High paying jobs in trades right after high school?

I'm thinking of going into a trade instead of college and am curious about which trades offer the best salaries. What are some high paying trade jobs that don't require years of experience or a degree to get started?

There are a number of trade jobs that tend to offer competitive salaries, some even right out of high school or vocational training. Here are a few examples:

1. Electrician: They perform a variety of tasks, such as installing and repairing wiring, transformers, and circuit breakers in buildings, which can lead to a pretty substantial income.

2. Plumber: Plumbers can earn a decent income, especially once they become licensed. They install and repair pipes that carry water, steam, gas, or other fluids in homes and businesses.

3. HVAC Technician: You might consider a job in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These technicians install and repair HVAC systems, which is important work since nearly every building has some kind of temperature control system.

4. Welder: Welders can earn a solid income, especially if they specialize in a particular type of welding. They use heat to join metals together, often for construction or machinery repair.

5. Elevator Mechanic: This is a trade job that's often overlooked, but it can be quite lucrative. These professionals install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts.

Just keep in mind, while you might be able to start working in these trades right out of high school, many of them require some level of vocational training, apprenticeship, or certification. Tuition for trade schools is usually much less compared to traditional four-year colleges, and the time duration to complete is typically fewer years. However, the industry standards can vary depending on the trade and the location, so it's a good idea to research the specific requirements of the job you're interested in.

Regardless, the earnings potential and job stability in skilled trades are often quite good. Plus, you'll learn useful, tangible skills that you can use in your everyday life!