Highest Paying Trade Jobs in 2025 (Ranked by Salary)
Trade careers have undergone a remarkable renaissance. While a college degree's ROI has come under increasing scrutiny, skilled tradespeople are commanding higher wages, signing bonuses, and benefits packages that rival white-collar professions. Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, here are the highest-paying trade jobs available in 2025 — and what it takes to land them.
Top 15 Highest Paying Trade Jobs (2025 BLS Data)
| Rank | Trade Career | Median Annual Salary | Typical Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elevator Installer & Repairer | $99,000 | 4-year apprenticeship |
| 2 | Electrical Power-Line Installer | $85,420 | Apprenticeship |
| 3 | Boilermaker | $66,920 | Apprenticeship |
| 4 | Electrician (Journeyman) | $61,590 | 5-year apprenticeship |
| 5 | Plumber / Pipefitter | $61,550 | 5-year apprenticeship |
| 6 | Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $60,810 | Trade school + OJT |
| 7 | HVAC Technician | $57,300 | Trade school or apprenticeship |
| 8 | Sheet Metal Worker | $56,520 | Apprenticeship |
| 9 | Ironworker / Structural Steel | $57,600 | Apprenticeship |
| 10 | Carpenter (Commercial) | $56,350 | Apprenticeship or trade school |
| 11 | Brickmason / Blockmason | $59,420 | Apprenticeship |
| 12 | Tile Setter (Commercial) | $48,860 | Apprenticeship |
| 13 | Welder (Pipe / Certified) | $60,000+ | Trade school + AWS certification |
| 14 | Solar Installer (PV) | $47,890 | Trade school or OJT |
| 15 | Wind Turbine Technician | $57,320 | 2-year technical program |
The Undisputed King: Elevator Installer & Repairer
Elevator installers and repairers are the highest-paid construction trade workers in the United States, with a national median of $99,000 — and top earners exceeding $130,000. The work requires a 4-year apprenticeship through NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program) and combines electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems knowledge. Demand is driven by aging elevator infrastructure in commercial buildings and ongoing construction. Find out more in our Elevator Installer Salary Guide.
Fastest-Growing High-Pay Trades
Beyond current pay, consider which trades are growing fastest:
- Solar PV Installer: 22% projected growth through 2033 — the fastest of any occupation tracked by BLS. Wages are rising as demand outpaces supply.
- Wind Turbine Technician: 60% projected growth through 2033 — the single fastest growing occupation period. Base pay will rise as the talent shortage deepens.
- Electrician: 11% projected growth, boosted by EV infrastructure, data centers, and renewable energy grid connections.
- HVAC Technician: 9% projected growth, fueled by heat pump adoption and climate control demands in new construction.
The Six-Figure Trade Path
Which trades can realistically put you over $100,000 annually? Here's the honest breakdown:
| Trade | Path to $100K | Realistic Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Elevator Installer | Complete NEIEP apprenticeship, work in major metro | 5–6 years |
| Electrician | IBEW union, NYC or Chicago market, overtime | 6–8 years |
| Plumber | Master license + own business OR union foreman | 8–10 years |
| HVAC Tech | Commercial specialty + self-employment | 7–10 years |
| Pipe Welder | API 1104 certification + oil & gas sector | 4–6 years |
How to Choose the Right Trade for You
Salary matters, but so does fit. Consider:
- Physical demands: Ironwork and roofing are extremely physical. Elevator work and HVAC involve confined spaces.
- Work environment: Do you prefer indoor (electrician, plumber) or outdoor (lineman, ironworker) work?
- Travel requirements: Pipeline welders and ironworkers often travel. Local HVAC and plumbing technicians work close to home.
- Union availability in your area: Union trades pay dramatically more — check IBEW, UA, SMART, and IUEC local presence in your region.
- Entrepreneurship potential: Plumbers, HVAC techs, and electricians with master licenses can build companies. Elevator work is largely union/company employment.
Take our Career Match Quiz to find which trade aligns with your skills and goals. Also explore Trade School vs College Salary Comparison.
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