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The average salaries for trade jobs by state ranges from about $50,000 to just over $76,000 per year. As student debt reaches an all-time high and automation shakes up many industries, more and more people are turning to the trades. With the benefit of less education debt and a lower likelihood of replacement by machines, a job in the trades holds out hope for a steady salary and job security.
But what’s the average pay, and how does it vary state by state? Read on to find out more about the advantages and disadvantages of trade jobs.
Key Points
• The average salaries for trade jobs by state currently range from $50,180 to $76,053.
• Nuclear power reactor operator leads with a median salary of $122,610.
• Job growth for top trades ranges from -15% to 6%, with transportation, storage, and distribution management at 6%.
• Benefits of trade careers include lower education costs and job security.
• Drawbacks include physical demands and potential safety risks.
What Is a Trade Job?
A trade job is typically a hands-on role that doesn’t require a college degree. Instead, tradespeople gain experience in a specialty program or through training on the job.
Many think of a trade job in terms of plumbing or construction, but trade jobs also encompass roles such as pilot and real estate broker.
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Pros and Cons of a Trade Job
Like any job, working in a trade comes with a fair share of benefits and drawbacks.
Pros include:
• Cost of education: Since most trades don’t require a four-year degree, tradespeople may be less likely to take on student loan debt before beginning their career.
• Security: Trades require special knowledge and experience and are less likely to be automated. The skilled labor required for many trade jobs promises security down the line.
Cons of a trade job are:
• Physical toll: Many, but not all, trade jobs require strength and mobility, which can take a toll over time. Trade jobs often require employees to be out in the field, as opposed to working from home. Demanding construction or maintenance jobs can lead to injury and discomfort if you aren’t careful.
• Safety: Some trade jobs are more dangerous than others. Mistakes on the job could lead to serious bodily trauma.
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Average Salary for Trade Jobs by State
Trade jobs span multiple industries and skill sets, which leads to a wide variation in average pay. Some may be salaried, while others are hourly, and each will have different demands. Here is the average salary for trade jobs by state, courtesy of ZipRecruiter.
| State | Average Salary for Trade Jobs |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $60,863 |
| Alaska | $72,316 |
| Arizona | $62,575 |
| Arkansas | $55,526 |
| California | $66,270 |
| Colorado | $70,608 |
| Connecticut | $63,878 |
| Delaware | $67,207 |
| Florida | $50,180 |
| Georgia | $56,700 |
| Hawaii | $69,765 |
| Idaho | $63,180 |
| Illinois | $65,069 |
| Indiana | $63,897 |
| Iowa | $63,071 |
| Kansas | $59,887 |
| Kentucky | $58,321 |
| Louisiana | $57,421 |
| Maine | $65,014 |
| Maryland | $65,171 |
| Massachusetts | $73,335 |
| Michigan | $58,527 |
| Minnesota | $65,767 |
| Mississippi | $63,595 |
| Missouri | $62,986 |
| Montana | $61,633 |
| Nebraska | $64,023 |
| Nevada | $68,378 |
| New Hampshire | $65,303 |
| New Jersey | $68,172 |
| New Mexico | $65,072 |
| New York | $73,463 |
| North Carolina | $61,025 |
| North Dakota | $71,049 |
| Ohio | $63,838 |
| Oklahoma | $62,001 |
| Oregon | $70,996 |
| Pennsylvania | $67,310 |
| Rhode Island | $65,760 |
| South Carolina | $62,311 |
| South Dakota | $67,149 |
| Tennessee | $60,946 |
| Texas | $62,560 |
| Utah | $61,131 |
| Vermont | $71,397 |
| Virginia | $66,573 |
| Washington | $76,053 |
| West Virginia | $51,985 |
| Wisconsin | $67,777 |
| Wyoming | $64,545 |
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10 Top High-Paying Trade Jobs
Trade jobs usually don’t require a four-year degree, but many can net a coveted $100,000 salary. Here are the top 10 highest-paying trade jobs by median annual salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
1. Nuclear Power Reactor Operator
Median Annual Salary: $122,610
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): -15%
Job Description: Operate and monitor nuclear power systems.
Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
2. Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Median Annual Salary: $107,240
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): -3%
Job Description: Monitor and operate current converters, voltage transformers, and circuit breakers over a network of transmission and distribution lines.
Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
3. Elevator Mechanic
Median Annual Salary: $106,580
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 5%
Job Description: Install, maintain, and repair elevator and escalator systems.
Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
4. Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
Median Annual Salary: $102,010
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 6%
Job Description: Coordinate the shipping, storage, and transportation of materials based on business or government regulation. According to the BLS, this is among the trades that make the most money.
Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
5. Radiation Therapist
Median Annual Salary: $101,990
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 2%
Job Description: Monitor and distribute radiation therapy to patients with cancer or other diseases. Because of frequent interaction with patients, this is not a job for antisocial people.
Education Requirements: Associate degree
6. Ship Engineer
Median Annual Salary: $101,320
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 2%
Job Description: Maintain a sea vessel’s propulsion system, including the engine, boilers, generators, and pumps.
Education Requirements: U.S. Coast Guard-approved programs
7. Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay Electrical Repairers
Median Annual Salary: $100,940
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 5%
Job Description: Maintain and repair electrical equipment used in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.
Education Requirements: Associate degree
8. Power Plant Operator
Median Annual Salary: $99,670
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): -11%
Job Description: Control pipelines and distribution of gas or other forms of power from utility companies.
Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent. Depending on the training you get before stepping into this field, this could offer a good entry-level salary.
9. Petroleum Refinery Operators
Median Annual Salary: $97,540
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): -3%
Job Description: Operate or control petroleum refining or processing units.
Education Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
10. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Median Annual Salary: $97,020
Job Growth Outlook (10-year): 3%
Job Description: Provide radiation imaging or treatment to patients. This is one of a handful of high-paying medical jobs that don’t require a four-year degree, much less medical school.
Education Requirements: Associate degree
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The Takeaway
Landing a job with a competitive salary doesn’t necessarily require a college degree. Though the average pay for trade jobs will vary by role and location, they can lead to rewarding careers with good job security. The 10 highest-paying trade jobs are in a range of industries, from medicine to transportation to nuclear power. Earning a six-figure salary may be possible as well, which could allow you to budget well for your financial goals.
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FAQ
What is the highest-paying trade job?
Currently, the highest-paying trade job is a nuclear power plant operator, with a median annual salary of $122,610. This shift work requires operators to monitor the status of power plants, ensuring everything runs smoothly. This role typically requires a high school diploma, certification, and on-the-job training.
What are the easiest high paying trades?
The easiest high-paying trade will vary based on an individual’s strengths. But some trade jobs have a lower barrier to entry than others. That, coupled with a high predicted job growth rate, could make them easier roles to be hired into.
Which trade is in highest demand?
Solar energy installation is growing rapidly, and installers need only technical training to qualify. The role pays $51,860 on average a year, and the demand is expected to explode by over 42% in the next 10 years. Because the job entails working with machinery alone or with a small crew, this could also be an attractive job for introverts — as long as they have no fear of heights.
Which state has the highest average salary for trade jobs?
According to ZipRecruiter, Washington has the highest average annual trade salary at $76,053. The District of Columbia and New York come in second and third with average trade salaries of $75,880 and $73,463, respectively.
Can I earn over $100,000 per year with a trade job?
Yes, it is possible to earn over $100,000 per year with a trade job. Seven of the top 10 highest-paying trade jobs have median annual salaries over $100,000. These include a nuclear power reactor operator, a radiation therapist, and a ship engineer.
Photo credit: iStock/Portra
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