According to The College Board's Annual Survey of Colleges, the cost of traditional college has more than doubled over the past 20 years. Meanwhile, trade school jobs, which do not require a degree, are in demand. Many trade jobs pay above-average salaries and may provide opportunities to start working — and start making money — sooner.
We used data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to source some of the highest paying trades, ranked below. We also include costs associated with training and advice for paying for training in one of these fields. Click on the job title to read more about what the position entails.
| Job title | Average salary | Projected job growth rate |
|---|---|---|
| Construction manager/general contractor | $107,260 | 8% |
| Dental hygienist | $78,050 | 6% |
| Electrical power-line installers | $74,410 | 2% |
| Building inspector | $66,470 | 3% |
| Respiratory therapist | $65,640 | 19% |
| Electrician | $61,550 | 8% |
| Plumber | $61,100 | 4% |
| Physical therapy assistant | $59,440 | 33% |
| HVAC technician | $53,410 | 4% |
| Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse | $50,090 | 9% |
[dig-deeper title="Construction Managers" subtitle="Why choose a career as a construction manager or general contractor?" description='
Recently, job openings in manufacturing have skyrocketed, nearly tripling between April 2020 and April 2021, according to data from the BLS.
Construction managers coordinate teams of manufacturing professionals to execute the project correctly and on time. They are enterprising self-starters who are just as skilled in collaboration as they are in the technical aspects of the trade.
Some construction managers have a bachelor's degree, but many work as general contractors and have reached their position after years of experience in another trade. You might be cut out for this profession if you are a dreamer and a doer — capable of seeing the big picture and highly attentive to details that make a project come together.
' panel_subtitle="Cost of becoming a construction manager"]While a degree isn't necessary to become a construction manager, you may choose to pursue one if you want to work for a large company. Here are some costs associated with becoming a construction manager.
Trade school program or vocational school: $4,000-$10,000 for a certificate or annually for an associate degree
Licensing fees: Around $200-$400
If your dream is to be a self-employed contractor, consider the additional costs of running your own business, including:
Marketing your business
Business insurance
Liability insurance
Your employees' wages and health care benefits
Ways to pay for additional training
The American Institute of Constructors provides the Francis Dugan Scholarship for people studying to earn an Associate Constructor designation. In addition, the Build Your Future website directs trainees and trade professionals to a variety of scholarships.
[/dig-deeper][dig-deeper title="Dental Hygienist" subtitle="Why choose a career as a dental hygienist?" description='
Dental hygienists help support patients' preventative oral health to avoid these emergencies and other adverse health outcomes.
As a trained dental hygienist, you'll encounter variety in your career. According to the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA), dental hygienists can step into roles as clinicians, educators, public health workers, entrepreneurs, and other specializations.
' panel_subtitle="Cost of becoming a dental hygienist"]The process to become a dental hygienist starts with earning an associate-level degree, then working to become licensed in your state. Costs will vary, but you can expect something like the following:
Associate degree: $3,000-$10,000 a year at most community and technical colleges
Exam fees: Starting at $490, per the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE)
State licensing and renewal fees: $60-$200 depending on your state. Some states require continuing education, described by the ADHA.
Ways to pay for school
The ADHA's Institute for Oral Health Scholarship offers financial assistance for some aspiring dental hygienists seeking an associate, bachelor's, or advanced degree.
[/dig-deeper][dig-deeper title="Electrical Power-Line Installer" subtitle="Why choose a career as an electrical power-line installer?" description='
The work of an electrical power-line installer is anything but boring. It demands technical skill, coordination, and working up high or in tight spaces. This profession also supplies a basic need — electricity.
The average electrical power-line installer earned far beyond the national average salary in 2020. And the 90th percentile earned over $100,000. People in this field gain skills on the job through an apprenticeship program and sometimes supplement their training with a year-long certificate.
' panel_subtitle="Cost of becoming an electrical power-line installer"]High school diploma or equivalent: Up to $140 for the GED
Classroom-training costs in your apprenticeship: Your employer-sponsor frequently subsidizes these costs. Your employer will also pay for your work as an apprentice.
[dig-deeper title="Building Inspector" subtitle="Why choose a career as a building inspector?" description='
Building and home inspectors apply their knowledge and experience in construction trades to investigate homes and commercial buildings for quality and safety. Proper inspections can spot structural problems before they cause problems — potentially saving lives.
The training and certification requirements for building inspectors vary widely across states. But according to the Occupational Information Network (O*Net), about half of building inspectors have a post-secondary certificate or associate degree.
' panel_subtitle="Cost of becoming a building inspector"]Training, test prep, and certification program costs: Up to $5,000 for formal certificate programs. The actual cost depends on your state's rules and if you're becoming a home inspector or commercial building inspector.
Exam and certification fees: $140-$250. For residential buildings, inspectors must pass a state-approved exam, such as the National Home Inspector Examination.
State license: $50-$350, where required.
Ways to pay for training
The Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors offers the JD Gerwell Education Scholarshipto pay for training. Learn more about the process to become a home inspector with our career guide.
[/dig-deeper][dig-deeper title="Respiratory Therapist" subtitle="Why choose a career as a respiratory therapist?" description='
Respiratory therapist jobs have one of the fastest projected growth rates on our best trade school jobs list. People in this profession treat patients of all ages and perform many different roles, from direct therapy to education.
Respiratory therapists help patients with breathing problems, help people quit smoking, and advocate for research on lung diseases, according to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC).
' panel_subtitle="Cost of becoming a respiratory therapist"]Our guide to becoming a respiratory therapist includes detailed information about entering the field. At a minimum, you will need to earn an associate degree to pass an examination.
Those costs include:
Associate degree in respiratory therapy: $5,000-$10,000 a year
Exam fee: $190 to take either the registered respiratory therapist (RRT) or the certified respiratory therapist (CRT)examination.
Ways to pay for school
The American Respiratory Care Foundation (ARCF) offers some student scholarships. The American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) provides more guidance on finding scholarships, grants, and student loans in this field.
[/dig-deeper][dig-deeper title="Electrician" subtitle="Why choose a career as an electrician?" description='
Being an electrician involves complex problem-solving, collaboration with construction teams, and highly technical work. Because aging buildings frequently need maintenance and repairs and new construction needs to be connected to the grid, electricians are always in demand.
Electricians learn on the job through apprenticeship programs, which can take several years to complete but eventually lead to higher-than-average pay. Experienced electricians in the 90th pay percentile earned $98,720 a year.
' panel_subtitle="Cost of becoming an electrician"]You can find more detailed information about the process and cost in our electrician salary guide and guide to become an electrician. Here are some initial costs to consider:
High school diploma or equivalent: Up to $140 for the GED
Classroom-training costs in your apprenticeship: Your employer could subsidize these costs. You'll also be paid for your work as an apprentice.
Tools and equipment for your apprenticeship: You may need to invest in the tools required for your apprenticeship or borrow them from your sponsor.
Licensing fees: Some states require electricians to gain licensure or certification, which may cost around $200. See what your state requires on this map from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
Ways to pay for training
Find a paid apprenticeship program that lets you earn as you learn. Search for programs at Apprenticeship.gov, your local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union chapter, or the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) website.
[/dig-deeper][dig-deeper title="Plumber" subtitle="Why choose a career as a plumber?" description='
A plumber's day-to-day responsibilities are constantly changing. One thing that stays the same: plumbing jobs take equal parts collaboration — to understand someone's emergency — and independence — to apply your skills to solve the problem at hand.
Like electricians, plumbers start as apprentices, meaning they can earn money while gaining the experience and expertise they need to be a master of their trade.
' panel_subtitle="Cost of becoming a plumber"]High school diploma or equivalent: Up to $140 for the GED
Tools and equipment for your apprenticeship: You may have to buy or borrow tools for your apprenticeship.
Licensing fees: Some states require plumbers to be licensed or certified. Use the NCCER craft licensing map to find out what your state requires.
Ways to pay for training
Apprenticeship.gov has a search feature so you can find paid apprenticeships in your area. The United Association of Journeyman and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry (UA) also provides training. Find your local UA chapter on their site.
[/dig-deeper][dig-deeper title="Physical Therapy Assistant" subtitle="Why choose a career as a physical therapy assistant?" description='
Physical therapy assistants have the fastest projected growth rate on our list. According to the BLS, the country will need more people in these roles to support an aging population.
People in this job work closely with others, and they are constantly on their feet. Physical therapy assistance could be a good fit for you if you love helping others, prefer a social and active setting, and want to work in healthcare.
' panel_subtitle="Cost of becoming a physical therapy assistant"]To become a physical therapy assistant, you must complete an associate degree from an accredited program and pass a nationally regulated exam. Your costs will include:
Associate degree: Around $5,000-$10,000 a year.
Licensing exam fee: $485 for the National Physical Therapy Examination® (NPTE)
Ways to pay for training
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) awards some scholarship funding, including its funding opportunities for minority students.
[/dig-deeper][dig-deeper title="HVAC Technician" subtitle="Why choose a career as an HVAC technician?" description='
Like several mechanical trades on our list, HVAC technicians use problem-solving abilities and highly specific technical skills. They repair or install systems that people rely on, such as heating, cooling, and ventilation. Because the job provides a necessary service, it can be rewarding but also requires precision.
According to the BLS, these careers are bound for growth due to an increased push toward energy efficiency. As an HVAC technician, it's important to stay updated on how building structures and regulations are changing with greener technology.
' panel_subtitle="Cost of becoming an HVAC technician"]As an HVAC technician, you can stack your credentials to fit the work you're going to do. So, while some HVAC technicians may complete a general certificate program or obtain an associate-level degree, many gain certifications one by one. For example, there are certifications in commercial boilers, residential furnaces, or geothermal systems.
You can find more information from our career guide on becoming an HVAC technician. Here are some costs to keep in mind:
Certificate or associate-level programs: $500-$10,000
Licensing: Sometimes, these professionals need to obtain a license to work in their area. Your city or state could grant your license.
Ways to pay for education and training
You can find paid apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov. In addition, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) provide multiple scholarships for people pursuing training in this industry.
[/dig-deeper][dig-deeper title="Licensed Practical or Vocational Nurse" subtitle="Why choose a career as an LPN/LVN?" description='
When you become a licensed practical or vocational nurse (LPN/LVN), you can enter the medical field relatively quickly — in less than two years.
Being an LPN/LVN involves paperwork along with careful monitoring and reporting. But the heart of the job requires direct care for others, close communication with a medical team, and long shifts caring for people in hospitals and long-term care facilities. LPN/LVNs may also supervise a team of nursing assistants.
' panel_subtitle="Cost of becoming an LPN/LVN"]You must earn a certificate or diploma to sit for the LPN/LVN licensure exam, which will incur some costs, including:
Certificate or diploma: $2,000-$10,000
Licensing exam: $200
Find more detailed information about how to become an LPN/LVN in our career guide.
Ways to pay for education
There are many opportunities for funding your LPN/LVN education.
[/dig-deeper]Take It From a Pro: Expert Advice on Choosing the Right Trade School Job
Note: This Q&A has been edited for clarity and length.
[expert-qa title="Joseph Wood" theme="primary" description='Joseph Wood is a master plumber, HVAC specialist, and founder of Boston Standard Plumbing & Heating who's been in the field for nearly two decades.
Wood's advice for those considering pursuing the trades: "Do it and do it now."
' src="https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto/c_fill,g_face:center/v1631131685/LearnHowToBecome.org-Sonic/People/Wood_Joseph.jpg"][expert-qa-item title="How did you choose your career?"]My family has always been involved in the trades, and after seeing the market bust during the dot-com bubble, I shifted gears and moved to do what has always been good for my family — plumbing, heating, and AC work.
[/expert-qa-item][expert-qa-item title="What have been some of the pros?"]Lots and lots. This is an industry that will give you what you put into it or more, guaranteed. If you care about the industry and what you do for a living, you'll be rewarded accordingly, and not only is your job in high demand, but the opportunity to continue growing just improves every day. The job will not be outsourced, and the scarcity in our industry has made pay continue to increase each year. We're moving in a direction where people don't learn any physical skills like they used to, so having them is a godsend.
[/expert-qa-item][expert-qa-item title="And the drawbacks?"]All positions in the plumbing/heating/cooling industry are physically demanding. On top of that is the fact you're dealing with critical services, like water, drainage, gas, and so on, so the pressure is there when you work in this industry. Many people think doing plumbing work is very dirty, which is not entirely true, but the tight workspaces, cold and hot homes, and various weather events certainly make for a good challenge.
[/expert-qa-item][expert-qa-item title="What is your advice for those considering a trade school career?"]Classic guidance points every student to college, but the smart ones go to vocational school or enter the trades immediately after high school and are fully licensed in the same amount of time as a college student, minus the crushing college debt. Nearly all of us know someone with a bachelor's degree who is packing groceries, and meanwhile, the tradesperson soars past the average college student. To be good at anything, you have to work hard, but in this industry, your position is all but guaranteed, whereas with most college courses, you're one of many applying for the same job, which does not make one feel rewarded for their degree.
[/expert-qa-item][expert-qa-item title="What is the most important decision to make to be where you are today?"]Committing to school, but committing to going beyond what they teach you. The code is the "Minimum," and doing it better is not a requirement, so many stop there. I made the choice to keep learning and keep growing, and that is what has gotten me to where I am today.
[/expert-qa-item][/expert-qa]Trade School Jobs Resource Center
If you're considering one of these best paying trade school jobs, read up on some of our other resources, including:
Finally, we used external sources to find information about apprenticeships and paid training programs, including Apprenticeship.gov and Americabuilds.org. If you're between the ages of 16 and 24, be sure to also check out Jobcorps.gov for career-starting programs that pay for your education, training, and room and board.
