What are the best trade school jobs out there? I'm planning to attend a trade school and I'm curious about which trades are considered the best in terms of job satisfaction and salary. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
Trade school careers offer fulfilling work that can lead to competitive salaries; it mainly depends on which field you're interested in and where your skills lie. Here are a few top trade school jobs likely to offer good job satisfaction and salary:
1. Electricians: These professionals install, maintain, and repair electrical power in homes, businesses, and factories. They need a strong understanding of the technical aspects of electricity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2023, the median pay for electricians was around $62,000 per year.
2. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters: These trades involve installing, tinkering, and keeping the pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases working efficiently. The median pay in 2023, according to BLS, was approximately $61,000 per year.
3. HVAC technicians: Specialists in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) work with systems that control the temperature, humidity, and air quality in buildings. The BLS reports that the median pay for HVAC technicians in 2023 was around $57,000 per year.
4. Dental Hygienist: This requires specialized training but it is a rewarding field with good career prospects. As a dental hygienist, you'll provide preventive dental care and teach patients how to maintain good oral health. These professionals had a 2023 median pay of $87,000 per year, according to BLS.
5. Radiation Therapists: These professionals work in the medical field administering radiation treatments to patients. This career also calls for a specific certification and the job prospects are quite robust. According to BLS, the median annual wage for radiation therapists was $98,000 in 2023.
Remember, employment outlook and pay vary by location and specific field. It's important to research and potentially shadow jobs you're interested in to ensure it's a good fit. It's also recommended to look at the projected growth of these jobs in your specific area to ensure that there will be demand in the future.
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