I'm trying to figure out which trade school jobs have the highest earning potential. Does anyone know which trades tend to pay the best right after graduation or after a few years of experience?
Trade schools can be a solid pathway to some highly lucrative careers. Many trades careers pay well, and these earnings often increase with experience and specialization. Here are a few examples of trade careers with generally higher earning potential:
1. Elevator and Escalator Installers: These professionals are trained in assembling, installing, maintaining, and replacing elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and similar equipment. This industry often has high pay, with some making over $80,000 annually.
2. Radiation Therapists: These specialists work in the healthcare field, helping to treat cancer and other diseases by administering radiation treatments. This role requires a two-year associate degree and can offer substantial earnings, often around $85,000 or more per year.
3. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians: These technicians operate and maintain equipment used in developing, testing, and producing new aircraft and spacecraft. While professions in this industry can vary in income, many can make $70,000 or more annually.
4. Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay: Working with the electrical components of generators, transformers, and other complex systems, these repairers often make around $80,000 annually.
5. Pile-Driver Operators: These workers handle pile-driving machines used to, among other things, create foundations for structures like bridges and buildings. In this industry, one could be earning around $70,000 per year.
It's important to keep in mind that pay can vary greatly by location, employer, sector (e.g., private or public), level of experience, overtime opportunities, and more. Therefore, it’s essential to thoroughly research and consider the many factors that can impact salary potential along with personal interest when considering trade school education and potential careers.
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