7 Best Trade School Jobs

Trade jobs are some of the most in-demand and secure careers you can pursue. In 2024, consulting firm McKinsey & Company reported that critical skilled roles — including welders, construction laborers, and electricians — are projected to grow more than 20 times the projected annual increase in net new jobs from 2022 to 2032

To enter a trade, you typically only need to go to school for up to a year, which is shorter than any college degree program. Sometimes, you’ll even make more than someone with a college degree.

Check out our list of seven high-paying jobs you can qualify for by completing a trade school program.

Trade school careers require (or encourage its workers to have) some post-high school education earned at a trade school, technical college, or vocational school.

We’ve highlighted some of the highest-paying trade school jobs for you to consider, with job outlook and salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These jobs are considered “high-paying” in relation to the median annual salary of $49,500 across all occupations as of May 2024, according to the BLS.

However, keep in mind that the salaries for trade school jobs can vary widely based on where you live, the licenses or certifications you earn, and how much experience you have.

As an avionics technician, you’ll install, inspect, test, or repair aircraft equipment and software. This role also interprets flight test data and diagnoses malfunctions and performance problems. You could work on anything from military aircraft to small aircraft or commercial planes.

While avionics technicians in general earn a median annual salary of $81,390, those who work in air transportation earn among the most with a median annual salary of $99,150, according to 2024 BLS data.

In order to be a professional in this field, however, you’ll need to attend school to earn a certificate from a Federal Aviation Administration-approved program in aviation maintenance.

These professionals install and repair electrical and electronic components at powerhouses and other major utility stations. They inspect, clean, test, and repair electrical equipment to keep systems running.

While electrical and electronics installers and repairers in general earn a median annual salary of $71,270, those repairers who work in powerhouse, substation, and relay earn among the most with a median annual salary of $100,940, according to 2024 BLS data.

Other names for this role are electrical technician, wireman, and substation electrician. You can enter a trade program for electrical systems technology, electrical engineering, or electrical technician.

Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters work with piping systems that carry gas, water, and other substances. Most of these professionals spend their days installing pipes and fittings, repairing plumbing systems, and preparing cost estimates for customers.

You can earn even more if you advance to master plumber, own your own business, or specialize in commercial plumbing, water supply servicing, or sanitation.

While plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in general earn a median annual salary of $62,970, those who work in government earn among the most with a median annual salary of $69,160, according to 2024 BLS data.

These professionals work with iron and steel to form structures like bridges, roads, and buildings. They work with welding equipment, rod-bending machines, torches, and sheers to manipulate metals. Typically, structural iron and steel workers are employed to work on civil engineering construction, nonresidential buildings, manufacturing, and equipment contracting.

While structural iron and steel workers in general earn a median annual salary of $62,700, those who work in heavy and civil engineering construction earn among the most with a median annual salary of $73,910, according to 2024 BLS data.

Electricians install and repair electrical systems, such as power, lighting, appliances, and communications. They also work with wiring, transformers, circuit breakers, light fixtures, motors, and other electrical equipment.

While electricians in general earn a median annual salary of $62,350, those who work in government earn among the most with a median annual salary of $77,080, according to 2024 BLS data.

Additionally, electricians’ salaries can vary widely by state, level of certification, and industry. For example, Washington, Oregon, and Illinois all feature median annual salaries above $96,000 for electricians, per 2024 BLS data.

Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are entry-level nursing roles that require a quick one-year trade program. These nurses conduct basic patient monitoring and care and often work in residential care facilities, hospitals, or patients’ homes.

While LPNs and LVNs in general earn a median annual salary of $62,340, those who work in government earn among the most with a median annual salary of $66,370, according to 2024 BLS data.

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (also known as HVAC technicians) work with heating, ventilation, cooling/air conditioning, and refrigeration. They install, repair, inspect, and maintain these systems in homes, commercial buildings, and establishments.

While HVAC technicians in general earn a median annual salary of $59,810, those who work in wholesale trade earn among the most with a median annual salary of $65,760, according to 2024 BLS data.

Additionally, Alaska, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Illinois are among the highest-paying states for this role, with median annual salaries all above $71,000, per 2024 BLS data.

Overall, some trade jobs are irreplaceable and in high demand. Some of the fastest-growing careers overall are trades, according to the BLS. This is due in large part to a skilled labor shortage — for example, nearly 70% of contractors report difficulty finding skilled workers, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

There’s also an aging population in trades moving to retirement, with comparatively fewer younger adults ready to take their place, which translates to high demand for many trade professions.