The 10 Best Paying Trades and How To Get Into Trade School

It’s okay to not have it all figured out after high school. Forcing yourself into a four-year college degree might be an expensive mistake waiting to happen. Simply put, college isn’t for everyone.

Fortunately, you can still get a comprehensive education and a rewarding career without a traditional college degree. Trade schools provide specialized programs and job training in a specific field, and workers in these fields are in high demand. As an alternative to the four-year college degree, the trades can be a great way to make a living, at almost any age!

SchoolMatchPro.com is here to assist you in deciding if trade school may be suitable for you, and how to connect to a school to help launch your education, and new career. Before deciding on which trades to consider pursuing, let’s have a quick breakdown of the 10 best paying trades, in no particular order.

#1: Licensed Practical Nurse

A Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) provides primary care for patients and helps doctors and registered nurses complete their duties. LPNs are qualified to perform many medical tasks, such as taking vital signs, administering medications, changing bandages, giving baths, and more.

An LPN may take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a registered nurse (RN). They may take an RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program if they want to further their career.

Average base salary per year: $54,133

#2: HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians install, maintain, replace, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. HVAC technicians are trained in handling different types of HVAC systems on the market and can use various tools and equipment.

Average base salary per year: $56,618

#3: Home Inspector

Home inspectors are responsible for inspecting homes for potential buyers or sellers to determine if they are safe to live in. They check the home’s structure, foundation, and systems to identify any problems that may exist. They are knowledgeable about the various systems and components of a home and have an eye for finer details.

Average base salary per year: $65,627

#4: Plumber

Plumbers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing water lines, sewage systems, fixtures, and other plumbing components in residential and commercial buildings. Plumbers are experienced in building codes and safety regulations and must also possess strong analytical skills to find the best solution to fix plumbing issues.

Average base salary per year: $58,613

#5: Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in commercial and residential buildings. These workers are experts in various wiring systems, electrical codes, and safety regulations to ensure the job is done correctly. They also have strong problem-solving skills to identify and solve electrical systems issues.

Average base salary per year: $56,202

If any of the first five best paying trades interests you, and you’re looking for the certifications, licenses or the education needed to get a career in these fields, visit SchoolMatchPro.com and we’ll connect you to the school or program that can help launch your new career.

Or, check out the next five best paying trades before deciding on your future.

#6: Landscape Designer

Landscape designers plan and design the layout of outdoor spaces on any property. These designers are knowledgeable about various plant species and the principles of landscape design to create aesthetically pleasing, functional spaces.

Average base salary per year: $56,258

#7: Boilermaker

Boilermakers construct, install, maintain, and inspect boilers and other pressure vessels in industrial facilities. They are proficient in different thermodynamic principles and can read blueprints to ensure that all parts are installed correctly.

Average base salary per year: $77,443

#8: Respiratory Therapist

Respiratory therapists are responsible for treating patients with breathing or cardiovascular disorders. They must have a thorough understanding of respiratory anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to effectively treat their patients. This position usually also requires an associate degree.

Average base salary per year: $88,908

#9: Construction Manager

Construction managers oversee the planning, design, and construction of a variety of projects, such as residential and commercial buildings. They must be experts in building codes, safety regulations, and materials used in construction.

Average base salary per year: $76,299

#10: Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists are responsible for cleaning teeth, assessing oral health, and providing preventative care. These workers are educated in dental anatomy and the techniques used to clean teeth.

Average base salary per year: $84,794

Choosing the Right Career School for You

Trades offer an array of career opportunities with rewarding salaries. Note that the average salaries included here are the current rates as of this writing. Your salary as a skilled tradesperson can depend on a wide range of factors, such as education and experience level, location, industry specialization, certification status, and more.

When deciding on a career path, it’s important to consider your skills and strengths to find a field that best suits you. SchoolMatchPro.com offers career exploration tools and information to help you find a trade school based on your interests, skill set, and other criteria.

Whether you want to go to a technical school or take an online course to gain a certification, SchoolMatchPro.com is here to help!