The 10 Highest Paying Trade School Careers in 2025

Think you need a four-year degree to earn a great salary? Think again. Trade school careers are some of the fastest-growing and highest-paying options in today’s economy—especially for hands-on learners who want to skip the student loan debt and start working sooner.

Whether you’re switching careers or planning your future after high school, these top-paying trade jobs offer real income potential and long-term stability without spending four years in college.

Here are the 10 highest paying trade school careers in 2025, based on current trends and industry projections.

1. Radiation Therapist

Average Salary: $90,000 – $110,000/year
Education Required: Associate degree or accredited trade program
Field: Healthcare

Radiation therapists work with oncologists to deliver radiation treatments to cancer patients. The role requires precision, compassion, and technical skill—and offers excellent pay with relatively short training.

Why it’s in demand: Rising cancer diagnoses and an aging population continue to fuel demand.

2. Air Traffic Controller

Average Salary: $95,000 – $130,000/year
Education Required: FAA-approved program and certification
Field: Transportation

Air traffic controllers coordinate aircraft movements on the ground and in the air. The job is high-stress but comes with a six-figure salary and great government benefits.

Why it’s in demand: A wave of retirements and growing air travel will drive hiring in 2025.

3. Elevator Installer and Repair Technician

Average Salary: $80,000 – $120,000/year
Education Required: Apprenticeship or trade school + licensing
Field: Construction

These technicians install and maintain elevators, escalators, and lifts. It’s a physically demanding but highly specialized and well-paid trade.

Why it’s in demand: Urban growth and aging infrastructure require ongoing maintenance.

4. Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Average Salary: $75,000 – $100,000/year
Education Required: Associate degree or specialized certification
Field: Healthcare

These professionals operate imaging equipment and administer radioactive drugs for diagnostic purposes. Training takes 1–2 years and leads to high-paying roles in hospitals and diagnostic labs.

Why it’s in demand: The healthcare system continues to rely on advanced diagnostic tools.

5. Dental Hygienist

Average Salary: $70,000 – $95,000/year
Education Required: Associate degree + licensing
Field: Healthcare

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for oral diseases, and assist dentists. They enjoy flexible schedules and excellent pay, often with only a 2-year degree.

Why it’s in demand: Routine dental care is essential, and the role is hard to automate.

6. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Average Salary: $75,000 – $90,000/year
Education Required: Associate degree or certificate
Field: Healthcare

Sonographers use ultrasound machines to capture images of the body’s internal organs, often working in hospitals and outpatient centers.

Why it’s in demand: Non-invasive imaging is a growing field in preventative care and diagnostics.

7. Web Developer

Average Salary: $65,000 – $100,000/year
Education Required: Certificate or associate degree
Field: Technology

Web developers design and build websites or web applications. Many employers now value skills over degrees, and trade school grads can launch careers in just a year.

Why it’s in demand: Every business needs a strong online presence, from startups to corporations.

8. Electrical Line Installer/Repairer

Average Salary: $70,000 – $95,000/year
Education Required: Trade school or apprenticeship
Field: Utilities

These technicians install and maintain the power lines that keep the grid running. The work is often outdoors and physically demanding, but it pays well and is vital to infrastructure.

Why it’s in demand: Upgrades to the electric grid and increased energy usage are driving hiring.

9. HVAC Technician

Average Salary: $55,000 – $85,000/year
Education Required: HVAC certification or associate degree
Field: Skilled trades

HVAC techs install, repair, and maintain heating and cooling systems. With the rise of energy efficiency and smart homes, this trade is growing fast.

Why it’s in demand: Every home and business needs climate control—and good techs are hard to find.

10. Plumber

Average Salary: $55,000 – $90,000/year
Education Required: Apprenticeship or trade school + licensing
Field: Skilled trades

Plumbers install and repair water systems in residential and commercial buildings. Many plumbers also run their own businesses, leading to even higher earning potential.

Why it’s in demand: Plumbing is essential, and skilled tradespeople are retiring faster than new ones are being trained.

Honorable Mentions

• Respiratory Therapist – $65,000–$85,000
• Wind Turbine Technician – $60,000–$80,000
• Commercial Diver – $60,000–$100,000+ (with risk and travel)

Tips for Getting Into a High-Paying Trade Career

• Choose an accredited trade school or apprenticeship
• Get licensed or certified in your field
• Look for job placement or externship programs
• Stay up to date with industry technology and tools
• Build soft skills like communication, reliability, and problem-solving

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do I need a college degree for these careers?
No. Most only require certifications, licenses, or associate degrees—many of which are available through trade schools.

How long does trade school take?
Trade school programs typically last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the field.

Can these careers lead to six figures?
Yes. Many trades offer starting salaries of $50K–$70K, with opportunities to grow past $100K through experience, specialization, or self-employment.

Are trade careers secure in the long term?
Yes. Many trades are in high demand due to retirements, economic shifts, and infrastructure needs.

Do these careers offer benefits?
Most full-time roles offer health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off, especially in union or government positions.

Final Thoughts

Trade school isn’t just a backup plan—it’s a smart path to a high-paying, stable, and rewarding career. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, construction, tech, or skilled trades, the top-paying trade careers in 2025 offer serious income potential without the time or debt of a four-year degree.

Choose the right program, get certified, and start building a future you can be proud of—hands-on, in-demand, and financially solid.