I'm thinking about trade school after high school instead of college. Does anyone have insight into high paying trade careers? I'm interested in finding a path that offers good financial stability without needing a four-year degree.
There are indeed various well-paying jobs that you could pursue by attending a trade school. Here are a few examples:
1. Elevator Mechanic: This role involves repairing and maintaining elevators as well as escalators, moving sidewalks, and lifts. Painting and welding are among the skills required for this position. As per Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers in 2023 was $102,420.
2. Radiation Therapist: They are involved in providing radiation therapy to treat cancer patients. They need to have an associate's degree and to be licensed or certified in most states. The median annual wage in 2023 was $98,300.
3. Construction Manager: Although some construction managers have a bachelor's degree, a substantial number began their careers as construction workers and progressed to become managers, acquiring their skills on the job. Their median annual wage in 2023 was $104,900.
4. Nuclear Medicine Technologist: These professionals use a scanner to create images of various areas of a patient's body. They prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients. The median annual wage in 2023 was $92,500.
5. Dental Hygienist: This typically requires an associate's degree in dental hygiene and they must be licensed. Responsibilities involve cleaning teeth and looking for signs of oral diseases. Their median annual wage in 2023 was $87,530.
While the earnings data comes from Bureau of Labor Statistics, it's worth noting that compensation varies based on a variety of factors such as geographic location, years of experience in the job, and certification levels.
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