What Is the Highest-Paying Trade?

Trades aren’t just essential to society and the economy. They’re also a practical and increasingly popular alternative to attending college.

As with degree-granting institutions, you can attend a campus-based or online trade or vocational school. In either case, trade schools offer efficient and affordable career training that can lead to well-paid opportunities.

This guide profiles 10 examples of high-paying trades that don’t require a college degree. Consider these paths if you’re looking for a hands-on career that may also offer financial security.

Trades are career paths that require specific technical skills and applied knowledge. They typically involve task-oriented, hands-on duties.

Industries that employ tradespeople in large numbers include construction, energy, infrastructure, home services, and manufacturing. Some supporting roles in healthcare, such as vocational nursing, also qualify as skilled trades.

Trades require variable levels of education. For some jobs, you only need a high school diploma or the equivalent, plus some on-the-job training. For others, you need to earn a diploma or certificate from a trade school or career college.

Depending on the trade, a two-year associate degree may be optional or required.

The following list of top-paying trades is based on 2024 median annual salaries published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Nuclear power reactor operators control electricity generation functions in nuclear energy plants. They initiate and stop reactor functions as required, monitor systems for safety and functionality, and document process-related data. If an emergency occurs, nuclear power reactor operators may also initiate frontline response measures.

These professionals work in nuclear power facilities. Some people enter this career with a high school diploma and on-the-job training, but many hold a postsecondary certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree in nuclear power technology or a related field.

Power distributors and dispatchers work in the energy industry. They perform technical duties that regulate the release of electricity and other forms of energy into distribution networks.

Typical duties include:

Educational requirements vary. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s CareerOneStop resource, approximately half of power distributors and dispatchers have nondegree postsecondary education or an associate degree. Relevant fields of study include energy technology and machine technology.

These mechanically oriented professionals assemble and install elevator and escalator system components, troubleshoot and repair service problems, and maintain service records. They also perform important safety tests and checks.

According to the BLS, a large majority (89%) of elevator and escalator technicians work for specialized equipment contractors. A small number work for government agencies and educational institutions.

You can train for this career through specialized apprenticeship programs, which usually run for around four years. Training includes a combination of classroom-based and hands-on learning and generally leads to licensure. Most states require elevator and escalator technicians to hold a license.

Ship engineers mainly work on marine vessels, where they operate and service on-board infrastructure, including engines, electrical systems, water infrastructure, and heating and cooling components. They may also document, troubleshoot, and repair mechanical problems that arise with these systems.

You can enter this career with a high school diploma, plus a nondegree academic award in marine science, marine engineering, or marine technology. As an alternative, you can also complete a merchant marine officer training program.

These specialized technical professionals work in the energy industry. Their job duties focus on inspecting electricity distribution equipment and identifying, troubleshooting, and repairing functional or mechanical issues.

Typical training pathways include a postsecondary certificate along with up to one year of on-the-job training. Relevant programs of study include:

In some states, you may need an occupational license to work as a powerhouse, substation, or relay repair technician.

Power plant operators work in energy production and distribution facilities. They handle a variety of technical duties that can include:

Beyond a high school diploma, career entry usually requires a postsecondary certificate or degree in power plant or hydroelectric energy technology. You may also benefit from a strong working knowledge of applied physics, algebra, and trigonometry.

According to the BLS, employers may prefer job candidates with Edison Electrical Institute certification.

Working in the oil and gas industry, these skilled trades professionals operate petroleum refining and processing equipment. Some specialize in areas such as conducting oil tests or regulating flow rates in oil pipelines.

Becoming a petroleum pump system and refinery operator usually requires a high school diploma plus on-the-job training. Some of these professionals hold certifications from the American Petroleum Institute or National Petroleum Management Association. Depending on your state, some roles may carry occupational licensure requirements.

Electrical power-line installers and repairers fit and maintain the physical lines that deliver electricity. They also perform tests and troubleshooting diagnostics to identify and remedy power delivery issues. Because their work involves close proximity to dangerous electrical voltages, these professionals must pay close attention to safety protocols.

Training may involve a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in electrical transmission technology or linework. However, CareerOneStop reports that 40% of electrical power-line technicians hold a high school diploma. Alternate career entry routes include on-the-job training and apprenticeships.

Working on marine vessels in offshore and inland waterways, water vessel captains, mates, and pilots control the course of their crafts and direct onboard crews.

Training is largely based on accumulating experience through lower-level marine crew roles. Over time, you can work your way up to the mate ranks, and from there to the captain or pilot level.

Employers of marine mates, captains, and pilots often prefer or require specific certifications known as endorsements. You acquire endorsements by gaining experience and passing written exams covering technical knowledge. Capitals and pilots also require specialized licenses.

Working in rail transport, signal and track switch repairers operate and maintain train signaling and switching equipment. Repair duties may also extend to the automatically controlled gates that alert road traffic to an approaching train.

Additional responsibilities can include:

Required qualifications vary by role and employer, but you can enter this career path with a high school diploma and advance through on-the-job training or apprenticeships.

If you’re interested in learning a trade but you’re not sure which path to pursue, start by analyzing your options. Considering these four factors can help guide your decision-making.