Many people believe that a college degree is essential for a high-paying job. Yet, in the pursuit of substantial earnings, possessing a degree is not the sole pathway.

If manual labor appeals to you, careers in skilled trades may prove as financially rewarding as those white-collar roles that necessitate university education. Currently, the most sought-after trade experts bring in over a hundred thousand dollars annually – here is the essential information.

What Are Trade Jobs?

Curious about the nature of a trade job? As outlined by career resource Monster.com, trade jobs are employment positions necessitating particular training or specific skills. Trade jobs typically demand physical labor and represent a genuine full day of hard work – many roles in this sector are hands-on, as opposed to being desk-based.

The primary advantage of opting for a career in a skilled trade lies in the specialized education it provides. You acquire the precise knowledge required for a specific job or sector, and as you enhance your abilities and gain more experience while working, your career opportunities will also expand.

How to Find Trade Jobs

The path to establishing a career in various skilled trades differs across each field. Nevertheless, the general process typically unfolds as follows:

Start with Fundamental Skills for Enthusiasts. Prior to seeking professional education, undertake some self-guided practice. Familiarize yourself with the essential tools of your chosen profession and seek out online guides. Gaining even a minimal knowledge of the field will prove beneficial.

Finish Thorough Educational Programs. While not mandatory for securing an apprenticeship, possessing formal training in a trade from a technical or community college provides a significant advantage over others. Programs at vocational, trade, and technical schools are typically brief, culminating in the award of a certificate.

Undertake an Apprenticeship. A conventional method to locate an apprenticeship in the skilled trade of your choice involves consulting local branches representing your preferred trade. Apprenticeships in skilled trades generally span up to five years. Throughout this period, you will be working under the guidance of a master tradesperson and simultaneously earning an income.

The Best Trade Jobs Right Now

Should you aspire to a career in the skilled trades, which occupations offer optimum job stability and the most attractive salaries? Below is an overview of the top four current positions in the skilled trades:

Dockworker

If you are seeking an engaging, practical career, there is no superior approach to leverage your abilities and value than by becoming a longshoreman. As vital components of global harbors and key participants in the movement of goods globally, longshoremen transfer containers from vessels to their subsequent locations, confirming that appropriate items reach their intended destinations. You will be involved in loading and unloading cargo, in addition to dealing with international imports and exports.

To pursue a career as a longshoreman, you must:

• Apply for and obtain a TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) card
• Visit your local port union that employs longshoremen and begin building work experience as a casual worker who picks up available hours
• Gain enough experience to become recognized by the union and eligible for union membership

Electrical Technician

Electricians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical power systems. Due to their direct engagement with electrical currents, their job entails significant risks. To be successful in this field, an electrician needs the capability to interpret technical schematics and blueprints accurately, adhere to local and state safety regulations and building codes, implement new electrical wiring, troubleshoot issues using the correct tools, upgrade outdated infrastructures, and perform various other tasks.

Fundamental procedures to become an electrician encompass:

• Complete a certificate program or associate’s degree program
• Complete an electrician apprenticeship
• If required in your state, take the licensing exam and obtain your license

Pipefitter

Plumbers fix and set up pipes for water and gas, along with fittings such as sinks, toilets, water heaters, and additional sinks. They frequently operate in confined, unclean spaces, using equipment such as welding torches to complete their tasks.

Here's a guide to entering the plumbing profession:

• Complete an apprenticeship
• In most states, you have to sit for and pass a certification exam to obtain your license
• Gain additional experience and training to become a licensed master plumber or specialty plumber

Metal Fabricator

Welders employ a range of specific tools, such as torches and clamps, to warm up and fuse metals. For successful completion of tasks, a welder needs the ability to interpret blueprints, measure dimensions accurately, inspect their own work for any imperfections, and acquire multiple associated abilities.

The fundamental procedures to follow in order to become a welder involve:

• Complete training at a community college or trade school to obtain a degree or certificate in welding
• Find and apply for a job and obtain an employment certification – these certifications are specific to the job, so a blanket certification is not available
• Obtain your AWS certification by passing the certification test

AC and Heating Specialist

Technicians specializing in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) manage the systems and components that heat, cool, and ventilate indoor spaces. Such systems influence the temperature, air purity, and moisture levels indoors. HVAC technicians are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of these complete systems, including their components, supply lines, and electrical wiring.

Learn the steps to becoming an HVAC technician:

• Complete training at a technical or trade school
• Complete a formal HVAC apprenticeship program, which usually takes three to five years
• If required in your state, obtain your HVAC license by sitting for and passing the licensing exam

Start Your Own Trade Career

This merely offers a glimpse into the variety of skilled trades out there. If the trades mentioned here, and others not detailed, pique your interest, you should conduct personalized research to discover a trade profession that aligns with your passions and career aspirations.

In any situation, it's beneficial to stay informed about recent studies. We suggest evaluating a minimum of three to four alternatives prior to finalizing your choice. Conducting an online search is generally the fastest and most comprehensive method to identify all the advantages and disadvantages that you should consider.