U.S. Skilled Trade Research

Trade Career Ranking Database

Explore ranked skilled trade careers by salary, job growth, demand, training path, career fit, and long-term opportunity.

  • Salary
  • Job Growth
  • Training Requirements
  • Career Accessibility
  • Long-Term Stability

Research methodology

How We Create Trade Rankings

CareerInTrades rankings evaluate skilled trades using consistent career decision factors:

  • Median wage potential
  • Employment growth
  • Training requirements
  • Licensing considerations
  • Career accessibility
Primary sources Bureau of Labor Statistics O*NET Online CareerOneStop

Updated: 2026

Featured research

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Browse All Trade Career Rankings

Review research-based rankings across earnings, demand, training accessibility, and career stability.

Decision support

How to Use Trade Career Rankings

Trade career rankings can help you compare skilled trades by income potential, job demand, training requirements, licensing, work environment, and long-term career opportunity.

A high-paying trade is not always the best fit for every person. Some careers require longer apprenticeships or stricter licensing, while others offer faster entry into the workforce. Use these rankings as a starting point, then explore individual career guides for more detail.

Explore Career Guides

Review detailed salary, training, licensing, and career outlook information.