I'm interested in finding a stable career after high school, and I hear trade jobs can be a solid choice. Does anyone know what constitutes a good paying trade job these days, particularly ones that might be in high demand?
There are indeed several high-paying trade jobs that you might be interested in, and many of them have promising job outlooks.
1. Plumber: Plumbing is an important trade that is always in demand. The median wage for plumbers in 2020 was about $55,000, with the highest 10% earning over $97,000. More importantly, job opportunities for plumbers are projected to grow 4% through 2029, which is close to the average growth rate for all occupations.
2. Electrician: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. The median annual wage for electricians was about $56,000 in 2020, and the highest 10% of electricians earned more than $98,000. Similar to plumbers, the job market for electricians is expected to grow 8% through 2029, which is slightly higher than the average job growth rate.
3. HVAC (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) Technician: HVAC technicians fix systems that control the air quality in many types of buildings. The median annual wage for HVAC technicians was about $50,000 in 2020. Notably, job outlook for HVAC technicians is very promising, with an expected growth of 13% through 2029.
4. Elevator Installer and Repairer: Elevator and escalator installers and repairers earn a median income of around $86,000, with the highest 10% earning more than $121,000 in 2020. Job opportunities for elevator installers and repairers are expected to grow by 7% through 2029.
When considering a trade job, you should also take into account the training and education requirements. Though these positions typically don't require a four-year degree, an apprenticeship of up to five years may be necessary. It's critical to find a trade that matches your skills and interests, in addition to being financially rewarding.
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