There used to be a time when people strived to achieve the furthest level of education possible in hopes of securing a high-paying job, whilst people who skipped school, and opted for a trade-type career were considered low-earners.
How the tables have turned. Sure, you still have those high-paying careers in medicine, science, IT, etc. But trade careers have become sources of massive income for those who work in them.
Why is that? Well, as the middle class started leaning toward the upper echelons of the capitalist hierarchy, families started to be able to afford more things. With the excess budget, people also started being more creative with their spending. And so, the demand for skilled trade workers skyrocketed.
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So if you’re worried whether you’re going to be able to find a high-end job, worry no more. By choosing any trade profession, you’re basically guaranteed to earn big. And that’s because, without exaggerating, jobs are literally waiting for you. Whether you choose to work for someone or start your own gig, you’ll do well.
What we’ll do in this article is give you a couple of trade careers that are always high in demand and pay extremely well, so that you get an idea of what to expect. And who knows – you just might be inspired to dive into one of them after reading.
1. Electrician
If you want to play safe, choose to pursue a trade career as an electrician, because this is one of the most sought-after trade professionals. Electricians are essential in all sorts of projects, from residential, to commercial and industrial. They can handle everything, from wiring new homes to maintaining complex electrical systems.
Of course, to achieve working on complex projects, there are many steps to take. From apprenticeship, and on-the-job training, to obtaining a license. Licensing requirements are different from state to state. For example, in Georgia, you need to pass an exam to earn an electrical license. There are firms, that provide an excellent resource for individuals preparing for these exams. Some of them even provide online courses, so you can learn for exams from the comfort of your home, and skip driving back and forth for classes.
Also, licensing processes and costs are different across states. For instance, obtaining an electrical license in the state of Georgia might cost around 300 USD in fees;
This just means that taking test prep with the help of, let’s say, RocketCert should be your main priority – you don’t want to be paying twice simply to retake the test (in case you fail on the first try). In states like Florida or Texas there are additional coursework or application fees, so it may cost more.
But is that all worth it? That’s for you to decide. While annual salaries for electricians (this means you’ll work for someone) vary from state to state, the amount is higher than average. In California, electricians earn 69,000 USD on average, while in Georgia you can expect to earn anywhere from 50-55 thousand USD. In Texas, you’ll be earning around 52,000, while in New York you can expect to earn 20% more in comparison.
And keep in mind that these salaries are for when you’re working under someone. If you work for yourself you can expect that amount to increase by double or even triple the amount.
2. Plumber
If you’re doing any kitchen or bathroom renovations, if you have any piping issues, or are building a new house – you’ll need a plumber. Same as electricians, plumbers are extremely sought after.
You yourself probably have at least one plumber’s mobile number saved among your contacts, and whenever someone asks you if you know one, you’re happy to forward that contact.
Plumbers are simply said, indispensable. No other profession can do what they do. Working with water that’s under pressure (especially in apartment buildings where the piping systems are massive and complex) is extremely stressful. And not only that, you NEED to know what to do and how to do it. There’s no way around it, or skipping corners. That’s why plumbing isn’t favored among DIYers. No one wants a water leak, a burst pipe, or any kind of water damage in their home.
That’s also the reason why the demand for skilled plumbers that know what they’re doing and aren’t charging you ridiculous fees is something every family needs at least once. Also, consider the fact that most U.S. states require you to have a valid plumbing license in order to work on plumbing-related projects legally.
The average salary for a plumber is in the 50-60 thousand USD region. Of course, if you work independently as a contractor, you’re expected to earn much more (especially in metropolitan areas).
3. HVAC Technician
HVAC = heating, ventilation, air conditioning. Anything to do with airflow, cooling, or heating is done by an HVAC technician. Installation of appliances, servicing, or repairs, it doesn’t matter.
Just think of whether you have air conditioning in your home. What about your neighbors? Your parents and friends? Probably all of them have at least one AC unit in their home.
The same goes for where you work. If you work in a corporate office, then you’ll have massive ventilation systems installed at the ceiling level (usually hidden by decorative panels).
If you want your house, your apartment, your condo, or your workplace to stay comfortable all year throughout the seasons, you’ll need an HVAC technician to enable that for you.
The possibilities and opportunities for this profession are ever-growing and on the rise with each passing year.
Of course, if you’re interested in this as your career, you’ll need proper (formal) training, which is then followed by an exam that earns you a valid license. Depending on where you live, certain localities might require you to have additional permits.
Conclusion
When you take everything into consideration, every one of these trades requires some effort on your side and getting your license to be able to start working in any state. But, after you get your license and certification soon it will be worth your time because you are going to start making great earnings. Even with differences in annual salary depending on the state, these professions are still very attractive and they give you a lot of space for growth and progress.
Even if you already have a career in some other business and you want to do this as a side hustle, you can still earn a great additional salary. All you need to do is to choose which of these trade careers is most appealing for you and your interests, learn for exams to get your license, and you are all set for work.
If you’re worried about how you are going to pass exams, that’s not a problem, since there are many companies that offer great resources to help you prepare for your exams.
