Which trade jobs pay the best?

I'm trying to figure out what trade I might want to go into and was wondering which ones offer the best salaries. Do any trade jobs stand out as particularly lucrative?

Certainly, there are a variety of trade jobs that can be quite lucrative. Average salaries can vary depending on location and the level of specialization in your chosen field, so make sure to take that into account as you think about your options.

1. Electricians: Electricians are consistently among the highest paid tradespeople. They install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes and businesses. An electrician's average salary is around the mid-$50,000s, but experienced electricians can make well into the six figures.

2. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: These professionals work with piping systems used for carrying water, air, or other types of liquid and gases. The average salary for plumbers is comparable to that of electricians, but those with expertise in specialized systems can earn significantly more.

3. Elevator Mechanics: Elevator mechanics install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, and similar equipment. This specialized field tends to offer higher average salaries, with top earners making over $100,000 per year.

4. Construction Managers: While this role may require additional education or experience, it's worth mentioning given its high earning potential. Construction managers oversee construction projects from start to finish and make an average salary in the mid-$90,000s.

5. Boilermakers: Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers and other large containers that hold liquids and gases. They earn, on average, more than $60,000 a year.

Remember, the salary for a job can be impacted by a variety of factors such as location, amount of experience, and the level of demand for that trade in the market. It's also worth considering that while some trades might offer higher salaries, they can also require more physical labor or work in more challenging conditions. Your decision should consider both financial gain and the work environment.