You don’t need to have completed a four-year degree to earn a decent living. As a matter of fact, it has become more common for those graduating high school to take a gap year instead of pursuing a college degree and instead apply for a job in blue collar work. With the proper certification, apprenticeship program or job training, these individuals can fill in-demand skilled trade jobs and start bringing in cash before their peers. In this article, we will dive into a list of ten skilled trade jobs that will bring you a high earning annual salary in 2022.
What is a Trade Job?
A trade job is a position in which an individual specializes in a particular skill. These skills are learned through vocational schools, apprenticeships, or can be self-taught. In a few cases, individuals can bypass any sort of skilled trade school and work in a multi-year hands-on training program that will qualify them for the job. Most individuals begin a skilled trade career to start earning money post high school graduation or they enjoy the physical component that comes with the work. For example, using manual tools or operating heavy machinery.
Are Trade Jobs in Demand?
Trade jobs are considered to be high in demand because individuals work on everyday niche problems. Youtube can only take the common man so far before a skilled and experienced worker needs to be called in to solve the problem.
10 In-Demand High-Paying Trade Jobs
Listed below we have drafted ten high-paying trade jobs any adult can pursue that doesn't require a college degree. Like most jobs, the more experience and time you put in the higher your pay grade will be.
Welder
Welding has become a very common trade for both men and women. If you like working with fire, operating heavy machinery, and can work well with your hands becoming a welder could be the perfect fit for you. This versatile job allows you to work on both traditional and artistic projects.
Boilermaker
Similar to a welder, one could take a job as a Boilermaker. Boilermakers work on boilers that house oils and other gas and liquids.
Elevator and Escalator Mechanic
Elevator and Escalator Mechanics are responsible for the installation and repair of all passenger elevators and escalator systems. As infrastructure continues to expand, this will remain an in-demand job. Some companies will even hire a mechanic to work full-time in their buildings.
Plumber
Plumbers are critical to fixing commercial and industrial infrastructures therefore crafting your skill as a plumber will create a profitable business. Not only do they work on sinks, dishwashers, toilets, and showers but they also provide regular checkups and are critical to ground-up commercial and residential development.
Electrician
Similar to a plumber, electricians are needed for both residential and commercial buildings. Electricians are in charge of a variety of electrical-related tasks from ensuring electrical systems are functioning correctly to wiring ground-up homes and corporate buildings.
Lineman
If you aren’t afraid of heights you may also want to consider becoming an electric lineman. Electric linemen work on and install power lines on roads.
Construction Manager
If you think you have the personality to take on a leadership role we recommend a job as a construction manager. A construction manager oversees the building of various construction projects, payroll, scheduling, and addressing problems with the employees. They will also review and regulate safety protocols and make sure the building codes are up to par with the city.
Brickmason and Blockmason:
Brickmasons work with bricks, stone, concrete, and other natural or man-made materials to build houses, walls, fireplaces, patios, fences, and decorative parts of interior structures. Mason work is very strenuous on the body due to its heavy lifting requirements, long periods of bending or kneeling, and long periods of standing.
Landscape Designer:
If you like nature and making buildings look aesthetically pleasing, a job in landscaping design might be the perfect job for you. While you can get a job directly out of high school, most landscape designers typically enter a bachelor's degree program. Additionally, most states require you to pass the Landscape Architect Registration Exam. Once licensed, you may see yourself forming plans, designing residential and commercial gardens, installing walkways, driveways, or features around pools, selecting plants, and installing water features.
Carpenter
Carpenters build homes or residential buildings, construct fences, install kitchen cabinets, repair existing structures, and meet with local officials to go over building codes. All this work is done using wood or other materials. To enter this field one should have a high school diploma or equivalent but any schooling after that is not mandatory as most carpenters will learn on the job or through apprenticeships. Due to the residential boom carpenters have been in demand and employment is projected to grow 2 percent in the next 10 years.