This article contains information specifically about high paying trade school degrees and more.
People have always seen trade school degrees differently. They consider it a degree that will not get the best-paying jobs. However, that is not totally true.
Recent statistics show that there are trade school degrees with good job prospects and high-paying incomes.
If you prefer to attend a trade school rather than pursue a four-year degree at a college, you can get lucrative jobs with your skills after graduating. Those who graduate from a trade school and acquire basic trade skills are employed in different industries.
If you want to acquire a skill at a trade school and you are wondering what degree to settle for regarding job prospects and income, we will show you skills that pay more.
In this guide, we will also discuss types of degrees, certifications, and continuing education programs.
What Is a Trade School?
A trade school is a postsecondary educational institution where students are trained for a job in a skilled trade career. Trade schools provide hands-on training to prepare students to enter the workforce in certain professions.
Programs offered at trade schools are concentrated on on-the-job training. The programs are nothing like the ones offered in a two or four-year college. The programs focus on specific job training and students don’t have to bother about general courses.
Diploma/Certificates
As a student attending a trade school, you can obtain a diploma or a certificate for your preferred study in a specific field. You can earn a diploma or certificate within a shorter time.
However, a diploma or a certificate is quite different from an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree.
Also Read: 12 Online Construction Management Courses With Certificates
What are the Types of Trade School Programs?
There are several trade schools out there and each offers training programs to students. Generally, there are trade schools that offer a variety of training programs. An example of a trade school that offers different training programs is the Midwest Technical Institute (MTI).
The Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) offers training programs in allied health, cosmetology, mechanical trades, and truck driving training.
The Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) offers these training programs, but not all programs are available at every MTI campus.
There are trade schools that offer different types of training only in a specific field. MTI campuses offer a mix of different skilled trade training programs all in one place.
25 High Paying Trade School Degrees
Trades schools are institutions where students can get adequate training to land high paying jobs. Here, we are going to show you twenty-five high paying trade school degrees.
#1. Masonry
Average Salary: $47,710
Masons are needed in the construction industry. They work closely with general contractors and their job is to work with building materials.
They are responsible for creating a structure with building materials such as stones, bricks, tiles, limestone, etc.
Masons build chimneys in homes, walls, sidewalks, and lots more. They can do more like bringing down structures or designing and rebuilding homes.
Masonry is an occupation that requires mathematical skills, creativity, good communication skills, and paying attention to safety rules.
If you want to become a mason, you must be 18 years or above and you also need to have a high school degree or equivalent.
#2. Licensed Practical Nursing
Average Salary: $48,820
Licensed Practical Nurses are essential workers in the healthcare system. LPNs provide nursing care in hospitals, clinics, or nursing homes.
As essential healthcare workers, Licensed Practical Nurses work closely with other health workers. Their job includes documenting patients’ medical histories or symptoms.
LPNs are also required to follow procedures and they are in charge of a patient’s dietary requirements.
So what are the requirements to become a Licensed Practical Nurse?
Generally, you need a non-degree award, which can be completed within a year. Another requirement is to complete a diploma in practical nursing through an approved program.
A Licensed Practical Nurse is expected to have certain skills. You must have basic medical knowledge, problem-solving skills, care, communication skills, etc.
With an average annual salary of over $40,000, this is considered one of the high paying trade school degrees.
#3. Carpentry
Average Salary: $49,520
Carpentry is an occupation also needed in the construction industry. We are all familiar with the work of a carpenter.
Carpenters work closely with general contractors to construct buildings. Wood is the building material carpenters work with. They will construct, repair, assemble, and install structures made from wood and other materials.
Carpenters do not just construct or work with wood. It’s a job that requires paying attention to safety and possessing good calculating skills.
If you are interested in becoming a carpenter, you must at least have a high school degree or equivalent. You will also need to possess the basic skills needed in this occupation.
#4. Construction/Heavy Equipment Operating
Average Salary: $49,100
Construction or heavy equipment operators are those in charge of operating heavy machinery at construction sites. If this is something you consider doing, just know that you will be driving and operating heavy machinery at various construction sites.
It’s a job that requires good communication skills with other construction workers. Operating heavy machinery can be quite challenging, but if you dedicate more time to learning, you will be perfect on the job.
Working in this field involves getting dirty and operating heavy equipment in a dusty environment.
The apprenticeship normally lasts for three to four years and you must have at least a high school diploma to get started.
Construction or heavy equipment operation is one of the high paying trade school degrees.
#5. Diesel Mechanic
Average Salary: $50,200
Every vehicle needs to undergo maintenance or repair at some point. That is why there are several mechanics at each workshop.
Now when it comes to repairing vehicles with diesel engines, the service of a diesel mechanic is required. Diesel mechanics specialize in the repair of vehicles with diesel engines.
Just like a construction/heavy equipment operator, diesel mechanics get dirty doing this job in workshops.
Several employers out there are looking for diesel mechanics and they prefer those with formal training. All you need is a high school diploma, training in a trade school, and a good skill to pay attention to little detail.
#6. Plumbing
Average Salary: $56,330
Plumbing is a skill required in the construction industry. Repairing, fixing and installing pipes of all sizes is the primary job of a plumber. They ensure that gas lines are safe for homeowners.
If you have a high school diploma or equivalent, you also need a combination of classroom instruction and about 2,000 hours of intensive training. Plumbing also requires good math and communication skills.
Earning an annual salary of over $50,000, this is one of the high paying trade school degrees.
Also Read: Full List of Trades for Women in 2024
#7. Electrician
Average Salary: $56,900
Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical power communication or control systems. When it comes to installing devices and electrical repairs in our homes, electricians are considered essential workers.
If you are interested in becoming an electrician, you must have at least a high school diploma and then, some classroom instructions, with 8,000 hours of on-the-job training.
#8. Architecture and Civil Drafter
Average Salary: $57,960
If you are interested in becoming an architect and obtaining a college degree is something you don’t consider, perhaps this might be the best option for you.
The job involves completing technical drawings of architectural or structural buildings, maps, or other civil engineering projects. It could be for road or bridge construction.
#9. Rotary Drill Operator
Average Salary: $53,820
A rotary driller operator is an individual who works in the oil and gas industry. Generally, this job requires good communication skills, critical thinking, and great skills in calculations.
To enter the oil and gas industry, you need a formal education. An associate degree is required, while an apprenticeship is an option and not necessarily required.
Keep in mind that some states require specific licensure for this career.
#10. Cardiovascular Tech
Average Salary: $58,100
Cardiovascular technicians are experts in the health care system. Their primary duty is to conduct cardiovascular and pulmonary testing for patients. This job involves working closely with other health professionals.
A cardiovascular technician assists physicians in diagnosing heart and blood vessel issues. It’s a job that requires an associate degree and technical skills.
Generally, this is one of the high paying trade school degrees, with an annual salary of over $50,000.
#11. Commercial Diver
Average Salary: $54,800
Commercial divers are trained to work underwater in different conditions. Their job is to inspect, repair, and construct different structures underwater.
As trained professionals, commercial divers work in various conditions. Their job may require taking photos underwater or welding underwater.
Types of divers include;
- Offshore Divers
- Onshore Divers
- Scientific Diver
- Media Divers
- HAZMAT Divers
- Naval Divers
#12. Home Inspector
Average Salary: $62,860
The job of a home inspector is to assess various buildings. Whether it’s new or existing homes, commercial spaces or condos, a home inspector is always needed to assess the place.
All you need to get started is a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job experience.
Also Read: 20 Highest Paying 4 Week Online Certificate Programs
#13. Respiratory Therapist
Average Salary: $62,810
Respiratory therapists are experts who provide medical care in the health care system. They diagnose and treat patients with breathing difficulties or cardiopulmonary disorders.
Of course, you will need a high school diploma and what is also important is an associate degree. You need to spend at least two years obtaining an associate degree if you want to become a respiratory therapist.
#14. Boilermaker
Average Salary: $62,150
A boilermaker can produce, assemble, install, and repair boilers or tanks. They also repair large vessels that transport liquids or gas.
It’s a career that requires manual labour and working at different locations. All you need to get started is a high school diploma or equivalent and you also need to apply for a formal apprenticeship.
As an apprentice boiler, you will learn different skills ranging from welding and rigging to heavy fabrication. Although it’s a career that requires working in various job sites, this is one of the high paying trade school degrees.
#15. Aircraft Mechanic/Aviation Maintenance
Average Salary: $66,680
Aircraft mechanics are experts who are in charge of performing routine schedule and emergency maintenance on aircraft.
Generally, most aircraft mechanics attend an FFA-approved institution, while others acquire on-the-job training.
#16. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Average Salary: $75,920
A diagnostic medical sonographer is a health professional who operates special imaging equipment to create images for medical purposes. Part of the job also includes taking ultrasound images for physicians to diagnose patients.
To get started in this profession, you need a high school diploma and an associate degree in medical-related programs.
#17. Power Utility Tech/Line Installer and Repair
Average Salary: $61,470
A power utility tech is responsible for installing and repairing electrical power systems. They also repair and install fibre optics lines and telecommunication cables.
Arguably, this is one of the high paying trade school degrees. You need a high school diploma and postsecondary technical instruction.
#18. Web Developer
Average Salary: $77,200
There are several clients out there looking for web developers and they are willing to pay huge amounts. You need a basic understanding of graphic design as well as computer programming to excel in this profession.
#19. Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $77,100
A career in dental is worth it for every effort made. A dental hygienist is needed in the healthcare system to ensure that patients maintain good oral hygiene.
Dental hygienists are health professionals with expertise in oral health and they earn good salaries. As a dental hygienist, you will provide medical assistance to patients on oral health and lots more.
#20. Air Traffic Controller
Average Salary: $130,420
Air traffic controllers work in airports. Their job is to control air traffic to avoid accidents at the airport.
To control air traffic at the airport, most air traffic controllers work in control towers.
#21. Multimedia Artists or Animators
Average Salary: $77,000
Most employers preferred multimedia artists or animators with bachelor’s degrees. However, most employers will accept multimedia artists or animators with great skills.
With over $60,000 as an annual salary, this is one of the high paying trade school degrees.
#22. Logistic Manager
When it comes to planning and organizing the process of purchasing, logistic managers are in full control. Employers will often require a bachelor’s degree or an associate’s degree.
#23. Fashion Designer
A career in fashion design may not be what you expected. Those in the business have obtained a bachelor’s degree in fashion design or fashion merchandising.
#24. Court Reporter
Court reporters listen to the spoken statements and type in important information. If you have been to court proceedings, you must have seen court reporter carrying out their primary duty.
#25. Occupation Therapist Assistant
Occupational therapist assistants work and assist occupational therapists. Their job is to assist patients in recovering through therapy treatment.
The job requires an associate degree and programs must be accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).
Conclusion
Now you are familiar with the twenty-five high paying trade school degrees, and their annual salaries, it is easier to choose a trade career.
Most of these occupations only require a high school diploma or equivalent, while some require an associate degree.
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