U.S. Skilled Trade Career Data
Start Your Skilled Trade Career in the United States
Explore trade career guides, salary information, training paths, licensing requirements, and career opportunities by state.
Most In-Demand Trade Careers
Electrician
- Median Salary
- $62,350
- Job Outlook
- +9% (2024–2034)
- Training
- 4–5 Years Apprenticeship
Plumber
- Median Salary
- $62,970
- Job Outlook
- +4% (2024–2034)
- Training
- 4–5 Years Apprenticeship
HVAC Technician
- Median Salary
- $59,810
- Job Outlook
- +8% (2024–2034)
- Training
- 6 Months–2 Years
Welder
- Median Salary
- $51,000
- Job Outlook
- +2% (2024–2034)
- Training
- 6 Months–2 Years
Diesel Mechanic
- Median Salary
- $60,640
- Job Outlook
- +2% (2024–2034)
- Training
- 1–2 Years
Carpenter
- Median Salary
- $59,310
- Job Outlook
- +4% (2024–2034)
- Training
- Varies by Program
Heavy Equipment Operator
- Median Salary
- $58,710
- Job Outlook
- +4% (2024–2034)
- Training
- Varies by Path
Automotive Technician
- Median Salary
- $49,670
- Job Outlook
- +4% (2024–2034)
- Training
- 6 Months–2 Years
Pipefitter
- Median Salary
- $62,970
- Job Outlook
- +4% (2024–2034)
- Training
- 4–5 Years Apprenticeship
Sheet Metal Worker
- Median Salary
- $60,850
- Job Outlook
- +2% (2024–2034)
- Training
- 4–5 Years Apprenticeship
Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Median Salary
- $63,760
- Job Outlook
- +16%（2024–2034）
- Training
- 1–2 Years
Solar Installer
- Median Salary
- $51,860
- Job Outlook
- +42% (2024–2034)
- Training
- Up to 1 Year
Truck Driver
- Median Salary
- $57,440
- Job Outlook
- +4% (2024–2034)
- Training
- 3–6 Months + OJT
Elevator Mechanic
- Median Salary
- $106,580
- Job Outlook
- +5% (2024–2034)
- Training
- 4 Years Apprenticeship
Lineworker
- Median Salary
- $92,560
- Job Outlook
- +7% (2024–2034)
- Training
- 3–4 Years to Journey Level
Explore Trade Careers by State
Explore selected state guides for local training paths, licensing requirements, wage context, and skilled trade opportunities.
How to Start a Trade Career
Step 1
Choose a career: Electrician, HVAC, Diesel Mechanic
Step 2
Check state licensing & training requirements
Step 3
Compare salary, demand & job outlook