The highest-paying trade jobs include elevator installers ($102,420 median), boilermakers ($69,210), electrical power-line workers ($85,420), plumbers ($61,550), and industrial mechanics ($62,530) — with top earners in many trades exceeding $100,000. The skilled trades offer some of the best-compensated careers available without a four-year degree, and the ongoing labor shortage is driving wages even higher.
1. Elevator Installers and Repairers — $102,420
The highest-paid trade by median salary, elevator technicians install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. The field requires a 4-year apprenticeship and projects 3% growth. Top 10% earners make over $137,000 annually. The specialized nature of this work and strict licensing requirements keep supply low and wages high.
2. Electrical Power-Line Workers — $85,420
Line workers install and maintain the electrical grid. The work is physically demanding and sometimes dangerous, which commands premium pay. Top earners exceed $109,000. Infrastructure modernization and grid expansion for renewable energy are creating strong demand through 2032.
3. Boilermakers — $69,210
Boilermakers assemble, install, and repair boilers, tanks, and vats. Median pay is $69,210 with top earners reaching $96,000+. Travel opportunities in this field often come with per diem bonuses that push total compensation even higher. Projected growth is 3% with consistent industrial demand.
4. Plumbers and Pipefitters — $61,550
While the median is $61,550, master plumbers who run their own businesses routinely earn $100,000-$200,000+. The aging U.S. infrastructure creates decades of guaranteed demand. Plumbing apprenticeships pay you from day one and require no prior experience to start.
5. Specialized Welders — $48,000 to $150,000+
General welding pays a median of $48,000, but underwater welders earn $54,000-$150,000+, pipeline welders earn $70,000-$120,000, and aerospace welders command premium rates. The American Welding Society projects a shortage of 360,000 welders by 2027, driving wages upward across all specializations.
Start Your Trade Career
High-paying trade careers are accessible through apprenticeships, trade schools, and community college programs. Most require no degree and pay you while you train. SkillRebuild’s Career Track helps you evaluate which trade aligns with your interests and earning goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tradespeople really earn six figures?
Yes. Experienced electricians, plumbers, elevator technicians, and specialized welders regularly earn $100,000+, especially those who run their own businesses or work in high-demand specializations.
Do trade jobs offer benefits?
Union trade jobs typically offer excellent benefits including health insurance, pension plans, and paid training. Even non-union positions increasingly offer competitive benefits packages due to the labor shortage.
How do I choose the right trade?
Consider your physical preferences, earning goals, and personality. If you enjoy problem-solving, consider electrical or plumbing. If you prefer physical challenges, line work or ironwork may suit you. Research local demand and apprenticeship availability.