I'm trying to figure out what trade jobs pay the best. Is there a particular trade that stands out for high earnings? Planning ahead for what I'll do after high school graduation.
Sure, there are several trade jobs that can lead to high earnings based upon reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here are a few trades that may be of interest to you:
1. Elevator Installers and Repairers: These professionals install, fix, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways etc. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they earn a median annual wage of $84,990. Keep in mind that this trade can be quite physically demanding and may involve working in tight spaces.
2. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators: They are responsible for controlling the flow of electricity from nuclear power plants. The median annual wage for power plant operators, distributors, and dispatchers is $81,350. Please note that this job requires extensive on-the-job training and licensure.
3. Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay Electrical and Electronics Repairers: They maintain and repair electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays. The median annual wage for these workers is $80,310.
4. Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors: These individuals can take on roles such as construction supervisors, masons, and insulators among others. The median annual wage for construction managers is $95,260.
5. Natural Gas Distribution: Workers in this trade lay pipes for gas mains, navigate gas to customers, and maintain the systems maintaining gas. The median wages for gas plant operators is $78,230.
6. Dental Hygienist: They clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and provide other preventive dental care. The median wages for dental hygienists is $76,220.
Remember that while these are median wages, wages can vary greatly depending on location, experience, specialization, and other factors. And before you make a decision, consider your personal interest and aptitude in the trade to ensure long-term job satisfaction.
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