Exploring Jobs from Trade Schools: Highest-Paying Suggestions?

Hi everyone, I've been considering attending a trade school instead of a university after graduation, as I think it might be a better fit for me. What are some high paying jobs that a trade school education can prepare me for? I'm honestly unsure of my direction, so any and all suggestions are welcome.

First off, it's great to see you exploring all available paths, not just the traditional four-year college route. Based on the most recent data, here are a few high-paying careers you can pursue with trade school education.

1. Elevator Mechanic: These professionals install, repair, and perform routine maintenance on elevators, escalators, chairlifts and other types of lifts. They're in high demand in cities with tall buildings and large populations. Median annual wage for this occupation is, as of the latest data, around $88,540.

2. Dental Hygienist: Working in this profession, you'd perform cleanings, take dental x-rays, and provide other preventative dental care. You can begin working as a dental hygienist with an associate's degree from an accredited dental hygiene school, which typically takes 3 years to complete. The median annual wage in this field is about $77,090.

3. Nuclear Technician: Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and production. They typically need an associate’s degree in nuclear science or a related field. The median annual wage here is approximately $82,080.

4. Aircraft Mechanic: Working in this role, you'd inspect, repair, and perform routine maintenance on aircraft. The median annual wage is around $66,440, but individuals working in select industries can earn significantly more.

One of the advantages of these trade school career paths is that, due to the specialized nature of the roles, these professions are less susceptible to being outsourced or automated, which means a steadier job market. Each of these careers does require a substantial investment of time and energy in terms of obtaining a certificate or degree and then keeping it up-to-date with ongoing training, but they can be rewarding paths from both a professional and financial standpoint.

The actual salaries can vary depending on the location, years of experience, and the industry in which you work. Therefore, it's advisable for you to further research careers that you are interested in, in terms of job-description, lifestyle, job availability, and wages in your area.