Do trade workers get benefits in addition to their wages?

Many union trade workers receive strong benefits packages including health insurance, pension contributions, and paid leave on top of base wages. Non-union and self-employed trade workers typically handle their own benefits, which affects total compensation comparisons. Always look at the full package, not just the hourly rate.

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Top Paying Trade Jobs in the US in 2026

Q: Can trade jobs pay more than college-degree jobs?

Yes, in many cases. Experienced electricians, plumbers, elevator installers, and boilermakers regularly earn more than workers in entry-level and mid-level roles that require a four-year degree. The advantage of trades is that you often start earning full wages after a 2- to 5-year apprenticeship instead of carrying student loan debt.

Q: How long does it take to get into a trade?

Entry timelines vary by trade. Many apprenticeships run 3 to 5 years and combine on-the-job hours with classroom instruction. Shorter certificate programs exist for some roles, though they typically lead to entry-level positions rather than journeyman-level pay. Most states require licensure for trades like electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC.

Q: Which trade has the best job outlook?

Wind turbine technicians and solar panel installers are among the fastest-growing trades by BLS projections, though their current median wages sit lower than established trades like electrical and plumbing. Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians have strong and consistent demand driven by construction activity and infrastructure maintenance.

Q: How much do trade workers actually take home after taxes?

For most US trade workers, take-home pay lands somewhere between 65% and 75% of gross wages, depending on state, filing status, and deductions. A plumber earning $65,000 gross might take home roughly $48,000 to $52,000 per year after federal and state taxes and FICA. Using a paycheck or take-home pay calculator gives a more precise estimate for any specific income level and state.

May 28, 2026

2 42 14 minutes read

Quick Answer

The highest paying skilled trade jobs in the US include elevator installers (~$99,000 median), electricians (~$60,240 median), plumbers (~$61,550 median), and boilermakers, with experienced workers in most trades earning well above the national median wage. Most of these roles require a high school diploma and a multi-year apprenticeship rather than a four-year college degree. To see what any trade salary looks like as hourly pay or after taxes in your state, use the salary to hourly calculator or the take-home pay calculator.

Skilled trade jobs have quietly become some of the most financially sound career choices in the US. Demand is strong, the training timeline is shorter than a four-year degree, and experienced journeymen in several trades routinely earn six figures without student loan debt.

This guide covers the top paying skilled trade jobs in the US in 2026 using Bureau of Labor Statistics data and current job market figures. It explains what each trade pays, what entry requires, and what actually affects earnings within each field.

What counts as a trade job

For this article, a trade job is a skilled hands-on career that typically requires a vocational certificate, apprenticeship, or associate’s degree rather than a four-year bachelor’s degree. That includes construction and infrastructure trades like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians, as well as industrial trades like boilermakers, machinists, and pipefitters. It also includes roles like elevator installer and aircraft mechanic, where technical certification is the primary entry credential.

Some lists include roles like dental hygienist or registered nurse under “trade” because they require associate’s degrees rather than four-year degrees. This guide focuses on the core skilled trades – roles where hands-on licensure, apprenticeship, or technical certification is the standard path in.

Note on salary data: Figures below are drawn from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (most recent full-year data) supplemented with current job market reporting. Actual pay varies by state, employer, experience level, and union status. All figures are gross annual pay before taxes.

Top paying trade jobs ranked by median salary

Trade	Median annual salary	Typical entry requirement	BLS job outlook
Elevator installer and repairer	~$99,000	High school diploma + apprenticeship	~4% growth through 2033
Boilermaker	~$64,290	High school diploma + apprenticeship	~5% growth
Plumber, pipefitter, steamfitter	~$61,550	High school diploma + apprenticeship + license	~6% growth
Electrician	~$60,240	High school diploma + apprenticeship + license	~11% growth
Aircraft mechanic and technician	~$70,740	FAA-certified program + A&P certificate	~6% growth
Industrial machinery mechanic	~$59,380	Postsecondary certificate or on-the-job training	~16% growth (fast)
HVAC technician	~$57,300	Postsecondary certificate + EPA 608 cert	~9% growth
Truck driver (CDL, heavy)	~$57,440	CDL license	~4% growth
Sheet metal worker	~$55,780	High school diploma + apprenticeship	~3% growth
Wind turbine technician	~$57,320	Postsecondary certificate	60%+ growth (fastest)

These are median figures – half of workers in each field earn more. Top earners in trades like elevator installation, aircraft mechanics, and electrical work can reach $90,000 to $120,000 or more with experience, specialized certifications, and union wages. Use the hourly to salary calculator to see what any hourly trade rate translates to annually based on your actual hours.

Detailed look at the top trades

Elevator installer and repairer

This is consistently the highest-paying trade job that does not require a four-year degree. Elevator installers maintain, repair, and install elevators, escalators, and related lift equipment in commercial and residential buildings. Entry is typically through a four-year apprenticeship run by the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC). Median pay sits near $99,000, with top earners in high-cost metro areas exceeding $120,000 annually. Union membership is common and brings strong benefits packages on top of base wages.

Aircraft mechanic and avionics technician

Aircraft mechanics inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft under FAA oversight. Entry requires completing an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician school and passing written, oral, and practical exams to earn an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate. The median annual salary is approximately $70,740, with avionics technicians and those working on commercial aircraft or for government contractors typically earning more. This trade rewards additional ratings and clearances with significantly higher pay.

Boilermaker

Boilermakers assemble, install, and maintain boilers, closed vessels, and large tanks that hold liquids and gases. Much of the work is in industrial settings – power plants, shipyards, and manufacturing facilities. Entry is through a five-year apprenticeship. Median pay sits near $64,290, and the physical demands of the role – confined spaces, heights, heavy equipment – are reflected in the compensation. Union boilermakers often receive strong retirement and health benefits in addition to wages.

Plumber, pipefitter, and steamfitter

Plumbers install and repair water, drainage, and gas systems in residential and commercial buildings. Pipefitters and steamfitters work with higher-pressure industrial systems. Entry requires completing a multi-year apprenticeship and obtaining a state license. Median pay is approximately $61,550, though master plumbers running their own businesses and those in high-cost states can earn significantly more. For a full salary breakdown including state-by-state variation, see the plumber salary in the US guide.

Electrician

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. It is one of the most in-demand trades in the US right now, with BLS projecting about 11% job growth through 2033 – well above the average for all occupations. Entry requires a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship and a state license. Median pay is around $60,240, with master electricians, those in industrial settings, and union workers regularly exceeding $80,000 to $90,000 annually. The electrician salary calculator can help you estimate pay based on your state and experience level.

HVAC technician

HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Entry requires completing a postsecondary HVAC program (typically 6 months to 2 years) and obtaining EPA Section 608 certification for handling refrigerants. Median pay is around $57,300, with commercial HVAC specialists and those working in industrial facilities earning more. The BLS projects about 9% job growth through 2033, driven by construction and aging infrastructure.

Industrial machinery mechanic

Industrial machinery mechanics maintain and repair factory equipment, production machinery, and automated systems. This trade is benefiting from the ongoing growth in US manufacturing and industrial automation. Median pay is approximately $59,380, and the BLS projects 16% job growth through 2033 – much faster than average. Entry typically requires a high school diploma and on-the-job training or a short certificate program, making it one of the more accessible entry points among higher-paying trades.

Wind turbine technician

Wind turbine technicians maintain and repair wind turbines – typically at heights of 200 to 300 feet. Median pay sits around $57,320, which is competitive but not the highest on this list. What makes this trade notable is its growth rate: BLS projects over 60% job growth through 2033, making it the fastest-growing occupation tracked. Entry typically requires a 2-year postsecondary certificate program. Workers with both wind turbine and electrical credentials are especially in demand.

What drives pay differences within a trade

Within any single trade, the salary range is wide. A first-year apprentice electrician and a master electrician with 20 years of commercial experience are both in the same occupation but earn very different amounts. Several factors consistently drive the difference:

License level. Moving from journeyman to master license typically unlocks higher pay and the ability to run your own jobs or business. Each state sets its own licensing requirements and exams.
Union vs non-union. Union trade workers often earn higher wages and receive stronger benefits – health insurance, pension, paid leave – negotiated through collective bargaining agreements. Non-union pay varies more by employer and region.
Sector. The same trade in a residential setting versus a commercial, industrial, or government setting usually pays differently. Industrial electricians and pipefitters on power plant or refinery projects typically earn more than their residential counterparts.
Geographic market. Trade pay varies meaningfully by state and metro area. States with strong construction activity, higher cost of living, or active union presence generally pay more. The state paycheck calculators can help you compare net take-home from the same gross salary across different states.
Overtime and shift differentials. Trades often involve overtime, weekend work, and shift work. A worker earning $58,000 in base wages who regularly works overtime can push total annual earnings well above $70,000. The overtime calculator shows exactly how overtime hours affect your annual total.
Self-employment. Trade workers who run their own businesses or work as independent contractors often earn more gross revenue but also carry business costs and self-employment taxes. The self-employment tax calculator shows what that tax burden looks like at different income levels.

Practical benchmark: If you are evaluating a trade job offer, convert the hourly rate to an annual salary estimate and then run it through the take-home pay calculator for your state. Comparing gross figures across trades or between a trade and a salaried office role without adjusting for taxes and benefits leads to inaccurate conclusions.

Trade jobs vs college-degree jobs: the pay comparison

The financial case for skilled trades has strengthened over the past decade. The median annual wage for all US workers is approximately $48,060 according to BLS. Most of the trades on this list sit above that figure, and the top end – elevator installers, aircraft mechanics, and master-level electricians or plumbers – comfortably exceeds the median pay for many bachelor’s-degree-level roles.

The practical difference is the time and cost to reach full earnings. A four-year degree averages four years of tuition plus lost wages. An apprenticeship in most trades takes three to five years, but you earn wages throughout – typically starting at 40% to 60% of journeyman scale and increasing each year. There is no tuition debt, and you reach full journeyman wages at roughly the same time a college graduate is entering their first full-time role. For workers comparing salaries across different career paths, the how much should you earn guide is a useful reference point.

USAJobsKit tools for trade workers

Electrician Salary Calculator

Estimate electrician pay by state, experience level, and hourly or annual rate.

Open the electrician salary calculator

Plumber Salary Calculator

See plumber salary estimates by state and experience, from apprentice to master level.

Open the plumber salary calculator

Truck Driver Salary Calculator

Calculate annual, weekly, and hourly pay estimates for CDL truck drivers.

Open the truck driver salary calculator

Hourly to Salary Calculator

Convert any hourly trade wage into an annual salary estimate based on your actual hours.

Open the hourly to salary calculator

Take-Home Pay Calculator

See what any trade salary nets after federal tax, state tax, and FICA deductions.

Open the take-home pay calculator

Overtime Calculator

Estimate total weekly and annual earnings including overtime for hourly trade workers.

Open the overtime calculator

FAQ

What is the highest paying trade job in the US?

Among traditional skilled trades that do not require a four-year degree, elevator and escalator installers and repairers consistently rank highest, with a median annual wage of around $99,000. Construction managers also reach six figures at the median but often require a degree or equivalent experience. Aircraft mechanics and master-level electricians or plumbers can also reach high five figures and beyond with experience.

Can trade jobs pay more than college-degree jobs?

Yes, frequently. Experienced journeymen in elevator installation, electrical work, plumbing, and aircraft mechanics often earn more than workers in entry-level and mid-level roles requiring a four-year degree. The financial advantage of trades is amplified by the absence of student loan debt – apprentice wages start from day one of training.

How long does it take to get into a trade?

Most apprenticeships run 3 to 5 years and combine on-the-job training hours with classroom instruction. Shorter certificate programs exist for some roles like HVAC and industrial machinery, though they typically lead to entry-level positions rather than journeyman-level pay. Most states also require licensure for trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC, which involves passing a state exam after meeting experience requirements.

Do trade workers get benefits beyond their wages?

Many union trade workers receive strong benefits packages including health insurance, pension contributions, and paid leave negotiated through collective bargaining agreements. Those benefits add meaningful value on top of base wages when comparing total compensation. Non-union and self-employed trade workers typically pay for their own benefits, which narrows the gap between their gross earnings and effective total compensation.

Which trade has the best job outlook?

Wind turbine technicians have the fastest projected growth rate at over 60% through 2033, though current median pay is lower than other trades. Electricians and HVAC technicians also have strong outlooks at 11% and 9% respectively, driven by construction activity, clean energy expansion, and infrastructure maintenance. Industrial machinery mechanics at 16% growth also stand out, particularly for workers interested in manufacturing environments.

How much do trade workers actually take home after taxes?

For most US trade workers, take-home pay lands between 65% and 75% of gross wages depending on state, filing status, and deductions. A plumber earning $65,000 gross might take home roughly $48,000 to $52,000 per year after federal and state taxes and FICA. Use the take-home pay calculator for a precise estimate based on your specific income and state.

Sources

Final takeaway

Skilled trades offer some of the most reliable paths to a six-figure income without a four-year degree, and the demand outlook for most of these roles is strong through the rest of the decade. The gap between what trades pay at the median and what they pay at the journeyman and master level is wide – which means the choices you make about licensing, specialization, and sector matter more than the starting wage.

Before comparing any offer, convert the hourly rate to an annual figure and run it through the take-home pay calculator so you are working with real numbers. The full salary tools library on USAJobsKit covers every calculation you need to assess a trade job offer accurately.

Calculate your trade job pay

Convert your hourly rate to annual salary, then see your real take-home after taxes.

Hourly to Salary Calculator Take-Home Pay Calculator

Disclaimer: Salary figures in this article are drawn from Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational data and publicly available job market sources. Actual pay varies by state, employer, experience, license level, and union status. This article is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute career, legal, or financial advice.