How is the wage situation in the vocational job sector?

I'm looking into vocational jobs and wondering about the wage potential. Are there certain jobs within this sector that pay particularly well, or is it generally lower compared to jobs requiring a college degree?

Well, wages in the vocational job sector can certainly vary widely depending on the specific occupation and the level of training, experience, and certification a person has. However, it's a myth that vocational jobs always pay less than jobs requiring a college degree.

Jobs in the trades can often pay quite well. For example, electricians and plumbers often make a good living. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median pay in 2023 was $61,600 per year for electricians and $61,550 per year for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Additionally, careers in the aviation industry such as aircraft mechanics and service technicians had a median annual wage of $75,000 in 2023.

Careers in healthcare that require an associate's degree or postsecondary non-degree award, like dental hygienists or radiologic and MRI technologists, can also pay well. Dental hygienists made a median wage of $87,530 in 2023, and radiologic and MRI technologists saw a median wage of $83,740 in 2023 based on BLS data.

So, it's certainly possible to earn a good living in vocational careers. It's worth considering your personal interests and aptitudes, as well as job availability and advancement opportunities in your area, when weighing your options. As with any career, how much you earn over time will vary based on factors like certification, specialization, experience, and location.