2026 High-Demand Trades and the Value of Vocational Training

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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For decades, getting a university degree has been touted as the only path to success, and access to higher education has allowed countless individuals to pursue higher-paying jobs and increase their standard of living.

However, the Wall Street Journal reported in February 2024 that roughly half of recent college graduates were working in jobs that did not require a degree—and, in turn, they were not reaping the potential benefits.

While graduates competed for limited openings and often took jobs that didn’t use their degrees, demand for skilled trade laborers increased even as the number of available candidates for these jobs decreased.

More jobs with few candidates competing for them, then, have turned the trades into a rich field for harvesting. How can you take advantage of this opportunity?

First, we’ll consider why tradespeople are currently in high demand. Then, we’ll survey the most in-demand trades and how much they pay. Finally, we’ll consider what this could mean for you and your career.

Why the Demand?

As mentioned above, students have been encouraged to pursue college rather than vocational training for decades—essentially erecting a cultural barrier or stigma against entering the trades. One result of this has been fewer people pursuing trade careers, opting for tech or other degree-oriented careers instead.

Other factors also come into play. The U.S. population is aging; the ratio of retirees to working-age individuals is rising. In 2022, for example, 17.3 percent of the United States population was over the age of 65, and this is expected to increase to 22 percent of the population by 2040.

What does this have to do with the demand for skilled tradespeople? It means that many skilled tradespeople have retired. A smaller percentage of the population is available to take on their roles.

Additionally, higher turnover has been reported among younger workers. Gen Z and Millenials may be unhappy with the inherently slow career progression in the trades or the highly structured, as opposed to flexible, workplace arrangements. 

There has also been a paradigm shift in how permanent individuals view their jobs. Gen Z and younger generations often assume a position will last no more than five years; they are happy to move on to another job after spending a relatively short time in their current position. This contrasts sharply with Boomers and older generations, who often remained with the same company until retirement.

Finally, work in the trades is often physically demanding. Individuals may leave their trade due to injury or physical discomfort. I spoke with a recent OSHA safety class graduate, who reported that 65 percent of individuals in the construction trades will sustain a major work-related injury during their careers. This temporary or permanent removal from the field further reduces the “supply” of skilled workers, thus increasing the demand.

How Do You Evaluate the Return on Investment of Trade Education versus College Degrees?

When assessing educational paths, it is essential to compare not only the immediate costs and time commitments but also long-term earning potential and career growth. Vocational training programs typically offer a faster entry into the workforce with lower upfront costs, while traditional college degrees may require more time and financial investment. Evaluating metrics such as median salary increases, job stability, and debt levels helps to reveal which route provides a superior return on investment. Moreover, prospective students should consider exploring low cost online bachelor degree programs as a cost-effective alternative that may complement vocational training for those seeking management or technical specialization over time.

Highly Paid and in High Demand

What are the highest-paid blue-collar jobs in the U.S.? You might find many of them to be surprising. When we think of the trades, we often think of construction, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. As you will see from the list below, there are other trades that may pay even higher salaries.

Of course, you shouldn’t overlook any of the trades not listed below. According to a report from McKinsey & Company, average wages in some trades have increased by more than 20 percent since 2020. Construction managers, electricians, and welders can all realistically earn more than $100,000 per year. 

Here are the top ten highest-paying trades, based on recent industry reports. You will notice that many of these are specialized applications of the electrical and mechanical trades.

Elevator installers and elevator mechanics

Elevator installers, as you might have guessed, assemble and install elevators, escalators, and other equipment designed for lifting. Their duties overlap with those of elevator mechanics, who maintain, troubleshoot, and repair the elevators’ mechanical or electrical issues. Elevator installers must also know and adhere to safety regulations. They can expect an average salary of $104,229 per year.

Power plant operators

Power plants contain equipment that generates electricity, and operators monitor, control, and maintain this equipment. This includes ensuring safe operation through compliance with safety and environmental guidelines, inspecting systems for efficiency, and regulating power flow. They can expect an average salary of $100,890 per year.

Petroleum plant power operators

Crude oil must be refined to make gasoline, diesel fuel, and other petroleum products. Plant operators manage this equipment by knowledgeably monitoring gauges, adjusting controls, and ensuring safety compliance. They can expect an average salary of $94,580 per year.

Power distributors and dispatchers

Our homes and businesses rely on a steady supply of electricity. Power distributors and dispatchers regulate this flow by monitoring grids, balancing demand with production, and rerouting power to remedy power outages. They can expect an average salary of $91,260 per year.

Electrical power-line installers and technicians

The power distributors and dispatchers above could not do their jobs if not for line installers and technicians. These professionals install, maintain, and repair the electrical power lines that deliver electricity to end-users. This is considered a higher-risk job due to working at heights and in inclement weather. They are often called upon to travel and work in the aftermath of natural disasters. This may provide overtime in addition to the average salary of $85,420 per year.

Subway and streetcar operators

Many big cities rely on underground subway or metro systems. Others, such as New Orleans and San Francisco, are famous for their railed, above-ground streetcars. Operators are required to keep this urban lifeblood pumping. They must enforce safety procedures, meet schedules, monitor the train’s systems, and respond promptly to service disruptions or emergencies. They accomplish this with an average salary of $84,270 per year

Gas plant operators

Gas plant operators control compressors, monitor pressure levels, and oversee the processing and distribution of natural gas. This includes compliance with environmental and safety regulations and the safe transport of gas to consumers. Their average salary is $82,560 per year.

Chemical plant and system operators

This field touches many industries, from agriculture to manufacturing and beyond. Chemical plant operators manage the industrial equipment used to process chemicals and produce products such as fuel, pharmaceuticals, or plastics, regulating aspects like temperature, pressure, and chemical reactions. They can expect an average salary of $80,030 per year.

Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians

Aviation mechanics and technicians ensure the safety of helicopters and airplanes, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing them. They employ multiple trades, troubleshooting electrical, mechanical, and electronic systems. They’ve flown onto our list with an average salary of $77,420 per year.

Railroad workers

The railroad may not readily come to mind when you think of the trades, but electrical and mechanical engineers are in demand. Roles include conductors, engineers, yardmasters, and workers who maintain tracks and manage the transport of people and freight. Railroad workers can expect an average salary of $73,580 per year.

According to the United States Bureau of Labor, the average annual salary in 2023 was just under $60,000, and the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the average household took in about $75,000 in 2022. Notice that all of the trades listed above boast a higher-than-average annual salary, and all but one even exceeds the average household income.

Other In-Demand Trades

As mentioned at the outset, you may have noticed that this list did not contain any of the “traditional” trades such as plumbing or HVAC. The good news is that, while they may not make the top ten list of highest earners, traditional trades are still in high demand and fetch a steady income. These include:

Electricians ($61,590 per year)

Electricians may work in residential, commercial, or industrial settings, installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems including wiring, circuit breakers, and electrical panels.

Auto mechanics ($47,770 per year)

Auto mechanics perform the same diagnostic, maintenance, and repair tasks as the mechanics above, but they focus on cars, trucks, and similar vehicles. In addition to mechanical parts like engines, transmissions, and brakes, they may be knowledgeable of electrical and computer systems.

HVAC technicians ($58,000 per year)

HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. These technicians maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and install heating and cooling systems in both commercial and residential buildings.

Plumbers ($60,090 per year)

Plumbers install and repair water systems including pipes and fixtures in industrial, commercial, or residential settings. They may also work with irrigation, drainage, or sewage and sanitation systems.

Carpenters ($56,350 per year)

Carpenters generally work with wood. This may range from crafting precision elements from small pieces of wood or building furniture to framing buildings and other structures.

Masons ($64,000 per year)

Masons work with brick, concrete, stone, and similar materials. Like many of the trades, they may install new structures or repair existing ones, including walls, walkways, patios, and fireplaces.

Welders ($41,804 per year)

Welders use extreme heat to join metal parts together. They may work in as diverse industries as manufacturing, construction, or even shipbuilding. Some welders become specialized. For example, underwater welders combine their talents with scuba diving to repair underwater structures such as oil rigs. They may make up to $90,000 per year.

Pipefitters ($48,600 per year)

Pipefitters could be considered specialized plumbers. They install and repair high-pressure piping systems that are used in industrial facilities such as power plants or factories. They may also need a knowledge of chemistry, as specialized materials may be needed to create piping to safely transport specific liquids or gases.

Heavy equipment operators ($49,330 per year)

Special training and attention to detail are needed to safely operate lifts, bulldozers, cranes, and excavators that are used in roadwork, mining, construction, and similar projects. In addition to clearing land, constructing infrastructure, and moving materials, operators may need to maintenance and maintain their machinery.

What does this mean for you? We’ve already discussed how the trades are in demand, making it relatively easy to find a job, and that tradespeople often make more than the average salary. If you’re thinking of entering the trades, there’s never been a better time. Vocational training is a great way to get started.

The Value of Vocational Training

The high demand for trade workers ensures job security for decades to come. But how can you break into a trade?

Many high schools offer vocational training options to students. These may fully or partially prepare them for the workforce and help them develop relationships with local businesses in need of skilled tradespeople. Some programs even place students in part-time positions that may lead to hiring after graduation.

High school graduates of any age can also seek vocational training. This may involve classroom time in addition to hands-on training or an apprenticeship. You may be able to complete coursework or safety training using a workplace training platform after you’ve been hired. In fact, many companies will pay for your training or even pay you during training if you agree to work for them for a predetermined time. For those who prefer flexibility, enrolling in online trade programs is a smart way to gain practical skills while managing personal or work commitments. These online programs make it easier to start a career in high-demand fields without the need for a traditional college degree. Likewise, apprenticeships allow you to earn a paycheck while you become proficient at the trade, learning hands-on from a skilled tradesperson.

Another benefit of vocational training is the program length when compared to a college degree. For example, you can earn an HVAC certificate in nine to ten months, instead of two to four years for an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Another option is gaining experience through volunteerism. Some charitable construction or disaster relief organizations will partner inexperienced volunteers with skilled tradespeople so that they can not only complete the project but learn as they go. These training relationships are important to building your professional network; you may meet people who are willing to hire and train you secularly as well.

University Education and the Trades

As noted above, you typically don’t need a university degree to enter the trades. Instead, you need hands-on training and a willingness to learn.

Some high-paying roles do require additional education, however. For example, construction management and industrial engineering have been listed among the best college majors to pursue in 2025.

Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

Construction management combines a knowledge of the trade with “management, architecture, engineering, technology, business, applied science, and math.” Duties include budgeting, materials logistics, scheduling, and safety. This degree may also open positions as a site engineer, project manager, or sustainability consultant. Construction managers earn a median salary of $101,430 per year.

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Civil engineers design, construct, and maintain buildings and other structures such as highways, bridges, tunnels, and building foundations. They maintain a focus on environmental protection and restoration. Civil engineers can expect a median salary of $89,940. Positions are expected to grow at a rate of 5 percent. Civil engineering may extend to a career in urban planning, environmental engineering, construction management, or structural engineering.

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Lab work and hands-on projects prepare future mechanical engineers with a comprehension of solid and fluid dynamics, mechatronics, biomechanical engineering, and computational simulation. Mechanical engineers are especially needed in the fields of mining, industrial chemicals, petroleum refining, medical biotechnology, automotive engineering, and aerospace engineering. Mechanical engineers can expect a median salary of $96,310 per year, with a projected growth of 10 percent through 2032.

Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry

Many of the career paths mentioned in this article have overlapped with a knowledge of chemistry—pipefitters ensuring their systems can handle chemical liquids or gases, and petroleum plant operators overseeing crude oil’s transformation into useful plastics, for example. 

A background and chemistry can give you a leg up in many of these fields. The BS in chemistry is better preparation for an engineering path; the BA degree is less math-intensive and well-suited to environmental chemistry and the like.

Industrial chemists can expect a salary of $79,428, while chemical technicians make around $49,000. A growth rate of six percent is expected in this field through 2032.

Master of Science in Industrial Engineering

Industrial engineering combines engineering, science, and mathematics, enabling professionals to plan, design, and optimize complex industrial systems, such as manufacturing operations or automated systems. Industrial engineers can expect a median salary of $96,350. A 12 percent growth in positions is expected through 2032. This degree path may also open doors to management analyst, supply chain analyst, or process engineering manager positions.

What Are the Future Trends in the Skilled Trades?

Emerging technologies, sustainability practices, and digital innovations are reshaping the skilled trades industry. Automation and smart monitoring systems are prompting trade professionals to adopt technical skills in areas such as real-time diagnostics and digital system management. Professionals are increasingly enhancing their expertise through targeted upskilling and certification programs available at trades school, which equip them to meet evolving industry standards. Additionally, the growing focus on renewable energy and green technologies is creating new avenues for specialization and career advancement within the trades.

Do Online Certifications Really Increase Earnings in the Skilled Trades?

Certifications provide targeted opportunities to validate advanced technical skills and meet evolving industry standards. These credentials can enhance marketability and justify higher salary expectations without redundant investments in lengthy degree programs. Professionals aiming to gain a competitive edge may explore what certifications make the most money as part of a broader strategy to supplement hands-on experience. Leveraging focused certification training can lead to skill diversification that aligns with emerging technologies and regulatory updates, ultimately accelerating career progression within the skilled trades.

Can Advanced Degrees Propel Your Career in the Skilled Trades?

Advanced academic programs tailored for skilled trades professionals can bridge the gap between hands-on expertise and strategic leadership. These programs provide a swift route to acquire managerial and technical competencies that complement vocational training, often delivered through accelerated formats such as online one year masters programs. By integrating advanced education with practical skills, professionals can enhance operational efficiencies, adopt emerging technologies, and position themselves for leadership roles. This targeted approach supports long-term career growth and a competitive edge in rapidly evolving industrial environments.

Key Takeaways

In the current job climate, it’s not always guaranteed that having a degree will lead directly to a high-paying role to help you handle all that student debt. Many graduates get stuck in career paths that don’t even use their degrees because the jobs they want are hard to find.

The trades, however, are in high demand, and many pay more than average salaries. As an alternative to the college route, you can get started immediately with an apprenticeship or a certificate in your desired trade. You can even combine a college education with your vocation to reach the highest levels of management or engineering.