Hey everyone, I'm considering a career in trades instead of college. I'm curious about which trade jobs are known to pay well, especially for men. Would love to hear about any specific fields or opportunities to look into!
Hello,
There are a variety of skilled trade jobs that tend to be high paying due to the specialized skills they require. Let's go through a few:
1) Plumber: These professionals are tasked with installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes in home and commercial settings. The median annual wage for plumbers is around $55,160, but highly experienced workers can earn upwards to $90,000 or so per year.
2) Electrician: Electricians install and repair electrical power systems in homes, businesses, and factories. The median annual wage for electricians is $56,180, but top earners can make over $96,580 annually.
3) Elevator Installer/Repairer: This job involves installing, fixing, and maintaining elevators, escalators, and the like. These professionals earn a median wage of $84,990 per year, and the highest 10% earn more than $124,480.
4) Construction Manager: While more management oriented, construction managers oversee planning, coordinating, budgeting, and supervising projects from the beginning to end. The median wage for construction managers is $97,180 per year, and the highest 10% earn more than $169,070.
5) Commercial Diver: If you enjoy underwater environments, commercial diving could be an option. These divers work on underwater infrastructure like bridges, dams, or oil rigs. The median wage for commercial divers is $49,980, with the highest 10% earning more than $94,800.
Remember that many of these professions require some level of technical education, apprenticeships, passing licensing tests, and field experience. However, the time and cost invested in these paths are typically less than a traditional four-year college degree. It's also worth noting that these jobs have physical demands and risks, so it's important to consider your physical health and comfort working in various environments.
Good luck with your career decision!
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