Top 10 Highest Paying Trade Jobs in the USA 2024-2025: BLS Salaries, Growth & No-Degree Paths

Elevator and escalator technicians earn the most among trade workers, with a median salary of $106,580 (BLS May 2024, BLS Elevator Installers). Power-line installers and repairers come in second at $92,560 (BLS Power-Line). Both roles show strong growth through 2033 and often hire through paid apprenticeships--no college degree required. They're solid options for high school graduates or mid-career adults who want hands-on work and job stability in the US skilled trades market. These paths might not fit if you prefer desk jobs or live in rural areas with few union opportunities.

Highest Paying Trade Jobs in the USA (2024-2025 Data)

Elevator and escalator technicians lead at a median of $106,580 (BLS Elevator Installers; Resume Genius), thanks to specialized demand and strong union backing. Power-line installers earn a median of $92,560, with the top 10% reaching $126,610 (BLS Power-Line). Both jobs require workers who can handle heights and physical demands, and both show steady growth driven by infrastructure needs.

BLS data shows top earners in specialized fields like aircraft avionics hitting $79,140 median (top 10% at $120,080). Growth rates vary--wind turbine technicians, for instance, are projected to grow by over 50% through 2033 (BLS Projections; Resume Genius). Most roles start with a high school diploma and a 4-5 year apprenticeship.

Top 10 Highest Paying Blue-Collar Trade Jobs

Elevator and escalator technicians top the list at $106,580 median (BLS May 2024, BLS Elevator Installers), driven by urban high-rise construction and safety requirements. Power-line installers earn $92,560, with union positions often paying more.

Here's the ranking based on BLS May 2024 medians:

1. Elevator/escalator technician: $106,580 (top 10% $149,250)
2. Power-line installer/repairer: $92,560 (top 10% $126,610)
3. Aircraft avionics technician: $79,140 (top 10% $120,080)
4. Stationary engineer/boiler operator: $75,190 (top 10% $121,200)
5. Plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter: $62,970 (top 10% $105,150)

Other strong options include industrial machinery mechanics at $63,510 and construction managers who can work their way up to $70k-$120k+ (industry estimates). Union workers often earn above these medians, and the top 10% figures show what's possible with specialization. These are national medians--your actual pay depends on where you work and how much experience you bring.

Electrician vs Plumber vs HVAC: Salary and Outlook Comparison

Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians all earn similar medians around $59k-$63k (BLS May 2024), but electricians have faster-than-average growth through 2033 (BLS via PTT). HVAC shows 8% growth, plumbers 4-6%.

Electricians benefit from the renewable energy boom. Plumbers have a clear path to business ownership (many run their own shops within 10-15 years). HVAC techs stay busy with smart building systems. Skip plumbing if you can't handle confined spaces and wet conditions.

Fastest-Growing Trade Jobs with High Pay Potential

Wind turbine technicians lead growth at over 50% through 2033 (BLS via Resume Genius), fueled by green energy expansion. Solar PV installers follow at 48%. Electricians are growing faster than average, and welders face a 400k worker shortage (AWS 2025).

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is driving demand through 2028. These roles offer strong future earnings, though many positions are in remote or rural locations. Growth across skilled trades ranges from 4-60% (BLS Projections).

Factors Affecting Trade Job Pay and Demand

Union membership significantly boosts weekly earnings (2023 data). Experience, region, and specialization all matter--welders earn the most in air transport and power generation; commercial divers make $55k-$120k+ in offshore work (historical 2024 data, verify current BLS). Base pay is just part of the picture. Getting into a union early often means better benefits and overtime rules that add up over time. Picking a hot region where infrastructure projects are booming can sometimes double what you'd make elsewhere, and those differences don't always show up in cost-of-living adjustments that nobody really talks about enough.

Checklist to maximize pay:

• Join unions for premium wages
• Gain certifications (OSHA, EPA)
• Specialize (e.g., green energy)
• Target high-demand regions/industries

Cost-of-living adjusted data isn't available here--check BLS state profiles for local numbers. Plumbers who move into business ownership can see major pay jumps.

How to Enter High-Paying Trades Without a College Degree

Start with a high school diploma, then get into a paid apprenticeship (4-5 years). Trade schools offer faster options, like HVAC programs that take just 11 months.

Steps:

1. Earn diploma/GED
2. Enroll in apprenticeship or trade program
3. Get certifications (EPA for HVAC, OSHA)
4. Join union for opportunities

Physical demands and training time (up to 5 years) suit workers who are committed to hands-on careers. Skip these paths if you're not willing to do fieldwork.

Evidence Pack

Top Trade Jobs Decision Matrix (Prioritizing >$80k median + >10% growth for "best overall"):

Data from BLS via listed sources. "Best overall" includes jobs like power-line installer for balancing high pay with growth.

Union Trade Jobs and Regional Pay Variations

Unions deliver higher median weekly earnings (2023), especially in elevator and power-line work. Welders' pay varies by state and industry; divers earn more on the West Coast and offshore ($55k-$120k+, historical 2024 data, verify current BLS).

Infrastructure projects are booming in urban areas. Limited state-level data means you'll need to check BLS locality tools for your region. Rural areas have fewer opportunities in high-growth fields like renewables.

FAQ

Is HVAC a good high-paying trade?
Yes, with 8% growth through 2033 and steady demand in buildings and hospitals (BLS). Medians run around $60k, and programs can be as short as 11 months. EPA certifications boost your prospects.

Electrician or plumber: which pays more?
Similar medians around $60k (BLS May 2024), but electricians have faster growth compared to plumbers' 4-6%.

What are average trade job salaries 2024?
Construction and extraction occupations median is $58,360 (BLS May 2024). Skilled trades range from $59k to $106k for top roles.

Best trade jobs no degree high pay?
Elevator tech at $106k median, accessed through apprenticeships (BLS May 2024).

Wind turbine technician earnings and growth?
Fastest-growing at over 50% through 2033 (BLS). Pay potential increases with green energy demand, often starting above $50k.

Apply This to Your Situation

Consider:
1) Can you handle heights and physical work? Yes → elevator or power-line jobs.
2) Do you prefer green energy? Yes → wind or solar tech roles.
3) Career changer over 40? Short programs like HVAC (11 months) work well.

Search for local apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov or contact unions like IBEW for electrician positions--take one step today.