had U.S. median pay above the median for all occupations in May 2024, and are projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to grow from 2024 to 2034. Some health care occupations are included because they use career-focused technical education and an associate-degree or certificate route.

Salary and demand vary by location, specialty, industry, union coverage, experience, schedule, and credentials. National medians are useful comparison points, not starting-salary promises.

Highest-paying trade jobs overview

Rank	Occupation	2024 median annual pay	Projected growth, 2024–2034	Typical entry route
1	Elevator and escalator installer or repairer	$106,580	5%	Apprenticeship
2	Dental hygienist	$94,260	7%	Associate degree and license
3	Electrical power-line installer or repairer	$92,560	7%	Technical and on-the-job training
4	Diagnostic medical sonographer	$89,340	13%	Associate degree or certificate
5	Avionics technician	$81,390	8%	Postsecondary education or approved training
6	Respiratory therapist	$80,450	12%	Associate degree and license
7	Aircraft mechanic or service technician	$78,680	4%	Postsecondary program or qualifying training
8	Industrial machinery mechanic, maintenance worker, or millwright	$63,510	13%	High school plus training or apprenticeship
9	Plumber, pipefitter, or steamfitter	$62,970	4%	Apprenticeship
10	Wind turbine technician	$62,580	50%	Postsecondary nondegree award
11	Electrician	$62,350	9%	Apprenticeship
12	HVACR mechanic or installer	$59,810	8%	Postsecondary nondegree award and training

Data note: Pay figures are BLS median annual wages for May 2024. Growth figures are BLS national employment projections for 2024–2034. The median is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less.

1. Elevator and escalator installer or repairer

Median annual pay: $106,580
Projected employment growth: 5%

These tradespeople install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, lifts, and related control systems. They interpret plans, assemble components, test equipment, diagnose faults, and perform safety inspections. The work combines mechanical, electrical, and electronic knowledge and may involve cramped spaces, heights, lifting, overtime, or emergency calls.

Nearly all workers learn through an apprenticeship after earning a high school diploma or equivalent. Most states require a license. Apprentices usually earn less than fully trained workers, with increases as they progress. BLS occupation profile

2. Dental hygienist

Median annual pay: $94,260
Projected employment growth: 7%

Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral disease, remove deposits from teeth, take dental images where authorized, apply preventive treatments, document care, and teach oral hygiene. Nearly all work in dentists' offices, and part-time schedules are common.

Dental hygienists typically need an associate degree in dental hygiene, and programs commonly include supervised clinical experience. Every state requires licensure, although the exact requirements differ. Students should confirm that a program meets the licensing standards of the state where they plan to work. BLS occupation profile

3. Electrical power-line installer or repairer

Median annual pay: $92,560
Projected employment growth: 7%

Electrical lineworkers install and repair the cables and equipment used in power transmission and distribution. They may climb poles and towers, operate bucket trucks, test circuits, connect equipment, and respond to outages. Storm restoration can require travel and extended hours under demanding conditions.

Entry usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by technical instruction and substantial on-the-job training. Apprenticeships are common. Safety awareness, physical stamina, mechanical skill, and comfort working at height are essential. BLS occupation profile

4. Diagnostic medical sonographer

Median annual pay: $89,340
Projected employment growth: 13%

Diagnostic medical sonographers use ultrasound equipment to create images physicians use in diagnosis. They explain procedures, position patients, operate a transducer, evaluate image quality, document findings, and maintain equipment. Specialties include abdominal, cardiac, vascular, breast, musculoskeletal, pediatric, and obstetric sonography.

Workers typically need at least an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate, and programs usually include clinical training. Some states require a license, while many employers prefer professional certification. The role requires technical ability, attention to detail, interpersonal skill, and physical stamina. BLS occupation profile

5. Avionics technician

Median annual pay: $81,390
Projected employment growth: 8%

Avionics technicians install, test, inspect, and repair aircraft electronic systems, including communications, navigation, radar, and computerized controls. They use diagnostic equipment, interpret technical manuals, trace wiring problems, replace components, and document work to meet strict aviation standards.

Typical preparation includes postsecondary education, such as a certificate from a Federal Aviation Administration-approved program, an associate degree, military training, or qualifying employer training. Certification requirements depend on the duties performed. The work may involve shifts, noise, deadlines, and detailed safety documentation. BLS occupation profile

6. Respiratory therapist

Median annual pay: $80,450
Projected employment growth: 12%

Respiratory therapists assess and treat patients who have difficulty breathing. They perform diagnostic tests, operate ventilators, provide treatments, monitor progress, teach patients to use equipment or medication, and collaborate with physicians and nurses. Hospitals employ many respiratory therapists, so night, weekend, or holiday shifts may be required.

An associate degree in respiratory therapy is the typical entry-level education, although some employers prefer a bachelor's degree. Respiratory therapists must be licensed in every state except Alaska, with requirements varying by jurisdiction. BLS occupation profile

7. Aircraft mechanic or service technician

Median annual pay: $78,680
Projected employment growth: 4%

Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft structures, engines, brakes, electrical systems, and other components. They diagnose problems, replace defective parts, test completed work, and maintain precise service records. Many work at airports, repair stations, or manufacturing facilities.

Workers commonly complete an FAA-approved aviation maintenance program, earn an associate degree, train in the military, or qualify through acceptable practical experience. Many roles require or prefer the appropriate FAA mechanic certificate. Schedules can include nights, weekends, and holidays. BLS occupation profile

8. Industrial machinery mechanic, maintenance worker, or millwright

Median annual pay: $63,510
Projected employment growth: 13%

These workers install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair manufacturing machinery and industrial equipment. They may calibrate systems, replace worn parts, read technical manuals, perform preventive maintenance, and reduce production downtime. Work settings include factories, warehouses, construction sites, and power facilities.

Industrial machinery mechanics and maintenance workers generally need a high school diploma plus at least a year of on-the-job training. Millwrights often complete an apprenticeship that may last up to four years. Mechanical reasoning, precision, safe work practices, and knowledge of electrical, hydraulic, or computerized systems can improve opportunities. BLS occupation profile

9. Plumber, pipefitter, or steamfitter

Median annual pay: $62,970
Projected employment growth: 4%

Plumbers install and repair water and drainage systems. Pipefitters and steamfitters work with systems that carry chemicals, gases, acids, or steam, often in industrial and power settings. Duties may include reading plans, measuring and cutting pipe, joining components, testing systems, and responding to emergencies.

Most workers learn through an apprenticeship, sometimes after attending vocational school. Many states require plumbers to be licensed. Work may involve confined spaces, lifting, travel, nights, weekends, or on-call assignments. BLS occupation profile

10. Wind turbine technician

Median annual pay: $62,580
Projected employment growth: 50%

Wind turbine technicians inspect, maintain, and repair wind turbines. They collect data, test electrical and mechanical systems, replace components, service equipment, and document their work. The job often requires climbing towers, working outdoors, using fall-protection equipment, and traveling to wind sites.

Technicians typically complete a postsecondary nondegree program and receive on-the-job training. Mechanical ability, troubleshooting, physical fitness, and strict compliance with safety procedures are important. The 50% projection represents rapid percentage growth from a relatively small occupational base, so candidates should also investigate the number and location of openings. BLS occupation profile

11. Electrician

Median annual pay: $62,350
Projected employment growth: 9%

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, lighting, communications, and control systems. They read blueprints, run wiring, test circuits, diagnose faults, replace equipment, and follow electrical and building codes. They may work in homes, commercial buildings, factories, or construction sites.

Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, although some begin at a technical school. Most states require licensure. Apprentices receive paid training and typically earn more as their skills increase. Work can involve heights, tight spaces, travel, or variable schedules. BLS occupation profile

12. HVACR mechanic or installer

Median annual pay: $59,810
Projected employment growth: 8%

Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often called HVACR technicians—install and service climate-control and refrigeration systems. They inspect equipment, test components, diagnose problems, replace parts, and explain repairs to customers. Work can take place outdoors, in mechanical rooms, or in cramped and extreme-temperature environments.

Technicians typically need a postsecondary nondegree award, followed by lengthy on-the-job training. Licenses or certifications may apply, including requirements for handling regulated refrigerants. Employers may value electrical knowledge, digital diagnostic ability, customer service, and safe troubleshooting. BLS occupation profile

What does “in demand” mean?

Demand is not captured by one number. A high growth percentage shows how quickly an occupation is projected to expand, but a large occupation with moderate growth may create more openings than a small occupation with very rapid growth. Replacement needs also create opportunities when workers retire or move to other careers.

Geography matters as well. Wind jobs cluster near suitable energy sites, aviation work is concentrated around airports and maintenance centers, and construction demand follows local development and infrastructure spending. Review state and metropolitan wage data, current postings, apprenticeship openings, and licensing rules before selecting a program.

How to choose a trade career

Compare the daily work

Decide whether you prefer patient care, mechanical systems, construction sites, precision electronics, travel, outdoor work, or a controlled facility. A high salary will not compensate for a work environment that conflicts with your interests or physical capabilities.

Check the full training path

Review prerequisites, tuition, program length, apprenticeship wages, clinical hours, licensing exams, tools, transportation, and continuing education. Confirm that a school or apprenticeship leads to the credential employers actually request.

Evaluate pay realistically

The national median is not an entry wage. Compare local starting pay, journey-level or experienced pay, overtime, shift differentials, union benefits, insurance, retirement, and the cost of training. Also consider whether work is seasonal or hours fluctuate.

Assess safety and schedule requirements

Some roles involve heights, electricity, heavy equipment, hazardous materials, emergency calls, overnight shifts, or physical patient care. Understand the safety culture and schedule before committing to a career path.

Look for legitimate programs

Verify accreditation or regulatory approval where relevant. For apprenticeships, confirm the sponsor, training standards, wage progression, and classroom requirements. Avoid programs that promise unusually high starting salaries or guaranteed employment without evidence.

Skills that support success in trade jobs

Although technical requirements vary, many trade careers value:

• Safety awareness and consistent procedure-following

• Mechanical or technical reasoning

• Troubleshooting and critical thinking

• Applied math, measurement, and spatial awareness

• Attention to detail and accurate documentation

• Digital literacy and comfort with diagnostic systems

• Communication with customers, patients, supervisors, and coworkers

• Reliability, time management, and willingness to learn

• Physical stamina or dexterity appropriate to the role

Dokie can help you organize trade-school projects, apprenticeships, clinical experience, licenses, tools, safety training, and measurable results into a focused resume. Provide accurate details from your background, then use Dokie to tailor the language to a specific occupation and highlight relevant experience without overstating your qualifications.

Dokie can also help prepare cover letters, interview stories, and career-comparison notes. Verify every salary, credential, and licensing statement for your location, and keep your own experience as the source of truth. The final application should show what you can safely and competently do, with Dokie making that evidence easier to understand.

Frequently asked questions

What is the highest-paying trade job on this list?

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers had the highest May 2024 median wage among the 12 occupations listed, at $106,580. Individual earnings vary significantly by location, experience, industry, overtime, union coverage, and credentials.

Which trade job has the fastest projected growth?

Wind turbine technicians have the highest projected percentage growth on this list, at 50% from 2024 to 2034. Solar photovoltaic installation is also projected to grow rapidly, but its May 2024 median wage of $51,860 placed it below the 12 occupations selected here.

Do trade jobs require a college degree?

Some do not. Apprenticeship or employer training is common in construction and mechanical trades. Several technical health careers require an associate degree, and other roles require a postsecondary certificate. Licenses and certifications may also be mandatory.

Are the listed salaries starting salaries?

No. They are national median annual wages, meaning half of workers earned more and half earned less. Apprentices and new workers often earn below the median, while experienced or specialized workers may earn more.

How can I find trade jobs in demand near me?

Review current job postings, state labor-market data, local union or apprenticeship websites, licensing-board information, community-college employer partnerships, and BLS state and area wage data. Speak with employers before paying for training.

Is trade school better than an apprenticeship?

Neither route is universally better. Apprenticeships combine paid work with instruction and can lead directly to recognized trade status. Trade schools may offer faster access to labs, foundational skills, or credentials. Compare cost, paid hours, employer recognition, completion outcomes, and licensing eligibility.