Explore skilled trade careers
Explore 16 skilled trade careers. Compare sourced U.S. median pay, employment outlook, typical training, and the work involved before choosing a path.
Use the pay and outlook figures as national context, not a promise of local wages or open positions. Some BLS profiles combine related occupations; each profile links to its source and explains its training path.
Trade profiles
Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, lighting, and control systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings.
U.S. median pay: $63,190 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +9% (2025–35) · Typical training: 4–5 yr apprenticeship
HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install and service heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration equipment in residential and commercial settings.
U.S. median pay: $61,010 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +11% (2025–35) · Typical training: 6 mo–2 yr program + OJT
Plumber
Plumbers install and repair piping systems that carry water, gas, and waste in buildings and infrastructure.
U.S. median pay: $63,800 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +7% (2025–35) · Typical training: 4–5 yr apprenticeship
The linked BLS profile reports plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters together; the figures are not a plumber-only measure. BLS source
Welder
Welders join and repair metal components using welding processes in manufacturing, construction, and repair work.
U.S. median pay: $53,750 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +2% (2025–35) · Typical training: Technical training + moderate-term OJT
BLS reports welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers as a combined occupation in the linked profile. BLS source
Lineworker
Lineworkers install and maintain the power lines and related equipment that deliver electricity.
U.S. median pay: $95,320 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +10% (2025–35) · Typical training: Up to 3 yr employer training
The linked BLS line-installer profile also covers telecommunications line work; review its occupation breakdown before comparing figures. BLS source
Carpenter
Carpenters construct, install, and repair building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials.
U.S. median pay: $60,580 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +4% (2025–35) · Typical training: Apprenticeship or on-the-job
Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy equipment operators control machinery used to move earth, materials, and equipment on construction and infrastructure projects.
U.S. median pay: $59,600 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +4% (2025–35) · Typical training: 3–4 yr apprenticeship or OJT
BLS groups several types of construction equipment operators in the linked profile; pay is not specific to one machine. BLS source
CNC Machinist
CNC machinists set up and operate computer-controlled machine tools to produce precision parts.
U.S. median pay: $59,620 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: −1% (2025–35) · Typical training: Long-term on-the-job training
The linked BLS profile covers machinists and tool and die makers; its occupation-level figures may not isolate CNC-only roles. BLS source
Auto Mechanic
Automotive service technicians inspect, diagnose, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
U.S. median pay: $50,620 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +5% (2025–35) · Typical training: Certificate + short-term OJT
Diesel Mechanic
Diesel technicians inspect, maintain, and repair diesel-powered vehicles and equipment.
U.S. median pay: $61,770 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +4% (2025–35) · Typical training: Long-term on-the-job training
Ironworker
Structural iron and steel workers install steel frameworks for buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure.
U.S. median pay: $61,910 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +1% (2025–35) · Typical training: 3–4 yr apprenticeship
The linked BLS figures refer to structural iron and steel workers, not reinforcing iron and rebar workers. BLS source
Brickmason
Brickmasons and blockmasons build and repair walls and structures using brick, concrete block, and related materials.
U.S. median pay: $58,270 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +1% (2025–35) · Typical training: Apprenticeship or on-the-job
The linked BLS profile groups brickmasons, blockmasons, and stonemasons; check its detail before comparing specialties. BLS source
Elevator Mechanic
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers install, maintain, and repair vertical transportation equipment.
U.S. median pay: $109,910 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +6% (2025–35) · Typical training: 4 yr apprenticeship
The linked BLS profile covers elevator and escalator installers and repairers together. BLS source
Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft and aircraft systems.
U.S. median pay: $79,870 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +6% (2025–35) · Typical training: FAA-approved postsecondary program
The linked BLS profile covers aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians; the figure may include more than one specialty. BLS source
Wind Technician
Wind turbine technicians inspect, maintain, and repair wind turbines and associated systems.
U.S. median pay: $64,120 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +30% (2025–35) · Typical training: Postsecondary award + long-term OJT
Pipefitter
Pipefitters install and maintain piping systems that carry liquids and gases in industrial and commercial settings.
U.S. median pay: $63,800 (May 2025) · Projected employment change: +7% (2025–35) · Typical training: 4–5 yr apprenticeship
BLS reports plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters together in the linked profile; the figures are not pipefitter-only. BLS source
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