While college is a recommended for several careers, not every job requires a degree. Many companies hire individuals straight out of high school or trade school for certain jobs. And many of these trade jobs pay well, too! Before we list the top 10 high paying trade jobs, it helps to understand what a trade school is and the benefits of attending one.
What Is a Trade School
A trade school is an educational institution that provides specialized training that equips students for specific careers. Trade schools are also known as vocational or technical schools. They typically offer short-term programs designed to prepare students for direct entry into the workforce.
Many trade school programs include apprenticeships or internships that provide students with on-the-job training. This allows students to gain valuable industry while they’re still completing their course so students can enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Students who enroll in trade schools qualify for roles such as aircraft service technicians, electricians, cosmetologists, welders, and plumbers, among others.
Benefits Of Attending Trade School
Attending a trade school offers several benefits for students seeking a fast track into a well-paying career. Benefits include:
- shorter time frame required to complete a program
- lower tuition costs, making education more affordable
- potentially less student loan debt
- hands on training
- entering the workforce and earning earlier
- entering into high demand jobs with competitive salaries.
Overall, trade schools are a great option for students who have a clear career goal and are looking for a quick pathway to the career of their choice.
Here are some high paying trade jobs that don’t require a degree.
10 High Paying Trade Jobs
1. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
- Percentage Of Workers With A High School Diploma: 47%
- 2023 Median Annual Pay: $102K
- Expected Job Outlook, 2022-32: 0%
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers do exactly what the title describes! They are responsible for installing and maintaining elevators and escalators. They can also conduct safety assessments, equipment testing, and more to ensure these modes of transportation are working properly and safely.
While a high school diploma is enough to get started in the field, elevator and escalator installers and repairers will have to first complete an apprenticeship. These take about four years to complete. And depending on the state, the individual may also have to have a valid license to work.
2. Electrician
- Percentage Of Workers With A High School Diploma:38%
- 2023 Median Annual Pay: $61K
- Expected Job Outlook, 2022-32: 6%
Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, repairing, and diagnosing electrical work. Depending on where they work this can include equipment, service lights, intercoms, and more.
A high school diploma is generally enough to become an apprentice. The apprenticeship itself takes about 4 to 5 years to complete, unless the individual attends trade school. Electricians may also be required to pass a test and have a license to work.
3. Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technicians
- Percentage Of Workers With A High School Diploma: 28%
- 2023 Median Annual Pay: $75K
- Expected Job Outlook, 2022-32: 0%
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians diagnose problems, inspect, and maintain aircraft. They also install, test, and adjust systems and equipment in aircrafts. In-depth knowledge of aircraft systems and how they work is a critical aspect of this job.
While a degree isn’t required to become an aircraft mechanic, completing trade school and earning an associate’s degree is essential.
4. Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers
- Percentage Of Workers With A High School Diploma: 12%
- 2023 Median Annual Pay: $72K
- Expected Job Outlook, 2022-32: 20%
Police officers work to uphold the law and duties can range from writing speeding tickets to investigating accidents to arresting suspects. After some experience, individuals in this position could be able to become detectives, too.
Education requirements vary quite a bit from state to state and city to city. Some will require you to have a bachelor’s degree, but over 12% have only graduated high school. Over 30% only have some college, but no degree. If you’re curious about becoming a police officer, make sure to do your research into your area’s expectations.
5. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Percentage with a High School Diploma: 46%
- 2023 Median Annual Pay: $61K
- Expected Job Outlook, 2022-32: 4%
Plumbers work to repair pipes, plumbing systems, and sprinklers in homes as well as businesses. They can assist with leaks, maintenance, and installation. Some also work with HVAC systems and water heaters.
Nearly half of those in plumbing have no college experience and about 25% have some college experience but no degree. Depending on the state however, you may be required to get a plumbing license. Every state has different requirements as well as fees and forms.
6. Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics
- Percentage Of Workers With A High School Diploma: 47%
- 2023 Median Annual Pay: $61K
- Expected Job Outlook, 2022-32: 2%
Heavy equipment mechanics are responsible for diagnosing and repairing equipment used in construction, mining, logging, farming, and other similar industries. The equipment can include everything from cranes to graders. This position requires individuals who can focus on the details and use computerized diagnosis tools.
There is no set education path to becoming a heavy equipment mechanic. Some positions will simply train you on the job. However, trade schools do often offer classes on the subject which could help you enter these high paying trade jobs.
7. Construction and Building Inspectors
- Percentage with a High School Diploma: 26%
- 2023 Median Annual Pay: $67K
- Expected Job Outlook, 2022-32: 11%
Those in construction and building inspection work to make sure projects and existing builds are up to code and meeting regulations. Everything from bridges to HVAC can be inspected and reported upon. They will also issue notices for problems and could have a hand in approving or denying construction projects.
Construction and building inspectors generally focus on specific areas – some may inspect homes, for example, while others will work for the government to check corporations.
Trade programs generally cover everything construction and building inspectors need to learn for their career. Licenses, certifications, and other documentation may be needed to work in this field, though, and the requirements vary from state to state. And while you don’t necessarily need college to enter this career, you may want to think about returning to school at a later date to go after promotions.
8. Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
- Percentage Of Workers With A High School Diploma: 24%
- 2023 Median Annual Pay: $1320
- Expected Job Outlook, 2022-32: 0%
Nuclear power operators are responsible for operating, controlling, and maintaining nuclear reactors. As part of their job, they start and stop equipment, recording data generated, which is sent to be analyzed if and when necessary. They also monitor and adjust the controls of generators, reactors, coiling systems, and turbines. In case of any problems or abnormalities in any of the equipment, they conduct a thorough inspection to determine the cause and take corrective action.
Nuclear power reactor operators are typically employed by utilities companies and the government. They usually start working as equipment operators or auxiliary operators and undergo rigorous on-the-long job training and technical instruction before becoming fully qualified to work without supervision.
9. Biomass Plant Technicians
- Percentage Of Workers With A High School Diploma:24%
- 2023 Median Annual Pay: $97K
- Expected Job Outlook, 2022-32: 0%
Biomass plant technicians ensure that biomass power plants operate smoothly and efficiently to generate electricity by burning organic materials. They are responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the plant’s various systems and equipment, including turbines, boilers, and fuel storage and handling systems.
These specialists handle various tasks at biomass power plants including conducting regular inspections and maintenance tasks, monitoring plant operations, and adjusting and optimizing equipment settings and plant processes to maximize energy production. They also oversee the supply and storage of biomass fuel and coordinate with fuel suppliers to ensure there is enough supply for continuous operations.
10. Special Effects Artists And Animators
- Percentage Of Workers With A High School Diploma: 13%
- 2023 Median Annual Pay: $99K
- Expected Job Outlook, 2022-32: 0%
Special effects artists and animators are highly creative individuals who create eye-catching graphics and animals using computer programs and illustrations. They often specialize in a specific medium. Some may focus on creating animated movies or video games while others may create special visual effects for television shows and movies. Depending on their field or the project requirement, these professionals may create images that move, 3-D models, or visual effects for various forms of media.
Special effects artists and animators may be self-employed, or they may work in the motion picture and video industries. Some may be employed by software publishers, advertising companies, or public relations companies. A large part of the job involves liaising with clients to understand their requirements and editing the effects and animation based on feedback.
Here are few more high paying trade jobs that don’t require a 4-year college education.
Other Common High Paying Trade School Jobs
- Landscape Architect
- MRI Technologist
- Commercial Diver
- HVAC Technician
- Air Traffic Controller
- Drill Operator
- Phlebotomist
- Wind turbine technician
- Web developer
- Carpenter
Tips For Choosing The Right Trade School For You
Trade schools offer a variety of programs for students to choose from. When shortlisting trade schools:
- Make sure the program offers what you are looking for. Different programs may be structured differently. Take time to look through each program in detail to determine whether it is the right fit for you.
- Ensure the school is accredited.
- Compare the job placement rates of different schools. Ideally, you want to choose a school that has higher job placement rates in your specific field.
There are plenty of careers you can enter straight out of high school! Those who would like opportunities such as promotions, including in these fields, may want to pursue further education within that field down the road. It’s important to research job outlooks, promotion requirements, and more to understand what will be required of you, especially after you get some experience under your belt.
Are you curious about other jobs that only require a high school diploma? Or maybe you want to learn about promotion opportunities? Use our Career Finder to uncover the facts about positions including responsibilities, job outlook, median salaries, and more.
