What is the highest-paying trade?

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers, with a median of $109,910 a year ($52.84 an hour), per May 2025 BLS data.

Which trades pay over $100,000?

2 trades have a median of $100,000 or more: elevator and escalator installers and repairers ($109,910), electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay ($103,020). Top earners in many other trades pass $100,000 too.

What is the highest-paying trade without a college degree?

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers, at $109,910 a year. BLS lists the typical entry education as "high school diploma or equivalent" and training as "apprenticeship".

How many trades pay more than the average job?

64 of the 88 trades ranked here have a median above the $50,980 median for all U.S. occupations.

Highest-paying trades

Updated September 27, 2026

Elevator and escalator installers and repairers are the highest-paying skilled trade in the U.S., with a median of $109,910 a year, according to May 2025 BLS data. 64 of the 88 trades ranked here pay more than the $50,980 median for all U.S. jobs.

All 88 trades by median pay

#	Trade	Median a year	Typical training	Growth to 2035
1	Elevator and escalator installers and repairers23,790 jobs · BLS 47-4021	$109,910$52.84/hr	Apprenticeship	+5.7%
2	Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay20,720 jobs · BLS 49-2095	$103,020$49.53/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+9.7%
3	Electrical power-line installers and repairers131,070 jobs · BLS 49-9051	$95,320$45.83/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+10.3%
4	Signal and track switch repairers8,720 jobs · BLS 49-9097	$92,460$44.45/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+1.8%
5	Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment6,940 jobs · BLS 49-2093	$84,890$40.81/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+5.4%
6	Avionics technicians18,830 jobs · BLS 49-2091	$82,280$39.56/hr	None	+9.4%
7	Aircraft mechanics and service technicians138,090 jobs · BLS 49-3011	$79,870$38.40/hr	None	+5.4%
8	Boilermakers10,190 jobs · BLS 47-2011	$76,410$36.74/hr	Apprenticeship	-1.8%
9	Terrazzo workers and finishers1,180 jobs · BLS 47-2053	$76,170$36.62/hr	Apprenticeship	-13%
10	Construction and building inspectors146,720 jobs · BLS 47-4011	$74,690$35.91/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	0%
11	Control and valve installers and repairers, except mechanical door48,240 jobs · BLS 49-9012	$74,340$35.74/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+4.3%
12	Telecommunications line installers and repairers97,720 jobs · BLS 49-9052	$74,330$35.73/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	-3.4%
13	Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment65,010 jobs · BLS 49-2094	$74,090$35.62/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+0.3%
14	Pile driver operators2,310 jobs · BLS 47-2072	$73,300$35.24/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	-5.7%
15	Commercial divers3,450 jobs · BLS 49-9092	$72,990$35.09/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+4.8%
16	Rail-Track laying and maintenance equipment operators19,580 jobs · BLS 47-4061	$70,070$33.69/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+1.5%
17	Precision instrument and equipment repairers, all other9,400 jobs · BLS 49-9069	$68,990$33.17/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+2.5%
18	Tapers12,840 jobs · BLS 47-2082	$68,270$32.82/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	-1.6%
19	Rail car repairers21,350 jobs · BLS 49-3043	$67,530$32.46/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+2.6%
20	Watch and clock repairers1,310 jobs · BLS 49-9064	$67,230$32.32/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	-0.3%
21	Millwrights40,330 jobs · BLS 49-9044	$65,700$31.59/hr	Apprenticeship	+0.9%
22	Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines176,600 jobs · BLS 49-3042	$65,510$31.50/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+6.7%
23	Industrial machinery mechanics439,640 jobs · BLS 49-9041	$64,520$31.02/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+17.8%
24	Wind turbine service technicians9,980 jobs · BLS 49-9081	$64,120$30.83/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+29.5%
25	Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers140,920 jobs · BLS 49-2022	$63,890$30.72/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	-3.3%
26	Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters465,840 jobs · BLS 47-2152	$63,800$30.67/hr	Apprenticeship	+6.8%
27	Radio, cellular, and tower equipment installers and repairers11,140 jobs · BLS 49-2021	$63,520$30.54/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+1.2%
28	Electricians757,220 jobs · BLS 47-2111	$63,190$30.38/hr	Apprenticeship	+9.2%
29	Structural iron and steel workers68,380 jobs · BLS 47-2221	$62,780$30.18/hr	Apprenticeship	+3.1%
30	Riggers22,530 jobs · BLS 49-9096	$62,640$30.12/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+3.9%
31	Brickmasons and blockmasons52,550 jobs · BLS 47-2021	$62,120$29.87/hr	Apprenticeship	+1.1%
32	Sheet metal workers119,770 jobs · BLS 47-2211	$61,800$29.71/hr	Apprenticeship	+2.5%
33	Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists289,960 jobs · BLS 49-3031	$61,770$29.70/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+3.6%
34	Medical equipment repairers65,990 jobs · BLS 49-9062	$61,660$29.64/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+12.6%
35	Refractory materials repairers, except brickmasons1,080 jobs · BLS 49-9045	$61,290$29.47/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	-13.7%
36	Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers409,670 jobs · BLS 49-9021	$61,010$29.33/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+10.9%
37	Maintenance workers, machinery60,020 jobs · BLS 49-9043	$60,850$29.25/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	-1.9%
38	Carpenters670,090 jobs · BLS 47-2031	$60,580$29.12/hr	Apprenticeship	+3.9%
39	Security and fire alarm systems installers86,340 jobs · BLS 49-2098	$60,070$28.88/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+6.8%
40	Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators478,090 jobs · BLS 47-2073	$59,850$28.78/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+4.6%
41	Reinforcing iron and rebar workers13,800 jobs · BLS 47-2171	$58,970$28.35/hr	Apprenticeship	-5.3%
42	Drywall and ceiling tile installers83,080 jobs · BLS 47-2081	$58,930$28.33/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+2.5%
43	Insulation workers, mechanical25,660 jobs · BLS 47-2132	$58,340$28.05/hr	Apprenticeship	+5.1%
44	Plasterers and stucco masons19,310 jobs · BLS 47-2161	$57,660$27.72/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+2.8%
45	Motorboat mechanics and service technicians23,220 jobs · BLS 49-3051	$57,550$27.67/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+4.9%
46	Stonemasons7,820 jobs · BLS 47-2022	$57,390$27.59/hr	Apprenticeship	-5.4%
47	Glaziers58,480 jobs · BLS 47-2121	$57,080$27.44/hr	Apprenticeship	+1.9%
48	Cement masons and concrete finishers206,170 jobs · BLS 47-2051	$57,020$27.41/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+1.6%
49	Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians37,870 jobs · BLS 49-3041	$56,550$27.19/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+10.7%
50	Floor layers, except carpet, wood, and hard tiles23,640 jobs · BLS 47-2042	$56,460$27.15/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+9%
51	Electric motor, power tool, and related repairers14,450 jobs · BLS 49-2092	$56,210$27.02/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+4.4%
52	Mechanical door repairers27,120 jobs · BLS 49-9011	$55,720$26.79/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+6.4%
53	Tile and stone setters35,850 jobs · BLS 47-2044	$55,690$26.77/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+9.8%
54	Roofers135,490 jobs · BLS 47-2181	$55,440$26.65/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+5.3%
55	Automotive body and related repairers149,310 jobs · BLS 49-3021	$54,890$26.39/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+3.7%
56	Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers416,210 jobs · BLS 51-4121	$53,750$25.84/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+2.4%
57	Paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators41,820 jobs · BLS 47-2071	$53,340$25.64/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	-0.9%
58	Solar photovoltaic installers31,350 jobs · BLS 47-2231	$53,140$25.55/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+36.5%
59	Camera and photographic equipment repairers1,650 jobs · BLS 49-9061	$52,720$25.35/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	-15.5%
60	Audiovisual equipment installers and repairers19,780 jobs · BLS 49-2097	$52,600$25.29/hr	Short-term on-the-job training	+4.8%
61	Paperhangers1,570 jobs · BLS 47-2142	$52,140$25.07/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+4.3%
62	Recreational vehicle service technicians17,430 jobs · BLS 49-3092	$52,000$25.00/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	+9.7%
63	Locksmiths and safe repairers15,040 jobs · BLS 49-9094	$51,320$24.68/hr	Long-term on-the-job training	-11.7%
64	Home appliance repairers32,150 jobs · BLS 49-9031	$50,990$24.51/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+1.9%
65	Automotive service technicians and mechanics704,640 jobs · BLS 49-3023	$50,620$24.34/hr	Short-term on-the-job training	+5%
66	Floor sanders and finishers3,720 jobs · BLS 47-2043	$50,440$24.25/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+1.4%
67	Carpet installers13,780 jobs · BLS 47-2041	$50,340$24.20/hr	Short-term on-the-job training	-16.4%
68	Highway maintenance workers154,960 jobs · BLS 47-4051	$50,260$24.16/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+3.4%
69	Miscellaneous construction and related workers28,380 jobs · BLS 47-4090	$49,910$24.00/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+3.9%
70	Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners30,650 jobs · BLS 47-4071	$49,880$23.98/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+7.8%
71	Maintenance and repair workers, general1,529,700 jobs · BLS 49-9071	$49,590$23.84/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+4.2%
72	Hazardous materials removal workers51,710 jobs · BLS 47-4041	$49,450$23.78/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+1.5%
73	Painters, construction and maintenance225,190 jobs · BLS 47-2141	$49,400$23.75/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+3%
74	Installation, maintenance, and repair workers, all other176,300 jobs · BLS 49-9099	$49,230$23.67/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+2.6%
75	Insulation workers, floor, ceiling, and wall44,440 jobs · BLS 47-2131	$49,120$23.62/hr	Short-term on-the-job training	+2.4%
76	Pipelayers33,050 jobs · BLS 47-2151	$49,000$23.56/hr	Short-term on-the-job training	-3.1%
77	Motorcycle mechanics13,510 jobs · BLS 49-3052	$48,580$23.35/hr	Short-term on-the-job training	+2.1%
78	Electronic equipment installers and repairers, motor vehicles8,550 jobs · BLS 49-2096	$48,420$23.28/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	-14.5%
79	Fence erectors24,480 jobs · BLS 47-4031	$47,980$23.07/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+5.6%
80	Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics36,060 jobs · BLS 49-3053	$47,880$23.02/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+2.3%
81	Computer, automated teller, and office machine repairers65,600 jobs · BLS 49-2011	$47,810$22.99/hr	Short-term on-the-job training	-3%
82	Automotive glass installers and repairers20,310 jobs · BLS 49-3022	$47,630$22.90/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	+5.7%
83	Coin, vending, and amusement machine servicers and repairers26,410 jobs · BLS 49-9091	$47,450$22.81/hr	Short-term on-the-job training	-3.4%
84	Construction laborers1,096,780 jobs · BLS 47-2061	$47,120$22.66/hr	Short-term on-the-job training	+7.3%
85	Musical instrument repairers and tuners5,380 jobs · BLS 49-9063	$46,420$22.32/hr	Apprenticeship	+1.9%
86	Manufactured building and mobile home installers3,020 jobs · BLS 49-9095	$45,990$22.11/hr	Short-term on-the-job training	+5.8%
87	Bicycle repairers12,170 jobs · BLS 49-3091	$42,780$20.57/hr	Moderate-term on-the-job training	-5.7%
88	Tire repairers and changers108,410 jobs · BLS 49-3093	$37,710$18.13/hr	Short-term on-the-job training	+3.4%

Linked trades have pay for every state and metro. See also: trades that pay well without a degree.

Highest-paying trades by state

The same ranking with each state's own medians.

How we ranked them

Ranked by national median annual wage, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Which occupations count as trades: Construction occupations and installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (BLS major groups 47 and 49), plus welders, excluding first-line supervisors, helpers, and mining and oil-and-gas extraction occupations. Training and growth are from BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035. Wages exclude self-employed workers. Methodology

Questions

What is the highest-paying trade?: Elevator and escalator installers and repairers, with a median of $109,910 a year ($52.84 an hour), per May 2025 BLS data.
Which trades pay over $100,000?: 2 trades have a median of $100,000 or more: elevator and escalator installers and repairers ($109,910), electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay ($103,020). Top earners in many other trades pass $100,000 too.
What is the highest-paying trade without a college degree?: Elevator and escalator installers and repairers, at $109,910 a year. BLS lists the typical entry education as "high school diploma or equivalent" and training as "apprenticeship".
How many trades pay more than the average job?: 64 of the 88 trades ranked here have a median above the $50,980 median for all U.S. occupations.