As student debt reaches an all-time high and automation is shaking up many industries, more and more people are turning to the trades. With the benefit of less education debt, and a lower likelihood of replacement by machines, a job in the trades holds out hope for a steady salary and job security.
But what’s the average pay, and how does it vary state by state? Read on to find out more about the advantages and disadvantages of trade jobs.
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What Is a Trade Job?
A trade job is typically a hands-on role that doesn’t require a college degree. Instead, tradespeople gain experience in a specialty program or through training on the job.
Many think of a trade job in terms of plumbing or construction, but trade jobs also encompass roles such as pilot and real estate broker.
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Pros and Cons of a Trade Job
Like any job, working in a trade comes with a fair share of benefits and drawbacks.
Pros include:
- Cost of education. Since most trades don’t require a four-year degree, tradespeople may be less likely to take on student loan debt before beginning their career.
- Security. Trades require special knowledge and experience, and are less likely to be automated. The skilled labor required for many trades jobs promises security down the line.
Cons of a trade job are:
- Physical toll. Many, but not all, trades jobs require strength and mobility, which can take a toll over time. Trade jobs often require employees to be out in the field, as opposed to working from home. Demanding construction or maintenance jobs can lead to injury and discomfort if you aren’t careful.
- Safety. Some trades jobs are more dangerous than others. Mistakes on the job can lead to serious bodily trauma.
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Average Salary for Trade Jobs by State
Trade jobs span multiple industries and skill sets, which lead to a wide variation in average pay. Some may be salaried, while others are hourly, and each will have different demands. Here is the average salary for trade jobs by state, courtesy of Zip Recruiter.
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Alabama
Average Salary: $47,789
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Alaska
Average Salary: $54,608
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Arizona
Average Salary: $54,669
Image Credit: 4kodiak/istockphoto.
Arkansas
Average Salary: $58,145
Image Credit: Michael Dean Shelton/istockphoto.
California
Average Salary: $58,024
Image Credit: Photography By Tonelson/istockphoto.
Colorado
Average Salary: $60,278
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Connecticut
Average Salary: $54,843
Image Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/istockphoto.
Delaware
Average Salary: $59,239
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Florida
Average Salary: $46,687
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Georgia
Average Salary: $43,997
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Hawaii
Average Salary: $57,084
Image Credit: Maridav/istockphoto.
Idaho
Average Salary: $58,582
Image Credit: 4kodiak/istockphoto.
Illinois
Average Salary: $54,797
Image Credit: Shelly Bychowski/istockphoto.
Indiana
Average Salary: $53,052
Image Credit: Sean Pavone/istockphoto.
Iowa
Average Salary: $50,076
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Kansas
Average Salary: $48,308
Image Credit: TriggerPhoto/istockphoto.
Kentucky
Average Salary: $60,941
Image Credit: JT Crawford/istockphoto.
Louisiana
Average Salary: $42,867
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Maine
Average Salary: $54,984
Image Credit: DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto.
Maryland
Average Salary: $63,100
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Massachusettes
Average Salary: $57,798
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Michigan
Average Salary: $56,481
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Minnesota
Average Salary: $53,738
Image Credit: Gian Lorenzo Ferretti Photography/istockphoto.
Mississippi
Average Salary: $47,177
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Missouri
Average Salary: $54,950
Image Credit: Art Wager/istockphoto.
Montana
Average Salary: $53,293
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Nebraska
Average Salary: $59,378
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Nevada
Average Salary: $56,714
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New Hampshire
Average Salary: $58,194
Image Credit: DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto.
New Jersey
Average Salary: $53,543
Image Credit: Ultima_Gaina/istockphoto.
New Mexico
Average Salary: $48,277
Image Credit: Sean Pavone/istockphoto.
New York
Average Salary: $62,292
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North Carolina
Average Salary: $49,337
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North Dakota
Average Salary: $53,034
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Ohio
Average Salary: $50,555
Image Credit: Sean Pavone/istockphoto.
Oklahoma
Average Salary: $56,391
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Oregon
Average Salary: $54,008
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Pennsylvania
Average Salary: $50,812
Image Credit: Sean Pavone/istockphoto.
Rhode Island
Average Salary: $54,737
Image Credit: SeanPavonePhoto/istockphoto.
South Carolina
Average Salary: $58,942
Image Credit: Sean Pavone/istockphoto.
South Dakota
Average Salary: $50,040
Image Credit: DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto.
Tennessee
Average Salary: $55,804
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Texas
Average Salary: $52,230
Image Credit: DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto.
Utah
Average Salary: $48,905
Image Credit: Sean Pavone/istockphoto.
Vermont
Average Salary: $56,463
Image Credit: Judd Brotman/istockphoto.
Virginia
Average Salary: $61,131
Image Credit: DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto.
Washington
Average Salary: $64,626
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West Virginia
Average Salary: $52,451
Image Credit: DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto.
Wisconsin
Average Salary: $50,719
Image Credit: csfotoimages/istockphoto.
Wyoming
Average Salary: $54,579
Image Credit: DenisTangneyJr/istockphoto.
10 Top High Paying Trade Jobs
Trade jobs usually don’t require a four-year degree, but many can net a coveted $100,000 salary. Here are the top 10 highest paying trade jobs by median annual salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
1. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Median Annual Salary: $105,580
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 3.52%
Job Description: Coordinate the shipping, storage, and transportation of materials based on business or government regulation. According to the BLS, this is the trade that makes the most money.
Education Requirements: High school diploma
Image Credit: Martin Barraud/istockphoto.
2. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Median Annual Salary: $104,260
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): -26.8%
Job Description: Operate and monitor nuclear power systems.
Education Requirements: High school diploma
Image Credit: energyy/istockphoto.
3. Elevator Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $97,860
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 2.9%
Job Description: Install, maintain, and repair elevator and escalator systems.
Education Requirements: High school diploma
Image Credit: THANATASDcom/istockphoto.
4. Radiation Therapist
Median Annual Salary: $82,790
Job Growth Outlook (2020-2030): 6.3%
Job Description: Monitor and distribute radiation therapy to patients with cancer or other diseases. Because of frequent interaction with patients, this is not a job for antisocial people.
Education Requirements: Associate degree
Image Credit: yacobchuk/istockphoto.
5. Subway and Streetcar Operator
Median Annual Salary: $81,180
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 3.5%
Job Description: Drive public transport systems including street cars and subway lines. Roles can include handling cash fares. Because these roles don’t come with many physical demands, they could be a good option for steady work after retirement.
Education Requirements: High school diploma
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6. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Median Annual Salary: $78,760
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 1.7%
Job Description: Provide radiation imaging or treatment to patients. This is one of a handful of high-paying medical jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, much less medical school
Education Requirements: Associate degree
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7. Gas Plant Operator
Median Annual Salary: $77,850
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): -9%
Job Description: Control pipelines and distribution of gas from utility companies.
Education Requirements: High school diploma
Image Credit: dusanpetkovic/istockphoto.
8. Dental Hygienist
Median Annual Salary: $77,810
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 8.9%
Job Description: Examine dental patients and administer oral hygiene, including routine cleanings.
Education Requirements: Associate degree
Image Credit: LaylaBird/istockphoto.
9. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Cardiovascular Technologist and Technician
Median Annual Salary: $75,380
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 10%
Job Description: Operate medical equipment to create images or complete medical testing.
Education Requirements: Associate degree
Image Credit: SDI Productions/istockphoto.
10. Electrical Line Installer and Repairer
Median Annual Salary: $78,310
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 3.2%
Job Description: Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems, including poles, as well as transmission towers.
Education Requirements: High school diploma
Image Credit: Joa_Souza/istockphoto.
The Takeaway
Landing a job with a competitive salary doesn’t necessarily require a college degree. Though the average pay for trade jobs will vary by role and location, they can lead to rewarding careers with good job security. The ten highest paying trade jobs are in a range of industries, from medicine to transportation to nuclear power.
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