Choosing a trade career can be one of the smartest moves you make, especially in a world where skilled trades are in high demand and college degrees are becoming less of a requirement for financial success. If you’re wondering what trade makes the most money, you’re in the right place. In this guide, we’ll break down some of the highest-paying trades, real earning potential, and how to get started in these lucrative fields.
Why Trades Are a Smart Career Move
Trade careers often require less time and money to enter compared to a traditional four-year college degree. Most trade careers offer:
- Quick entry into the workforce
- High demand for skilled labor
- Competitive salaries
- Opportunities for entrepreneurship
Additionally, many trades offer job stability because skilled tradespeople are always needed — rain or shine, boom or bust.
What Trade Makes the Most Money?
Here are some of the highest-paying trades in 2025 based on real data and industry trends.
1. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Average Salary: $90,000 – $120,000/year
Why It Pays Well: Working with heavy machinery and electronics in elevators and escalators requires specialized skills and safety knowledge.
Education Requirements: High school diploma plus apprenticeship (about 4 years).
Job Outlook: Strong growth, especially in urban areas with lots of construction.
2. Radiation Therapists
Average Salary: $85,000 – $100,000/year
Why It Pays Well: Radiation therapists work closely with cancer patients, administering radiation treatments — a highly skilled and sensitive job.
Education Requirements: Associate degree and certification.
Job Outlook: Steady growth due to increasing cancer treatments.
3. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Average Salary: $80,000 – $100,000/year
Why It Pays Well: Working on power lines is physically demanding and dangerous, requiring a high skill level and extensive safety training.
Education Requirements: High school diploma plus extensive on-the-job training or apprenticeship.
Job Outlook: Very strong, especially with aging infrastructure.
4. Construction Managers (With Trade Backgrounds)
Average Salary: $95,000 – $125,000/year
Why It Pays Well: Managing construction projects demands leadership, budgeting, and technical skills. Many successful construction managers start in the trades.
Education Requirements: Experience in trades plus certification; a degree can help but is not always required.
Job Outlook: Excellent, especially in booming urban centers.
5. Aircraft and Avionics Mechanics
Average Salary: $70,000 – $95,000/year
Why It Pays Well: Ensuring aircraft are safe to fly requires exceptional precision and expertise.
Education Requirements: Postsecondary non-degree award and certification from the FAA.
Job Outlook: Steady growth, with a strong need for qualified technicians.
6. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Average Salary: $60,000 – $90,000/year
Why It Pays Well: Specialized plumbing and pipefitting work, especially in commercial and industrial settings, commands high wages.
Education Requirements: Apprenticeship programs and licensing.
Job Outlook: Growing demand for skilled plumbers nationwide.
7. Boilermakers
Average Salary: $65,000 – $85,000/year
Why It Pays Well: Boilermakers build and repair boilers, vats, and other large vessels. It’s tough, hazardous work, but it’s well compensated.
Education Requirements: Apprenticeship.
Job Outlook: Slower than some trades, but specialized expertise ensures strong job security.
8. Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Average Salary: $60,000 – $80,000/year
Why It Pays Well: Keeping industrial equipment running smoothly is essential for manufacturing and production.
Education Requirements: High school diploma plus vocational training.
Job Outlook: Very strong with growing manufacturing industries.
9. HVAC Technicians
Average Salary: $55,000 – $75,000/year
Why It Pays Well: HVAC systems are essential for comfort and safety, and skilled technicians are always in demand.
Education Requirements: Certification and apprenticeship.
Job Outlook: Strong growth driven by new technologies and climate control needs.
10. Electricians
Average Salary: $60,000 – $80,000/year
Why It Pays Well: Electricity powers everything. Electricians work in residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
Education Requirements: Apprenticeship and licensing.
Job Outlook: Very strong, particularly with the rise in renewable energy installations.
Factors That Influence Earning Potential
When considering what trade makes the most money, it’s important to remember that salary can vary based on several factors:
- Location: Tradespeople in large cities often earn more.
- Experience: More experienced workers command higher pay.
- Certifications: Additional licenses or certifications can boost earnings.
- Industry: Some industries (like oil and gas or aviation) pay more for similar skills.
- Union Membership: Unionized trades often have higher wages and better benefits.
How to Get Started in a High-Paying Trade
Interested in entering a lucrative trade? Here are the basic steps:
- Research Your Options: Understand which trades align with your interests and lifestyle.
- Find a Training Program: Look into trade schools, community colleges, or apprenticeships.
- Gain Certification: Many trades require licensing or certifications.
- Build Experience: Start with entry-level work and learn from experienced professionals.
- Network: Connections can lead to better opportunities and higher-paying jobs.
Pros and Cons of Trade Careers
Pros:
- Shorter education timelines
- Lower education costs
- High earning potential
- Job security
- Opportunities for entrepreneurship
Cons:
- Physically demanding work
- Potential safety risks
- Irregular hours depending on the trade
Final Thoughts
So, what trade makes the most money? While elevator installers, radiation therapists, and power-line workers top the list, many trades offer excellent pay, job security, and satisfaction. The best trade for you will depend on your skills, interests, and the amount of training you’re willing to pursue.
Trade careers are not just “alternatives” to traditional paths; they are powerful and respectable routes to financial success. If you’re ready to invest in yourself and learn a valuable skill, a high-paying trade could be your ticket to a secure and rewarding future.
The key is to choose a path that suits your strengths and to commit to building expertise. Whether you’re just starting your career or considering a career change, entering a trade could be one of the smartest financial decisions you make.
Good luck — your future success is in your hands!
