Blog
Insights, analysis, and advice for skilled trade careers.
The Complete Apprenticeship Guide: How to Get Paid While You Learn a Trade
Apprenticeships are the gold standard for entering the trades—you earn while you learn, gain real experience, and graduate debt-free with a career that pays well. Here's everything you need to know to land one in 2024.
Read more →Best States for Trade Workers: Where Blue-Collar Jobs Pay the Most
Not all states treat trade workers equally. Our 2024 analysis reveals which states offer the highest pay, best job opportunities, and strongest support for skilled trades workers.
Read more →Best Trades for Career Changers: Start a New Career at 30, 40, or 50
Thinking about switching to a trade later in life? It's not too late—many skilled trades welcome experienced workers and offer excellent earning potential. Here's your practical guide to making the transition successfully at any age.
Read more →Best Trades for Women: Breaking Into Blue-Collar Careers
Women are making serious strides in the trades, with participation growing 85% in construction alone over the past decade. Here's your roadmap to the most welcoming trades and how to break in successfully.
Read more →Fastest Growing Trades: Top Skilled Careers to Watch
The skilled trades are experiencing unprecedented growth, with some careers projected to grow over 50% by 2033. Here's where the real opportunities are and what's driving this boom.
Read more →Highest Paying Trades Without a Degree (2024 Data)
College isn't the only path to a six-figure income. These skilled trades offer exceptional pay without requiring a four-year degree, with many positions earning $75,000-$100,000+ annually.
Read more →How Much Do Trade Workers Make? Salary Data for 30 Skilled Trades
Wondering if skilled trades pay well? Here's the real numbers: top trade workers earn $90K+ annually, with many hitting six figures through overtime and specialization. We break down salaries for 30 skilled trades to help you pick your path.
Read more →How to Become a Diesel Mechanic: Training & Career Guide
Diesel mechanics earn $55,000-$85,000+ annually working on trucks, buses, and heavy equipment. This complete guide covers training paths, certifications, and how to break into this high-demand trade.
Read more →How to Become a Lineman: From Line School to Journeyman
Electrical linemen earn $85,000-$120,000+ annually working on power lines that keep America running. Here's your complete roadmap from line school to journeyman status.
Read more →How to Become a Plumber: Step-by-Step Career Guide
Plumbers earn solid wages ($56,330 median annually) with strong job security and multiple career paths. Here's your complete roadmap from apprentice to master plumber.
Read more →How to Become a Welder: Training, Certifications & Career Path
Welding offers one of the fastest paths to a solid middle-class income without a college degree. With the right training and certifications, you can earn $50,000+ in your first year and build toward six-figure specialties.
Read more →How to Become an Electrician: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to power up your career? This complete guide breaks down everything you need to know about becoming an electrician, from choosing between IBEW and non-union apprenticeships to understanding salary progression and licensing requirements.
Read more →How to Become an HVAC Technician: Guide to a High-Demand Career
HVAC technicians earn solid middle-class wages with median salaries around $56,000 annually and strong job growth projected through 2032. This complete guide covers everything from trade school options to EPA certifications and specialty paths that can boost your earning potential.
Read more →How to Become an Ironworker: Career Guide & What to Expect
Ironworkers build America's skylines and infrastructure, earning $55,000-$95,000+ annually. This complete guide covers union apprenticeships, physical demands, safety requirements, and three major specializations that don't require a college degree.
Read more →The Skilled Trade Shortage: Why It Matters and What It Means for You
America faces a critical skilled trades shortage with over 430,000 unfilled positions in 2024. This crisis creates unprecedented opportunities for workers willing to learn these essential skills.
Read more →Starting Your Own Trade Business: From Employee to Owner
Ready to be your own boss? Going from tradesman to business owner can double your income, but timing and preparation are everything. Here's your roadmap to making the leap successfully.
Read more →Trade Certifications Worth Getting: Boost Your Earning Potential
The right certification can add $5,000-$15,000 to your annual salary and open doors to better job opportunities. Here's which trade certifications deliver the biggest return on investment and how to get them without breaking the bank.
Read more →How Much Does Trade School Cost? Complete Breakdown (2024)
Trade school typically costs between $3,000 and $30,000 depending on your program – a fraction of what you'd pay for a four-year degree. Here's exactly what you'll pay and how to make it affordable.
Read more →Trade School vs College: Cost, Salary & ROI Comparison
Choosing between trade school and college isn't just about education—it's about your financial future. We break down the real costs, salaries, and return on investment to help you make an informed decision that fits your goals and budget.
Read more →Union vs Non-Union Trades: Pay, Benefits & Pros/Cons
Choosing between union and non-union trade work is one of the biggest career decisions you'll make. Here's an honest breakdown of pay, benefits, and what life is really like on both sides.
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