I'm considering going into a trade after high school rather than college. I'm curious about which trade jobs have the highest salaries right now. Are there specific ones I should focus on that offer great pay straight out of trade school?
Indeed, there are several high-paying trade jobs that can be both fulfilling and financially rewarding straight out of trade school. Here are a few worth considering:
1. Electrician: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, and lighting systems. The median annual wage for electricians was $61,590 in May 2023.
2. Plumber, Pipefitter, or Steamfitter: These professionals install and repair piping systems in homes, offices, and factories. The median annual wage was $61,550 in May 2023.
3. Elevator Installer/Repairer: This job involves installing, repairing, and maintaining elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and similar equipment. The median annual wage was $102,420 in May 2023, making it one of the highest-paid trade jobs.
4. Radiation Therapist: These healthcare professionals work with oncologists to administer radiation treatments to cancer patients. The median annual wage was $98,300 in May 2023 according to the BLS.
5. Construction and Building Inspector: These individuals check the compliance of construction sites with building codes and safety regulations. The median annual wage was $67,700 in May 2023.
6. Boilermaker: Boilermakers assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large vessels or containers that hold liquids and gases. The median annual wage was $71,140 in May 2023.
7. Nuclear Technician: They assist in nuclear research and production, typically under the guidance of physicists or engineers. The median annual wage for nuclear technicians was $101,740 in May 2023.
Remember, while salary potential can be a major factor when choosing a trade, it's equally important to consider job satisfaction, your interest in the field, and the long-term job outlook as well. For instance, if you have a strong interest in working with electrical systems, becoming an electrician might bring you more satisfaction than a higher-paying but less interesting job.
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