What high-paying trade jobs require little schooling?

I'm thinking about going into a trade after high school. Can anyone suggest high-paying trade jobs that don't require a lot of schooling?

There are several high-paying trade jobs that typically require two years of schooling or less. Here are a few possibilities:

1. Electrician: Electricians work on the electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories. They usually complete a technical program and then an apprenticeship. The median annual wage for electricians was $61,590 in 2023, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

2. Plumber: Plumbers install and repair plumbing systems. They typically attend a technical school and then complete an apprenticeship. The median annual wage for plumbers was $61,550 in 2023, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

3. HVAC Technician: HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. Like electricians and plumbers, they usually complete a technical program and then an apprenticeship. The median annual wage for HVAC technicians was $57,300 in 2023, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

4. Wind Turbine Technician: Wind turbine technicians, also known as "wind techs," install, maintain, and repair wind turbines. This is a growing field as demand for renewable energy sources increases. The median annual wage for wind techs was $61,770 in 2023, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

5. Elevator Installer and Repairer: This job might not be the first one that comes to mind, but it's a high-paying trade job. These professionals install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. Most get their training through a four-year apprenticeship and earn a median wage of over $102,420 as of 2023, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

6. Commercial Diver: Commercial divers work underwater to inspect, install, remove, or repair equipment and structures. They might use tools and equipment to carry out their duties, and they may also conduct tests or experiments, rig explosives, or photograph underwater structures or marine life. The median pay for commercial divers is about $54,320 as of 2023, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

While there are certainly many high-paying trade jobs that don't require much schooling, keep in mind that most will require some level of on-the-job training or apprenticeship experience. And like in any profession, more experienced workers and those with advanced skills or certifications tend to earn higher pay.