How much do various trade school jobs pay on average?

I'm assessing my post-high school options and interested in trade schools. It'd be great to know about the average salaries across different trade jobs. Which ones should I consider if I'm hoping for a solid income?

Answer: A broad range of opportunities exist when it comes to trade schools, and many trades can offer quite attractive compensation packages. Here are some common trades, along with their average annual salaries according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

1. Electricians: The median wage for electricians was $56,900 in May 2020. The highest 10% earned more than $96,580.

2. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: The median annual wage was $56,330 in May 2020. The highest 10% earned More than $98,990.

3. Elevator Installers and Repairers: These tradespeople earned a median annual wage of $84,990 in May 2020, making this one of the highest paid trades. The highest 10% earned more than $121,500.

4. Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians: The median annual wage for aviation technicians was $66,440 in May 2020. The highest 10% earned more than $101,070.

5. Industrial Machinery Mechanics, Machinery Maintenance Workers, and Millwrights: The median annual wage for this group was $54,920 in May 2020. The highest 10% earned more than $82,150.

6. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) Technicians: HVAC techs earned a median annual salary of $50,590 in May 2020. The highest 10% earned more than $80,820.

7. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers: The median annual wage for welders was $44,190 in May 2020. The highest 10% earned more than $66,250.

Remember that salaries can vary greatly depending on the region, the exact industry in which you work, how many years of experience you have, and your level of expertise. As with any career, pursuing a line of work that you genuinely enjoy will often lead to greater satisfaction than simply chasing the highest paycheck.