Top 20 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs [2025]

Trade jobs- 

They’re hands-on, essential, and often overlooked when it comes to high paychecks.

But here’s the thing— 

Skilled tradespeople are in demand, and some of these roles bring in impressive salaries without requiring a four-year degree.

Curious about the top-earning trade jobs? Let’s dive in.

High-Paying Trade Jobs for Skilled Professionals

1. Elevator Mechanic

Average Salary: $70,000 – $120,000

Elevator mechanics install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. With the rise in high-rise buildings, their expertise ensures safety and smooth operations, especially in urban centers.

2. Radiation Therapist

Average Salary: $65,000 – $115,000

Radiation therapists work closely with oncologists to treat cancer patients using radiation equipment. It’s a vital role in healthcare, offering both emotional and technical support to patients undergoing treatment.

3. Power Plant Operator

Average Salary: $60,000 – $110,000

Power plant operators manage the equipment that generates and distributes electricity. They monitor generators, turbines, and boilers, ensuring consistent energy flow to meet demand.

4. Construction Manager

Average Salary: $55,000 – $105,000

Overseeing construction projects from start to finish, construction managers coordinate labor, materials, and timelines, keeping projects on track and within budget.

5. Electrical Lineman

Average Salary: $50,000 – $100,000

Electrical lineman install and repair electrical power lines, often working in challenging outdoor conditions. Their work ensures power supply continuity, a critical role during emergencies.

6. Boilermaker

Average Salary: $55,000 – $95,000

Boilermakers construct, install, and maintain boilers, which provide heat and power for various industries. Their skill set is specialized and in demand, especially in manufacturing and power plants.

7. Pipefitter/Steamfitter

Average Salary: $50,000 – $90,000

These skilled tradespeople install and repair piping systems that carry liquids, gases, and steam. Their work is critical in industries like manufacturing, oil, and gas.

8. Aircraft Mechanic

Average Salary: $45,000 – $85,000

Aircraft mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain planes to ensure safety in air travel. Their technical expertise is crucial for safety and efficiency in aviation.

9. HVAC Technician

Average Salary: $40,000 – $80,000

HVAC technicians install and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, essential for residential and commercial comfort, particularly in regions with extreme climates.

10. Wind Turbine Technician

Average Salary: $40,000 – $75,000

Working on the forefront of renewable energy, wind turbine technicians install and maintain wind turbines. Their work supports sustainable energy efforts and growing demand in green industries.

11. Diesel Mechanic

Average Salary: $40,000 – $70,000

Diesel mechanics specialize in diesel engine repair, which powers vehicles like trucks and buses. They’re crucial in transportation and logistics, maintaining essential systems.

12. Plumber

Average Salary: $35,000 – $70,000

Plumbers install and repair piping systems, maintaining critical infrastructure in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Their expertise helps prevent costly water damage and system issues.

13. Electrician

Average Salary: $35,000 – $65,000

Electricians work with electrical wiring in homes, businesses, and industrial sites. They’re responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing essential power systems.

14. Masonry Worker

Average Salary: $30,000 – $60,000

Masons construct and repair surfaces with bricks, stones, and concrete. Their work shapes the structures we see every day, requiring both physical strength and skilled craftsmanship.

15. Carpenter

Average Salary: $30,000 – $55,000

Carpenters work with wood to construct, install, and repair building frameworks. Their versatile skills are in demand for various construction projects, from homes to commercial properties.

16. Welder

Average Salary: $30,000 – $55,000

Welders join metal parts together, working in industries like construction, manufacturing, and automotive. Their skills are vital for creating durable and stable structures.

17. Heavy Equipment Operator

Average Salary: $30,000 – $50,000

Operating machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators, heavy equipment operators play a key role in construction and excavation, helping shape infrastructure and landscapes.

18. Tile Installer

Average Salary: $25,000 – $45,000

Tile installers place tiles on floors, walls, and ceilings, creating finished surfaces in homes and commercial spaces. Their precision work adds both durability and aesthetic value.

19. Painter

Average Salary: $25,000 – $40,000

Painters prepare and paint surfaces, transforming buildings inside and out. Their work enhances appearance, protects surfaces, and often plays a role in interior design.

20. Insulation Installer

Average Salary: $25,000 – $35,000

Insulation installers place materials that help regulate building temperatures, reducing energy costs. They’re crucial for energy efficiency in both residential and commercial properties.

Manisha Saini

Manisha is a digital writer providing guidance in career development and growth. She facilitates skill development and implementation of the right strategies for advancement. At Jobera, She documents content around the latest market trend analysis, insights, and career planning.

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