Skilled Trades Salary Guide
Wondering which blue-collar career pays the most? We compare vocational and trade job salaries for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, carpenters, and more — sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many skilled trades now out-earn white-collar jobs, especially with union wages or self-employment.
Avg. Median (All Trades)
$57,450
National average
Highest Paying Trade
$73,340
Boilermaker
Trades Covered
18
Source: BLS 2024
Highest Paying Skilled Trades
| Trade | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| 🏭Boilermaker | $73,340 |
| ⚙️Industrial Mechanic | $63,760 |
| 🔧Plumber / Pipefitter | $62,970 |
| 🏗️Ironworker | $62,700 |
| ⚡Electrician | $62,350 |
| 🏗️Sheet Metal Worker | $60,850 |
| ❄️HVAC Technician | $59,810 |
| 🪚Carpenter | $59,310 |
| 🏗️Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
| 🚛Truck Driver (CDL) | $57,440 |
| 🚌Bus Driver | $57,440 |
| 🔩Machinist | $56,150 |
| 🪟Tile Setter | $52,240 |
| 🔥Welder | $51,000 |
| 🏠Roofer | $50,970 |
| 🚗Auto Mechanic | $49,670 |
| 🎨Painter | $48,660 |
| 👷Construction Laborer | $46,730 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 2024.
Trade School vs. College: Apprenticeship Wage Progression
One of the biggest advantages of vocational training over a 4-year degree: apprentices are paid while they learn, with zero tuition debt. Wages start at ~50% of journeyman rates and increase each year. By graduation, you hold a licensed trade and earn full journeyman pay.
| Stage | % of Journeyman Wage |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | 50% |
| Year 2 | 60% |
| Year 3 | 70% |
| Year 4 | 80% |
| Year 5 | 90% |
| Journeyman | 100% |
Percentages are typical — exact rates vary by union contract, employer, and state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What skilled trade pays the most?▾
Elevator installers and repairers consistently top the charts at ~$99,000 median nationally. Licensed electricians, plumbers/pipefitters, and boilermakers are close behind at $61,000–$70,000. Wages spike significantly in union positions and high cost-of-living cities.
Do trades pay better than college jobs?▾
For many trades, yes — especially when you factor in zero student debt and earning during your apprenticeship. A licensed electrician or plumber in a major metro can easily earn $80,000–$100,000+. Compare that to a 4-year college grad with $40,000 in debt starting at $50,000.
How long does it take to become a journeyman?▾
Most apprenticeships last 3–5 years. After completing the apprenticeship and passing a licensing exam, you become a journeyman. From there, 2–5 more years of experience can qualify you for a master tradesperson license.
Which trades are most in demand?▾
Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and welders are consistently in high demand due to aging infrastructure, construction booms, and a shortage of new workers entering the trades. The BLS projects above-average job growth for most skilled trades through 2032.
Compare wages by city
An electrician in San Francisco earns far more than in Memphis — but so does everything else. Use our calculator to see the real difference.