As the job market continues to evolve, trade jobs are becoming increasingly in demand and lucrative. While many people assume that white-collar careers are the only path to financial stability, the truth is that many trade jobs offer high pay, job security, and a sense of fulfilment. In 2024, skilled tradespeople are in high demand, and their salaries reflect their value. If you’re considering a career in the trades or looking for a new opportunity, this article is for you. Here, we’ll explore the top 13 highest-paying trade jobs you should consider in 2024, from electricians to welders and beyond.
Top 13 Highest-Paying Trade Jobs You Should Consider in 2024
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Electrician
Average Annual Salary: $51,590
Electricians are qualified personnel working on electrical systems in homes, offices or factories. This job requires at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, as well as training and certification in electrical work. Qualified electricians need to be critical thinkers who can determine what needs to be done when handling electrical problems. The main responsibilities of an electrician involve working with blueprints that outline the type of electrical system to be installed. They diagnose whether the wiring or other component is at fault and decide on the appropriate corrective measures. They constantly fix problems and replace defective components within electrical systems to make them safe and effective. Also, like most workers, electricians must follow state and local codes and regulations and safety standards to avoid exposing themselves to danger. Their work is active as it entails movement, standing, and manual work throughout the day. The employment opportunity is quite good for electricians, with an employment growth rate of 6%, indicating how stable the field is.
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Medical Sonographer
Average Annual Salary: $75,920
Medical sonographers, also referred to as ultrasound technicians, use ultrasound equipment to generate images of organs and tissues inside the body. These images are vital in the diagnosis and management of various diseases such as pregnancy, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, among other illnesses. Sonographers must be conversant with the technical aspects of the equipment and be detail-oriented to ensure that the images that are produced are well-defined and insightful.
The profession of medical sonography is expanding because of technology improvements and more focus on safe and non-harming procedures. This makes it one of the best careers for anyone who wants to work as a health care professional. Furthermore, it is a trade school career that can be suitable for all because it combines interaction with technology and people.
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Building and Home Inspector
Average Annual Salary: $49,659
The overall employment opportunity for building and home inspectors is expected to reduce by 3% by 2030, but this depends on the employer’s demand. Real estate involves the assessment of property and home, and building inspectors play an important role in examining properties for potential defects that might affect the investment. Noteworthy, these inspectors evaluate the foundation, heating and cooling systems, structure of the building, and conformities to the building codes. They act as an early warning system and give useful information to buyers to enable them to make the right decision on which property to buy.
Building or home inspectors are usually needed to have at least a high school diploma. Further, it is better if the candidate has prior experience in the construction trade, as this offers the practical experience needed to conduct effective inspections. This experience also helps to acquire the skills that will enable one to adequately appraise properties. Home and building inspectors are also required to get a license or certification in most states. This sometimes requires the fulfilment of a training course and the passing of an examination to prove competency in structural inspection practices. Certification ensures that the inspectors are conversant with the existing legal requirements and other industry standards.
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Air Traffic Controller
Average Annual Salary: $95,266
The air traffic controller profession is commonly mentioned as one of the best-paid positions that people can get with a trade school education. These professionals are responsible for the orderly flow of the air to ensure that planes are always at safe distances as they move around. They can be employed in control towers, approach control, and route centres where their duties require great focus and accuracy. It normally takes an associate degree to become an air traffic controller. Potential controllers should attend training courses, including the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative (AT-CTI), which introduces students to the challenges of a controller’s work. This program equips one with knowledge and skills which enable them to handle air traffic flow safely and efficiently.
In the United States, air traffic controllers must be legal citizens of the United States of America. They also have to undergo medical examinations and background investigations to determine their fitness for the positions. Candidates are also expected to pass tests and classes at the FAA Academy, where they will learn about the rules, protocols, and tools used to control air traffic. The future employment prospects for air traffic controllers reveal that this profession is progressing at a steady employment growth rate of 4%. They have a responsibility to provide safe and efficient air transportation, thus guaranteeing that the job is both fulfilling and financially lucrative for anyone who wants to become a part of the aviation sector.
READ ALSO: 10 Jobs That Don’t Require a University Degree
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Wind Turbine Technician
Average Annual Salary: $68,523
Wind turbine technicians are involved in the installation and maintenance of wind turbines, which are important in the generation of wind energy. Wind turbine technicians are expected to have a very high demand in the future since the job outlook has a projected growth rate of 45%, which is considered much faster than average. This growth is a result of the growing need for renewable energy and the growing wind energy market. Technicians who work with wind turbines perform numerous tasks which involve critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Their responsibilities include daily diagnostic and inspection of wind turbines to make sure they run efficiently. They diagnose possible problems that may hinder the efficiency of the turbines and apply their knowledge to ensure efficiency. Apart from diagnostics, wind turbine technicians fix damaged or worn components, thus maintaining the proper functionality of the turbines. This involves working with different mechanical and electrical parts and using their knowledge to repair or modify them, as the case may be.
The work is very strenuous because technicians spend most of their working hours on their feet and are likely to work at heights of between 200 and 400 feet. As a result, physical fitness and a good feel for heights should be requirements for this position. It is also important for technicians to have good communication skills because they often need to interact with teams and share information with them. Besides, wind turbine technicians are required to adhere to various safety measures and work in a prescribed sequence to keep them safe and others safe. This involves the use of safety equipment, following safety measures, and knowing the new trends in practice.
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Radiation Therapist
Average Annual Salary: $77,649
Radiation therapists are medical practitioners who use radiation to address various illnesses, including cancer. They deliver radiation treatment in a team with other doctors, especially oncologists, to ensure that cancerous cells are effectively killed without harming surrounding tissues. This field has a job outlook growth rate of 9% and is characterized by stability; hence, it is among the well-paid trade school careers.
Radiation therapists often have an associate’s degree, but some earn a bachelor’s degree to gain more information and career opportunities. To practice as a radiation therapist, one has to obtain a license in most states in America. This ensures they are capable of performing the highly sensitive procedures that are needed in radiation therapy, as well as the standards that are set in medical practice.
The position requires the person to be detail-oriented. Radiation therapists need to manoeuvre highly technical equipment accurately and determine dose amounts to treat patients. Besides technical skills, they must be physically strong since the work involves supporting the patient in positioning and controlling the equipment for an extended time. However, radiation therapists require good interpersonal communication skills. They work with patients who might be frightened or uneasy about some aspects of their therapy, so it is up to the therapist to be reassuring and informative. This assists in putting the patients at ease and ensures that they cooperate fully during the procedures to enhance the success of the treatment.
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Graphic Designer
Average Annual Salary: $56,510
Graphic designers are talented workers who create visuals for effective communication of ideas. They use both computer programs and hand drawings to create designs that can educate, motivate, entertain or provoke the viewers. It also involves an appreciation of different aspects, such as colour, typography, and images, that they use to come up with artistic images. They might work on logos that are used to identify brands, adverts that are used to sell products or services, and packaging which makes products more attractive to consumers. Moreover, graphic designers are involved in developing websites for any business or organization to make sure that they have an appealing and easy-to-navigate appearance.
Graphic designers require appropriate knowledge of software to design digitally, which includes Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, among others. They also need to be aware of contemporary trends and technologies in design to create great work. Apart from proficiency in technical skills, a graphic designer requires creativity and an aesthetic sense to come up with unique ideas in the market.
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Logistician
Average Annual Salary: $78,000
Logisticians are important workers in any organization since they manage the smooth flow of supplies and products for consumers. This career is one of the most promising trade jobs, with the employment outlook projected at 30 per cent, pointing to the rising need for proficient logisticians in all industries. The job of logisticians involves analyzing and planning all the logistical activities of a given firm. Some of their roles involve controlling the movement of goods, beginning with their acquisition and making sure that supply chains are optimised. Effective supply chain management affects an organisation’s revenues, meaning that the work of a logistician is essential for business functioning.
Though a bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain management or a similar field may be preferred, an associate degree may be considered adequate if the candidate has relevant work experience. Practical experience is important. Therefore, it is preferred when employees are trained on the job or take up an apprenticeship. Certification for logisticians is not compulsory, although it helps when one is pursuing a career. Like any other profession, certifications from recognized bodies like the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) enhance the skills and knowledge of the logistician and make them marketable in the job market.
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Carpenter Supervisors
Average Annual Salary: $66,350
Carpenter supervisors hold significant positions in the construction industry since they oversee and coordinate carpenters in different phases of construction. Their responsibilities include supervising all phases of construction and guaranteeing that assignments are completed efficiently, within cost estimate, and of high quality. In addition to being highly skilled carpenters, these supervisors need leadership and communication skills that come with managing employees and stakeholders.
As leaders of their subordinates, carpenter supervisors assign tasks, track activities, and ensure compliance with schedules and safety standards among carpenters. They have the responsibility of managing the general working processes whilst overseeing the construction schedules. Carpenter supervisors tend to be promoted through acquiring both formal education from a trade school and practical experience as a carpenter. It may be important to have carpentry or construction management education, but the best asset that one can possess is experience. This practical exposure enables the supervisors to acquire the necessary knowledge and decision-making skills for the effective handling of construction projects.
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Solar Installer
Average Annual Salary: $62,622
Solar installers are workers who work in the renewable power industry to install solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on rooftops and other structures to generate electricity from the sun. Employment of these workers is projected to grow 22 per cent through 2024, much faster than the average for all occupations, thus making this trade a great entry point to the green energy industry.
The main job of a solar installer is to join solar panels together and put them in place, per unique strategies developed for each client and their property. This involves studying the layout of the property, identifying the most suitable position to capture as much light as possible and stability of the installation. Solar installers have to operate in different weather conditions and have to ensure that they work safely on rooftops.
To perform in this position effectively, the solar installers need to have technical know-how in electrical wiring and installation of solar panels. They should be conversant with all hand and power tools used in installation exercises. Paying a lot of attention to details helps to ensure that not only is the quality of work good but safety measures are also followed strictly during the installation process.
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Welder
Average Annual Salary: $44,190 per year
Welding is a basic technique that involves melting the metal components and then fusing them to have a strong connection. This is a widely applicable technique in the construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries. Welders are essential to these industries, as they are responsible for joining metals together to form strong structures and items. In construction, welders are involved in the construction of structures such as buildings, bridges, and other structures by joining steel beams and columns, among other structures.
In manufacturing, welders produce parts of machines, equipment, and vehicles, among others. They use metals to make frames, chassis, and bodies through welding to guarantee that these parts can endure wear and tear during operation. They are also well equipped in welding processes and materials’ specifications to come up with the right products. Welders employ various methods of joining and tools, including arc welding, MIG welding, TIG welding and oxy-fuel welding, depending on the project demands. To avoid mishaps and produce quality welds, they have to follow the safety measures and guidelines of the field involved.
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Computer Programmer
Average Annual Salary: $68,090
These are workers who write and debug code to create and maintain different software and applications. Contrary to the projected job outlook for the field, which is -10% through 2030, computer programming is considered one of the best-paid trades. One must always be learning new programming languages in order to succeed in this field.
Mainly used in computer systems design, computer programmers often have an associate’s degree, although some of them have a bachelor’s degree. Computer programmers should possess analytical skills and an understanding of algorithms and coding languages. Some of their duties include converting software designs into a set of computer-understandable instructions, identifying and fixing bugs in the code and making sure that the applications are functional and possess the qualities the users want. It is also important to keep up with the latest trends in programming languages, frameworks, and various technologies to secure a job.
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Dental Hygienist
Average Annual Salary: $63,596
Dental hygienists are very important in dentistry since they help dentists in the general dental care of patients. They inspect for any evidence of oral diseases and offer prophylactic oral health services such as teeth cleaning and the application of fluoride. Apart from cleaning the patient’s teeth, dental hygienists also teach patients how to take care of their teeth to avoid other dental issues.
About three years of education is required to become a dental hygienist, and this is often done through an associate degree program. This education provides them with the required knowledge base and practical abilities in dental hygiene, such as anatomy, physiology, and oral health processes. Licensing is mandatory in most states, whereby one has to sit for the national and state examinations to show competency in the field. Some of the states allow them to practice independently to show that they are professionals capable of delivering important dental care services.
Conclusion
Trade jobs offer a good career path for those seeking financial stability, job satisfaction, and a sense of accomplishment. The top 13 highest-paying trade jobs listed in this article show the vast opportunities available for those seeking high-paying jobs in this field. Whether you’re a seasoned tradesperson or just starting your career, consider exploring these high-paying trade jobs in 2024. With the right training and expertise, you can build a successful and lucrative career in the trades.