For those seeking a relatively high-paying and stable career in the trades, there are many options to choose from. Here’s a look at some of the highest paying trades jobs that are on the market, as well as what you can expect from each one.
HVAC Technician
HVAC Technician is one of the highest paying trade jobs on the market. An HVAC Technician is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and servicing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning units. This job is in high demand as there are always people in need of HVAC installation, repair and maintenance services. The average salary for an HVAC Technician is between $46,000 and $68,000, with the highest earners making over $100,000 a year.
Electrician
Certified electricians are always in high demand due to their extensive knowledge of electrical work and their ability to work with a variety of systems. Electricians carry out a range of tasks, such as wiring electrical systems, diagnosing electrical problems, and replacing faulty parts. The average salary for an electrician is around $45,000, with the highest earners making upwards of $75,000 a year.
Welders
Welders are skilled in the process of joining two or more metals together by melting and reforming them. Welders are in high demand across a variety of industries and are often employed in factories, construction sites, and the automotive industry. The average salary for a welder is around $41,000, with experienced welders and those employed in specialized positions earning higher salaries.
Heavy Equipment Operators
Heavy equipment operators are responsible for operating heavy machinery and equipment to perform a variety of construction tasks. These tasks may include bulldozing, excavating, and lifting and moving heavy materials. Heavy equipment operators have an average salary of around $48,000 and can earn up to $80,000 per year with experience and in a specialized role.
Plumbers
Plumbers are responsible for installing and repairing piping systems and other plumbing fixtures. This is one of the higher-paying trades jobs, with plumbers earning an average of $51,000 per year. Plumbers in a specialized role, or those with more experience, can earn up to $90,000 a year.
Carpenters
Carpenters are in high demand in the construction industry, as they are responsible for constructing, installing and repairing various structures. Carpenters use a range of tools to carry out their job, such as saws, drills, levels and hammers. The average salary for a carpenter is around $37,000, with experienced carpenters and those employed in specialized roles earning up to $60,000 a year.
Factors That Affect Trade Jobs Pay Scale
While the jobs listed above are some of the highest paying trades jobs on the market, they also vary in terms of salary depending on factors such as experience, location and specialization. Here are some of the factors that affect a trade job’s pay scale.
Location
Location plays a big role when it comes to trade jobs pay scale. Generally, jobs in urban areas tend to pay more than those in rural areas. This is because there is generally a higher demand for certain trades in more populous areas, so tradespeople can charge higher prices for their services.
Experience, Certifications and Education
Experience, certifications and education are also important factors that can affect a trade job’s pay scale. For some trades, such as electricians and plumbers, certifications and licenses from professional bodies are required to work in certain states and/or countries.
Having industry knowledge, experience and certifications can also be beneficial when it comes to negotiating a higher wage. Those with a higher level of education, such as those with a college degree, may also have more options in terms of trades and may be able to negotiate a higher wage.
Specialization
Another factor that can affect a trade job’s pay scale is specialization. Certain trades require more specialized skills than others. Those with specialized skills may have more earning potential than those with more general skills.
The highest paying trades jobs are in high demand and offer an opportunity to make a lucrative career. With the right experience, certifications and education, people in these trades can make a very good living. Of course, location, experience and specialization also play an important role in the pay scale of various trade jobs.
