These are the Top 15 Best Paying Trades Jobs in 2024!

24 June 2024

The value of trade occupations is rising in the contemporary dynamic labour market. Tradespeople are launching lucrative careers by fusing their practical skills with technical know-how. If you want to pursue a rewarding job without a four-year degree, you’re in luck.

I’ve included a list of the best-paying jobs in the trades for 2024 in this blog. So, if that’s what you’ve been looking for, your search has come to an end! Therefore, read this blog all the way through to the very end.

What are Trade Jobs?

A trade job is a particular type of work that often requires manual labor or practical skills and requires certain competencies.

Besides, these are not the most dangerous jobs in the world. Compared to positions requiring a four-year college degree, trade jobs typically require less training, such as an apprenticeship, a vocational school, or on-the-job experience.

Among them are electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and welders. Additionally, these jobs are essential because they focus on certain skills that are in great demand across multiple industries.

People in trade jobs build our homes, keep our water running, fix our electrical problems, and keep our cars safe to drive. Moreover, they are practical professionals who use tools and knowledge to solve problems in the real world.

Because trade occupations demand specific skills, they are often well-paid and known for their steadiness.

In addition, a lot of trade occupations allow for self-employment, which allows employees to select their own projects and set their own terms of employment.

To put it briefly, trade jobs require the mastery of a certain set of abilities to carry out necessary tasks that maintain the smooth operation of the economy and our everyday lives.

Therefore, all of them revolve around utilizing your hands, applying your knowledge, and witnessing the tangible fruits of your labor.

Career in Trade: Why You Should Give it a Shot!

Now that you know what trade jobs are, you might be thinking about whether you should be in this field or not. “Are there any benefits of being in trade jobs?”

Trust me, mate: You are not the only one thinking about this. Trade jobs provide a useful and fulfilling substitute for the conventional college path.

According to Forbes, “Skilled trades offer ample opportunities for career growth and high earning potential. Demand for skilled trade workers is steady, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting that overall employment growth for construction and extraction occupations will keep pace with the average projected growth rate of 3% for all U.S. jobs from 2022 to 2032.”

Moreover, they provide a more rapid route to employment, reduced debt, competitive salary, job security, and the opportunity to actually change the world.

Benefits of Trade Jobs

For individuals who wish to advance without devoting years to school, it’s a wise decision. Here are some of the benefits of working in this field:

Quick Start: Trade positions frequently only take a few months to two years of training, as opposed to careers that require years of study. This implies that you can begin working and making money much faster.
Less Debt: Compared to typical four-year institutions, trade schools are less expensive. Moreover, you can thus avoid taking on large student debts and save a ton of money on college.
Good Pay: Trade occupations often pay well, offering you the opportunity to make a stable living. Some of them can be low-stress jobs!
Job Security: Tradespeople mend pipes and wire homes, among other things we all require. Besides, there is always a need for these jobs because they cannot be exported or replaced by robots.
Career Growth: In the trades, you can move up the career ladder fast because there is less competition and a constant need for qualified labor.
Hands-On Work: Trade employment provides such gratification if you prefer to see the consequences of your labor. Furthermore, you get to directly enhance people’s lives while working with your hands.
Independence: You can choose your projects, work for yourself, and have the flexibility of self-employment in many trades.
Physical Activity: It’s excellent for your health to work a trade that keeps you in shape and active.
Variety: The deals are different every day. Your workplace will remain engaging as you take on new difficulties and find solutions to unusual issues.
Making a Difference: Craftspeople are essential to the construction and upkeep of our society’s infrastructure. Your tradesmanship has a significant effect on the neighbourhood.

Best Paying Jobs in the Trades in 2024!

So, let us focus on the thing that you have been searching for: what are the best paying jobs in the trades in 2024?

The jobs in his field range from dental hygienist to aircraft mechanic. But really, which one should you opt for? Which of these gave the highest salary?

Here are the top fifteen jobs in the field that are among the best paying jobs in the trades:

1. Ultrasonographer

Average Salary: $131,161/year

Firstly, a medical practitioner called an ultrasonographer uses a specialized device to produce photographs of the insides of your body. In other words, it’s similar to shooting a picture using sound waves so that medical professionals may examine your organs and look for any problems.

Additionally, in terms of medical diagnosis and therapy, they are crucial. High-frequency sound waves are utilized to obtain real-time images from inside the body. This important position has a 10% job growth rate and calls for an associate’s degree.

2. Respiratory Therapist

Average Salary: $104,437/year

Secondly, a medical professional who assists patients with breathing is known as a respiratory therapist. They assist individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma.

Furthermore, they help patients breathe and feel better by using various devices and medications. It’s a profession that significantly improves people’s health. With a 13% growth rate, this is undoubtedly a position you should consider!

3. Dental Hygienist

Average Salary: $99,013/year

Thirdly, we have a dental hygienist. Who are they? An expert in maintaining the health and cleanliness of your teeth is a dental hygienist. They clean teeth, look for gum disease, and provide you advice on how to take care of your teeth at home while working at a dentist’s office.

Besides, everything comes down to making you look fantastic! And guess what: you can enter this 7% growth field with an associate’s degree.

4. Construction Manager

Average Salary: $88,319/year

Fourthly, a construction manager is comparable to the site supervisor. To make sure everything runs smoothly and is completed on schedule, they organize and supervise the building activity.

Furthermore, they oversee the project and the workers, ensuring that the structure is well-built and safe. They guarantee the safe and effective completion of projects. Additionally, there has been a 5% growth rate in this career due to the construction boom.

5. Aircraft Mechanic

Average Salary: $82,476/year

The next one on this list is a person who fixes and maintains aircraft to ensure their safety while in flight. They are known as aircraft mechanics. They use instruments and expertise to inspect and fix various aircraft parts, much like doctors do for hospitals.

In other words, aircraft mechanics maintain the safe flying of aircraft. Additionally, it is a position that ensures the safe and efficient operation of airplanes. They are vital to the aviation sector, which is experiencing a 4% increase in employment, although they do require specific training.

6. Cable Technician

Average Salary: $70,714/year

The next one on this list is a cable technician. These people are the unsung heroes who keep us connected. It is a person who installs and maintains the wires that provide us internet and television. They guarantee that we can browse the internet and watch our favorite shows.

Additionally, they are the ones that maintain our connection to the outside world and all of its knowledge and enjoyment. Moreover, with a 6% growth rate, their proficiency in establishing and maintaining cable networks is highly sought after.

7. Industrial Mechanic

Average Salary: $69,637/year

Industrial mechanics maintain the smooth operation of machines. A competent worker who fixes and maintains large machinery in factories is known as an industrial mechanic.

Additionally, they maintain the machinery to ensure that the factory can continue producing goods. They have a 13% job growth rate and are essential to manufacturing

8. Solar Installer

Average Salary: $69,422/year

Solar installers are at the forefront of the green energy revolution. Solar installation is the process of mounting solar panels on roofs to capture sunlight and turn it into electricity. Additionally, they make it easier for people to power homes and buildings with solar energy.

Therefore, we can say that it’s a career that benefits the environment and helps with the increasing use of sustainable energy. Moreover, this industry is expanding at an incredible rate of 22% for job growth.

9. Real Estate Appraiser

Average Salary: $64,075/year

Lastly, we have real estate appraisers who determine property valuations. A real estate appraiser determines the value of a property, such as a home or piece of land. To determine a reasonable price, they inspect the property and evaluate it against others.

Additionally, when someone wants to purchase, sell, or take out a loan secured by real estate, this is helpful. They have a 5% job growth rate and are important to the housing industry.

Other Jobs in Trades That Pays Well!

Did you think that the list is over? Not so soon, darling! Here are some additional job roles that you might want to take a look at:

10. Electrician

Firstly, electricians light up our world. They’re in constant demand for installation and maintenance work, with a 6% job growth rate. Their mean salary is $62,739/year. If you have been thinking of becoming an electrician, now is a good time!

11. Licensed Practice Nurse (LPN)

Secondly, we have a Licensed Practice Nurse or LPN. They have an average annual salary of $59,125. LPNs provide essential nursing care. They are the backbone of the healthcare system and have a 5% job growth rate.

12. Wind Turbine Technician

Wind turbine technicians use wind power. They earn an average annual salary of $58,005 and work in a sector where employment is growing at an astounding 45%.

13. Elevator Mechanic

The average salary for an elevator technician is $99,000 per year. Elevator mechanics facilitate our easy vertical movement. Their knowledge of urban development is well appreciated.

14. Nuclear Medicine Technologist

The average salary for a nuclear medicine technician is $85,300 annually. The hidden backbone of contemporary diagnostics is nuclear medicine technologists. They employ radioactive materials for therapeutic and imaging purposes.

15. Radiation Therapist

Lastly, radiation therapists use targeted treatment to combat cancer. They work in a developing sector and provide patients with focused radiation therapy. They have an average annual salary of $89,530.

Wrapping It Up!

In case you were in search of the best paying jobs in the trades, I hope that this blog has been of help to you, if there are any other questions that you might have related to the same, please feel free to let me know.

All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your questions and suggestions in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!

Additional Reading:

Long-Term Strategic Partners in Healthcare

Ankita Tripathy

Ankita Tripathy loves to write about food and the Hallyu Wave in particular. During her free time, she enjoys looking at the sky or reading books while sipping a cup of hot coffee. Her favourite niches are food, music, lifestyle, travel, and Korean Pop music and drama.

View all posts

Ideal Jobs for Gap Year Travellers

There are a lot of people who look to travel and to see the world once they have finished school. For some, it is a case of visiting foreign shores while for others it is more a case of staying locally and expanding their horizons from there. Wherever it happens, the reality of the gap year is that it does require that work happens in order to fund the desired lifestyle. But quite what work to do is often the question. The goal is generally to find a means to earn a living, it is not about building a career. The gap year generally happens before university so there are no qualifications at play yet. All you want is a flexible job that pays well. So, if this is something that you are looking to do, here are a few ideas. Security Roles: Working security is certainly not glamorous, but it pays well, and it tends to be something that most able-bodied young men are equipped to do. Security roles vary from guards at factories to bouncers at clubs, armed response patrollers or you could even investigate cash in transit jobs. There are plenty of angles to investigate – most of which will require a week or two of training and thereafter you will be good to go. It is also likely that they will want applicants with no criminal records – which is generally achievable for most people who are fresh out of school. Construction: This is another great place for able-bodied young men to make a living. You don’t have to be trained in a specific trade or bring a specific skill-set to the mix. All that is really needed is muscle-power. People to lift and push and carry and move. This is hard work, but it is in demand. It does not work that anyone can do because it can be gruelling. You won’t want to turn this into a career, but it pays well, and it is an industry that loves to make use of casual labour. Find the foreman of any construction site and make some enquiries, you could be earning sooner than you think. But make sure that you look and are the part before you apply. If you have never been to a gym or look like you would get blown away in a strong breeze, then you might not get the reception that you were hoping for. Entertainment: This is the traditional domain of the young and hip. Working behind a bar or as a waitron. The options are many and they can extend to playing the hostess at a fancy restaurant or being the DJ. This is a great way to earn money and, because so much of it depends on tips, it is something that you can influence nicely if you have an engaging personality and a willingness to go the extra mile. What is also nice is that it is generally paid in cash which means that there are no tax implications. When you are on your gap year, young and carefree, the last thing that you want to be worrying about is tax and various deductions. Read Also: 8 Useful Tips For Personal Career Development Start Summer Off Right With These 5 Must-Have Accessories

how to become a detective without being a police officer

Can You Become a Detective Without Being a Police Officer?

I do not think that anyone has said that they did not want to be a detective growing up. Well, after reading stories on Sherlock, that was something that I always wanted to become! But I didn’t like the idea of being a police officer. Then, how to become a detective without being a police officer? If this is something that you also have been thinking about, then I am here to help yo out! So, keep on reading this blog till the end to learn more and thank me later… Understanding the Role of a Detective If there is one thing that I would like to compare a detective to, it's surely going to be a puzzle. They search for missing pieces in order to decipher puzzles and discover the truth. Imagine being unable to locate your beloved toy after losing it. Considered to be one of the most dangerous jobs, a detective would begin by searching for hints, such as the location of your last recent playtime or any witnesses. They act in the same way but in more serious situations, such as when someone violates the law or a business suspects someone of stealing from them. Since detectives must be keen observers, they pick up on details that others might overlook. In order to gather information, they converse with people and pose inquiries. They also examine records from computers, videos, and papers. Occasionally, they observe locations or individuals covertly to see what transpires when the subject is unaware that they are being observed. The piece up a narrative of what they believe happened using all the hints they discover. It's similar to trying to recall your gaming route in order to locate where you might have let go of your toy. The narrative that detectives compile into a report is sent to other decision-makers, such as judges or attorneys, so they can decide what to do next. Police departments do not employ all investigators. Some work as private investigators, which means that individuals or organizations employ them to investigate particular issues. Even though they don't have a police badge, they are nevertheless subject to the law and are not allowed to act in a police capacity. To put it briefly, detectives are astute thinkers who apply their senses— eyes, ears, and brains— to solve complex puzzles. They ensure that the truth is revealed and assist in keeping people secure. Road to Private Investigation: How to Become a Detective Without Being a Police Officer? Now that you know who a detective is and what they are supposed to do, you might be interested in learning about how you can become one without being a police officer! Do not worry. I can be the perfect Watson for you! Here are some of the things that you need to do: 1. Educational Foundation To be a detective without a police badge, you don't need to go to police school, but learning is still important. It is definitely not one of those low-stress jobs that pay well without a degree! Think of it like training for a sport. You need to know the rules and how to play the game. Studying subjects like criminal justice or law is like that. It teaches you about the rules of being a detective. You learn about laws, how to find clues and understand why people do things. This knowledge is your tool kit, helping you solve mysteries smartly and legally. 2. Gaining Experience Think of becoming a detective, like learning to ride a bike. Before you can ride smoothly, you need to practice. For detectives, this practice is called experience. You can start by working jobs that are a bit like being a detective. For example, you could help a security team, work with lawyers, or even write reports for a newspaper. These jobs teach you how to look for information, ask good questions, and pay attention to details. It's like playing a game where you have to find hidden objects. The more you play, the better you get at finding them. That's how experience helps you become a good detective. You learn by doing things that detectives do, even if it's not the same job. 3. Developing Skills Taking up detective work is akin to being a superhero. Solving cases requires specialized knowledge. You must first have keen eyes to notice small hints that others might overlook. It's similar to realizing a tiny puzzle piece that makes the larger picture easier to see. Then, mental capacity is required. This implies that you can decipher the hints by looking at them, much like you would when completing a puzzle. You'll be asking individuals questions and needing to comprehend their responses, so you also need to be adept at communicating and listening. Finally, you need to get along with technology. Modern investigators obtain information quickly by using devices and computers. It's like having a magic wand that allows you to locate objects that are invisible to human sight. 4. Certification and Licensing A license is a specific card that is required in order to work as a detective without being a police officer. A detective's license is similar to a driver's license. You will need to demonstrate your investigative skills in order to obtain this. You may have to pass an exam or provide proof of your prior experience working as a detective. In some places, you also need to write a big essay about detective work or talk to experts who ask you tough questions. If you pass, you get your license which tells everyone you're a real detective. It's important because it's against the law to be a detective without one in many places. So, getting licensed is like passing your final exams in school. It proves you're ready to start solving mysteries on your own. 5. Building a Network Imagine you're playing a team sport. You can't win alone; you need teammates. For detectives, these teammates are other people they know in their job, like a network. It's a group of friends and helpers who can give advice, share secrets of the trade, or even offer jobs. To build this team, you go to meetings, join clubs for detectives, and talk to experienced ones. It's like making friends at school. The more friends you have, the more you learn and the better you get at your game. This network is super important because it can help you become a great detective. It's like having a secret club where everyone helps each other to solve mysteries. 6. Starting Your Career Let's say you've studied and practiced a new game extensively. You're now prepared to play for real money. It would be like embarking on a career as a detective. Now that you've studied and practiced, it's time to work. You can be bold and launch your own detective agency or work as a detective in an agency with other investigators. It's similar to choosing between starting your own sports team and joining an existing one. It may be slow in the beginning, and not many people will be aware that you are a detective. But persevere and never give up. As you continue to solve crimes, more people will eventually seek your assistance. And do not worry about the money. If police officers make money, detectives do too! It's similar to when you consistently win games and get asked to join teams. Your detective career will advance if you are persistent and diligent. It ultimately comes down to applying what you've learned to solve actual riddles. Being a Detective in the Age of Technology Being a detective in the modern world is similar to wielding a magic wand as a wizard. However, instead of a wand, detectives use technology. Technology has changed the way detectives work, making it quicker and easier to gather evidence and solve puzzles. Detectives used to perform all tasks by hand, such as going through numerous documents to locate a single crucial letter. These days, computers allow users to quickly search through thousands of records, which is comparable to having superhuman reading speed. Additionally, detectives use covert cameras and microphones in practically any location. This allows them to hear and see without actually being there— it's like having numerous sets of eyes and ears simultaneously. And there's the internet, which functions like a never-ending giant library. From their computer, detectives can obtain information about nearly anything or anybody. They can also view maps that display where individuals are going, which is similar to following other players in a computer game. However, enormous power also entails considerable responsibility. Detectives must exercise caution when utilizing technology and adhere to the law. They require a valid reason and perhaps court approval before they can snoop on anyone. Additionally, technology keeps detectives safe. They have access to devices that alert them to the presence of people or potentially dangerous objects within a structure. It's similar to having a shield around them to keep them safe. Ethics and Legality: Treading the Gray Path! There are rules you have to play by when you play a game. Investigators are in the same boat. They must adhere to the law. This implies that they are not allowed to enter someone's home or take anything without authorization. It's similar to a board game in that you can't just advance to the finish line in the hopes of winning. Ethics are comparable to sports' fair play regulations. Detectives have to maintain secrecy and be truthful. They cannot deceive others or obtain knowledge by lying. It's about treating everyone with respect and being a good sport. Protecting people's privacy is another duty of detectives. They are not allowed to snoop on people without a very solid reason, just as you wouldn't want someone reading your journal. In certain cases, such as when you ask a teacher for permission to use the library during class, they need to obtain approval from a court. Thus, conducting investigative work properly is crucial to ethics and legality. It ensures that you treat others fairly and do no harm to them. It's critical because it preserves the confidence that investigators have in the clients they serve. It's similar to being the dependable team captain, where everyone depends on you to make the right decisions. Wrapping It Up! In case you were searching for the answer to how to become a detective without being a police officer, I hope that you have found this blog helpful! If there are any other questions that you might have related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down until you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your questions and suggestions in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you! Additional Reading: 6 Law Fields With High Demand In 2024 Top Career Opportunities In Operations Management 51 Blue Collar Jobs/Career Options to Pursue If You Get Laid Off From Big Tech In 2024

The Secret To Finding A Career That You’ll Actually Love

If you’re still in the phase of life where you’re figuring out the best job for you, there’s probably a lot on your mind. It takes a lot of “soul searching” and research to decide on a career that you’ll love. Contrary to some people’s beliefs, loving your career can be important. So here are some tips on how to choose a career. Explore Your Interests As you’re thinking about what to do for a career, think about the kinds of things that pique your interest. For example, you might be really into dentistry and want to find out what a career would be like. Explore what kind of jobs are available in that field. Whether you decide to become a dentist or study a dental assistant program. Knowing that you’re interested in a specific industry can help you narrow down your options. Ponder On Your Passions When it comes to your passions, there could be clues in there. You could find that there are career choices that align with your passions and that could actually be ideal for your future. Perhaps you love a good debate, and you’re always found debating some topic or another. In this type of scenario, you could always consider getting into law or something similar. The kind that puts you in touch with the kind of experiences that you already enjoy having. It doesn’t hurt to be passionate about what you do to make money. Think About Your Skills Your passions and interests are clues to the type of career that could interest you. If you’re looking to narrow it down even more, you may want to think about your talents. If you know you have a knack for words, something that aligns with that skill could be an ideal fit. Maybe you’re a musical person? Getting into a career where your skills allow you to be naturally good. It is also something that makes your future career a lot easier. It helps to use your talent in your work because even if you have to study for a degree to succeed at it. Therefore, you’ll have an easier time at it than someone who may not have the natural skills that you do. Talk To Experienced Mentors As you try to decide what work would be best for you, talk to experienced mentors. They can help you know which way to go by providing a road map of what has worked best for them. This could be someone you know who has had a long career in the field you like. Or it could be a mentor from your school’s mentorship program. Either way, speaking to a person who has experience in a career you’re considering can be beneficial to you and your decision-making. Try Interning Before understanding how to choose a career, you can always dip your toes into different career options. Internships are one of them! While most people will do an internship as they are close to graduating from school, you could always try for an internship just to try out certain jobs. As long as you already have some natural skill or know-how in it. You may not receive a lot of pay, but at least you gain the insight to know whether or not it's the job that you want in your future. It doesn’t hurt to explore options before deciding on the ultimate career path for you. It’s a big decision, don’t be afraid of not taking it lightly. From internships to mentors, exploring your passions, skills, and interests, and making a decision on your career. However, it can be simplified by pondering the concepts mentioned above. Life is long, and so is a career, so take your time making a decision like this one. How Professional Career Counseling Can Help Deciding what you want to do with your life can be tough, even in the best of circumstances. Fortunately, there are experts who are ready to help you make sense of it all. If you’re wondering how to figure out what career is right for you, a career counselor can steer you in the right direction. Here’s why. Understanding Your Aptitude Career counselors know how to help people tap into their own wants and needs when it comes to understanding what kind of work will spark joy. They’ll ask questions designed to uncover the activities that energize and excite you most in life. Then, show you how those things connect with potential careers that could be incredibly fulfilling. It Will Be Personal To Your Needs Another good thing about career counseling is that it’s individualized. Career counselors won’t give you a general answer to a generalized problem. They’ll focus on your specific character, strengths and weaknesses, desires, and problems. From there, they can assist you in figuring out what careers would work best for someone with your qualities and abilities. Regardless of whether you need to pick a vocation interestingly or are pondering about an alternate one. This is when customized guidance can represent the critical moment in your prosperity. Direct Assistance (Whenever You Are Lost) Career advisors are additionally incredible for offering direct assistance. They also help you improve your resume, act in interviews, and even fruitful organizing aptitudes, all of which can be significant when hoping to get a new position or to find employment elsewhere. Plus, if you’re not even sure what kind of qualifications you need, or education, for that matter, career counseling can help with that, too. They will basically map out exactly what you need to do, from checking out different degree options to see what is best for you at the time to figuring out where the market is headed. It’s all in their master plan for you! Ultimately, career counseling exists because people need help making educated decisions about their careers. If this looks like it’s impossible to navigate your way without some sort of guidance (let’s face it, some of us really don’t have a clue), then a career counselor could be your key. Why try to figure it out on your own and get overwhelmed when there are professionals who can make that twisted path straight? Read Also: Building Your Conceptual Skills A Guide for Career Growth What Does A Career In Anesthesiology Look Like? Click To Know