In a world where traditional four-year college degrees often dominate the conversation about career paths, trade jobs are a wonderful yet overlooked career option that deserve more attention. The fact is that trades professionals perform crucial work that helps society in so many ways. For example, keeping the lights on, maintaining comfortable living spaces, or building the infrastructure that shapes our daily lives.
However, many high school students are unaware of the incredible opportunities the trades offer—careers that are in high demand, pay well, and provide long-term stability. If you’re someone who prefers doing versus learning and who likes hands-on work, enjoys solving real-world problems, and wants to skip the burden of student loan debt, a career in the trades might be worth exploring!
In this post, I’ll write about the top 10 trade jobs, as well as how to get started with building your high school resume and pursuing a career in the trade professions.
Top Trade Jobs to Consider
Here’s a list of the top ten trade jobs that exist, along with a quick snapshot of the training required and the salary potential:
- Electrician
- Demand: High, due to renewable energy projects and construction growth.
- Duration: 6 months to 2 years.
- Potential Salary: $50,000–$90,000 annually.
- HVAC Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
- Demand: High, with a growing focus on energy-efficient systems.
- Duration: 6 months to 2 years.
- Potential Salary: $45,000–$80,000 annually.
- Plumbing
- Demand: Steady, as plumbing is essential for construction and maintenance.
- Duration: 1 to 2 years.
- Potential Salary: $50,000–$90,000 annually.
- Welding
- Demand: High, in industries like manufacturing, construction, and automotive.
- Duration: 6 months to 2 years.
- Potential Salary: $40,000–$70,000 annually.
- Automotive Technician
- Demand: Steady, with an increased focus on electric vehicles.
- Duration: 6 months to 2 years.
- Potential Salary: $35,000–$65,000 annually.
- Dental Hygienist
- Demand: High, with increasing focus on preventive oral care.
- Duration: 2 to 3 years.
- Potential Salary: $70,000–$100,000 annually.
- Medical Assistant
- Demand: High, with the growing need for healthcare professionals.
- Duration: 9 months to 2 years.
- Potential Salary: $30,000–$50,000 annually.
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Demand: High, due to nursing shortages.
- Duration: 1 to 2 years.
- Potential Salary: $45,000–$70,000 annually.
- Cosmetology
- Demand: Steady, especially in personal care and beauty industries.
- Duration: 1 to 2 years.
- Potential Salary: $25,000–$50,000 annually.
- CNC Machining (Computer Numerical Control)
- Demand: High in manufacturing industries.
- Duration: 1 to 2 years.
- Potential Salary: $40,000–$70,000 annually.
How to get started in the trade professions
Accelerate Your Career
Cultivate Industry-Specific Skills
Hands-on learning not only enhances practical abilities to prepare students for trade jobs, but it also cultivates industry-specific skills tailored to each trade. Specialized training programs focus on the unique requirements of in-demand careers, like electrical work or automotive technology. Students learn essential techniques and practices directly relevant to their chosen fields, ensuring they acquire the right
competencies. This targeted approach means graduates enter the workforce equipped with valuable
knowledge and expertise that employers seek, leading them toward successful careers from
day one.
Get Certified
Industry-specific skills lead directly to valuable certifications, a significant advantage of
specialized training. Many career training programs, such as those at CDL & HVAC school in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, offer courses designed to prepare students for certification exams. Having these certifications opens doors to job opportunities and demonstrates commitment and expertise in a field. Graduates leave equipped with hands-on experience and recognized qualifications that give them an edge in the competitive job market.
Develop Soft Skills
Though trade jobs are highly technical and hands-on in nature, it’s also important to acquire soft skills to be successful in the workplace. Trade programs often incorporate teamwork, communication, and problem-solving exercises into their curricula. These activities prepare students to collaborate effectively with colleagues and clients in real-world situations. Cultivating these interpersonal abilities enhances a graduate’s adaptability and professionalism. Employers value candidates who not only possess technical knowledge but also exhibit strong soft skills.
Build Your Network
Many programs establish partnerships with local businesses, providing students access to internships
and job placements. These connections help students gain valuable insights into industry expectations while building professional networks before graduation. Being exposed to actual work environments allows individuals to refine their skills and understand workplace dynamics, which enhances employability upon completion of their training. This practical experience makes graduates stand out in competitive job markets, ensuring they are ready for success as they enter their careers.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that a career in the trades offers incredible opportunities—high demand, competitive pay, hands-on work, and the chance to build a future without the burden of overwhelming student debt. But the journey to becoming a skilled tradesperson starts with a single step: taking action.
The first step in your career search is to explore the trade that excites you most. Research local trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and certifications that align with your interests. Consider visiting open houses, speaking with professionals in the field, or even shadowing a tradesperson to gain firsthand experience. Most importantly, don’t hesitate to ask questions—whether from teachers or school counselors, industry professionals, or even online forums.
The world needs skilled tradespeople now more than ever, and your journey to becoming one begins today. Take that first step toward a future that combines stability, purpose, and success. The tools are waiting—you just need to pick them up.
