These highest-paying trade jobs are currently in high demand

Trade jobs are excellent alternatives to occupations that require four-year degrees. Many trade jobs pay solid middle and upper-middle-class salaries. Since they don't require several years of tuition payments, when you do land a job, you'll likely spend less of that salary paying down student loans. Alternatively, if you want to transition from your current career without getting a four-year degree, the barrier to entry for a trade job is lower. 

Trade jobs are also plentiful. There are currently many industries, such as the renewable energy sector, that need skilled technical and physical labor. This article explores some of the highest-paying trades by industry, including lucrative roles you can pursue and the most in-demand trades. That way, you can have confidence the high-paying trade job you want will still be around when you're ready to start filling out applications.

Construction

Jobs in the construction trade are known for paying great salaries, especially when you work toward management positions. For example, the median annual salary for construction managers in 2022 was $101,480 per year. You can also earn a competitive income by working in a specialized area of construction, such as carpentry. Carpenters currently earn an average of $58,000 per year, and you can become a carpenter by completing a carpentry apprenticeship or another formal training program that enhances your skills.

Mechanics

There are several types of mechanics, all of which can make outstanding pay. Though elevator and escalator mechanic is a niche job, it pays incredibly well and has a very low barrier to entry. You only need a high school diploma to start apprenticing in this field. After four years of apprenticeship, most states require licensing, and then you can work on your own. In 2022, elevator and escalator mechanics earned median pay of $99,000 per year.

Aircraft mechanics also earn high salaries, with the median income for these professionals sitting at $70,010 per year in 2022, with the top 10% earning $108,200 per year. You can become an aircraft mechanic after completing high school and attending a technical program.

Renewable energy

Demand for clean energy is rapidly expanding around the world, and wind farms are leading the way. Currently, power generated from wind supplies the largest percentage of renewable energy in the U.S. To keep this power flowing, the renewables industry needs skilled technicians to install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. To become a wind turbine technician, you'll need a high school diploma and two years of training at a technical school. Most wind turbine technicians also receive a year of on-the-job training. The BLS reported that wind turbine technicians earned a median income of $57,320 per year in 2022.

"Many trade jobs pay solid middle and upper-middle-class salaries. Since they don't require several years of tuition payments, when you do land a job, you'll likely spend less of that salary paying down student loans."

Dental hygiene

Though it's recommended you visit the dentist for a cleaning twice a year, it's typically not the dentist who's wielding the dental mirror and probe during these visits. More likely, a dental hygienist is cleaning your teeth.

Dental hygienists assist dentists in providing preventative dental care and checking for signs of oral diseases. Dental hygienists need to know how to use dental tools to carefully clean patients' teeth. They also need to have strong communication skills, empathy, and an understanding of dental anatomy. To become a dental hygienist, you'll need a high school diploma, an associate degree from an accredited college, and a license to work in your state. In 2022, dental hygienists earned a median salary of $81,400 per year. 

FAQs about high-paying trades

Here are answers to a few frequently asked questions about top-paying trades:

Which trade is most in demand?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most in-demand trade job right now is the role of wind turbine service technician, which is a job in the energy sector. Employment for wind turbine service technicians is expected to increase by 45% from 2022 to 2032, which is a rapid growth rate that suggests over 1,800 jobs opening in these roles each year. 

There's also great demand expected in the industrial machinery trade, which includes machine maintenance workers, millwrights, and industrial machinery mechanics. The BLS shows that demand for these roles could increase by 13% from 2022 to 2032, another fast growth rate. This equates to around 49,100 new job openings per year.

What are some of the highest-paid trade skills?

While each trade requires specific skills, a few of the highest-paid trade skills are abilities that you can use in any type of trade job. For instance, one of the most essential trade skills is technical proficiency, as trade jobs often involve working with machinery and complex systems. Other helpful skills are problem-solving and attention to detail, as these will help you respond quickly to unforeseen situations and tackle problems on the worksite quickly.

With a range of skill types, job requirements, and salaries, you'll have plenty of options to choose from if you decide to pursue a trade job. If you do land a highly paid blue-collar job and are interested in ways to make even more money, consider enrolling in certificate programs related to your trade or taking specialized courses that will build on your industry knowledge.  You can also sign up for email alerts from CareerBuilder to ensure you don't miss any new roles that open up in your desired trade.

More tips on how to skip college and still make a competitive salary

Looking for a decent job with only a high school diploma? Check out this list of the 10 highest-paying high school diploma jobs.

Wondering what kind of certificates employers are looking for? This list of the best certifications for today's job market can help you get the job you want and advance your career.

Looking to polish your resume and land a trade job? Review our advice for incorporating eye-catching keywords into your resume.