You don't have to go to college to build a fulfilling and financially attractive career. If you’re thinking about skipping student loans, trade jobs can be an excellent choice.
With dozens of options to choose from, you may find something you love to do that uses your unique talents and interests.
Still, you’ll want to be paid well to help you get ahead financially . We’ve pulled together a list of 15 high-paying trade jobs you don’t have to get a college degree to do.
Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially 1. Elevator and escalator installer
Median wage: $102,420 per year
It’s not common to hear about people wanting to enter the elevator industry, but doing so could be quite valuable with a high median wage.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these professionals handle the installation, maintenance, and repair of elevators, escalators, lifts, and other moving walkways.
To work in the field, you’ll need a high school diploma or the equivalent and complete an apprenticeship to obtain your license and boost your bank account .
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2. Line installer and repairer
Median wage: $85,420 per year
Line installers have higher-risk jobs, often installing and repairing power systems, fiber optics, and telecommunication electrical systems.
Their work tends to include both heights and dangerous circumstances, and they may have to work irregular hours after a storm.
According to the BLS, the field will grow by 3% over the next 10 years.
To work in this field, you’ll need to receive training through a technical school or vocational program. On-the-job training may also be available, and apprenticeships are readily available in most states.
3. Police and detectives
Median wage: $74,910 per year
Working as a police officer or detective is dangerous and hard work, and it’s a much-needed profession, often compensated by a higher pay rate than average. There will be a need for more than 20,000 additional officers in the field by 2032.
Police officers go through training academies before they work on the job, though a lot of their skill comes from their work in those first years.
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Median wage: $75,400 per year
You don’t have to be a pilot to earn well in the airline industry, especially if you work as a mechanic. These professionals inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft of all types. Their work is in demand and likely to see a growth of about 7,000 jobs, or 4%, by 2032.
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics typically get their education in a trade school with a Federal Aviation Administration-approved program.
5. Flight attendant
Median wage: $68,370 per year
Flight attendants may seem to have a fabulous job traveling around the world, but their demanding job requires long hours and lots of time away from home. The higher earning capacity is also an attractive reason to choose this position.
More so, according to BLS data, this industry is expected to grow at an 11% rate from 2022 to 2032, which means finding a job could be easy.
The good news is you don't need a college degree to work as a flight attendant. Most receive on-the-job training and certification from the Federal Aviation Administration to do their job.
6. Construction and building inspectors
Median wage: $67,700 per year
You can work as a construction and building inspector without a college degree but with a hands-on education.
Though fewer jobs in this field are expected over the coming years, it could be rewarding for those who enjoy overseeing building codes and zoning rules.
These professionals need to complete a construction trade to gain hands-on experience and then will likely receive on-the-job training.
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Median wage: $73,580 per year
Working as a railroad worker can be interesting, though it requires a lot of time away from home. You’ll work on passenger and freight trains, completing various tasks onboard and in the rail yard.
You don't need a college degree to work as a railroad worker, but you may need a high school diploma or the equivalent. Most offer on-the-job training.
8. Electrician
Median wage: $61,590 per year
Electricians work to maintain, install, upgrade, and repair electrical systems in residential and commercial locations.
They typically handle lighting, control systems, communications, and general power needs. They're also in demand, with the BLS estimating a 6% growth rate from 2022 to 2032.
To be an electrician, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship, and, in some states, you may need to maintain a license.
9. Plumber
Median wage: $61,550 per year
Plumbers work in homes and commercial establishments to manage all aspects of water and drain management.
It’s a critical job, and they're often very much in demand, so they may work weekends and evening hours.
The BLS estimates that wage growth in this field is 2% in the next 10 years.
To be a plumber, you’ll need to work through an apprenticeship, though many attend vocational-based programs during their last years in high school or just after. Many also get on-the-job training.
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Median wage: $60,810 per year
Working as a computer support specialist means balancing technology and people, which often means a lot of hands-on interaction.
This job can be desirable for those who enjoy working to build and maintain computer networks and systems. The estimated growth rate for this industry is 5%.
The type of work you do and the skills you provide determine whether you’ll need college-level courses after high school in this field, but many jobs don’t require them.
11. Concrete finisher
Median wage: $53,010 per year
Pouring concrete and finishing it with textures and detailing can be an impressive job, combining physical labor and artistic talent.
Those who work in this industry may install patios, driveways, and roads. Cement masons and concrete finishers will see some decline in job growth in the coming years.
The good news is that you'll get on-the-job training with some vocational school opportunities.
12. Firefighters
Median wage: $57,120 per year
Working as a firefighter is dangerous and pays a bit more than some jobs. From 2022 to 2032, there will be a need for about 12,000 more firefighters, or about 4% more.
These professionals work to respond to fires, smoke alarms, and CO2 alarms while often putting their lives on the line for others.
You'll need to complete some postsecondary education, usually through a training academy, to work as a firefighter, and some will also earn their emergency medical technician certification.
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Median wage: $56,620 per year
Working as a real estate agent or broker means helping people buy and sell homes and commercial property. It’s a job for those who enjoy working directly with others and have a keen understanding of the real estate industry.
Growth in this field is about 3%, meaning an additional 19,400 people will be needed by 2032.
As for your education, you’ll need to complete a state-mandated license, which often requires some trade school or certificate program.
14. Diesel service technicians and mechanics
Median wage: $58,970 per year
Though automotive technicians earn less, diesel service technicians could earn a reliable wage inspecting, repairing, and maintaining trucks, buses, and other diesel-engine systems.
There's quite a bit to learn in this field, which often means completing a trade school or vocational program in diesel machines and, in some cases, working through an apprenticeship.
15. HVAC technician
Median wage: $57,300 per year
The heating, air conditioning, and ventilation industry — along with those who work as refrigeration mechanics — fit into this field, according to the BLS. They're likely to see growth in the coming years of about 5%.
The work typically involves working in any type of residential or commercial building, providing hands-on labor in planning, installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting heating and cooling systems.
To work in this field and build wealth , you'll likely need to complete some postsecondary education in a vocational or trade school. Many will also undergo an apprenticeship.
Bottom line
Keep in mind that none of these careers require a college education, and the median wage listed is just that — the mid-range earnings for those in the field. Many people earn much more, especially once they gain experience in the field.
That could mean there’s a significant amount of earning power in any of these areas, and you can stop living paycheck to paycheck relatively quickly.
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