Wondering About the Best-Paying Trade School Jobs

I'm thinking about attending trade school after high school, and I'm curious about which jobs tend to pay the most. It would be great to have some financial stability early on. What are some high-paying trade jobs I should consider?

For sure, there are many high-paying trade jobs that offer great starting salaries and growth potential.

1. Elevator Installer/Repairer: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage of elevator installers and repairers was $84,990 in May 2020, making it one of the highest-paying jobs in this sector. This line of work requires a high level of precision and knowledge of electronics and hydraulic systems.

2. Air Traffic Controller: Another trade job that earns substantial income is an air traffic controller. These professionals manage the flow of airplanes in and out of the airport. However, it's important to note that this job requires an associate degree and several years of on-the-job training. The median annual wage was $130,420 in May 2020.

3. Power Plant Operator: Power plant operators manage the systems that distribute and generate electric power. Some positions in this field require a high school diploma or equivalent along with extensive on-the-job training. The median annual wage was approximately $83,020 in May 2020.

4. Nuclear Medicine Technologist: This is yet another well-paying trade job that requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a certificate or an associate degree. These professionals use a scanner to create images of a patient's body and administer therapeutic doses of radiopharmaceuticals. According to BLS, the median pay for nuclear medicine technologists was $79,590 in May 2020.

5. Commercial Diver: Commercial divers work on underwater tasks related to the construction and repair of structures and equipment. They might also conduct experiments or take photographs. The median annual wage for commercial divers was about $51,430 in May 2020, but top earners can make considerably more.

Remember, picking a career should also take into account your interests, aptitudes, and long-term life goals apart from the pay. It's important to find a trade that you'll enjoy doing day in and day out.