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Skilled Trades

Paid apprenticeships and trade schools with six-figure earning potential.

Showing 11 careers
70
Skilled Trades

Elevator Mechanic

Install, service, and repair elevators, escalators, and lifts. One of the highest-paying trades — top journeymen earn $120k+.

Mid-career pay
$99k
Fastest path
4 years (paid)
+3% 2,400 open
70
Skilled Trades

Powerline Technician (Lineman)

Install and repair high-voltage power lines. One of the highest-paying trades — storm work pays double.

Mid-career pay
$88k
Fastest path
3.5–4 years (paid)
+6% 7,000 open
66
Skilled Trades

Solar Panel Installer

Install and maintain rooftop and utility solar arrays. Booming green-energy field with quick entry.

Mid-career pay
$52k
Fastest path
4–9 months
+22% 4,200 open
65
Skilled Trades

Electrician

Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems. Apprenticeship pays you to learn, and master electricians can run their own businesses earning $150k+.

Mid-career pay
$72k
Fastest path
9–18 months
+11% 84,000 open
65
Skilled Trades

HVAC Technician

Install and service heating, ventilation, and AC systems. Year-round demand and a clear path to owning your own company.

Mid-career pay
$62k
Fastest path
6–12 months
+9% 38,000 open
64
Skilled Trades

Plumber

Install and repair plumbing systems for homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Master plumbers regularly earn six figures.

Mid-career pay
$72k
Fastest path
9–18 months
+6% 51,000 open
63
Skilled Trades

Heavy Equipment Operator

Operate cranes, bulldozers, excavators on construction sites. Crane operators in HCOL cities clear $100k+.

Mid-career pay
$62k
Fastest path
3–9 months
+4% 33,000 open
62
Skilled Trades

Welder

Join metals using heat — from construction sites to pipelines and aerospace. Specialty welders can earn $100k+.

Mid-career pay
$58k
Fastest path
6–18 months
+2% 47,000 open
62
Skilled Trades

Carpenter

Frame, finish, and remodel buildings. Master carpenters who run their own crews regularly earn six figures.

Mid-career pay
$56k
Fastest path
6–18 months
+2% 89,000 open
49
Skilled Trades

Wind Turbine Technician

Maintain and repair wind turbines — often climbing 300+ feet. Fastest-growing job in America.

Mid-career pay
$65k
Fastest path
9–24 months
+45% 9,500 open
42
Skilled Trades

Diesel Mechanic

Service and repair diesel engines in trucks, buses, and heavy equipment. Specialist diesel techs earn premium rates.

Mid-career pay
$58k
Fastest path
9–24 months
+3% 28,000 open

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