Highest Paying Trade Jobs in 2025
Skilled trades offer some of the most reliable paths to a high income without the cost and time commitment of a four-year college degree. From electricians earning $65,000 to elevator technicians clearing $100,000, trade careers combine strong salaries with genuine job security. Here is a comprehensive look at the highest paying trade jobs available in 2025, what they pay, and how to get started.
Highest Paying Trade Jobs Ranked by Salary
How to Get Started in the Trades
1. Research Your Options
Each trade has a different work environment, physical demand, and earning trajectory. Electricians work indoors and out, plumbers often work in tight spaces, and ironworkers operate at heights. Talk to people in the field, watch day-in-the-life videos, and consider job shadowing before committing.
2. Find an Apprenticeship Program
The best path into most trades is through a registered apprenticeship. These programs are offered by unions (such as the IBEW for electricians or the UA for plumbers), independent contractor associations, and some community colleges. Apprenticeships typically last 3 to 5 years and include both paid on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
To find programs near you, visit apprenticeship.gov, contact your local union hall, or check with area trade schools. Application windows often open in spring, and competition can be stiff for popular programs.
3. Consider Trade School
Trade schools and community college certificate programs offer another entry point, especially for trades like welding, HVAC, and diesel technology. Programs typically run 6 to 24 months and cost $5,000 to $20,000. While more expensive than a free apprenticeship, they provide structured training and can make you a more competitive apprenticeship applicant.
4. Get Licensed and Certified
Most states require trade workers to hold a license or certification. Requirements vary by state and trade. Electricians and plumbers almost always need a state license, while other trades may require only voluntary certifications. Research your state's specific requirements early so you can plan accordingly.
5. Advance Your Career
After completing your apprenticeship and earning journeyman status, career advancement options include becoming a foreman, project manager, estimator, inspector, or business owner. Many trade workers also earn additional certifications to specialize in higher-paying niches like industrial controls, medical gas piping, or renewable energy systems.
Union vs. Non-Union: What Is the Difference?
One of the biggest decisions in a trade career is whether to go union or non-union. Both paths have advantages:
Union advantages: Higher wages (typically 10-30% more), comprehensive benefits including pension plans, free apprenticeship training, structured advancement, and collective bargaining power. Union electricians, for example, often earn $40 to $60 per hour on the check, plus additional benefits.
Non-union advantages: More flexibility in work hours, potential for faster advancement in smaller companies, wider geographic availability, and the ability to take on side work more easily. Non-union shops may also promote based on skill rather than seniority.
In major metropolitan areas, union trade workers typically out-earn their non-union counterparts. In rural areas, non-union work may be the only option available. Many successful trade workers start non-union and organize later, or vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest paying trade job?
Elevator installers and repairers, power line workers, and crane operators consistently rank among the highest paying trade jobs. Experienced professionals in these fields often earn between $80,000 and $110,000 or more, especially when overtime and hazard pay are included. Geographic location also plays a significant role, with coastal and metropolitan areas paying substantially more.
How long does it take to become a skilled tradesperson?
Most trade careers require an apprenticeship lasting 3 to 5 years, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Some trades, such as welding and HVAC, offer shorter certificate programs of 6 to 24 months that can get you working sooner, though apprenticeship completers typically earn more over their careers.
Are trade jobs in demand?
Yes. The skilled trades face a significant labor shortage as experienced workers retire and fewer young people enter the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects growth across nearly all trade occupations through 2032, and many employers offer signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and accelerated raises to attract new apprentices.
Do trade workers get benefits like health insurance and retirement?
Most full-time trade workers receive comprehensive benefits packages including health insurance, dental and vision coverage, retirement plans (often union pensions or 401k matching), paid vacation, and life insurance. Union trade workers typically receive superior benefits compared to non-union workers, including defined-benefit pension plans and apprenticeship training at no cost.
Can you earn six figures in the trades?
Absolutely. Many experienced trade workers earn over $100,000 annually, especially in high-cost-of-living areas, union markets, or specialized niches. Overtime, which is common in many trades, can push earnings well beyond base salary. Trade workers who advance to foreman, superintendent, or business owner roles often earn $120,000 to $200,000 or more.