Top 12 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs in Demand for 2023

A trade job can be a great option if you enjoy challenging, hands-on work. Jobs in this field usually require vocational schooling or training and often pay well for the specialized skill set they require. Whether you are in the process of applying to trade schools or researching trade jobs in your area, learning about the wide variety of high-paying trade careers available can help you choose a career that best suits your interests.

In this article, we explain what a trade job is, list 12 of the highest-paying trade jobs to consider and answer frequently asked questions about trade jobs.

What is a trade job?

A trade job is a career that doesn't typically require a four-year bachelor's degree but instead requires specialized training. Those who are seeking a trade job can get that training in various ways, depending on what the job is. Training options typically include:

• Associate degree

• Vocational school

• On-the-job training

• Apprenticeships

Trade schools and apprenticeships typically take less time and money to complete. An associate degree could take up to two years, while trade schools typically take anywhere from eight weeks to two years. 

Related: Trade School vs. College: What You Need to Know

Image description

Three professionals sit smiling under three stacks of dollar bills, each with a label that tells their job title. The three job titles are: Power plant operator, Diagnostic medical sonographer and Dental hygienist. At the top of the illustration, a banner reads, "Highest-Paying Trade Jobs."

Highest-paying trade jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for all occupations in the U.S. is $58,260, and the average growth rate from 2021 to 2031 for all occupations is 5%. Here are 12 of the highest-paying trade jobs on the market listed from highest to lowest, with projected job growths of at least 4%. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries.

1. Ultrasonographer

National average salary: $141,126 per year
Required education: Associate degree
Job outlook, from 2021-31: 10%, faster than average

Primary duties: Ultrasonographers, also called "diagnostic medical sonographers," perform diagnostic image testing on the body. They use a special medical instrument called an "ultrasound transducer" that uses sound waves to produce images of the inside of the body.

Ultrasonographers may specialize in the imaging of the heart, blood vessels, muscles, joints or several of these. They can also specialize in women's reproductive health or pediatric care. Ultrasonographers process images from testing and work closely with doctors, who review the images for abnormalities.

An ultrasonographer's duties include:

• Consulting with patients and answering questions about the procedure

• Operating and maintaining imaging equipment

• Analyzing images and creating a summary of initial findings for the doctor

• Updating patients' medical records

2. Radiation therapist

National average salary: $121,591 per year
Required education: Associate degree
Job outlook: 6%, as fast as average

Primary duties: Radiation therapists work as part of an oncology team to provide treatment to cancer patients. The radiation treatment that radiation therapists administer can help shrink tumors to help patients heal and recover. Radiation therapists undergo safety training to make sure they are not exposed to harmful levels of radiation.

As part of their duties, they:

• Explain treatment to patients and help develop a treatment plan

• Update patient records with detailed notes after each treatment session

• Operate machines to administer concentrated levels of radiation to affected areas

• Keep parts of the body that aren't being treated safe from radiation exposure

Related: Learn About Being a Radiation Therapist

3. Respiratory therapist

National average salary: $98,673 per year
Required education: Associate degree
Job outlook: 14%, much faster than average

Primary duties: Respiratory therapists work with patients who have difficulty breathing. They assess and treat dysfunction of the lungs and provide patient care for all ages. They may also provide emergency care in cases of drowning, heart attack or shock.

A respiratory therapist's duties include:

• Connecting patients who can't breathe on their own to ventilators and ensuring patients are receiving the proper amount and flow of oxygen

• Assessing patients' respiratory needs by administering diagnostic tests, such as measuring patients' lung capacity or analyzing blood samples to determine oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.

• Performing appropriate treatments and teaching breathing exercises to help patients breathe easier

Read more: Learn About Being a Respiratory Therapist

4. Dental hygienist

National average salary: $96,298 per year
Required education: Associate degree
Job outlook: 9%, faster than average

Primary duties: Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide patients with preventative dental care. They also help educate patients on good oral hygiene, including how to properly brush and floss to prevent dental problems, such as cavities.

A dental hygienist's duties include:

• Cleaning and polishing patients' teeth

• Taking X-rays as needed to diagnose dental issues

• Updating patients' medical records

Read more: Learn About Being a Dental Hygienist

5. Construction manager

National average salary: $83,238 per year
Required education: Bachelor's degree
Job outlook: 8%, faster than average

Primary duties: Construction managers work with architects and engineers on residential, commercial or federal construction projects. The main responsibility of the construction manager is to assess what building materials will be necessary to complete a project and then secure the needed materials.

Construction managers use analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate blueprints and provide time and cost estimates for project completion. They need to have exemplary leadership skills to manage construction teams and excellent customer service skills to form strong relationships with clients.

They are also responsible for the following:

• Hiring a team of construction workers

• Overseeing the construction crew throughout the construction process

• Getting the necessary building permits

• Making sure that everything complies with building codes and regulations

Related: Learn About Being a Construction Manager

6. Aircraft mechanic

National average salary: $77,773 per year
Required education: Postsecondary nondegree award or associate degree
Job outlook: 6%, as fast as average

Primary duties: Aircraft mechanics provide maintenance and repair services for flying vehicles like helicopters and airplanes. They ensure that all of the mechanical components of an aircraft meet operational and safety requirements. Aircraft mechanics usually work at airports, government organizations, military groups and engineering companies. 

The typical responsibilities of an aircraft mechanic include the following:

• Inspecting aircraft systems

• Diagnosing operational issues

• Cleaning mechanical parts

• Updating maintenance records

Related: How To Start a Career as an Aircraft Mechanic

7. Cable technician

National average salary: $77,758 per year
Required education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Job outlook: 8%, faster than average

Primary duties: Cable technicians, or cable installers, install and repair cable lines at homes, offices and other buildings. Because cable installers may need to respond to a widespread outage and troubleshoot issues, their schedule can include overtime and on-call hours.

Cable technicians often work outdoors in different weather conditions and must follow safety procedures to prevent injury.

A cable technician's responsibilities include: 

• Troubleshooting systems and informing customers of the problem

• Performing preventive maintenance on equipment

• Replacing equipment that's not working as it should

Related: 6 Steps To Becoming a Cable Installer

8. Industrial mechanic

National average salary: $67,860 per year
Required education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Job outlook: 14%, much faster than average

Primary duties: Industrial mechanics test and calibrate the industrial equipment such as production machinery, shredders, packaging machinery and conveying systems. An industrial mechanic can ensure that factories operate efficiently and safely by performing emergency repairs and reducing possible downtime. The typical work environment for industrial mechanics includes factories, construction sites or power plants.

An industrial mechanic's job duties can include:

• Performing diagnostic tests on equipment

• Repairing or replacing machinery 

• Reviewing technical manuals for information on specific machines

• Cleaning or lubricating machinery

Related: What Is Industrial Maintenance? A Definitive Guide

9. Solar installer

National average salary: $67,213 per year
Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
Job outlook: 27%, much faster than average

Primary duties: A solar installer is a professional who installs solar photovoltaic (PV) panels onto a structure's rooftop, which provides electricity from the sun. An installer assembles and maintains solar panels. They establish a plan for the installation on each owner's property based on the customer's preferences. Solar installers work in a variety of outdoor weather conditions. 

Their typical job duties include:

• Connecting solar panels to buildings' electrical wiring systems

• Performing testing and activating solar panels

• Applying weather sealant 

Related: Guide To Becoming a Solar Installer

10. Real estate appraiser

National average salary: $64,246 per year
Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
Job outlook: 4%, as fast as average

Primary duties: A real estate appraiser estimates the value of land and the buildings on that land. Real estate appraisers visit a site, analyze their characteristics and compare it to similar properties. They specialize in residential real estate or commercial real estate and often spend time in the field traveling to different properties. 

A real estate appraiser's typical duties include:

• Inspecting properties and taking notes of their unique characteristics

• Taking pictures of the properties, inside and outside, to document their report

• Writing and delivering reports on the property value

Related: FAQ: What Does a Real Estate Appraiser Do? (Plus Skills)

11. Licensed practical nurse

National average salary: $59,794 per year
Required education: Postsecondary nondegree award
Job outlook: 6%, as fast as average

Primary duties: Licensed practical nurses work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses. They take detailed notes to update patients' charts and inform their supervising doctor and nurse of any changes.

LPNs can work in a variety of different settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, clinics and residential homes. LPNs may be required to work longer than eight-hour workdays and be physically fit to be able to provide patients with hands-on care.

An LPN's duties include:

• Monitoring patients' vital signs

• Administering medication

• Bathing and dressing patients

Related: Learn About Being a Licensed Practice Nurse (LPN)

12. Electrician

National average salary: $59,128 per year
Required education: High school diploma or equivalent
Job outlook: 7%, as fast as average

Primary duties: Electricians install and maintain electrical systems in homes, businesses and factories. On the job, electricians practice critical thinking skills when diagnosing problems. They often work with people and need good customer service skills. The job is physical and requires them to be on their feet and move around a lot.

An electrician's duties include:

• Reading blueprints

• Troubleshooting problems with electrical systems

• Repairing and replacing components of an electrical system

• Complying with local regulations

Read more: Learn About Being an Electrician