Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2024
How to Become a Tradesperson
Skilled trades pay six figures at the top, take 2-5 years to enter, and require zero student debt. Pick your trade below for a step-by-step guide: apprenticeship requirements, state licensing, certifications, and real BLS pay data — apprentice through master.
Find Apprenticeships
apprenticeship.gov — DOL searchable database
Highest-Paying Trades
Ranked by BLS national median pay
Apprentice Pay Rankings
Year-1 pay across registered programs
Automotive
Construction
How to Become a Mason (Bricklayer)
3-year apprenticeship · Grade D
$68,974
median
How to Become a Plasterer
3-year apprenticeship · Grade D
$63,149
median
How to Become a Carpenter
4-year apprenticeship · Grade C
$61,080
median
How to Become a Concrete Finisher
3-year apprenticeship · Grade C
$60,072
median
How to Become a Glazier
4-year apprenticeship · Grade C
$58,622
median
How to Become a Drywall Installer
3-year apprenticeship · Grade D
$58,184
median
How to Become a Roofer
2-year apprenticeship · Grade D
$56,189
median
How to Become a Tile Setter
3-year apprenticeship · Grade D
$55,563
median
How to Become a Floor Layer
3-year apprenticeship · Grade D
$54,675
median
How to Become a Painter (Construction)
3-year apprenticeship · Grade D
$51,605
median
How to Become a Insulation Worker
4-year apprenticeship · Grade D
$50,860
median
Electrical
How to Become a Power Line Installer
4-year apprenticeship · Grade B
$101,512
median
How to Become a Electrical Power-Line Tech
4-year apprenticeship · Grade B
$101,512
median
How to Become a Electrician
4-year apprenticeship · Grade B
$70,935
median
How to Become a Industrial Electrician
4-year apprenticeship · Grade B
$69,958
median
How to Become a Telecommunications Tech
4-year apprenticeship · Grade C
$66,876
median
How to Become a Solar PV Installer
2-year apprenticeship · Grade B
$53,971
median
Energy
Heavy Equipment
HVAC
Industrial
How to Become a Boilermaker
4-year apprenticeship · Grade C
$89,510
median
How to Become a Millwright
4-year apprenticeship · Grade C
$72,209
median
How to Become a Industrial Machinery Mechanic
4-year apprenticeship · Grade B
$67,761
median
How to Become a Maintenance Mechanic
4-year apprenticeship · Grade C
$51,020
median
Management
Metalwork
Plumbing
How to Become a Plumber
4-year apprenticeship · Grade C
$69,782
median
How to Become a Pipefitter
5-year apprenticeship · Grade C
$69,782
median
How to Become a Fire Sprinkler Fitter
5-year apprenticeship · Grade C
$69,782
median
How to Become a Steamfitter
5-year apprenticeship · Grade C
$69,782
median
How to Become a Septic Tank Servicer
1-year apprenticeship · Grade D
$52,193
median