As universities and college degrees are being pushed harder and harder, the amount of individuals going into trade labor has continued to decrease. Which in recent years has treated a high demand for trade labor and trade jobs. With is creating a big projection of need and pay for the next decade!
With that being said, we’ve put together a list of the different types of trade jobs there are to choose from and how to decide which one may be best for you. There are quite a few, so you do have your options if you’re considering going to a trade school.
In addition to that, we’re going to cover a couple of common questions you and others may be asking yourself about skilled trades and vocational schools. Let’s get started!
What is a Trade Job
A trade job is a type of skilled labor that requires a specific set of skills and knowledge to complete. Trade jobs are usually learned through an apprenticeship (training program), trade school, or on-the-job training and don’t require a college degree.
There are many different types of trade jobs, each with its own skill sets, problem-solving skills, and responsibilities. Some common trade jobs include:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- HVAC technicians
- Welders
- Carpenter
- Auto mechanic
In order to decide which trade job and career path is best for you, it’s important to consider your interests, skills, and goals. For example, if you’re interested in working with your hands and enjoy working with tools, a trade like carpentry or auto mechanics may be a good idea.
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Are Trade Jobs in Demand in 2022
The trade job market is expected to grow by about 12 million positions from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This growth is due to a number of factors, including an aging workforce and an increased demand for skilled labor.
The BLS projects that the following will be the highest trade jobs in demand in the next decade:
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- HVAC technician
- Welders
- Construction workers
- Heavy equipment mechanics
- Installers and repairers
Most Popular & Highest Paying Trade Jobs
Some trade jobs are more popular than others, and some trade jobs offer higher salaries. The most popular trade jobs include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, and construction workers.
The highest paying trade jobs include electricians, HVAC technicians, and welders. Electricians can make a median salary of $52,000 per year, while HVAC technicians can make a median salary of $63,000 per year. Welders can make a median salary of $50,000 per year.
However, many of these trade jobs can earn closer to 100k depending on the job training, location, and position in the company. Let’s take a look at a couple of those!
Trade Jobs That Earn $100k
There are trade jobs that can earn you a six-figure salary, but they usually require more experience or advanced training. Some trade jobs that can earn you $100,000 or more include:
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- Information Security Analyst
- Medical and Health Services Manager
- General and Operations Manager
- Economist
- Chemical Engineer
- Sales Engineer
- Software Developer
- Quality Assurance Analyst and Tester
These trade jobs tend to be in high demand and offer good job security. They also generally require a higher level of skill than other trade jobs.
How to Decide If a Trade Job Is Right for You
If you’re interested in skipping the community college and pursuing a trade job, there are a few things you should consider. First, think about your interests and what you’re good at. Ask yourself questions such as:
- Do you enjoy working with your hands?
- Are you interested in problem-solving?
- Are you looking for the highest paying or something that you’ll have fun doing?
You should also consider your goals:
- What do you want to achieve in your career?
- Do you want to earn a high salary?
- Do you want to have job security?
Once you’ve considered these things, research trade jobs that match your interests and goals. The best trade jobs are ones that can answer and apply to all of those questions for you. Finally, take the time to learn more about the trade job market. Research trade schools or apprenticeship programs in your area.
Different Types of Trade Jobs
Now let’s take a look into the different types of trade jobs and better help you identify which one may be best for you!
Electricians
An electrician is a trade that deals with the wiring and maintenance of electrical systems. Electricians are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
Most electricians have completed an apprenticeship program or trade school. Electricians typically work full time and may work overtime or evenings to complete projects. This is also a very easy trade to get into!
The median salary for an electrician is $52,000 per year.
Plumber
Plumbers are trained to deal with anything related to both residential and commercial plumbing systems. Plumbers are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment in homes, businesses, and factories.
Most plumbers have completed an apprenticeship program or trade school. Plumbers typically work full time and may work overtime or evenings and weekends to complete projects. Much like electricians, this trade job can also be easy for someone with no experience to get into.
The median salary for a plumber is $50,000 per year.
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HVAC Technician
An HVAC technician is someone who is working on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems in homes, businesses, and factories.
They can also deal with things such as gas and appliances. Depending on your training and who you work for. Most HVAC technicians have completed an apprenticeship program or trade school. An HVAC technician is a great opportunity for women to get into!
The median salary for an HVAC technician is $45,000 per year.
Support Specialists
Technical support specialists, also known as support specialists, provide technical support to organizations by managing, maintaining, and troubleshooting their IT systems.
Support Specialists can be moderately easy to get into and is also a great option for both males and females. This is also a more comfortable trade job as you’ll be working inside a cool and comfortable office while working on computers.
The median salary for a support specialist is $45,000 per year.
Construction Management
Construction management is a trade that deals with the coordination and project management of construction projects. Construction managers are responsible for overseeing construction projects from start to finish.
Construction managers will need to go through a full apprenticeship program or trade school. They will also need to gain quite a bit of experience in the field before working on their own as a full manager.
The median salary for a construction manager is $87,000 per year. Making this trade job very popular with such a high average salary!
Building Codes
A building code inspector is a trade that deals with the enforcement of building codes and ordinances. Building code inspectors are responsible for ensuring that all construction projects comply with local, state, and federal building codes.
The median salary for a building code inspector is $55,000 per year.
Industrial Mechanics
The Industrial Mechanics major prepares students for a variety of duties in the field of industrial maintenance. They may work on and/or maintain machinery in factories. They must be able to identify and repair little issues before they become serious problems.
Industrial mechanics can be a fun job for those that enjoy large machinery and working on industrial equipment.
The median salary for an industrial mechanic is $50,000 per year.
Civil Engineering
A civil engineering technician is a trade that deals with the design and construction of public works projects. Civil engineering technicians are responsible for assisting civil engineers with the planning, design, and construction of roads, bridges, dams, sewer systems, and other public works projects.
This can also be a fun job for many as you’re not always dealing with the same thing every day. One day you may be working on designs for a road, while others, you’re working on bridges.
The median salary for a civil engineering technician is $49,000 per year.
Automotive Technician
An automotive technician is a trade that deals with the repair and maintenance of automobiles. Automotive technicians are responsible for diagnosing and repairing mechanical problems on vehicles.
Becoming an automotive technician can be one of the easiest and fun trade jobs to get into for both men and women. Many automotive techs get into the industry due to their love for cars, which is why so many of them enjoy their careers!
The median salary for an automotive technician is $37,000 per year.
Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists are trade jobs that work with cancer patients to treat them with radiation therapy. Radiation therapists are responsible for operating the equipment that delivers radiation treatments to patients.
This job is perfect for those that have a caring personality and want to help others in a more unique way. It’s also a trade job that is in high demand due to the increasing number of cancer patients each year.
The median salary for a radiation therapist is $86,000 per year.
Dental Hygienists
A dental hygienist is probably one that most of us are familiar with as we go to them often! It’s a trade that deals with the cleaning and maintenance of people’s teeth. Dental hygienists are responsible for providing preventative dental care to patients. They also educate patients on proper oral hygiene habits.
Many people also enjoy this trade job as it involves working with people and helping them maintain their oral health.
The median salary for a dental hygienist is $72,000 per year. Which is a higher average pay, making it an excellent choice for those looking for additional pay!
Respiratory Therapists
A respiratory therapist is a trade job that helps people who have difficulty breathing. Respiratory therapists are responsible for diagnosing and treating patients with respiratory problems (breathing). They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from cardiac and respiratory arrest.
This trade job is perfect for those that want to help others and make a difference in people’s lives.
The median salary for a respiratory therapist is $57,000 per year.
Legal Assistant
A legal assistant is a trade job that provides support to lawyers and paralegals. Legal assistants are responsible for performing administrative duties, such as scheduling appointments and maintaining files. They also conduct research and prepare legal documents.
This trade job is perfect for those that are interested in the legal field but don’t want to be a lawyer. It’s also a great trade job for those that want to work in an office setting.
The median salary for a legal assistant is $50,000 per year.
If you’re interested in any of these trades, be sure to do some research to see if it’s the right fit for you. Each trade job is unique and offers its own set of benefits, so it’s important to find one that matches your skillset and interests.
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Choosing The Best Trade Jobs Near You
These are only a few of the trade job options available to you. With so many different trade jobs available, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. The best way to decide is by doing your research and finding out which trade job interests you the most.
Once you’ve found a trade job that you’re interested in, be sure to contact a trade school or apprenticeship program to get started on your new career or go over any questions you may have about that trade job!
If you’re a licensed trade professional already or if you’re looking to become one and create a better life, job, and benefits, Energy One wants to help! We provide all of the information, training, and support you need to create the work-life you want. Contact us today!
Make Your Future Bright: The Highest Paying Trade Jobs to Pursue in 2022