Top 20 Highest Paying Trade Jobs

Trade schools are some of the fastest-growing educational institutions. With tuition costs rising and unemployment rates nearing double digits, trade schools appeal to those looking to gain skills and a career. We look at some of the highest paying trade jobs you can qualify for at trade schools.

Today’s trade schools combine regular, everyday jobs with advanced skills and education. It includes engineering, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), electricity, and more.

This article lists 20 trade school jobs you can pursue for a successful future. So, without much ado, let’s get started!

Best Highest Paying Trade Jobs

1. Diesel Service Technician

A diesel service technician repairs and services diesel engines. These engines power trucks, buses, trains, and other vehicles that run on diesel. Thus, the technicians must thoroughly understand how the engine works and what makes it run smoothly.

The skills required for this job are similar to those of a mechanic who works on gas engines. To become a diesel service technician, one must have at least an associate degree in diesel technology or mechanics.

The training will include hands-on instruction and theory classes that cover fuel systems, engine structure and operation, and more.

Job Growth Rate: 4%

Average Salary: $50,000, but this varies by location and experience.

Yearly Openings: 28500

2. Paralegal & Legal Assistant

Legal assistants or paralegals provide support to attorneys in law offices. They help attorneys gather information, organize and file documents, and perform other tasks. Also, paralegals and legal assistants often work under the supervision of an attorney.

In many countries, particularly in North America and some European countries, paralegals are recognized as having a specific legal qualification. It sets them apart from other legal workers.

Most employers prefer paralegal candidates with Bachelor’s degrees, but they may also have degrees in another field.

Job Growth Rate: 14%

Average Salary: $52000 Yearly

Yearly Openings: 45800

3. Food Service Manager

Food service managers are in charge of the operations of a food service establishment. They are responsible for ensuring that all aspects follow the local health regulations and the standards set by restaurant owners.

Usually, these managers work in restaurants, cafeterias, and other food service establishments. You should also be familiar with local health regulations, food preparation, and service standards.

Job Growth Rate: 10%

Average Salary: $55000 Yearly

Yearly Openings: 45000

4. Electrician

Electricians maintain and install electrical equipment in homes, businesses, and other buildings. The role of an electrician is to install, repair or inspect electrical wiring. They have many responsibilities, like installing new light fixtures or replacing old ones. Also, they can change the type of light bulb in an existing fixture.

These technicians repair or replace damaged wiring. It includes changing out circuits and repairing switches, outlets, and fuses. They also improve or replace broken light fixtures by replacing broken globes with new ones, cleaning a lamp’s components, and replacing faulty wiring.

Electrical outlets need to be inspected regularly for safety violations because they often cause electrical fires when not functioning correctly. So, electricians repair damaged wiring and check for safety violations in the wiring system. When performing inspections, electricians check for hazards. It includes overloading circuits, loose connections, and exposed wires that could cause fires or other injuries if touched.

In most cases, an electrician must have a high school diploma or equivalent experience to enter formal education programs at electrician schools. However, some states may require an individual to be licensed to work as an electrician.

Job Growth Rate: 7%

Average Salary: $60,000

Yearly Openings: 79,900

5. Funeral Service Worker

Funeral service workers are the people who work at funeral homes. They perform many different tasks, including embalming and laying out the body in preparation for a viewing or funeral.

Funeral service workers also assist with the funeral service. It can be a religious ceremony or a secular memorial service. They may even help families of the deceased through their grief and bereavement process. Moreover, they provide support and information.

Job Growth Rate: 8%

Average Salary: $48000

Yearly Openings: 7900

6. Occupational Therapy Assistant

Occupational therapy assistants help occupational therapists in their work with patients. They assess patients’ needs and help them carry out their daily activities. Also, they provide therapeutic exercises. The primary skill required for this job is communication skills.

These therapists assist people with disabilities and those suffering injuries or illnesses. So, they must communicate effectively with their patients. It includes listening attentively, asking questions where necessary, and explaining things clearly. Thus, these medical professionals help patients understand the instructions well.

Job Growth Rate: 25%

Average Salary: $61730

Yearly Openings: 9300

7. Respiratory Therapist

A respiratory therapist cares for patients suffering from cardiac or pulmonary problems. These individuals are trained to deliver treatment, including monitoring, education, medication administration, and life support.

Respiratory therapy requires knowledge of anatomy and physiology to understand how the body works. Thus, you need communication skills to explain your plan of care and manual dexterity for medication. Also, respiratory therapists need emotional stability to be sensitive to a patient’s needs.

Job Growth Rate: 14%

Average Salary: $61830

Yearly Opening: 9400

8. Radiologic Technologist

Radiologic technologists perform imaging procedures. It includes X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs. The job of the radiologic technologist is to help doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions. They work with patients to ensure they feel safe and comfortable while being treated. Radiologic Technologists also take responsibility for maintaining the equipment used in these procedures.

They are required to have an Associate’s Degree in Radiologic Sciences. However, completing a certificate program at a community college is possible. Find out more about radiology tech programs near you.

Job Growth Rate: 6%

Average Salary: $77360

Yearly Openings: 16600

9. Aircraft Mechanic & Avionics Technician

Aircraft mechanic and avionics is a career requiring a person to understand the aviation industry. So, you must have the skills to repair aircraft. Aircraft mechanics are responsible for inspecting and maintaining aircraft, including small private planes or large commercial jets.

These technicians also perform routine maintenance on the planes. There are many avionics systems. The most common include navigation, communication, radar tracking, autopilot, and flight control.

Job Growth Rate: 6%

Average Salary: $69280

Yearly Openings: 13100

10. Electric Power Line Installer & Repairer

Electric power line installers and repairers install and maintain power lines. They primarily work on overhead lines or underground cables, which carry electricity to businesses, homes, and other structures.

You will work on high-voltage lines and live wires, which requires excellent skills and safety awareness. So, a high school diploma or GED is needed to become an electric power line installer & repairer. However, an essential requirement is that you have good mathematics skills.

Job Growth Rate: 6%

Average Salary: $78310

Yearly Openings: 23500

11. Cardiovascular Technician

Cardiovascular technicians treat heart diseases as part of their profession. These professionals are trained for the diagnosis and treatment of the cardiovascular system. Also, cardiovascular technicians are called EKG technicians, cardiac technicians, or ECG technicians.

One of the essential skills required by Cardiovascular technicians is dealing with life-threatening situations calmly. They must also work well under pressure and perform many tasks within a limited time.

Growth Rate: 10%

Average Salary: $77,740

Yearly Openings: 10,100

12. Logistics Manager

A logistics manager is responsible for managing the logistics of a business. Also, they coordinate the activities of all departments involved in the supply chain management process. It includes shipping and receiving, warehousing and distribution, transportation, inventory control, and information systems.

So, if you wish to work as a logistics manager, you will need a bachelor’s degree in logistics or an equivalent course. Consider obtaining an associate degree in business administration with a logistics concentration.

Growth Rate: 28%

Average Salary: $77,030

Yearly Openings: 24800

13. Web Developer

Web developers are responsible for website design, development, and maintenance. They have a broad range of technical skills, including HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), JavaScript, XML (Extensible Markup Language), and other languages.

Web developers can obtain Bachelor’s degrees in computer science or information systems. You will learn programming in at least one language, such as PHP or Java. You’ll also need to understand how to build database-driven websites and how to use scripting languages like Perl.

Growth Rate: 23%

Average Salary: $77,030

Yearly Openings: 21800

14. Multimedia Artist & Animator

A multimedia artist and animator uses new media to create images, motion pictures, sound, and more. Also, they create content for television shows, video games, and the internet. Multimedia artists and animators work with a variety of programs. It includes Adobe Photoshop (image editing), Adobe Illustrator (vector illustration), Autodesk Maya (3D animation), and Adobe Flash (interactive content).

Usually, the qualifications needed to become a multimedia artist and animator vary depending on the position and industry. Many start as multimedia artists by working as graphic designers or web developers.

Growth rate: 5%

Average Salary: $78,790

Yearly Openings: 6700

15. Real Estate Appraiser

Real estate appraisers determine the property values. It is a critical component of the real estate market. They typically work for banks or property developers. Also, they are responsible for determining the value of residential and commercial properties.

A real estate appraiser must understand property values. It includes how they change over time and their relation to other factors such as location, size, and condition. You may also need to take real estate law, finance, and accounting courses. It helps you understand how these factors affect the overall value of a property.

Growth Rate: 4%

Average Salary: $61,340

Yearly Openings: 6800

16. Wind Turbine Technician

A wind turbine technician installs, maintains, and repairs wind turbines. However, to become a wind turbine technician, you need an associate’s degree in wind turbine repair or construction.

Also, you require a high school diploma or GED to enter the field. If you are interested in wind energy, consider attending a technical college or university. Here, you can learn about wind turbines and alternative energy sources. Most programs offer hands-on experience with turbine maintenance and theory courses on wind energy technology.

Growth Rate: 44%

Average Salary: $56,260

Yearly Openings: 1900

17. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Solar photovoltaic cells convert the sun’s rays into electricity. A solar photovoltaic installer is an electrical engineer who works with solar panels and other photovoltaic systems.

They design, install and repair these systems to convert sunlight into electricity. However, the solar photovoltaic installer must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and some technical experience. Solar photovoltaic installers must also be able to work with electrical circuits and know how electricity flows through wires.

Growth Rate: 27%

Average Salary: $47000

Yearly Openings: 2500

18. Elevator Mechanic

An elevator mechanic is a person who repairs and maintains elevators. They should have a high school diploma and higher education in mechanical engineering. Also, they need to be able to lift heavy weights and use specialized tools.

Besides, these professionals must also be able to follow written instructions, perform mathematical calculations, read blueprints, and make accurate measurements. Elevator mechanics must work well with others. They may have to work with other technicians on different equipment types. They should also be able to communicate effectively with customers and clients, both by phone and in person.

Growth Rate: 3%

Average Salary: $97000

Yearly Openings: 2100

19. Financial Managers

Financial managers are responsible for managing the financial affairs of a company. They perform financial planning, including budgeting and forecasting. They also monitor the funds’ performance and ensure that they stay within limits set by management.

A Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a business-related field is the most common for financial managers. If you want to work with large corporations, an MBA may be necessary. However, a certificate in accounting or other business-related fields can suffice if you want to work with smaller businesses.

Growth Rate: 17%

Average Salary: $13100

Yearly Openings: 71300

20. Licensed Practical Nurse

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) performs most nursing duties under the direction of a Registered Nurse. The LPN can also administer medications, perform primary wound care, and treat patients with common conditions. The educational requirement for an LPN is usually a high school diploma or equivalent.

LPNs must also complete an accredited program. It includes coursework for anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nutrition, and health care systems. After completing their educational program, LPNs must pass a state licensure exam. After this, they can practice as LPN.

Growth rate: 6%

Average Salary: $48,070

Yearly Openings: 58,800

Conclusion

When evaluating your career options, look closely at some of the top trade school jobs highlighted above. These are attractive for many reasons. They are widely available, highly in demand, and lucrative. There’s no better time than now to enroll if you consider trade school an effective way to get on the path to success.

If you are considering trade school to upgrade your skills or looking for a career change, take the time to explore these 20 occupations. You will surely find the right one for yourself.