Top Trade Jobs: High Demand and High Pay

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A trade job generally requires a particular or specialized set of skills and knowledge self-taught or learned in apprenticeships or vocational training. Trade schools, sometimes called technical schools or vocational schools, provide job-specific training in a skilled trade. Programs take between a few months to 2 years to complete and result in a certificate or associate’s degree.

Data Center Technicians: New, Growing, High-Paying

Demand for data center technicians is booming, companies such as Google and Microsoft are pouring billions into data centers. These data centers will power everything from AI chatbots to the trillions of emails and photos stored in the cloud. This is a new class of careers that doesn’t normally fall into the traditional blue- and white-collar definitions. Tech-infused, they require fluency in computerized systems and software.

The pay for these data technicians? It jumped 43 percent in the past three years, standing today at a median of $75,000, according to the certification and training provider CompTIA.

Experienced technicians can earn six figures!

Source: CompTIA analysis of Lightcast employer job posting data, as of June 2024

Looking at the Major Industries That Provide Trade and Tech Opportunities

Construction

• A crane operator uses advanced construction machinery to move heavy equipment and materials from one place to another.
• A building site inspector ensures all operations and practices on a building site are consistent with rules and regulations.
• Plumbers work to maintain and install plumbing, water, heat, and drainage systems in buildings or residential homes.
• The brick mason revolves around work on construction sites or home improvements in residential housing.
• Electricians work in the trade to install, repair, and assess electrical fixtures and equipment.
• Scaffold builders are tradespeople who work to erect pieces of scaffolding around buildings for other builders to work from.
• Carpenters focus on the building and construction of wooden structures and home fittings.

Agriculture

• Farm and ranch managers oversee the everyday operations of crop and livestock farms.
• A grower is an agricultural expert who cultivates plants. They might work in greenhouses or small farms.
• Food technologists are food scientists who plan and oversee food product manufacture.
• Agronomists specialize in soil and its relation to food production.
• Agricultural equipment technicians repair and maintain heavy farm equipment.
• Veterinarians deal with animals’ health and well-being.

Services

• Concierges serve guests of a business, usually hotels, apartment buildings, or office buildings.
• Wedding planners are professionals who work with engaged couples to plan and conduct their weddings.
• Help desk analysts are tech professionals who monitor communications at a company’s technology help desk.
• Technical support representatives are tech professionals who provide support for issues related to computers, software, applications, networks, and more.
• Event managers plan, coordinate and execute various special events for private clients or businesses.
• Hairstylists specialize in working with hair, including cutting, shampooing, coloring, bleaching, styling, and other techniques.
• Service advisers manage customer relations for car repair shops or car dealerships.
• Private chefs work for a single client, often a family, to prepare meals and snacks.

The Compensation Averages for Manufacturing Trade Jobs

• Industrial maintenance technicians: $26.40/hour
• Refrigeration technicians: $24.32/hour
• Ammonia refrigeration specialists: $35/hour
• General maintenance technicians: $19.46/hour
• Machinery mechanics: $25.41/hour
• Electrical instrumentation technicians: $32.48/hour

In addition, some high-paying manufacturing jobs include module leads, control panel technicians, quality-control lab technicians, and materials technicians.

Here Are Compensation Averages for Some of the Others

• An ultrasonographer performs diagnostic imaging using ultrasound. Average salary: $131,161 per year.
• A respiratory therapist helps patients with breathing issues. Average salary: $104,437 per year.
• A dental hygienist provides dental care and hygiene services. Average salary: $99,013 per year.
• A construction manager oversees construction projects. Average salary: $88,319 per year.
• An aircraft mechanic maintains and repairs aircraft. Average salary: $82,476 per year.
• An electrician installs and maintains electrical systems. Average salary: $62,739 per year.
• A wind turbine technician maintains and repairs wind turbines. Average salary: $58,005 per year.

There’s a growing belief that a college degree isn’t the only route to a successful and fulfilling career. Many have shunned traditional college paths, turning instead to hourly jobs or careers that don’t require a degree. Others feel locked out, deterred by high tuition and the prospect of student debt. The cost of college has risen significantly, and many are wary of accumulating large amounts of debt. See our related article about excessively burdensome debt that has overtaken government, businesses, and households.

The COVID-19 pandemic shifted perspectives, with remote learning giving students the confidence to pursue alternative paths. Many find that they can start earning sooner by entering the workforce directly or through shorter, skills-based programs. Practical experience and on-the-job training are often seen as more valuable and relevant to certain careers.

How to Make Your Decision

Four-Year College Degree

This is ideal for careers that require a bachelor’s degree or higher, such as engineering, medicine, law, or academia. Generally, graduates with a bachelor’s degree tend to have higher earning potential over their lifetime (although many degrees today are proving this isn’t always the case) compared to those with only a high school diploma or trade school certificate.

A four-year college degree offers a well-rounded education—courses in various subjects can be beneficial in terms of developing critical thinking and communication skills. Finally, the four-year degree provides opportunities to build a professional network through various campus activities, networking and internships.

Trade School

This is best for careers that require specific technical skills, such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, or dental hygienists. Typically, trade schools are less expensive and shorter in duration than a four-year college degree. Most programs can be completed in two years or even one-year certificate programs.

Trade schools focus on practical, hands-on training that prepares you to directly enter the job market. Many trade jobs are in high demand and offer good job security, as critical shortages of skills have bid up compensation recently.

Considerations

If cost is your major concern, trade schools are more affordable and allow you to enter the workforce sooner. Research the demand according to your chosen career path. Some trades have high demand and can offer stable, well-paying jobs. Consider, too, what you enjoy doing and what are your strengths. If you like hands-on work and have a career path in mind, trade school might be a better fit for you, all things considered.

Ultimately, the decision must align with your unique career aspirations, your financial situation and goals, and your own personal preferences. Narrow down the best path that makes the most sense for you!

The Epoch Times copyright © 2024. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.