Real Salary Data for Every Skilled Trade in America
Explore salaries for 30+ trades across every US state and 380+ metro areas, powered by Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Real salary data. Real career paths. No degree required.
Popular Trades
Electricians
$62,350
national median
+5.2% growthPlumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters
$62,970
national median
+4.9% growthHVAC Mechanics & Installers
$59,810
national median
+5.7% growthWelders, Cutters, Solderers & Brazers
$51,000
national median
+8.2% growthCarpenters
$59,310
national median
+5.2% growthAutomotive Service Technicians
$49,670
national median
+8% growthElectrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen)
$92,560
national median
+8.8% growthStructural Iron & Steel Workers
$62,700
national median
+4.5% growthHighest Paying Trades in Texas
See all →| Rank | Trade | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Electrical Power-Line Installers (Linemen) | $77,560 |
| #2 | Rotary Drill Operators (Oil & Gas) | $66,430 |
| #3 | Boilermakers | $64,190 |
| #4 | Stationary Engineers & Boiler Operators | $64,050 |
| #5 | Millwrights | $61,910 |
Career Tools
Salary Calculator
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Trade Quiz
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Apprenticeship Finder
Search for apprenticeship programs near you to kickstart your career.
ROI Calculator
Compare trade career earnings vs. college — see the real return on investment.
Why Consider a Skilled Trade?
The trades offer high-paying careers without the student debt. Here's what the data shows.
$0
Typical student debt with an apprenticeship
$56K+
National median salary across the trades
4–5 yrs
Average apprenticeship length (and you earn while you learn)
$100K+
Top-10% earners in many skilled trades
Compare Trades Head-to-Head
See how different trades stack up on salary, job growth, and training requirements.
All salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. Cost of living adjustments based on BEA Regional Price Parities.