Two of the most reliable paths to a well-paying job without a degree are skilled trades and entry-level tech roles. Both have real earning potential — but they differ in time to entry, physical demands, earning trajectory, and stability. This page breaks down both honestly.
Side-by-side salary comparison
Tap a category to compare salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023 Occupational Outlook Handbook).
| Role | Median salary | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Manager | $101,000 | 5–10 yrs trade experience |
| Elevator Installer/Repairer | $99,000 | Apprenticeship (4–5 yrs) |
| Electrical Power Line Installer | $85,000 | Apprenticeship (4 yrs) |
| Plumber / Pipefitter | $61,000 | Apprenticeship (4–5 yrs) + license |
| Electrician | $61,000 | Apprenticeship (4–5 yrs) + license |
| HVAC Technician | $57,000 | EPA 608 cert + trade school |
| Welder | $47,000 | Trade school (6–12 mo) + certs |
| Role | Median salary | Entry requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $127,000 | Portfolio + bootcamp (12–18 mo) |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | $112,000 | CompTIA Security+ / Google Cybersecurity |
| UX Designer | $98,000 | Google UX Certificate + portfolio |
| Cloud Practitioner (AWS/Azure) | $95,000 | AWS Cloud Practitioner cert (2–4 mo) |
| Web Developer | $78,000 | Portfolio + self-study (6–12 mo) |
| Data Analyst | $67,000 | Google Data Analytics + SQL/Excel |
| IT Support Specialist | $60,000 | CompTIA A+ or Google IT Cert (3–6 mo) |
Key differences to consider
Time to first paycheck
Trade apprenticeships pay you from day one. Tech certification paths take 3–12 months of study before landing a first paid position, and that study period is typically unpaid.
Physical demands
Trades involve physical labor, outdoor work, and variable conditions. Tech roles are predominantly desk-based and remote-friendly. Neither is inherently better — it depends on lifestyle and physical circumstances.
Earning ceiling
Top tradespeople who start their own businesses can exceed $150,000/year. Senior software developers and cybersecurity professionals in competitive markets regularly exceed $150,000–$200,000. Both paths have high ceilings — they follow different timelines.
Job stability
Trade jobs are location-dependent but insulated from offshoring. Tech offers geographic flexibility and remote work. The BLS projects strong growth in both sectors through 2032.
Official resources to verify this data
All links below are verified official sources. We are not affiliated with any of these organizations.