Curious about the best trade jobs and their salaries

I'm thinking of skipping the traditional college route and getting into a trade job. Can anyone share insights on which trade jobs pay the best and what kind of salaries I might expect as I gain experience?

Sure, it's important to evaluate all the options after high school, and trade jobs can offer a more affordable route to a well-paying career. Here are some high-paying trade jobs and their associated salary ranges, though take into account that salaries can vary based on location, years of experience, and employer:

1. Plumber: Salaries for experienced plumbers can be quite high. The average yearly salary for a plumber is about $55,000, but experienced plumbers can earn upwards of $90,000 annually.

2. Electrician: The average electrician makes around $56,000 per year. However, with experience and specializations (such as becoming a master electrician), the salary can go as high as $96,000 per year.

3. Construction Manager: This is a position that generally requires a few years of experience in construction, but it is quite lucrative. The average salary is around $95,000 per year, and it can reach up to $160,000 with more experience and large-scale projects.

4. HVAC Technician: The median pay for an HVAC technician is around $50,000 a year, but this can increase with experience and additional certifications to over $75,000 yearly.

5. Elevator Mechanics: This specific trade job pays quite well, with an average salary of about $84,000 and top earners making over $110,000 a year.

6. Radiation Therapist: Although this job requires specific training, the pay is substantial. The median annual pay is around $85,000, and experienced professionals can earn more than $124,000 per year.

7. Wind Turbine Technicians: With the increase in renewable energy, this job is in high demand. The average salary is about $56,000 per year, but can get as high as $83,000 with experience and specialized skills.

Remember, all these careers require some form of technical education or apprenticeship, which vary in length but are generally much shorter than the traditional four-year degree.