Download PDF List of Trades
Explore more than 100 types of trades that make great careers. Every item in the list is organized by industry and lists the median annual salary.
Skip to the industry you are most interested in using the links below.
- Construction Skilled Trades
- Agriculture Skilled Trades
- Food Skilled Trades
- Maintenance and Repair Skilled Trades
- Manufacturing Skilled Trades
- Healthcare Skilled Trades
- Service Skilled Trades
- Transportation Skilled Trades
- Other Skilled Trades
Construction Trades
Construction trades include flooring, carpentry, painting, plumbing, masonry, electrical careers, and more. Many construction workers learn with on-the-job training or as an apprentice under an experienced journeyman.
Plumbers, electricians, and other trades may require some education combined with an apprenticeship.
The construction industry is facing unprecedented shortages with shortages expected to top half a million in 2023 (Association Builders and Contractors). This means there has never been a better time to consider a construction career.
- Carpenter$48,260View Career Guide
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Electrician
$60,040
Plumber, Pipefitter or Steamfitter$59,880View Career Guide - Career Guide Coming Soon
Mason
$48,040
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Painter
$45,590
HVAC Technician$48,630View Career Guide Boilermaker$64,290View Career Guide - Career Guide Coming Soon
Flooring Installer
$47,310
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Electrical Technician
$63,640
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Fencer
$37,700
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Glazier
$47,180
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Construction & Building Inspector
$46,760
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Insulation Worker
$46,760
Ironworker $48,830View Career Guide Roofer $47,110View Career Guide - Career Guide Coming Soon
Sheet Metal Worker
$53,440
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Solar PV Installer
$47,670
Agriculture Trades
Agricultural trades are more than just farmers. These careers can also have you working on the ocean, in the air, or in forests across the world. Many of these jobs require working outdoors and can be more dangerous than some other skilled trade sectors.
- Crop Duster $79,000View Career Guide Farmer or Rancher$73,060View Career Guide Farrier $116,486View Career Guide Logging Worker $46,330View Career Guide Professional Fisherman $29,680View Career Guide
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9-pages of skilled trades categorized by industry. Perfect for parents, educators, and counselors for career exploration
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Food + Culinary Trades
Skilled trade workers in the food industry can range from working as a waiter to creating masterpieces as a chef. The industry requires exceptional customer service skills and the ability to work nights and weekends. Most food trades require little to no education. Chefs will require culinary training, while most other positions can be learned on the job.
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Bartender
$26,350
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Butcher
$36,050
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Chef/Head Cook
$50,160
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Food Service Manager
$59,440
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Food Service Worker
$25,980
Maintenance and Repair Trades
Maintenance and repair trades are filled with opportunities. From automotive repair to a general home repairmen – there is plenty of jobs waiting for you.
These careers usually require vocational training combined with on-the-job training.The shortages in this industry are also large with an estimated shortage of 642,000 automotive, diesel, and collision technicians possible by 2024. (Auto Service World)
- Aircraft Mechanic $65,380View Career Guide
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Appliance Repair
$46,000
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Auto Mechanic
$46,880
Boat Mechanic $93,370View Career Guide Diesel Mechanic $48,690View Career Guide Elevator Mechanic $97,860View Career Guide - Career Guide Coming Soon
Facilities Maintenance
$97,930
Gunsmith $38,040View Career Guide Locksmith $46,910View Career Guide Motorcycle Mechanic $38,170View Career Guide Wind Turbine Technician $56,260View Career Guide
Manufacturing Trades
Manufacturing trade jobs are experiencing a huge decline in workers making it a top pick for those looking for a new career. Millwrights, lineman, and welders are just a few of the many trade careers that are looking for new tradeworkers to enter the industry.
Recent surveys show 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled by 2030 (National Association of Manufacturers).
Manufacturing jobs are critical to our daily lives. In these jobs you will be a part of the process that creates other products. The opportunities in manufacturing are large and diverse.
- Career Guide Coming Soon
CNC Programmer
$60,800
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Fiberglass Fabricator
$38,110
Glassblower $49,960View Career Guide - Career Guide Coming Soon
Iron Worker
$48,830
Line Installer $78,310View Career Guide - Career Guide Coming Soon
Machinist
$48,510
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Material Moving Machine Operator
$38,380
Metal Fabricator $37,170View Career Guide Millwright $59,380View Career Guide Welder$47,010View Career Guide - Career Guide Coming Soon
Tool & Die Makers
$57,000
Healthcare Trades
The medical worker shortage is straining our healthcare system. Trades in the medical industry require a lower barrier to entry with less education than other medical jobs. But these healthcare careers can bring great opportunities. 58% of medical practices reported staffing as their biggest challenge in 2023. (MGMA)
- Dental Hygienist $77,810View Career Guide Emergency Medical Technician $35,470View Career Guide
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Home Health Aide
$29,430
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Massage Therapist
$46,910
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Paramedic
$46,770
Phlebotomist $37,380View Career Guide Radiation therapist$35,470View Career Guide Respiratory therapist$70,540View Career Guide Sleep Technologist$50,000View Career Guide Sterile Process Technician $38,220View Career Guide Hemodialysis Technician $57,380View Career Guide
Service Trades
Service based trades are those workers that provide a service of some sort. From manual labor to working retails, these careers usually have a lower barrier to entry.
- 911 Operator $46,670View Career Guide Exterminator $37,540View Career Guide Florist $29,880View Career Guide Garbage Collector $30,320View Career Guide
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Hazardous Materials Removal
$46,300
Jeweler $46,640View Career Guide - Career Guide Coming Soon
Landscaper/Groundskeeper
$35,460
Life Coach $38,970View Career Guide Luthier $37,160View Career Guide Mailman $51,730View Career Guide - Career Guide Coming Soon
Maintenance + Repair Worker
$43,180
Mortician $58,900View Career Guide - Career Guide Coming Soon
Patrol Officer
$65,790
Pet Groomer $28,600View Career Guide Watch Repairer $44,250View Career Guide
Transportation Trades
Skilled trades in transportation are those that require your handling of a moving vehicle. Transporting people and products is the goal of those jobs. From flying high in the sky to ocean transport, there are no shortage of opportunities.Shortages of workers are large in transportation as well. 96% of transit agencies reported experiencing a workforce shortage, with 84% adding that this shortage is affecting their service. (APTA)
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Air Traffic Controllers
$132,250
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisor
$53,490
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Bus Driver
$45,760
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Flight Attendant
$61,640
Freight Broker $46,910View Career Guide Heavy Equipment Operator $48,290View Career Guide Helicopter Pilot $202,180View Career Guide Train Conductor $64,150View Career Guide Truck Driver $48,310View Career Guide
Additional Trades
A few extra opportunities to become a tradesperson that do not quite fit into any specific category.
- Commercial Diver$60,360View Career Guide
- Career Guide Coming Soon
Quality Control Inspector
$38,580
Roustabout $38,920View Career Guide - Career Guide Coming Soon
Woodworker
$36,710
Not sure if a trade career is right for you? Take one of these free career tests and see what jobs match your personality, education, and passions. Now, onto the list so you can see what trades there are waiting for you!
Skilled Trade Requirements
Each of the above trade professions will have specific requirements for working in the field.
Tradespeople typically need to meet a few general requirements to get started.
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Attend a trade school or technical college to get classroom and hands-on training
- Secure and complete an apprenticeship which provides on-the-job-training under a more experienced worker
Work experience will be very important as a tradeworker and can help you achieve higher earnings. The more invested you are in your training and education, the more successful you can be.
Ready to find a trade school near you? Go ahead and check out our list of vocational schools to get started!
