Skilled Trades Career Directory

Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

Disclaimer: This article is for education only, not professional advice. Always verify details with official sources. Some links, forms, or listings are sponsored or paid, which may affect their placement. We may earn from them. Read our full Disclaimer.

Thinking about starting a career in the trades? This is your starting point. Whether you're just out of high school, switching careers, or looking to level up your skills - the trades offer rewarding, high-paying paths with low student debt and high job security.

Core Skilled Trades (2025)

Trade	Median. Salary (U.S.)	Certification Required	Training Time
Electrician	$62,350¹	Yes (state licensing)	4-5 years (apprenticeship)
HVAC Technician	$59,810²	Yes (EPA Section 608)	6 months - 2 years
Plumber	$62,970³	Yes (state licensing)	4-5 years (apprenticeship)
Welder	$51,000⁴	Optional (certification preferred)	6 months - 2 years
Carpenter	$59,310⁵	Optional (certification beneficial)	6 months - 4 years
Solar Installer	$51,860⁶	Optional (certification beneficial)	3-12 months
Mold Inspector	$48,490⁷	Yes (varies by state)	3-12 months
Automotive Technician	$60,640⁸	Optional (ASE certs preferred)	6 months - 2 years
Diesel Technician	$60,640⁹	Optional (ASE or OEM certs)	1-2 years
Heavy Equipment Operator	$58,320¹⁰	Optional (CDL required for many)	6-12 months
Truck Driver	$57,440¹¹	Yes (CDL Class A or B)	3-6 months
Lineworker	$92,560¹²	Yes (Apprenticeship + Certs)	3-4 years

🚀 Fastest-Growing Trades Right Now (2025 - 2033)

According to the latest government data, these trades are growing faster than the median:

Wind turbine service technicians – 60% growth, $62,580/year ¹³
Solar photovoltaic installers – 48% growth, $51,860/year ¹³

Demand is expected to climb through the decade as infrastructure, green energy, and housing continue to expand.

Why Choose a Trade Career?

✅ High Demand: Trades are among the fastest-growing careers in the U.S.
✅ Low Cost: Skip the 4-year degree. Start earning while you train.
✅ Hands-On Work: If you hate sitting at a desk, you'll love the trades.
✅ Real Impact: You build, fix, and power the world around you.

How to Get Started

Pick a Trade: Explore job descriptions, salary ranges, and required licenses.
Find Training: Use our Trade School Finders to locate programs near you.
Get Certified: Learn what licenses and exams are required in your state.
Apply for Jobs: Use our career tools to find openings and prep for interviews.

Browse by Trade Category

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Skilled Trades

Do I need a license for all trades?

Not always. Some trades like welding or carpentry don't require a license in every state. But trades like electrical, HVAC, and plumbing almost always require a license or certification to work legally.

How much can I make as a skilled tradesperson?

Most skilled trades pay $45K-$65K starting out - and can go much higher with experience, certifications, or running your own business. Check our salary comparison guide.

How long does trade school take?

Most programs take 6 months to 2 years, depending on the trade. Some apprenticeships let you earn while you learn, which makes the trades more affordable than college.

What's the best trade for job security?

Right now? HVAC, electricians, and solar installers are booming. But the best trade for you depends on what kind of work you like - indoors, outdoors, solo, hands-on, etc.

Ready to build a career with purpose? Dive in and take the first step toward your trade career path. 🛠️

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Electricians. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm ↩
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC Technicians. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm ↩
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm ↩
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/production/welders-cutters-solderers-and-brazers.htm ↩
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Carpenters. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/carpenters.htm ↩
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Solar Photovoltaic Installers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/solar-photovoltaic-installers.htm ↩
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Hazardous Materials Removal Workers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/hazardous-materials-removal-workers.htm ↩
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Automotive Service Technicians. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm ↩
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/diesel-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm ↩
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Construction Equipment Operators. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/construction-equipment-operators.htm ↩
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Truck Drivers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/transportation-and-material-moving/heavy-and-tractor-trailer-truck-drivers.htm ↩
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Line Installers and Repairers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/line-installers-and-repairers.htm ↩
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Fastest Growing Occupations https://www.bls.gov/ooh/fastest-growing.htm ↩ ↩

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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.