I'm trying to figure out what the average income is for trade jobs. Are there specific trades that pay significantly higher than others? I'm considering entering a trade after high school and want to know what kind of income to expect.
There are indeed some trade jobs that tend to offer higher average incomes than others. Here are a few examples:
- Elevator Installers and Repairers: Known for being one of the highest paying trade jobs, these professionals are in charge of installing, repairing, and maintaining elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and similar equipment. The average annual wage for this profession is around $84,990 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Nuclear Technicians: These technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other professionals in nuclear research and nuclear energy production. They might operate special equipment used in these activities and monitor the levels of radiation produced. The average annual wage for this role is approximately $82,080.
- Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay Electrical Repairers: These tradespeople work on the large-scale electrical equipment used to send electricity from power plants to customers. They're typically employed by local government, utilities, and energy producers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average yearly wage of about $81,280 for this role.
- Commercial Divers: Although the average income of commercial divers is a bit lower (around $56,410), top earners can reach over $100,000/year. However, it's worth noting that this job can be physically demanding and potentially dangerous.
- Rotary Drill Operators: These professionals operate drilling tools to access subsurface oil and gas. They're often employed by extraction companies, and their average annual wage is approximately $54,310.
Remember that income can vary depending on the region, the exact nature of the work, and the level of experience of the worker. Additionally, these are just averages - individual experience may vary.
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