What can you earn in the trades?

Many high school graduates don’t envision a bachelor’s degree as their next step. The skilled trades are more important than ever and offer career opportunities that don’t always require a traditional four-year college degree. These hands-on professions, from electricians and plumbers to HVAC techs, morticians, and carpenters, are important and form the backbone of our infrastructure and daily lives. 

Curious about what you can earn in a skilled trade? We sourced most of our data from ZipRecruiter, which has the most up-to-date information on national average salaries, whether annual or hourly. We also included cities with the highest salaries and, where appropriate, included related jobs.

Aesthetician

These licensed professionals specialize in skin care treatments. They perform services like facials, chemical peels, waxing, and microdermabrasion to help clients improve thei health and appearance of their skin.

Average annual salary: $45,374
High: $73,000 | Low: $19,000
Top-paying city: Santa Cruz County, CA - $62,961
Related high-paying aesthetician jobs (annual salary):

• Master Esthetician: $66,900 
• Holistic Skin Care Specialist: $62,017  
• Licensed Esthetician: $58,205
• Microdermabrasion: $50,757
• Med Spa Esthetician: $45,374

Automotive Mechanic

These professionals diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles. Auto mechanics work on everything from a car's engine and transmission to its breaks and electrical systems (and everything from bumper to bumper) to keep it running safely and efficiently.

Average annual salary: $52,000
High: $36.54 hourly | Low: $12.26 hourly
Top-paying city: Scotts Valley, CA - $66,793
Related high-paying automotive mechanic jobs (annual salary):

• Director Auto Mechanic: $68,439 
• Automotive Maintenance: $65,662
• Automotive Welding: $53,788
• Automotive Machinist: $49,499

Automotive Service Technician

These technicians do similar work to automotive mechanics but specialize in the technology cars rely on to run.

Average annual salary: $58,240
High: $45.43 hourly | Low: $10.82 hourly
Top-paying city: Soledad, CA - $86,483
Related high-paying automotive service technician jobs (annual salary):

• BMW Service Technician: $125,000 
• Master Technician: $62,500 to $90,000
• Automotive Instructor: $66,346
• Senior Automotive Technician: $58,313

Avionics Technician

These skilled professionals install, repair, and maintain a range of electronic equipment on aircraft, including navigation, communication, and flight control systems.

Average annual salary: $66,560
High: $44.23 hourly | Low: $16.59 hourly
Top-paying city: Andrews, MD - $85,016
Related high-paying avionics tech jobs (annual salary):

• Building Systems Technician: $57,186 
• Lead Maintenance Technician: $54,442
• Instrument Control and Electrical Technician: $50,826
• Facility Maintenance Technician: $46,961

Carpenter

These tradespeople construct, install, and repair wooden frameworks and structures. They may build frames for houses and other buildings, install cabinets and trim, and construct furniture.

Average annual salary: $52,115
High: $74,000 | Low: $29,500
State with the highest salary: Washington - $59,025

CDL Truck Driver

A commercial driver's license (CDL) driver operates large commercial vehicles like tractor-trailers to transport goods over long or short distances. Their job includes driving, inspecting their vehicle and cargo to ensure a timely, safe delivery.

Average annual salary: $78,261
High: $186,500 | Low: $29,500
State with the highest salary: Washington - $89,045

Certified Nursing Assistant

A certified nursing assistant (CNA) provides basic care and assistance with daily living activities for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. CNAs work under the supervision of a nurse, helping with tasks like bathing, dressing, and checking vital signs.

Average annual salary: $37,838
High: $54,000 | Low: $22,000
Top-paying city: Corcoran, CA - $60,316
Related high-paying CNA jobs (annual salary):

• Certified Nurse: $55,338
• Self-employed hospital CNA: $45,610
• Correctional CNA: $41,734
• CNA EKG Phlebotomy: $38,463

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

These assistants work under the supervision of an occupational therapist (OT) to help patients recover, develop, and improve skills needed for everyday life and work. They carry out treatment plans, teach patients how to use adaptive equipment, and assist with therapeutic exercises.

Average annual salary: $66,560
High: $46.88 hourly | Low: $17.31 hourly
Top-paying city: Reeder, ND - $84,015

Construction Inspector

These inspectors verify building compliance with all codes, regulations, and approved plans. On visits to construction sites, construction inspectors check the quality of the materials, the environment for safe working conditions, and the alignment and accuracy of work against the blueprints.

Average annual salary: $66,250
High: $117,000 | Low: $32,500
Top-paying city: Nome, AK - $82,183
Related high-paying construction inspector jobs (annual salary):

• Residential insurance inspector: $67,500
• Environmental Compliance Inspector: $65,481

Construction Manager

These professionals oversee and direct building projects from start to finish. They're responsible for planning, budgeting, and scheduling projects, managing the on-site crew, and delivering high-quality work safely and on time.

Average annual salary: $95,168
High: $151,000 | Low: $40,000
Top-paying city: Soledad, CA - $142,362
Related high-paying construction manager jobs (annual salary):

• Pre-construction Manager: $101,510
• Subcontractor: $56,645
• Construction Office Manager: $51,476

Culinary Arts

Culinary arts pros, often chefs, plan, prepare, and present food. They may create menus, manage kitchen staff, maintain mandated safety standards, and cook excellent, tasty food.

Average annual salary: $44,554
High: $68,000 | Low: $11,000
Top-paying city: Napa, CA - $57,962

Drafter

A drafter creates technical drawings and plans used in many fields, like architecture, engineering, and manufacturing. They translate engineers' and architects' designs and specs into detailed, two- and three-dimensional blueprints using AutoCAD and other specialized software.

Average annual salary: $52,160
High: $43.51 hourly | Low: $14.90 hourly
Top-paying city: Mineral, VA - $81,188
Related high-paying drafter jobs (annual salary):

• Electrical CAD Designer: $86,892 
• Senior CAD Drafter: $65,035 
• Associate CAD Designer: $58,560 
• Mechanical Drafting: $56,049

Electrical Lineman

Line workers install, maintain, and repair electrical power lines and telecommunications cables. They work on the equipment (poles, transformers, transmission towers) delivering electricity to homes and businesses.

Average annual salary: $118,560
High: $59.86 hourly | Low: $34.86 hourly
Top-paying city: Corcoran, CA - $190,489
Related high-paying electrical lineman jobs (annual salary):

• Power lineman: $87,915 
• Aerial Lineman: $55,795

Electrician

These tradespeople install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring and control systems in commercial and residential buildings, industrial equipment, and more.

Average annual salary: $61,391
High: $98,000 | Low: $32,000
State with the highest salary: Washington - $69,531

Electronics Technician

These techs diagnose, repair, and maintain electronic equipment and systems, including communication devices, computers, industrial machinery, and more. They work with circuits, wiring, and various components to ensure the devices operate correctly.

Average annual salary: $60,843
High: $95,500 | Low: $29,500
Top-paying city: Scotts Valley, CA - $78,737

Elevator Installer and Repairer

Elevator installers (and mechanics) assemble, install, and maintain elevators, escalators, and other lifts. Their work involves reading blueprints, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical issues, and making sure these complex systems operate correctly and safely.

Average annual salary: $56,160
High: $47.36 hourly | Low: $12.74 hourly
Top-paying city: Nome, AK - $70,017

Firefighter

These professionals respond to emergency calls to extinguish fires, rescue people from dangerous situations, and provide medical assistance. They also conduct safety inspections and public education and maintain their equipment.

Average annual salary: $59,606
High: $100,000 | Low: $28,500
Top-paying city: San Mateo County, CA: $87,739

Funeral Director/Mortician

Morticians and funeral directors prepare bodies for burial or cremation and coordinate funeral services,  working with families to arrange ceremonies that honor their loved ones. These professionals handle the logistical, legal, and emotional aspects of death care, from embalming and body preparation to organizing viewings, services, and burials.

Average annual salary: $65,886
High: $88,500 | Low: $32,500
Top-paying city: Nome, AK - $81,732

Home Inspector

A home inspector examines residential properties to identify potential problems with the structure, systems, and safety features, typically for buyers before they purchase a home. They provide detailed reports documenting issues with items like plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, and foundation to help clients make informed decisions about the property.

Average annual salary: $60,345
High: $89,500 | Low: $29,500
Top-paying city: Portola Valley, CA - $84,110
Related high-paying home inspector jobs (annual salary):

• Foreclosure Field Inspector: $56,872 
• Independent Property Inspector: $49,683

HVAC Technician

An HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technician installs, maintains, and repairs systems that control a building's climate. They work on furnaces, air conditioners, refrigeration units, and other HVAC equipment.

Average annual salary: $58,240
High: $43.03 hourly | Low: $13.70 hourly
Top-paying city: Nome, AK - $72,919

Industrial Mechanic

An industrial mechanic installs, maintains, and repairs machinery and equipment in manufacturing plants, factories, and other industrial facilities. They troubleshoot mechanical problems, perform preventive maintenance, and help keep production equipment operating safely and efficiently.

Average annual salary: $58,240
High: $38.22 hourly | Low: $14.90 hourly
Top-paying city: Nome, AK - $71,449
Related high-paying industrial mechanic jobs (annual salary):

• Plant Mechanic: $66,248 
• Manufacturing Mechanic: $56,800 
• Building Mechanic: $50,010

Locksmith

Locksmiths install, repair, and adjust locks and security systems for homes, businesses, and vehicles. They also make keys, change lock combinations, assist with eviction lockouts, and provide expertise on lock-related evidence at crime scenes. They can help with forensic analysis to analyze security breaches.

Average annual salary: $54,080
High: $35.58 hourly | Low: $12.98 hourly
Top-paying city: Ione, CA - $77,620

Machinist

These skilled professionals use machine tools like lathes and milling machines to create precision parts from metal, plastic, and other materials. They read and follow blueprints and specifications to produce components for everything from car engines to medical devices.

Average annual salary: $54,080
High: $36.54 hourly | Low: $14.90 hourly
Top-paying city: Corcoran, CA - $84,984

Massage Therapist

Massage therapists manipulate the body's soft tissues to alleviate pain, reduce stress, and improve circulation. They use various techniques to help clients relax and manage various physical conditions.

Average annual salary: $72,800
High: $59.62 hourly | Low: $9.62 hourly
Top-paying city: Mineral, VA - $104,177
Related high-paying massage therapist jobs (annual salary):

• Prenatal Massage Therapist: $71,679 
• Aromatherapy: $66,461 
• Spa Therapist: $53,236

MRI Technologist

These technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners designed to capture and create detailed diagnostic images of a patient's internal organs, soft tissues, and bones. The techs position the patient, choose the correct imaging protocols, and ensure patient safety during the scan.

Average annual salary: $110,240
High: $78.85 hourly | Low: $19.48 hourly
Top-paying city: Corcoran, CA - $175,801
Related high-paying MRI Technologist jobs (annual salary):

• MRI Manager: $83,482 
• Lead Radiology Tech: $78,874 
• MRI Scheduler: $53,874

Paralegal

These law professionals assist attorneys with many different legal tasks—but they can't give legal advice, represent clients in court, or set legal fees. Their duties often include conducting legal research, drafting documents, and organizing case files to prepare for trials and hearings.

Average annual salary: $59,731
High: $89,000 | Low: $33,000
Top-paying city: Surry, VA - $85,906
Related high-paying paralegal jobs (annual salary):

• Senior Litigation Paralegal: $86,176 
• Commercial Litigation Paralegal: $78,599 
• Senior Paralegal: $75,187 
• Paralegal Office Manager: $71,376 

Pipeline Welder

These welders join sections of pipes to create pipelines that transport liquids or gases over long distances. They use advanced welding techniques to manufacture strong, durable, leak-proof joints that can withstand high pressure.

Average annual salary: $71,593
High: $87,500 | Low: $44,000
Top-paying city: Nome, AK - $88,811

Plumber

These tradespeople install and repair pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing systems used for water, drainage, and waste removal. They work in residential and commercial settings to keep systems functioning safely and correctly.

Average annual salary: $62,400
High: $48.08 hourly | Low: $14.18 hourly
Top-paying city: Soledad, CA - $94,564
Related high-paying plumbing jobs (annual salary):

• Residential Plumber: $71,534 
• Service Plumber: $65,552 
• Pipe Fitter Apprentice: $59,574 
• Commercial Plumber: $58,820

Police Officer

These professionals enforce the laws, maintain public order, and investigate crimes. They patrol communities, respond to emergencies, and keep the public safe.

Average annual salary: $62,148
High: $103,500 | Low: $32,500
Top-paying city: San Mateo County, CA - $91,480
Related high-paying police officer jobs (annual salary):

• Police Chief: $124,409 
• Environmental Police: $74,487 
• Motorcycle Police Officer: $60,629
• Police Recruiter: $60,477 
• Court Enforcement Officer: $59,965

Solar Panel Installer

Solar panel or photovoltaic (PV) installers assemble, install, and maintain solar panels on rooftops and other structures. They set up the entire solar energy system, including the electrical wiring, to generate power.

Average annual salary: $49,920
High: $36.06 hourly | Low: $14.90 hourly
Top-paying city: Avenal, CA - $70,453

Surgical Technician

Surgical or scrub techs prepare the operating room (OR) and help the surgical team during procedures. They hand instruments to the surgeon, manage equipment, and keep the environment sterile.

Average annual salary: $100,137
High: $135,120 | Low: $74,210
Top-paying city: Norfolk, VA - $114,511
Related high-paying surgical technician jobs (annual salary):

• Anesthesia Technician: $114,972 
• Surgical First Assistant: $79,027 
• Senior Surgical Tech: $60,500 
• Surgical Assistant: $57,641

Structural Iron & Steel Worker

These professionals, sometimes called ironworkers, install and assemble the steel framework of buildings, bridges, and other large structures. They read blueprints, weld or bolt together steel beams and columns to ensure stability of the structure.

Average annual salary: $56,160
High: $49.52 hourly | Low: $17.79 hourly
Top-paying city: Nome, AK - $70,075

Web Developer

Web developers use code and other technologies to build and maintain websites, ensuring sites are functional and high-performing, and deliver a good user experience.

Average annual salary: $94,149
High: $161,500 | Low: $32,000
Top-paying city: Bumpass, VA - $126,020

Wind Turbine Technician

Windtechs install, maintain, and repair wind turbines' mechanical and electrical systems. They work at great heights to inspect, troubleshoot, and fix issues to keep turbines generating power efficiently.

Average annual salary: $54,080
High: $37.98 hourly | Low: $16.35 hourly
Top-paying city: Nome, AK - $67,272