The highest-paying skilled trades
These skilled trades pay the most at journeyman level in the US — all entered through a paid apprenticeship, none requiring a college degree. Master tradespeople and business owners typically clear the upper bound by 30–60%.
| # | Trade | Typical pay (US) | Outlook | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrician | $52,000–$85,000 | Very High | Guide |
| 2 | HVAC Technician | $50,000–$80,000 | Very High | Guide |
| 3 | Plumber | $48,000–$78,000 | High | Guide |
| 4 | Smart Home Installer | $46,000–$78,000 | Very High | Guide |
| 5 | Foundation Specialist | $46,000–$76,000 | Moderate | Guide |
| 6 | Carpenter | $45,000–$72,000 | Moderate | Guide |
| 7 | Concrete Mason | $44,000–$72,000 | Moderate | Guide |
| 8 | Roofer | $42,000–$68,000 | Moderate | Guide |
| 9 | Appliance Repair Technician | $40,000–$65,000 | Moderate | Guide |
| 10 | Painter | $38,000–$62,000 | Moderate | Guide |
| 11 | Pool & Spa Technician | $38,000–$62,000 | High | Guide |
| 12 | Handyman | $36,000–$62,000 | High | Guide |
| 13 | Landscaper | $35,000–$60,000 | High | Guide |
| 14 | Pest Control Technician | $36,000–$58,000 | Moderate | Guide |
| 15 | Mover | $32,000–$55,000 | Moderate | Guide |
| 16 | House Cleaner | $28,000–$48,000 | High | Guide |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 (pay, outlook) and typical licensing timelines. Journeyman-level US figures. Last reviewed May 2026. Estimate your pay →
Which trade tops this list?
Electrician ranks first ($52,000–$85,000). The full ranking of 16 trades is in the table above, each linking to a complete career guide.
Do these trades require a college degree?
No. Every trade here is entered through a paid apprenticeship — you earn while you learn, with no degree and no tuition debt. Licensing is by exam and on-the-job hours, not a four-year diploma.
How is this ranking calculated?
Trades are ranked from official 2024 data — US Bureau of Labor Statistics pay and employment outlook, plus typical licensing timelines. Figures are journeyman-level US values; your state, experience and specialty move them. Last reviewed May 2026.
Find an apprenticeship
Real programs with paid training and licensing pathways — official government portals and the unions / vocational schools that actually place people.
- apprenticeship.govOfficial portal
U.S. Department of Labor's Registered Apprenticeship finder — filter by trade, state, and ZIP for paid, registered programs nationwide.
Open
- IBEW Local Union finderUnion
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers — 700+ locals run paid 4–5-year apprenticeships (Inside Wireman, Solar, Outside Lineman).
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- United Association local finderUnion
UA represents plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, and HVAC service techs — 300+ locals offer 5-year paid apprenticeships with full benefits.
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- SMART (Sheet Metal / HVAC) apprenticeshipUnion
Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers — ductwork, HVAC installation, and metal-roof systems through 4–5-year apprenticeships.
Open
- ABC Merit Shop apprenticeshipsIndustry association
Associated Builders & Contractors runs the largest non-union apprenticeship network — over 800 chapters and training centres nationwide.
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- IEC (Independent Electrical Contractors) apprenticeshipIndustry association
Non-union electrical apprenticeship — 4-year program combining online theory with paid on-the-job training at member contractors.
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Listings are curated by the HireLocal editorial team — opening a program takes you to the program's own site. We don't take a cut on placements.