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The trades are one of the clearest counterexamples to "you need a degree to earn well" — electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians routinely out-earn four-year-degree jobs, and the training is paid, not tuition-funded. This page pulls together skilled trades jobs across the country: electricians (including solar/renewable energy), plumbers, HVAC technicians, and welders.
What sets these apart from most "no degree required" job categories: the pay ceiling is genuinely high, not just an entry-level floor. Licensed, experienced tradespeople in plumbing and electrical work regularly clear six figures, and service-technician roles often carry uncapped commission on top of base pay.
Types of skilled trades jobs
Electrician. Installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems and wiring — residential, commercial, or increasingly solar/PV. Trained through a multi-year apprenticeship, then licensed by the state.
Plumber. Installs and repairs pipes, fixtures, and water systems. Currently the highest-paid of the major trades per the latest BLS data, driven by aging infrastructure and steady demand.
HVAC technician. Installs and services heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Strong, steady demand in nearly every climate, and many service-technician roles pay uncapped commission on top of base.
Welder. Fabricates and joins metal parts using techniques like TIG and MIG welding. Found across manufacturing, construction, and advanced industries (including aerospace) — certification requirements vary by employer and technique.
Solar / renewable energy technician. Installs and maintains solar panel systems and battery storage — overlapping skill set with electrical work, in a fast-growing segment of the trades.
How much do skilled trades jobs pay?
Per BLS May 2025 data:
- Plumbers average $72,170/year (median $34.70/hour) — currently the highest-paid of the major trades, with the top 10% earning above $108,420/year.
- Electricians average $71,490/year (median $34.37/hour), with the top 10% above $108,510/year. Entry-level helper roles average around $44,080/year during the first year or two of apprenticeship.
- HVAC technicians average $68,120/year (median $32.75/hour).
- Welders average $56,760/year (median $27.29/hour).
Real postings often exceed these averages once commission, uncapped incentive pay, or specialized/hazardous work (like aerospace welding or utility-scale solar) is factored in.
How to break into the skilled trades
- Apprenticeship is the standard path. Most electricians and plumbers train through a 4-5 year paid apprenticeship combining on-the-job hours with classroom instruction, ending in a journeyman licensing exam.
- Trade school shortens the timeline for some trades. HVAC and welding programs often run a few months to about a year and can accelerate entry, though on-the-job experience still matters to employers.
- Entry-level pay is lower — plan for it. Helper and apprentice roles typically pay in the $40,000s while you're training; the real pay jump comes after licensure or certification.
- Certifications open doors within a trade. TIG/MIG certifications for welders, or solar-specific training for electricians, can meaningfully expand which jobs you qualify for.
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Skilled trades jobs — FAQ
Do skilled trades jobs require a college degree?
No. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and welders typically train through a paid apprenticeship or a trade school program (a few months to a couple of years), not a four-year degree. Most trades require passing a state licensing exam after enough hours of supervised work experience.
How much do skilled trades jobs pay?
Per BLS May 2025 data: plumbers average $72,170/year ($34.70/hour median), electricians average $71,490/year ($34.37/hour median), HVAC technicians average $68,120/year ($32.75/hour median), and welders average $56,760/year ($27.29/hour median). Top earners in plumbing and electrical work exceed $108,000/year. Solar/renewable energy technicians often pay similarly to electricians given overlapping licensing.
How long does it take to become a licensed electrician or plumber?
Most states require a multi-year apprenticeship (often 4-5 years combining paid on-the-job hours with classroom instruction) before you can sit for a journeyman license exam. Entry-level helper roles pay less during this period — often in the $40,000s — with pay rising substantially after licensure.
Is a skilled trades job worth pursuing?
The trades remain one of the strongest arguments against the "degree or nothing" framing of career advice — real six-figure ceilings, paid training instead of tuition debt, and consistent demand since this work can't be offshored or automated away easily. The tradeoff is physical demand and a multi-year apprenticeship before you reach the top of the pay scale.
Check the listings above and weigh the apprenticeship length against how fast you want to reach full pay.