Best paying jobs in the trades

Hey, I'm starting to think college might not be for me, and I'm looking into trades instead. What are some of the best paying jobs in the trades right now? I'd love to know which ones are popular and why they pay well.

Sure, great question! Here are some popular jobs in the trades that are known to offer solid pay:

- Elevator Installers and Repairers: They often work in confined and small spaces to install and fix elevators, escalators, and similar machinery. This occupation is among the high paying due to the technical skills required, the risk involved, and the demand for elevator installation, particularly in urban areas with high-rise buildings.

- Construction Managers: This role often requires a robust understanding of construction trades, strong leadership skills, and in some cases, formal education (an associate or bachelor's degree). Construction managers oversee projects from start to finish, ensure safety protocols are followed, meet client needs, and aim to complete the project within budget and timeline.

- Electricians: Due to the essential nature of electricity in all aspects of life—from homes to businesses—there's a constant demand for electricians. Their work involves installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems, which requires technical know-how and adhering to safety measures.

- Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter: These roles involve drafting, installation, repair, and maintenance of piping systems. These tradespersons can work in a variety of settings (residential, commercial, industrial) and often earn good wages due to the need for their services, the physical demands of the job, and the specific technical skills required.

- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Technicians: HVAC techs install, repair, and maintain heating, air conditioning, refrigeration systems, and ventilation. The continued need to keep buildings comfortable and energy-efficient contributes to the solid pay of this trade.

Each trade has a unique set of skills and training, which play a significant role in the salary. For example, jobs like elevator installation require significant safety training and have a higher level of risk, which can lead to higher pay. On the other hand, HVAC technicians might earn substantial wages due to the technical skills needed to deal with various systems and the continued demand for their services to improve energy efficiency.

While these jobs can offer good salaries, keep in mind that every industry has entry-level positions, and higher salaries often come with experience and ongoing education or certifications. It would be useful to research and consider an apprenticeship program, where you can earn while you learn and gain hands-on experience.