Highest-Paying Trade Jobs in 2025: 8 Paths to $60K–$100K+ Without a Degree
Discover top-paying trade jobs in 2025: Elevator mechanics at $106K+, electricians, and more. No degree needed—unlock six-figure pay & stability. Explore now!
By the Field Factor Team
October 4, 2025
Summary: Looking for six-figure potential without a four-year degree? You’re in the right place. With retiring boomers, infrastructure upgrades, and the clean-energy build-out, skilled trades are paying more—and hiring faster—than many office jobs.
Methodology: Salary figures are national medians from the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (May 2024). Pay varies by city, union status, certifications, and overtime. Growth notes reflect industry trends and BLS projections through ~2033.
Quick Comparison: Top-Paying Trades at a Glance
| Trade Career | 2025 National Median Pay* | Why It Pays | Fastest Level-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevator & Escalator Installers | $106,580 | Safety-critical systems + union strength + overtime | Join a union apprenticeship; add OEM certs (Otis/KONE/Schindler/TK) |
| Boilermakers | $73,340 | Heavy industry + outages/overtime + travel per diem | Earn advanced welding (GTAW/SMAW) + rigging; target shutdowns |
| Building/Construction Inspectors | $72,120 | Required for every major project | Stack ICC certifications; focus on commercial work |
| Plumbers & Pipefitters | $62,970 | Essential services + premium niches | Get med-gas/backflow; move into steam/industrial |
| Electricians | $62,350 | Data centers + renewables + storage | Specialize in PLC/VFD controls, solar/storage, data-center power |
| Ironworkers | $61,940 | High-rise/bridges + skilled at height | Add structural welding tickets; take travel gigs |
| Sheet Metal Workers | $60,850 | HVAC ducting + architectural metals | Earn TAB (testing/balancing); learn CAD/CAM shop skills |
| Carpenters | $59,310 | Ubiquitous demand across markets | Shift to commercial framing; pursue foreman track |
* BLS OES, May 2024 national medians. In union-dense/coastal metros, medians often run 15–30% higher. Overtime and per-diem travel can push annual pay into six figures.
1) Elevator & Escalator Installers — $106,580 (median)
What They Do: Install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, and moving walkways for commercial and residential buildings.
Why It Pays: Safety-critical systems, strict codes, 24/7 service contracts, and strong union density. Overtime is common.
How To Start: Apply to a union apprenticeship (e.g., IUEC). Build core electrical/mechanical skills and code knowledge.
Level-Up Fast: Add OEM certifications (Otis/KONE/Schindler/TK), become the go-to for trouble calls, then pursue inspector credentials later.
Top Markets: NYC, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle.
2) Boilermakers — $73,340 (median)
What They Do: Assemble, install, and maintain boilers, tanks, and pressure vessels in refineries, power plants, and shipyards.
Why It Pays: Hazardous environments, precision welding, and outage cycles with heavy overtime and travel per diem.
How To Start: Enter a boilermaker apprenticeship; build SMAW/GTAW competency and rigging/signal skills.
Level-Up Fast: Add advanced welding tickets and blueprint/NDE familiarity; target shutdowns and foreman roles to maximize overtime.
Top Markets: Gulf Coast energy corridor, Midwest industry, Pacific Northwest hydro/energy.
3) Building/Construction Inspectors — $72,120 (median)
What They Do: Review plans and inspect structures for code, zoning, and safety compliance across residential and commercial projects.
Why It Pays: Every major project requires inspections; municipalities and large GCs pay for certified expertise.
How To Start: Gain field experience (carpentry/electrical/HVAC) or an associate degree in construction technology; pursue ICC certifications.
Level-Up Fast: Specialize (mechanical/electrical/fire), focus on commercial/institutional projects, stack ICC/state credentials.
Top Markets: High-growth metros (TX, FL, Carolinas), seismic zones (CA), coastal cities.
4) Plumbers & Pipefitters — $62,970 (median)
What They Do: Install and repair water, gas, and waste systems; industrial pipefitters work with steam, chemicals, and high-pressure lines.
Why It Pays: Essential services with premium niches in healthcare, biotech, and heavy industry.
How To Start: Join a union or merit-shop apprenticeship; complete OSHA-10 and learn safety foundations.
Level-Up Fast: Earn medical gas and backflow certifications; move into steam/industrial and specialty piping to boost rates.
Top Markets: Healthcare/biotech hubs, cold-weather cities, metros with hospital and infrastructure buildouts.
5) Electricians — $62,350 (median)
What They Do: Install and maintain electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Why It Pays: Ongoing construction; rapid build-out in data centers; growth in solar, storage, and EV infrastructure.
How To Start: Apprenticeship (IBEW or merit-shop). Master NEC basics, safety, and troubleshooting.
Level-Up Fast: Specialize in industrial controls (PLC/VFD), data-center power, or solar/storage. Commercial TI work can add steady hours.
Top Markets: Data-center corridors (VA, AZ, OH), coastal metros, fast-growing Sun Belt cities.
6) Ironworkers — $61,940 (median)
What They Do: Place and tie rebar; erect structural steel for towers, bridges, and stadiums; perform rigging and welding at height.
Why It Pays: High skill and risk profile, travel projects, and per-diem opportunities.
How To Start: Ironworker apprenticeship with heavy emphasis on rigging, signaling, and fall protection.
Level-Up Fast: Add structural welding tickets (vertical/overhead), become a connector/detailer, and take travel gigs with premium per-diem.
Top Markets: Cities with sustained vertical builds and federally funded infrastructure.
7) Sheet Metal Workers — $60,850 (median)
What They Do: Fabricate and install HVAC ductwork, roofing/architectural metals, and commercial kitchen systems.
Why It Pays: HVAC demand remains strong; precision fabrication and balancing add value.
How To Start: Apprenticeship through SMWIA or merit-shop; learn shop fabrication and field install skills.
Level-Up Fast: Specialize in TAB (testing, adjusting, balancing), architectural metals, and CAD/CAM for shop drawings.
Top Markets: Large commercial markets; union-dense metros with hospitals, campuses, and government buildings.
8) Carpenters — $59,310 (median)
What They Do: Frame, install, and finish wood/composite materials across residential and commercial builds.
Why It Pays: Ubiquitous demand with premium niches in commercial and high-end residential; clear pathways to supervision.
How To Start: Entry-level helper → apprenticeship; learn layout, productivity, and finishing standards.
Level-Up Fast: Shift into commercial framing or specialty finish work; pursue the site supervisor/foreman track.
Top Markets: High-growth metros, luxury residential pockets, and post-disaster rebuild zones.
Union vs. Non-Union: Which Pays More?
Union: Structured training, negotiated wage steps, strong safety culture, and robust benefits.
Non-Union: Faster promotions and performance bonuses in some shops; varies widely by employer quality.
Bottom Line: Many tradespeople try both over a career—pick the culture that fits your learning style and income goals.
Best Places To Earn More (Why Geography Matters)
- Coastal/Union-Dense Metros: Higher prevailing wages and larger commercial pipelines.
- Data-Center Corridors: Electricians and controls specialists command premiums.
- Healthcare/Biotech Hubs: Plumbers/pipefitters with med-gas/steam experience earn more.
- Industrial/Energy Regions: Boilermakers/ironworkers see overtime and per-diem.
How To Get Started in 30 Days
- Week 1: Pick a trade; shortlist 3–5 apprenticeships near you.
- Week 2: Book your aptitude test; assemble PPE (boots, eye/ear protection, gloves).
- Week 3: Apply to 3 apprenticeships + 3 helper roles; line up two references.
- Week 4: Shadow a pro for a day, complete OSHA-10, and schedule your second interview.
Pro Tip: Show up with a simple portfolio—PPE ready, basic tool list, and safety certificates—and you’ll stand out on day one.
FAQs
Which trade hits six figures fastest?
Elevator/escalator installers often reach six figures quickest via union apprenticeship + OEM training and regular overtime.
Do apprenticeships pay?
Yes. Most programs pay from day one and step up as you progress. Benefits often include healthcare and pensions.
Union or non-union—what’s better?
Unions offer standardized training and benefits; non-union can move faster on promotions and bonuses. Evaluate both in your market.
Do I need my own tools?
Basic hand tools help for entry roles; apprenticeships often list starter kits. Bring PPE to interviews and job shadows.
Which certifications move the needle most?
Electricians: PLC/VFD/controls. Plumbers: med-gas/backflow. Sheet Metal: TAB. Boilermakers/Ironworkers: advanced welding tickets. Inspectors: ICC stack.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics (May 2024) — national median wages by occupation.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections — growth outlooks through ~2033.
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