2025 Comprehensive Skilled Trades Salary Guide: Unlock Your Earning Potential Across 10 Top Trades
Posted on 02 October 2024. 8 mins read.
Are you curious about how much you could really earn in the skilled trades, which include some of the highest paying careers? Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking to negotiate a raise or a newcomer exploring career options, understanding the salary landscape is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the earning potential for 10 popular trades across different experience levels and locations. Get ready to discover where your skills could take you financially in 2024 and beyond!
Introduction
The skilled trades sector continues to be a powerhouse of opportunity, with demand for qualified professionals soaring across the United States. As baby boomers retire and infrastructure projects ramp up, the need for skilled tradespeople has never been greater. But how does this demand translate into dollars and cents for you?
In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the salary expectations for 10 key trades, examining how factors like location, experience, and specialization can impact your earning potential. Whether you’re wielding a wrench or a welding torch, we’ve got the numbers you need to make informed career decisions.
Salary Breakdown by Trade, Experience, and Location
Let’s explore the salary ranges for 10 popular skilled trades. We’ll break down the earnings by experience level (Entry-Level: 0-2 years, Mid-Career: 3-10 years, and Experienced: 10+ years) and provide insights into regional variations. All figures represent base salaries and do not include overtime, bonuses, or benefits.
1. Electricians: Powering Their Way to High Earnings
Electricians continue to be one of the highest-paying trade school jobs, with strong demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
| Experience Level | National Average | Top-Paying States | Low-Paying States |
| Entry-Level | $40,000 – $50,000 | NY, CA, IL: $45,000 – $60,000 | MS, AR, NC: $35,000 – $45,000 |
| Mid-Career | $55,000 – $75,000 | NY, CA, IL: $65,000 – $90,000 | MS, AR, NC: $50,000 – $65,000 |
| Experienced | $75,000 – $100,000+ | NY, CA, IL: $90,000 – $130,000+ | MS, AR, NC: $65,000 – $85,000 |
Key Insights: Electricians in urban areas and states with high costs of living tend to earn significantly more. Specializing in industrial or high-voltage systems can boost earnings by 10-20%. The median salary for experienced electricians nationally is around $85,000.
2. Plumbers: Tapping Into Lucrative Opportunities
Plumbing remains one of the most stable and high-paying skilled trades, with opportunities in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
| Experience Level | National Average | Top-Paying States | Low-Paying States |
| Entry-Level | $38,000 – $48,000 | AK, IL, MA: $43,000 – $55,000 | NC, FL, AR: $33,000 – $43,000 |
| Mid-Career | $53,000 – $73,000 | AK, IL, MA: $60,000 – $85,000 | NC, FL, AR: $47,000 – $63,000 |
| Experienced | $70,000 – $95,000+ | AK, IL, MA: $80,000 – $115,000+ | NC, FL, AR: $60,000 – $80,000 |
Key Insights: Plumbers who specialize in commercial or industrial systems often earn 15-25% more than residential plumbers. Union membership can significantly impact wages, especially in states with strong labor laws. The median salary for experienced plumbers nationally is approximately $82,000.
3. HVAC Technicians: Heating Up the Salary Scale
HVAC technicians are seeing increased demand due to advances in energy-efficient systems and smart home technology.
| Experience Level | National Average | Top-Paying States | Low-Paying States |
| Entry-Level | $37,000 – $47,000 | AK, DC, CT: $42,000 – $53,000 | MS, AR, LA: $32,000 – $42,000 |
| Mid-Career | $50,000 – $70,000 | AK, DC, CT: $57,000 – $80,000 | MS, AR, LA: $45,000 – $60,000 |
| Experienced | $65,000 – $90,000+ | AK, DC, CT: $75,000 – $105,000+ | MS, AR, LA: $55,000 – $75,000 |
Key Insights: HVAC technicians with expertise in energy-efficient systems or commercial refrigeration can command premium salaries, often 20-30% above the average. The median salary for experienced HVAC technicians nationally is around $77,000.
4. Welders: Fusing Skills with High Earning Potential
Welding remains a critical skill in manufacturing, construction, and maintenance industries, offering solid earning potential.
| Experience Level | National Average | Top-Paying States | Low-Paying States |
| Entry-Level | $35,000 – $45,000 | AK, HI, WY: $40,000 – $52,000 | GA, NC, FL: $30,000 – $40,000 |
| Mid-Career | $47,000 – $67,000 | AK, HI, WY: $55,000 – $77,000 | GA, NC, FL: $42,000 – $57,000 |
| Experienced | $60,000 – $85,000+ | AK, HI, WY: $70,000 – $100,000+ | GA, NC, FL: $52,000 – $70,000 |
Key Insights: Specialized welders (underwater, aerospace) can earn 50-100% more than general welders. Travel welders often command higher salaries due to the nature of their work. The median salary for experienced welders nationally is around $72,000.
5. Carpenters: Building Careers with Solid Earnings
Carpentry offers diverse opportunities across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.
| Experience Level | National Average | Top-Paying States | Low-Paying States |
| Entry-Level | $33,000 – $43,000 | HI, IL, AK: $38,000 – $50,000 | AR, MS, NC: $29,000 – $38,000 |
| Mid-Career | $45,000 – $65,000 | HI, IL, AK: $52,000 – $75,000 | AR, MS, NC: $40,000 – $55,000 |
| Experienced | $60,000 – $80,000+ | HI, IL, AK: $70,000 – $95,000+ | AR, MS, NC: $50,000 – $70,000 |
Key Insights: Carpenters who specialize in high-end finishing or historical restoration can earn 20-40% more than general carpenters. The median salary for experienced carpenters nationally is approximately $70,000.
6. Automotive Technicians: Driving Towards Competitive Salaries
As vehicles become more complex, skilled automotive technicians are in high demand.
| Experience Level | National Average | Top-Paying States | Low-Paying States |
| Entry-Level | $30,000 – $40,000 | CA, AK, DC: $35,000 – $47,000 | MS, AR, WV: $27,000 – $35,000 |
| Mid-Career | $43,000 – $63,000 | CA, AK, DC: $50,000 – $73,000 | MS, AR, WV: $38,000 – $53,000 |
| Experienced | $55,000 – $75,000+ | CA, AK, DC: $65,000 – $90,000+ | MS, AR, WV: $47,000 – $65,000 |
Key Insights: Technicians specializing in luxury brands or advanced diagnostics can earn 30-50% more than general automotive technicians. The median salary for experienced automotive technicians nationally is around $65,000.
7. Electricians and Electronics Repairers (Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay): Charging Up Earnings
This specialized field commands higher salaries due to the complexity and critical nature of the work.
| Experience Level | National Average | Top-Paying States | Low-Paying States |
| Entry-Level | $50,000 – $60,000 | CA, NY, MA: $57,000 – $70,000 | SD, ND, NE: $45,000 – $55,000 |
| Mid-Career | $70,000 – $90,000 | CA, NY, MA: $80,000 – $105,000 | SD, ND, NE: $63,000 – $80,000 |
| Experienced | $90,000 – $115,000+ | CA, NY, MA: $105,000 – $135,000+ | SD, ND, NE: $80,000 – $100,000 |
Key Insights: This specialized field commands higher salaries due to the complexity and critical nature of the work. Additional certifications can significantly boost earning potential. The median salary for experienced professionals in this field nationally is approximately $102,000.
8. Aircraft Mechanics: Soaring Salaries in Aviation Maintenance
Aircraft mechanics play a crucial role in ensuring aviation safety and efficiency, making it one of the highest paying trades.
| Experience Level | National Average | Top-Paying States | Low-Paying States |
| Entry-Level | $45,000 – $55,000 | CT, GA, MD: $50,000 – $63,000 | MT, SD, ND: $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Mid-Career | $60,000 – $80,000 | CT, GA, MD: $68,000 – $90,000 | MT, SD, ND: $53,000 – $70,000 |
| Experienced | $75,000 – $100,000+ | CT, GA, MD: $85,000 – $115,000+ | MT, SD, ND: $65,000 – $85,000 |
Key Insights: Mechanics with multiple certifications or specializations (e.g., avionics) can earn 20-30% more than general aircraft mechanics, highlighting the benefits of trade programs and the potential for the highest paying trade jobs. The median salary for experienced aircraft mechanics nationally is around $87,000.
9. Construction Managers: Building Careers with High Earning Potential
Construction management offers a path to high earnings for those with experience in the trades and strong leadership skills.
| Experience Level | National Average | Top-Paying States | Low-Paying States |
| Entry-Level | $55,000 – $70,000 | NJ, NY, CA: $65,000 – $83,000 | AR, MS, SD: $50,000 – $63,000 |
| Mid-Career | $75,000 – $100,000 | NJ, NY, CA: $90,000 – $120,000 | AR, MS, SD: $67,000 – $87,000 |
| Experienced | $95,000 – $130,000+ | NJ, NY, CA: $115,000 – $160,000+ | AR, MS, SD: $83,000 – $105,000 |
Key Insights: Construction managers overseeing large-scale or specialized projects (e.g., healthcare facilities) can earn significantly more, sometimes 30-50% above the average. The median salary for experienced construction managers nationally is around $112,000.
10. Solar Photovoltaic Installers: Bright Prospects in Renewable Energy
As renewable energy adoption increases, solar installers are seeing growing demand and competitive salaries.
| Experience Level | National Average | Top-Paying States | Low-Paying States |
| Entry-Level | $35,000 – $45,000 | CA, NV, MA: $40,000 – $53,000 | ID, WV, AL: $31,000 – $40,000 |
| Mid-Career | $47,000 – $67,000 | CA, NV, MA: $55,000 – $77,000 | ID, WV, AL: $42,000 – $57,000 |
| Experienced | $60,000 – $80,000+ | CA, NV, MA: $70,000 – $95,000+ | ID, WV, AL: $52,000 – $70,000 |
Key Insights: As a rapidly growing field, salaries for solar installers can vary widely. Those with electrical certifications or experience in large-scale installations often earn at the higher end of the range. The median salary for experienced solar photovoltaic installers nationally is approximately $70,000.
Factors Affecting Skilled Trades Salaries
While the tables above provide a general overview, several factors can significantly impact your earning potential in the trades:
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Unionization: Union members often earn 10-25% more than non-union workers in the same trade.
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Certifications and Specializations: Additional certifications or niche specializations can boost earnings by 15-50%.
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Industry Sector: Working in industrial or commercial sectors often pays more than residential work.
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Company Size: Larger companies or government contractors may offer higher salaries and better benefits.
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Overtime and Hazard Pay: Many trades offer opportunities for overtime, which can significantly increase annual income.
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Economic Conditions: Local economic factors, such as construction booms or energy sector growth, can drive up wages.
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Experience and Education: Completing a trade school program or an apprenticeship can lead to higher starting salaries and faster career advancement.
The Value of Trade School and Apprenticeship Programs
Investing in education through trade school or an apprenticeship program can significantly impact your earning potential in the skilled trades. These programs provide:
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Higher Starting Salaries: Graduates of trade schools or apprenticeship programs often command higher starting salaries than those who enter the field without formal training.
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Faster Career Advancement: The skills and knowledge gained through these programs can accelerate your path to higher-paying positions.
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Networking Opportunities: Building connections within your industry during on-the-job training can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.
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Specialization Options: Many programs offer specializations that can lead to higher-paying niche roles within your chosen trade.
Online Trade Education: A Modern Path to Success
With the rise of online education, many aspiring tradespeople are turning to online trade schools and hybrid programs to gain the knowledge they need. These programs offer:
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Flexibility: Learn at your own pace while maintaining your current job or other commitments, similar to a four-year college experience.
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Access to Expert Instructors: Learn from industry professionals regardless of your location.
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Up-to-Date Curriculum: Online programs can quickly adapt to include the latest industry trends and technologies.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Many online programs are more affordable than traditional trade schools, allowing you to invest in your education without accumulating significant debt.
While hands-on experience is crucial in the trades, online education can provide a strong theoretical foundation and prepare you for apprenticeships or entry-level positions.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Earning Potential in the Skilled Trades
As we’ve seen, the skilled trades offer robust earning potential across a wide range of specialties. To maximize your earnings:
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Consider relocating to high-paying states if possible
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Invest in additional certifications and specialized skills
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Gain experience in high-demand sectors of your trade
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Consider union membership for potentially higher wages and better benefits
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Stay current with emerging technologies in your field to enhance your career in the skilled trades.
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Explore management or supervisory roles as you gain experience
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Consider starting your own business once you’ve built a strong reputation in your trade
Remember, these figures are guidelines, and individual earnings can vary based on numerous factors. By continually improving your skills, staying informed about industry trends, and strategically planning your career path, you can unlock the full earning potential of your chosen trade.
The skilled trades not only offer financial stability but also the satisfaction of building and maintaining the infrastructure that keeps our world running. As you progress in your career, use this guide as a roadmap to understand where you stand and where you could go in your skilled trades journey.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skilled Trades Salaries
How often do salaries typically increase in the skilled trades?
Many trades see annual increases of 2-4%, with larger jumps when moving up in experience levels or gaining new certifications. Union contracts often include predetermined wage increases.
Are benefits typically included in the salary ranges provided?
The figures provided are base salaries. Many skilled trades positions, especially union jobs, offer comprehensive benefits packages that can add significant value to the overall compensation. These may include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and training opportunities.
How does self-employment affect earning potential in the trades?
Self-employed tradespeople have the potential to earn significantly more, sometimes 50-100% above employee salaries, but also bear more risk and responsibility. Factors such as business management skills, reputation, and local demand play crucial roles in self-employment success.
What are some of the fastest-growing skilled trades with high earning potential?
Some rapidly growing trades with strong earning potential include renewable energy technicians (solar and wind), industrial maintenance technicians, and cybersecurity specialists for industrial control systems. These fields often offer salaries comparable to or exceeding traditional trades.
How do apprenticeship programs affect long-term earning potential?
Completing an apprenticeship program can significantly boost long-term earning potential. Apprentices often start at 50-60% of a journeyman’s wage, with predetermined increases as they progress. Upon completion, they’re positioned for higher wages and faster career advancement compared to those without apprenticeship experience.
Are there opportunities for skilled tradespeople to transition into related, higher-paying roles?
Yes, many tradespeople transition into roles such as project management, estimating, or sales within their industry. These positions often offer higher salaries and can leverage the practical knowledge gained from years in the trade.
How do overtime opportunities affect total compensation in the skilled trades?
Overtime can significantly increase total compensation in many trades. Some tradespeople report earning 25-50% more than their base salary through overtime, especially in high-demand fields or during busy seasons.
What impact does obtaining multiple certifications have on salary in the skilled trades?
Multiple certifications can substantially increase earning potential in skilled trade jobs, often by 10-30% or more. Certifications that cross over into related fields (e.g., an electrician with low-voltage or fiber optic certifications) can be particularly valuable.
How do salaries in the skilled trades compare to those requiring a four-year degree?
Many skilled trades offer salaries comparable to or exceeding those of careers requiring a four-year degree, especially when considering the lack of student debt and earlier entry into the workforce. Top earners in the trades can often outpace the median salaries of many white-collar professions.
Are there opportunities for remote work or travel in the skilled trades?
While many trades require on-site work, there are growing opportunities for remote work in areas such as estimating, project management, and certain types of technical support. Additionally, travel opportunities exist for specialists willing to work on short-term projects in different locations, often with premium pay rates.