Published April 5, 2026 · Updated annually
Highest Paying Trades in 2026 (Ranked by Salary)
The highest-paying skilled trades in 2024 earn well above the national median wage, with top trades exceeding $80,000-$100,000 per year. Using BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data covering 50 trades across 30 metro areas, here are the 20 trades that pay the most.
Top 20 Highest-Paying Trades
| Rank | Trade | Median Salary | Top 10% | Grade | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elevator Mechanic | $116,702 | $164,020 | B | 9,770 |
| 2 | Construction Manager | $114,957 | $160,870 | B | 160,280 |
| 3 | Power Line Installer | $101,512 | $130,730 | B | 39,600 |
| 4 | Electrical Power-Line Tech | $101,512 | $130,730 | B | 39,600 |
| 5 | Boilermaker | $89,510 | $138,790 | C | 2,500 |
| 6 | Pile Driver Operator | $87,644 | $133,080 | C | 1,070 |
| 7 | Aircraft Mechanic | $79,931 | $100,320 | B | 60,720 |
| 8 | Building Inspector | $75,182 | $125,150 | C | 63,540 |
| 9 | Crane Operator | $75,123 | $132,560 | C | 16,150 |
| 10 | Millwright | $72,209 | $110,830 | C | 11,870 |
| 11 | Wind Turbine Technician | $71,538 | $105,370 | A | 2,580 |
| 12 | Electrician | $70,935 | $102,070 | B | 309,770 |
| 13 | Ironworker | $70,146 | $117,110 | C | 5,830 |
| 14 | Industrial Electrician | $69,958 | $106,960 | B | 21,950 |
| 15 | Plumber | $69,782 | $100,110 | C | 189,520 |
| 16 | Pipefitter | $69,782 | $100,110 | C | 189,520 |
| 17 | Fire Sprinkler Fitter | $69,782 | $100,110 | C | 189,520 |
| 18 | Steamfitter | $69,782 | $100,110 | C | 189,520 |
| 19 | Mason (Bricklayer) | $68,974 | $101,120 | D | 23,930 |
| 20 | Heavy Equipment Operator | $68,475 | $117,350 | C | 160,130 |
Why These Trades Pay Well
The highest-paying trades share common characteristics:
- High barrier to entry, Trades like elevator mechanic and lineman require extensive apprenticeships (4-5 years) and specialized certifications
- Physical risk, Hazardous work environments command premium pay. Linemen, ironworkers, and crane operators earn more partly because of workplace danger.
- Critical infrastructure, Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs are essential to every building. Demand never goes away.
- Licensing requirements, State licensing limits supply and protects wages
Trades vs. College Degrees
These trades earn more than many college graduates, without the student debt. The median trade salary in our data exceeds the median starting salary for many 4-year degree programs tracked by CollegeDebt. When you factor in 4+ years of lost earnings while in college plus student loan payments, many trades deliver better lifetime financial outcomes.
See our detailed trade school vs. college comparison for the full analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on BLS data, the highest-paying trades include elevator mechanics, construction managers, and linemen, with median salaries ranging from $70,000 to $100,000+. See the full ranking table above for the current top 20.
Yes. Several trades regularly earn $100,000+ in high-cost metro areas. Elevator mechanics, construction managers, and experienced electricians and plumbers can all reach six figures, especially with overtime, in cities like New York, San Francisco, and Chicago.
Most trades require 2-5 years of apprenticeship, during which you earn while you learn. Apprentice wages start at 40-60% of journeyman pay and increase annually. After completing the apprenticeship and passing licensing exams, you earn full journeyman wages.
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