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TRADEPAY

How to Become a Tradesperson (2025)

Step-by-step career guides for 50 skilled trades. Each guide covers apprenticeship requirements, certifications, salary data, and career outlook — everything you need to start a trade career without a college degree.

Management

How to Become a Construction Manager

Experience-based · 4 certifications

$112,501
median
B

How to Become a Building Inspector

Experience-based · 4 certifications

$70,280
median
C

Specialty

How to Become a Elevator Mechanic

4yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$103,991
median
A

How to Become a Environmental Engineering Tech

2yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$53,466
median
C

How to Become a Well Driller

2yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$52,055
median
D

How to Become a Locksmith

4yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$49,571
median
D

Electrical

How to Become a Electrical Power-Line Tech

4yr apprenticeship · 5 certifications

$87,867
median
A

How to Become a Power Line Installer

4yr apprenticeship · 5 certifications

$87,732
median
A

How to Become a Industrial Electrician

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$66,759
median
B

How to Become a Electrician

4yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$65,308
median
B

How to Become a Telecommunications Tech

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$65,077
median
C

How to Become a Solar PV Installer

2yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$50,287
median
B

Welding

How to Become a Underwater Welder

5yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$80,828
median
C

How to Become a Structural Welder

3yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$55,913
median
C

How to Become a Welder

3yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$50,902
median
D

Automotive

How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic

2yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$76,453
median
C

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic

3yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$58,284
median
C

How to Become a Auto Mechanic

2yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$50,517
median
D

Heavy Equipment

How to Become a Pile Driver Operator

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$73,688
median
C

How to Become a Crane Operator

3yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$67,153
median
C

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator

3yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$56,984
median
C

Plumbing

How to Become a Steamfitter

5yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$70,357
median
C

How to Become a Fire Sprinkler Fitter

5yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$67,639
median
B

How to Become a Pipefitter

5yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$67,249
median
C

How to Become a Plumber

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$64,109
median
B

How to Become a Septic Tank Servicer

1yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$47,006
median
D

Industrial

How to Become a Boilermaker

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$67,891
median
C

How to Become a Millwright

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$65,704
median
C

How to Become a Industrial Machinery Mechanic

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$63,930
median
C

How to Become a Maintenance Mechanic

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$50,342
median
D

Energy

How to Become a Wind Turbine Technician

2yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$66,008
median
A

Structural

How to Become a Ironworker

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$61,718
median
C

Metalwork

How to Become a Tool and Die Maker

4yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$61,514
median
D

How to Become a Sheet Metal Worker

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$58,967
median
C

How to Become a Machinist

4yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$52,141
median
D

How to Become a CNC Machine Operator

2yr apprenticeship · 2 certifications

$45,680
median
D

HVAC

How to Become a HVAC Technician

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$61,278
median
B

How to Become a Refrigeration Mechanic

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$57,855
median
C

Construction

How to Become a Carpenter

4yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$60,859
median
C

How to Become a Mason (Bricklayer)

3yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$56,904
median
D

How to Become a Drywall Installer

3yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$54,480
median
D

How to Become a Plasterer

3yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$52,094
median
D

How to Become a Tile Setter

3yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$52,089
median
D

How to Become a Glazier

4yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$51,634
median
D

How to Become a Concrete Finisher

3yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$50,675
median
D

How to Become a Insulation Worker

4yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$50,148
median
D

How to Become a Roofer

2yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$50,049
median
D

How to Become a Floor Layer

3yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$49,886
median
D

How to Become a Painter (Construction)

3yr apprenticeship · 3 certifications

$47,431
median
D

How to Become a Scaffold Builder

3yr apprenticeship · 4 certifications

$44,652
median
D