Top 10 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs in Demand

By Fel QuijadaFeb 25, 2026Updated May 20, 2026

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Skilled Trades Are Paying More Than Most People Expect

The highest-paying trade jobs in the U.S. are earning more than most people realize, and the data backs it up. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for construction and extraction occupations reached $58,360 in May 2024, nearly $9,000 above the national median of $49,500. Healthcare trade careers are performing even stronger, with BLS reporting the median for healthcare practitioners and technical occupations at $83,090 that same period.

This list ranks the 10 highest-paying trade jobs using verified data from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, May 2024. Every role on this list is reachable through vocational training, an apprenticeship, or a two-year associate degree. Training timelines, top-10% earnings ceilings, and projected job growth are included for every entry.

What Is a Trade Job?

A trade job is a career built on specialized technical training rather than a traditional college degree. Entry routes vary by occupation and typically include vocational school programs, community college associate degrees, postsecondary certificates, or multi-year apprenticeships. Most programs take anywhere from six months to three years to complete.

If you are still weighing your options between degree paths and trade training, our breakdown of the 10 Highest-Paying Associate Degrees covers another strong category of short-term programs worth comparing.

The Top 10 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs

1. Elevator and Escalator Installer/Repairer

Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $106,580 Top 10% Earn: $149,250+ Job Growth (2024-2034): 5% | ~2,000 openings/year Typical Entry: 4-year apprenticeship

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

Elevator and escalator installers work on the vertical transport systems inside hospitals, office towers, airports, and residential high-rises. Entry requires completing a multi-year apprenticeship, typically through a union program affiliated with the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC). Starting pay for first-year apprentices runs around 50 percent of a journeyman's rate and increases on a structured schedule tied to hours worked and skills demonstrated.

The work covers new installation, aging system modernization, and ongoing maintenance contracts. Buildings constructed before the 1990s often require full elevator modernization projects, which are multi-month jobs that keep crews consistently employed. At the top of the earnings range, installers with welding certifications or those working in high-cost metro areas frequently earn well above $149,000 per year.

2. Radiation Therapist

Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $101,990 Top 10% Earn: $141,550+ Job Growth (2024-2034): 2% | ~900 openings/year Typical Entry: Associate's or bachelor's degree in radiation therapy (2 to 4 years)

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Radiation Therapists

Radiation therapists work within oncology care teams, delivering precisely calibrated doses of radiation to treat cancer and other serious conditions. Before each session, therapists review the treatment plan written by a radiation oncologist, position the patient carefully using body molds or immobilization devices, and verify beam angles through imaging. The role is clinical and technical, requiring strong attention to positioning accuracy because even small deviations can affect treatment outcomes.

Licensure or certification is required for most positions, and passing the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) exam is mandatory in a majority of states. Because radiation treatment plans are prepared in advance by the care team, daily schedules tend to be more structured than many other clinical healthcare roles.

For a broader look at related opportunities, see our guide to Best Entry-Level Healthcare Jobs With High Pay.

3. Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $97,020 Top 10% Earn: $128,090+ Job Growth (2024-2034): 3% | ~900 openings/year Typical Entry: Associate's degree or postsecondary certificate (18 to 24 months)

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Nuclear Medicine Technologists

Nuclear medicine technologists prepare and administer radioactive drugs called radiopharmaceuticals, then operate specialized gamma cameras to produce functional images of internal organs. Unlike standard X-rays or MRIs that show anatomy, nuclear medicine scans show how organs are actually functioning, making them especially valuable for detecting early-stage cancer, heart disease, and thyroid disorders.

Safety protocols are strict throughout. Technologists wear dosimetry badges to track radiation exposure, use lead shielding, and follow federal guidelines set by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Most programs run 18 to 24 months, and certification through the Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board (NMTCB) or ARRT is typically required. With roughly 20,000 jobs nationally in 2024, this is a smaller field, but one where qualified workers are consistently in demand.

4. Dental Hygienist

Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $94,260 Top 10% Earn: $120,060+ Job Growth (2024-2034): 7% | ~15,300 openings/year Typical Entry: Associate's degree in dental hygiene (3 years) | Licensure required in all states

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral disease, take X-rays, and provide preventive care education. All states require licensure, and requirements vary. Most hygienists complete a three-year associate's degree program before sitting for two separate licensing exams: a written national board exam and a clinical examination administered at the state level.

Schedule flexibility sets this career apart. Many dental hygienists work part time across multiple practices, and a significant share of dental offices actively structure their staffing around part-time hygienists. At 7 percent growth projected through 2034, which is much faster than average, and 15,300 openings per year, this is one of the more accessible healthcare trade careers on this list in terms of program availability nationwide.

5. Electrical Power-Line Installer/Repairer

Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $92,560 Top 10% Earn: $126,610+ Job Growth (2024-2034): 7% | ~10,700 openings/year Typical Entry: On-the-job training and apprenticeship | No degree required

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

Line workers install and maintain the high-voltage transmission and distribution systems that move electricity from generation sources to homes and businesses. The work regularly involves heights, live electrical systems, and outdoor conditions in all weather. Workers must pass a physical exam and typically need a valid commercial driver's license to operate bucket trucks and other heavy equipment on job sites.

Entry comes through apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs rather than a traditional degree. Growth at 7 percent through 2034 is being accelerated by grid modernization projects funded through federal infrastructure legislation, renewable energy infrastructure expansion, and the national buildout of electric vehicle charging networks.

6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $89,340 Top 10% Earn: $123,170+ Job Growth (2024-2034): 13% | ~5,800 openings/year Typical Entry: Associate's degree or postsecondary certificate (2 years)

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

Diagnostic medical sonographers operate ultrasound equipment to produce images used in diagnosis and treatment planning. The field includes subspecialties such as cardiac sonography, vascular technology, and obstetric and gynecologic sonography, each with its own certification pathway through organizations like the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS). Programs include a clinical component where students work directly in hospital or outpatient settings before graduating.

At 13 percent projected growth through 2034, sonography is the fastest-growing occupation on this list and well above the 3 percent national average. An aging U.S. population requiring more diagnostic imaging and a broader industry shift toward non-invasive procedures in outpatient settings are both driving that momentum.

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7. MRI Technologist

Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $88,180 Top 10% Earn: $121,420+ Job Growth (2024-2034): 5% | ~15,400 openings/year (combined with radiologic tech) Typical Entry: Associate's degree + ARRT certification

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Radiologic and MRI Technologists

MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging scanners that produce detailed cross-sectional images of bones, organs, and soft tissue. The machines use powerful magnetic fields rather than radiation, so technologists screen every patient for metal implants, pacemakers, and other contraindications before any scan begins. That safety screening process is a real part of the daily workflow, not just a formality.

The BLS reports the MRI tech median at $88,180, compared to $77,660 for general radiologic technologists, a gap of over $10,000 at the median. Certification through the ARRT requires passing a 200-question examination and completing an accredited program with a clinical component. That additional credential is a concrete reason why the pay premium exists.

8. Boilermaker

Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $73,340 Top 10% Earn: $107,600+ Job Growth (2024-2034): -3% (declining) | ~1,700 openings/year Typical Entry: Multi-year apprenticeship | Union representation common

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Boilermakers

Boilermakers assemble and maintain large pressure vessels used in power plants, refineries, and industrial facilities, including boilers, storage tanks, and high-pressure piping systems. The physical demands are significant. Work often takes place in confined spaces, at heights, and in environments with extreme heat. Entry is through a four-year apprenticeship, and union membership through the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers is common, which typically means structured pay scales and strong benefits packages.

Overall employment is projected to decline by 3 percent through 2034 due to the ongoing reduction in coal-fired power generation. Maintenance and replacement of existing industrial infrastructure still generates steady openings each year. Top earners clear six figures, and because entry requirements are demanding, the labor pool stays relatively limited.

9. Electrician

Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $62,350 Top 10% Earn: $106,030+ Job Growth (2024-2034): 9% | ~81,000 openings/year Typical Entry: Trade school + apprenticeship | Licensure required in most states

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Electricians

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems across residential, commercial, and industrial settings. With approximately 818,700 jobs nationally in 2024 and 81,000 openings projected annually through 2034, this is the highest-volume skilled trade occupation on this list. Growth at 9 percent is well above the national average of 3 percent, driven by new construction, grid infrastructure upgrades, alternative energy installation, and the rapid expansion of data centers across the country.

Licensing requirements vary by state and by license tier. Most states have three tiers: apprentice, journeyman, and master electrician. Each requires a combination of logged work hours and a passing exam score. Electricians who specialize in industrial work, solar systems, or commercial high-voltage systems tend to earn toward the upper end of the range. These roles are also among those least likely to be displaced by automation, for reasons covered in our article on Jobs That AI Can't Replace.

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10. Plumber / Pipefitter / Steamfitter

Median Annual Salary (May 2024): $62,970 Top 10% Earn: $105,150+ Job Growth (2024-2034): 4% | ~44,000 openings/year Typical Entry: Apprenticeship (4 to 5 years) | Licensure varies by state

Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook - Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and waste piping systems in homes and commercial buildings. Pipefitters and steamfitters specialize in high-pressure industrial systems used in manufacturing plants, shipyards, and refineries. All three paths involve apprenticeship training and lead to consistently strong pay. Plumbers who are licensed at the master level and run their own business often bill at rates that push annual earnings well above $100,000, regardless of what the national median shows.

With 44,000 projected openings per year, demand is sustained by new construction, fire suppression system code compliance work, and the ongoing need to replace aging cast-iron and galvanized piping in older residential and commercial buildings across the country.

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Understanding the Full Earnings Picture

Most salary rankings stop at the median. That single number is useful, but it captures only one point in a wide range. The top-10% earnings data above tells a more complete story. Skilled tradespeople who specialize, accumulate experience, or move into supervisory roles can reach wage levels that the median alone does not convey.

Elevator installers top out above $149,000. Radiation therapists above $141,000. Electricians and plumbers both cross $100,000 at the upper range. Nuclear medicine technologists, MRI techs, and sonographers reach past $120,000 at the top. These figures represent the documented wage ceiling for workers who invest in their field and build expertise over time.

Wages also vary meaningfully by geography. The BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tool allows anyone to look up state and metro-area wages for every occupation listed here. Metropolitan areas with high construction activity, major medical systems, or significant energy infrastructure generally pay above the national medians shown in this article.

There is also an important structural factor worth understanding. According to workforce analysts at Randstad USA, for every five Baby Boomers retiring from skilled trade roles, roughly two younger workers are entering behind them. That gap has been widening for over a decade. The result is a labor market where qualified tradespeople have real leverage in hiring timelines, compensation negotiations, and advancement speed.

Healthcare trade roles deserve particular mention here. Sonographers, nuclear medicine technologists, and radiation therapists are frequently absent from trade jobs lists despite sharing the same core features: specialized technical training, shorter-than-average program timelines, and strong salary outcomes. For readers drawn to clinical work, these careers represent a genuinely underreported category. Our guide to Best Entry-Level Healthcare Jobs With High Pay covers additional roles in this space worth exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest-paying trade job in the U.S.? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, elevator and escalator installers and repairers had the highest median annual wage among skilled trade occupations in May 2024 at $106,580. The top 10 percent of earners in that field made more than $149,250.

Which trade jobs pay $100k or more? Based on May 2024 BLS data, elevator and escalator installers and repairers ($106,580 median), radiation therapists ($101,990 median), and nuclear medicine technologists ($97,020 median) all earn close to or above $100,000 at the median. Electricians, plumbers, and boilermakers all exceed $100,000 at the top 10 percent of earners in their field.

What is the fastest-growing trade job? Diagnostic medical sonographers are projected to grow at 13 percent from 2024 to 2034, according to the BLS. That is the fastest rate among the occupations on this list and well above the 3 percent national average for all occupations.

Can trade jobs pay more than jobs that require a college degree? In many cases, yes. The national median wage for all workers was $49,500 in May 2024, according to the BLS. Elevator installers, radiation therapists, nuclear medicine technologists, and dental hygienists all earned median wages that significantly exceed that figure, with training timelines of two to four years rather than four or more.

How long does it take to complete a trade program? It depends on the occupation. Vocational certificate programs typically take six months to a year. Associate degree programs run two to three years. Apprenticeships, which are standard for electricians, plumbers, and elevator installers, usually take four to five years. Apprentices earn a wage throughout the training period.

Are trade jobs at risk of being replaced by AI? Most skilled trade roles require physical presence, real-time problem-solving, and hands-on technical skill that automation cannot easily replicate. Electricians, plumbers, MRI technologists, and sonographers consistently appear on analyses of roles that remain human-dependent regardless of AI advancement. We cover this in more depth in our article on Jobs That AI Can't Replace.

Final Thoughts

The occupations on this list range widely in work environment, physical demand, and training structure, but they share a common thread. Each offers verifiable earning potential within two to four years of beginning a program, and each operates in a labor market where qualified workers remain in consistent demand.

If you are ready to take the next step, reviewing the specific program options available in your area is the practical place to start. Look for accredited programs, confirm licensure requirements for your state, and check whether financial aid or employer-sponsored apprenticeship funding is available. Our guide to 1-Year Medical Certificate Programs That Pay Well is a good starting point for those drawn to the healthcare trade careers on this list.

The salary data above is drawn directly from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, which is updated annually and remains the most reliable public source for wage and employment information in the United States.

All salary and employment data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, May 2024. National medians are reported. Actual wages vary by geography, experience, specialization, and employer. Data is updated annually by the BLS.