What Are the Highest-Paying Trade Jobs in the USA Without a College Degree?
A four-year college degree is not the only path to a successful and high-paying career. In fact, many trade jobs in the USA offer excellent salaries, job security, and career growth opportunities without requiring a traditional college degree.
If you’re looking for high-paying US jobs that don’t require a bachelor’s degree, this guide will introduce you to some of the best trade careers available today.
Why Choose a Trade Job?
Trade jobs are skilled professions that typically require hands-on training, apprenticeships, or vocational education. Here’s why many people prefer trade careers:
✔ High salaries without student debt
✔ Quick entry into the workforce
✔ Strong job demand and security
✔ Opportunities for self-employment
✔ Hands-on, practical work environment
1. Elevator and Escalator Installer & Repairer 🏗️
🔹 Median Salary: $97,000 per year
🔹 Education Requirement: High school diploma + apprenticeship
🔹 Job Growth (2024-2034): 6% (Faster than average)
Elevator installers and repairers are responsible for maintaining and fixing elevators, escalators, and lifts in buildings. The job offers excellent pay and benefits, with opportunities to work on modern high-rise structures.
📌 How to Get Started: Join an apprenticeship program through the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC).
2. Commercial Pilot ✈️
🔹 Median Salary: $134,000 per year
🔹 Education Requirement: High school diploma + flight training
🔹 Job Growth (2024-2034): 5%
You don’t need a college degree to become a commercial pilot! Many pilots earn their licenses through FAA-approved flight schools. With demand increasing for cargo and regional airline pilots, this is a high-paying and exciting career option.
📌 How to Get Started: Enroll in an FAA-certified flight training program and obtain a commercial pilot’s license.
3. Power Plant Operator ⚡
🔹 Median Salary: $89,000 per year
🔹 Education Requirement: High school diploma + extensive on-the-job training
🔹 Job Growth (2024-2034): 1%
Power plant operators oversee the production and distribution of electricity. This role requires technical skills and problem-solving abilities, making it ideal for individuals who enjoy working with machinery and control systems.
📌 How to Get Started: Apply for entry-level positions at energy companies and complete on-the-job training.
4. Radiation Therapist ☢️
🔹 Median Salary: $93,000 per year
🔹 Education Requirement: Associate degree or certification
🔹 Job Growth (2024-2034): 7% (Faster than average)
Radiation therapists assist in treating cancer patients by operating radiation equipment. The job is both financially and emotionally rewarding.
📌 How to Get Started: Complete an accredited radiation therapy program and obtain a state license.
5. Construction Manager 🏗️
🔹 Median Salary: $98,000 per year
🔹 Education Requirement: High school diploma + experience or certification
🔹 Job Growth (2024-2034): 8% (Faster than average)
Experienced construction professionals can advance into management roles, overseeing large projects and construction crews.
📌 How to Get Started: Gain experience in construction trades and complete a certification program (such as OSHA safety training).
6. Aircraft Mechanic 🛠️
🔹 Median Salary: $75,000 per year
🔹 Education Requirement: FAA-certified training program
🔹 Job Growth (2024-2034): 5%
Aircraft mechanics maintain and repair airplanes, ensuring flight safety. The job offers great stability and high pay.
📌 How to Get Started: Complete an FAA-approved aviation maintenance program.
7. Electrician 💡
🔹 Median Salary: $65,000 per year
🔹 Education Requirement: Apprenticeship or trade school
🔹 Job Growth (2024-2034): 9% (Much faster than average)
Electricians are in high demand as modern infrastructure relies heavily on electrical systems.
📌 How to Get Started: Enroll in a trade school or join an apprenticeship program.
8. Plumber 🚰
🔹 Median Salary: $63,000 per year
🔹 Education Requirement: Apprenticeship
🔹 Job Growth (2024-2034): 5%
Plumbing is a steady, well-paying trade with strong demand in residential and commercial buildings.
📌 How to Get Started: Complete a plumbing apprenticeship program and obtain a license.
9. Wind Turbine Technician 🌬️
🔹 Median Salary: $60,000 per year
🔹 Education Requirement: Trade school certification
🔹 Job Growth (2024-2034): 45% (One of the fastest-growing jobs!)
With the rise of renewable energy, wind turbine technicians are in high demand to install and maintain wind farms.
📌 How to Get Started: Complete a wind energy training program.
10. HVAC Technician ❄️🔥
🔹 Median Salary: $55,000 per year
🔹 Education Requirement: Trade school or apprenticeship
🔹 Job Growth (2024-2034): 6%
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians ensure that homes and businesses stay comfortable year-round.
📌 How to Get Started: Complete an HVAC certification program and obtain a state license.
Conclusion
A college degree isn’t necessary to earn a high salary in the USA. Skilled trade jobs offer great pay, job security, and career growth in industries like construction, energy, aviation, and healthcare.
🚀 Looking for a high-paying trade job? Check job listings on platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn to find openings near you.
📢 Which trade job interests you the most? Let us know in the comments! 💬
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