What Are Some High Paying Trade Careers I Can Pursue After High School?

I'm considering going into a trade instead of college after I graduate high school, and I'm curious about the opportunities out there. I've heard that some trade jobs can be really lucrative, but I'm not sure which ones pay well right from the start.

Could anyone share some insight into which trade careers offer high pay and what kind of training or certification they require? Is it possible to start earning a good salary right after I complete the necessary training, or does it take time to build up skills and experience to reach those higher pay levels?

Also, if anyone has experience in a high-paying trade, I'd love to hear about your journey and any tips you might have for someone just starting out.

Sure! There are numerous high paying trade careers that you can consider after high school. Here are a few:

1. Elevator Installers and Repairers: These professionals work with elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts. This career can be lucrative but the training is intensive. Most elevator installers and repairers learn through a paid apprenticeship that lasts about four years. After completing this training, they can earn a median annual wage of $102,420, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

2. Power Plant Operators: Power plant operators control the systems that generate and distribute electric power. Training for this job often happens on the job and can take several years to become fully qualified. Operators usually need a high school diploma. The median annual wage in this field is $100,890 per BLS.

3. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: These careers all involve working with pipes and they require similar training. You can learn through a technical school or a paid apprenticeship, usually about four to five years. These professionals earn a median annual wage of $61,550 per BLS, but with experience, top earners can make well above $100,000.

In most trade careers, your salary will generally increase as you gain more experience and improve your skills. The critical thing to remember in a trade career is that hard work and dedication will typically lead to advancement, whether that's increased pay, supervisory positions, or owning your own business.

As for advice for starting out, it's crucial to choose a trade that you're genuinely interested in because the work will be your daily routine. You can also reach out to professionals in the field and ask them about their experiences, or even see if you can shadow them to get a first-hand look at the work.