Finding what is the best trade salary in the US opens doors to rewarding careers in skilled trades. Electricians, plumbers, and construction managers often earn top wages, with median salaries reaching $74,530, according to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Trade jobs offer stability, hands-on work, and growth opportunities without requiring a four-year degree. In 2025, demand for skilled trades grows due to infrastructure projects and renewable energy initiatives. This guide highlights the highest-paying trade jobs, training paths, and strategies to boost earnings. Whether you’re starting a career or switching paths, understanding trade salaries helps you choose a fulfilling role. Let’s explore the top trades and how to achieve financial success in this dynamic field.
Why Trade Jobs Offer High Salaries
Trade jobs provide some of the best salaries because they require specialized skills and meet critical societal needs. The construction and renewable energy sectors drive demand, with 1.2 million trade jobs projected by 2030, per BLS. Trades like elevator installation or electrical work command high pay due to technical expertise and safety requirements. For example, a plumber in California earns a median of $65,720, compared to the national average of $60,090. Unlike many careers, trades often need only a certificate or apprenticeship, making them accessible. High demand and low supply of skilled workers push wages upward, especially in urban areas or states with robust infrastructure projects.
Factors Driving Salaries
- High demand for skilled labor
- Specialized certifications
- Urban vs. rural wage differences
Pro Tip: Research local demand on BLS.gov to find high-paying regions.
Career Benefits
- No four-year degree required
- Job security in growing industries
- Opportunities for overtime pay
Pro Tip: Join a union for better wages and benefits.
Trade jobs offer financial stability and growth, making them a smart choice for those seeking the best trade salary.
Top 5 Trade Jobs with the Best Salary
To identify what is the best trade salary, we analyzed 2024 BLS data and industry trends for 2025. These five trade jobs offer the highest earnings, combining strong demand, specialized skills, and career growth. Each role requires specific training, often through apprenticeships or vocational programs, and provides opportunities for advancement.
1. Elevator and Escalator Installer
Elevator installers earn a median of $99,000 annually, the highest among trade jobs. They install and repair elevators in commercial buildings, requiring precision and safety training. A four-year apprenticeship is typical. High demand in urban areas like New York boosts wages. Visit IUEC for training info.
2. Construction Manager
Construction managers earn $98,580, overseeing projects like bridges or buildings. They coordinate teams and budgets, often starting as laborers. A certificate or associate degree suffices. Visit CMAA for certification details.
3. Electrical Power-Line Installer
Power-line installers earn $81,650, maintaining electrical grids. They need technical training and physical stamina. Demand rises with renewable energy projects. Visit IBEW for apprenticeship programs.
4. Plumber
Plumbers earn $60,090, installing and repairing water systems. A 4-5 year apprenticeship provides hands-on training. High demand in residential and commercial sectors ensures job security. Visit UA for resources.
5. Electrician
Electricians earn $60,040, wiring buildings and maintaining systems. A four-year apprenticeship and licensing are required. Growth in green energy boosts opportunities. Visit NECA for training programs.
These trades offer the best salaries, blending high pay with long-term career prospects.
Training Paths to Achieve the Best Trade Salary
Earning the best trade salary requires training through apprenticeships, vocational schools, or certifications. Apprenticeships, often paid, combine classroom learning with on-the-job experience, lasting 2-5 years. For example, an electrician apprentice earns $20-$30 per hour while training. Vocational programs, like those at community colleges, take 6-18 months and cost $5,000-$15,000. Certifications, such as OSHA safety or HVAC licensing, boost employability. Many trades offer union-backed programs with benefits like healthcare. Choosing a trade with strong demand, like elevator installation, maximizes earning potential.
Apprenticeships
- Paid training with hands-on experience
- 2-5 years to complete
- Offered by unions or employers
Pro Tip: Find programs at Apprenticeship.gov.
Vocational Schools
- 6-18 month programs
- Focus on specific trade skills
- Cost-effective education
Pro Tip: Check Niche for school reviews.
Investing in training unlocks high-paying trade roles, setting you on a path to financial success.
Strategies to Maximize Your Trade Salary
Achieving the best trade salary involves more than choosing a high-paying trade. Strategic steps like specializing, relocating, or joining a union boost earnings. For instance, a plumber specializing in green energy systems earns 10-15% more than general plumbers. Relocating to high-demand states like California or Texas increases wages due to infrastructure growth. Union membership offers benefits like negotiated pay rates and job security. Networking with trade associations also opens doors to better opportunities.
Specialize
- Focus on niches like renewable energy
- Earn certifications in high-demand areas
- Increase pay by 10-20%
Pro Tip: Pursue certifications at NATE.
Relocate or Join a Union
- Move to high-wage states
- Join unions for better pay
- Network at trade events
Pro Tip: Explore jobs on Indeed.
Smart career moves enhance your earning potential, helping you secure the best trade salary.
Using Job Boards and Apprenticeships to Find High-Paying Trade Jobs
Job boards and apprenticeship programs connect you to trades offering the best salaries. Platforms like Indeed and TradeJobs.com list high-paying roles in construction, plumbing, and electrical work. Apprenticeships, often sponsored by unions or employers, provide paid training and direct job placement. For example, an IBEW apprenticeship guarantees electrical work with starting wages of $25 per hour. Registering with staffing agencies specializing in trades, like Tradesmen International, also speeds up job searches.
Job Boards
- Indeed: Diverse trade listings
- TradeJobs.com: Trade-specific roles
- LinkedIn: Professional networking
Pro Tip: Set job alerts on TradeJobs.com.
Apprenticeship Programs
- Paid training with job placement
- Union-sponsored programs
- Access to high-paying trades
Pro Tip: Apply at Apprenticeship.gov.
Leveraging these resources helps you land high-paying trade jobs with minimal barriers.
Launch Your High-Earning Trade Career
Discovering what is the best trade salary empowers you to build a rewarding career. Trades like elevator installation and construction management offer salaries up to $99,000, driven by demand and specialized skills. With accessible training through apprenticeships and vocational programs, you can enter these fields without a degree. Use job boards, join unions, and specialize to maximize earnings. The skilled trades provide stability, growth, and the chance to shape communities. Start exploring high-paying trade jobs today to secure a prosperous future.
FAQs About The Best Trade Salary
What trade job pays the most in the US?
Elevator and escalator installers earn the highest, with a median salary of $99,000, per BLS 2024 data.
Do trade jobs require a college degree?
No, most require only apprenticeships or vocational training, taking 6 months to 5 years to complete.
How can I increase my trade salary?
Specialize in high-demand areas, join a union, or relocate to states like California or Texas for higher wages.
Where can I find high-paying trade jobs?
Use job boards like Indeed or TradeJobs.com, or apply to apprenticeships via Apprenticeship.gov.
Are trade salaries expected to grow?
Yes, demand for skilled trades, driven by infrastructure and green energy, will increase wages through 2030.
