Highest-Paying Trade Jobs to Consider
Key Takeaways
- Trade jobs (also known as skilled trades) are professions that don’t require higher degrees.
- While many trade jobs can be physically demanding, others involve office work or a managerial approach.
- Trade jobs are typically faster to get into than degree-reliant careers, and the barrier to entry is lower.
- Some of the highest-paying trade jobs include construction managers, elevator mechanics, and dental hygienists.
- Individuals can get a lot of trade jobs with a high school degree or GED and gain experience on the job and through apprenticeships.
- Some high-paying trade jobs might require an associate or vocational degree, while others need licenses for independent work.
How Much Does Trade School Cost?
- Average tuition and fees for trade school cost around $15,000.
- Trade schools' annual net costs range from $12,000-$20,000, depending on the school type.Note Reference
- The annual net cost for electrician, medical assistant, and auto technician trade schools average of roughly $17,000-$22,000.Note Reference
- Motorcycle mechanic, veterinary technician, and truck driver trade schools cost an average of roughly $5,000-$13,000.Note Reference
- Workers with a trade certificate earned a median annual salary of $44,400 as of 2021. That's $6,100 a year more than the median salary for workers with just a high school diploma.
How to Pay for Trade School: 7 Top Ways
1. Trade School Scholarships
2. Federal Grants/FAFSA for Trade School
3. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) Program
4. Federal Student Loans for Trade School
5. Federal Parent Loans for Trade School
6. Private Student Loans for Trade School
7. Tuition Reimbursement Incentive Programs