List of Trade Careers With Salary Ranges & Educational Requirements

In this list of 50 common trade careers, we take a look at their typical salary ranges, their current and predicted demand (i.e., low, medium and high), and their education and training requirements. In the development of the table, we referred to the information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Indeed, and ZipRecruiter, among other reliable sources. We also considered the possible impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on predicted demand.

Trade Career NameAnnual Salary RangeRequirementsCurrent DemandFuture Demand
Electricians$38,000 – $102,000– High school diploma
– Tech-voc training
– Apprenticeship
HighHigh
Plumbers/Pipefitters/Steamfitters$38,000 –  $102,000– High school diploma
– Tech-voc training 
– Apprenticeship
– License
HighHigh
Carpenters$36,000 – $90,000– High school diploma
– Tech-voc training/associate degree
– Apprenticeship
HighHigh
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$35,000 – $69,000– High school diploma
– Tech-voc training
– Apprenticeship 
– License/certification
HighHigh
Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$36,000 – $83,000– High school diploma
– Tech-voc training
– Apprenticeship 
– License/certification
MediumMedium
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$30,000 – $75,000– Tech-voc training or associate degree
– On-the-job training 
– Certification
HighMedium
Construction Laborers and Helpers$30,000 – $67,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training or apprenticeship
– Safety certification
HighHigh
Masonry Workers$36,000 – $83,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training or apprenticeship
HighHigh
Painters, Construction and Maintenance$32,000 – $73,000– On-the-job training or apprenticeship
– Optional certifications
MediumMedium
Roofers$32,000 – $76,000– On-the-job training or apprenticeship
– Optional certifications
MediumMedium
Construction Equipment Operators$37,000 – $93,000– High school diploma
– Tech-voc training
– Apprenticeship 
– License/certification
HighHigh
Glaziers$35,000 – $88,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training/ apprenticeship 
– License/certification
HighHigh
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians$41,000- $109,000– Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician schoolHighHigh
Sheet Metal Workers$36,000 – $100,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training/ apprenticeship 
– License/certification
MediumMedium
Flooring Installers and Tile and Stone Setters$32,000 – $80,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training/ apprenticeship 
– License/certification
HighHigh
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers$31,000 – $73,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training/ apprenticeship 
– License/certification
LowLow
Drywall Installers, Ceiling Tile Installers, and Tapers$36,000 – $97,000– On-the-job training or apprenticeshipMediumMedium
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers$48,000 – $136,000– High school diploma
– Apprenticeship 
– License/optional certification
MediumMedium
Solar Photovoltaic Installers$36,000 – $64,000– High school diploma
– Apprenticeship 
– License/optional certification
HighHigh
Woodworkers$29,000 – $54,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training
– Optional certification
MediumMedium
Boilermakers$47,000 – $96,000– High school diploma
– Apprenticeship 
– License/optional certification
LowLow
Ironworkers$39,000 – $90,000– High school diploma
– Apprenticeship 
– License/optional certification
MediumHigh
Surveying and Mapping Technicians$32,000 – $78,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training  
– Optional certification
MediumMedium
Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, or Millwrights$39,000 – $83,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training or apprenticeship
HighHigh
Automotive Body and Glass Repairers$33,000 – $79,000– High school diploma
– Tech-voc training  
– Optional certification
MediumMedium
Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics$38,000 – $79,000– Post-secondary training and on-the-job training  
– Optional certification
MediumMedium
Water Transportation Workers$35,000 – $133,000– US Coast Guard-approved training
TWIC and MMC
MediumMedium
Machinists and Tool and Die Makers$34,000 – $72,000– Post-secondary training and on-the-job training  
– Optional certification
MediumMedium
Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$41,000 – $91,000– Post-secondary training or associate degreeHighHigh
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$44,000 – $102,000– Associate degree
– Optional certifications
HighMedium
Upholsterers$29,000 – $60,000– High school diploma
– Tech-voc education  
– Optional certification
MediumMedium
Metal and Plastic Machine Workers$31,000 – $62,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training  
– Optional certification
LowLow
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians$32,000 – $67,000– High school diploma
– Tech-voc education/apprenticeship  
– Optional certification
MediumMedium
Agricultural and Food Science Technicians$30,000 – $64,000– Associate degree
– On-the-job training
HighHigh
Assemblers and Fabricators$30,000 – $62,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training  
– Certifications
HighLow
Construction and Building Inspectors$41,000 – $105,000– High school diploma
– Relevant work experience
– Certification
MediumLow
Telecommunications Technicians$38,000 – $94,000– High school diploma
– Tech-voc education  
– Optional certification
HighHigh
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant/System Operators$35,000 – $82,000– High school diploma
– Tech-voc education, on-the-job training
– License
MediumLow
Railroad Workers$49,000 – $88,000– High school diploma
– Tech-voc education, on-the-job training 
– License
MediumLow
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$48,000 – $115,000– Tech-voc education, on-the-job training, apprenticeship 
– License/certification
HighHigh
Insulation Workers$30,000 – $77,000– Tech-voc education/apprenticeship/on-the-job training 
– License
MediumMedium
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers$31,000 – $77,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training
LowLow
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers$38,000 – $105,000– Post-secondary training
– On-the-job training, work experience
MediumLow
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$29,000 – $53,000– High school diploma
– Specialized training and certification
HighHigh
Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$21,000 – $55,000– Post-secondary training
– On-the-job training/apprenticeship
MediumMedium
Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners$24,000 – $61,000– Tech-voc training 
– On-the-job training/apprenticeship
MediumMedium
Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers$23,000 – $48,000– Post-secondary training
– On-the-job training/apprenticeship
MediumMedium
Watch and Clock Repairers$23,000 – $69,000– Tech-voc training 
– On-the-job training/apprenticeship
MediumMedium
Bicycle Repairers$28,000 – $48,000– Post-secondary training
– On-the-job training
LowLow
Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators/Tenders$26,000 – $44,000– High school diploma
– On-the-job training
MediumMedium

Keep in mind that the minimum requirements to qualify for entry-level positions in these trade careers will vary depending on your prospective employer, geographical location, and industry. For example, many of these trade occupations only require a high school diploma or its equivalent with on-the-job training filling in the skills gap. Many of these trade careers, furthermore, require formal education, such as completion of a non-degree certification or an associate degree, perhaps followed by an apprenticeship period. 

Licenses and professional certifications vary between states, too, so be sure to check with your state authorities and professional organizations.

The salary ranges provided are for the national level. Salary ranges in every state, municipality or city, and industry will be different, so it’s best to check.