Skilled trades are among the most overlooked career paths in the U.S. — and some of the most financially stable. This guide covers which trades pay the most, what an apprenticeship actually involves day to day, and how to find a registered program in your state.
Highest paying trade jobs in the U.S.
All salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (2023 edition). National medians; state and experienced wages often run significantly higher.
- #1Construction Manager~$101,000/year medianTypically reached after 5–10 years as a tradesperson · No degree required
- #2Elevator Installer & Repairer~$99,000/year medianApprenticeship: 4–5 years · Union-affiliated · Highly specialized
- #3Electrical Power Line Installer~$85,000/year medianApprenticeship: 4 years · Outdoor, high-voltage work · Strong job growth
- #4Electrician~$61,000/year median ($90k+ master electricians)Apprenticeship: 4–5 years + state license · Most in-demand trade
- #5Plumber / Pipefitter~$61,000/year median ($90k+ with experience)Apprenticeship: 4–5 years + state license · Consistent demand regardless of economy
- #6HVAC Technician~$57,000/year median ($80k+ with specialty certs)EPA 608 certification + trade school or apprenticeship · Growing from green energy sector
- #7Welder~$47,000/year median ($70k+ specialty/underwater)Trade school 6–12 months + certifications · Specialty welding commands significant premiums
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
What an apprenticeship actually involves
Y1
First year — foundations and basic tasks
Work under a licensed journeyman on basic tasks. Attend weekly classroom sessions covering theory, safety codes, and regulations. Starting pay: ~40–45% of journeyman rate.
Y2
Second year — expanding responsibilities
Take on more complex tasks with less direct supervision. Classroom hours continue. Pay increases to ~50–55% of journeyman rate.
Y3–4
Years three to four — near-independent work
Handle most tasks independently under oversight. Prepare for journeyman exam. Pay reaches 65–80% of journeyman rate by year four.
Y5
Journeyman status — full wages and license
Pass state journeyman exam. Work independently at full journeyman wages. Optional: continue toward master license for higher earning ceiling and business ownership.
Key advantage over college: You earn a progressively increasing wage throughout training. A fifth-year apprentice electrician earns more than most entry-level college graduates in non-STEM fields — with zero student debt.
How to find and apply for an apprenticeship
1
Identify programs in your area
Start with Apprenticeship.gov — the official U.S. Department of Labor database. Filter by state and trade. Union halls (IBEW for electricians, UA for plumbers) often run the largest and best-paying programs.
2
Meet basic eligibility requirements
Most programs require: age 18+, high school diploma or GED, valid driver’s license, and basic math proficiency. Physical requirements vary by trade.
3
Apply and complete intake testing
Many programs have annual application windows. Some use aptitude tests in math and reading. Apply early and to multiple programs to improve your chances — waitlists exist for popular programs.
4
Begin the program
Once accepted, you are matched with an employer and begin work immediately. Classroom training is scheduled around your work hours — usually evenings or weekends.
Apprenticeship Finder — U.S. Dept. of Labor
Search registered programs by location and trade
IBEW Electrical Apprenticeships
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers — find your local union
UA Plumber & Pipefitter Apprenticeships
United Association — official plumbing and pipefitting programs
ACHR News — HVAC Career Resources
Training programs, certification requirements, and career paths for HVAC