Highly Skilled, Specialized Labor Is in Demand — These Trade Jobs Pay $100k

Are you on the market for a new job? Whether you were part of a recent layoff, just graduated from school, or you’re looking to switch gears and try something new, it’s a great time to look for a job.

While some may consider a career in tech, fashion, or finance, a trade job is a great option if you enjoy getting your hands dirty and you love a good challenge.

In fact, many trade jobs are known for paying high salaries to hard-workers for their specialized skills. So, which trade jobs pay $100k?

The highest paid trade job varies depending on a person’s location, industry, experience, and skills. But with highly-skilled labor in high-demand, some vocational careers can be as lucrative as post-college roles.

Keep reading to find out which high-paying trade jobs are in demand, and how you can get started.

If you’re interested in getting started in a trade job, you’ll need a combo of education, professional training, and on-the-job experience. Here are a few ways to get started in the trades:

Choose your trade: Research different trades to figure out which one interests you the most. Consider job outlook, demand, earnings, and duties.

Research education and training: You may need to attend a vocational school, community college, or join an apprenticeship program. Many trade jobs require licensing and certification too.

Network: Whether you attend industry events, trade shows, conferences, or join a professional association, you’ll need to network in your field, learn about jobs, and stay up-to-date on industry news and events.

Apply for jobs: Once you’ve completed the training, education, and experience, start applying for jobs.

So, you still aren't sure which trade job is right for you… let’s talk salary. This list includes projections for median annual salaries and job growth within the next few years.

And while you may not start off making $100k, this list of the highest-paying trade jobs offers so much potential and room for growth, the highest earners can make well over $100k.

Median Salary: $120,312

Highest earners: $153,110

Required education: Associate’s degree

Job outlook (2021–2031): +8 percent

Construction managers work with architects and engineers on residential, commercial, or federal construction projects to assess what building materials will be need to complete a project and secure the necessary materials. Construction managers also evaluate blueprints, hire a team of construction workers, get building permits, and more.

Median Salary: $88,540

Highest earners: $117,122

Required education: High school diploma or equivalent. Job requires knowledge of hydraulics, technical details, and extensive training

Job outlook (2021–2031): +8 percent

Elevator mechanics install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators and other lifting equipment. They also test and adjust elevator systems, diagnose and repair problems, and inspect and maintain elevator systems.

Median Salary: $81,460

Highest earners: $124,243

Required education: Must pass commercial driver license test class A and successfully complete all required training and classroom courses

Job outlook (2021–2031): +7 percent

A commercial truck driver is a professional driver who operates large trucks or other commercial vehicles to safely and efficiently transport goods or materials. A truck driver plans and organizes delivery routes, loads and unloads cargo, operates and maintains the truck and equipment, and maintains accurate records of deliveries, mileage, and fuel consumption.

Median Salary: $60,040

Highest earners: $99,800

Required education: 40 hours of formal vocational training and an associate degree or certificate from at least a two-year program in an electrician-related field from an accredited community college or technical school

Job outlook (2021–2031): +7 percent

Electricians specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical systems in homes, businesses, factories, and more. They work with a wide range of electrical equipment including wiring, lighting fixtures, circuit breakers, transformers, and generators to ensure everything is working correctly and complies with safety codes and regulations.

Median Salary: $98,674

Highest earners: $117,122

Required education: Associate's degree

Job outlook (2021–2031): +14 percent

Respiratory therapists specialize in treating patients with breathing disorders and other cardiopulmonary issues. Some of their responsibilities include administering diagnostic tests, developing and implementing treatment plans, providing mechanical ventilation, educating patients, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Median Salary: $77,773

Highest earners: $111,522

Required education: High school diploma or equivalent with an FAA Airframe and Powerplant license

Job outlook (2021–2031): +6 percent

Aircraft mechanics provide maintenance and repair services for helicopters and airplanes. Their job is to ensure that all of the mechanical components of an aircraft meet operational and safety requirements. Aircraft mechanics usually work at airports, government organizations, military groups, and engineering companies.

Median Salary: $58,500

Highest earners: $92,763

Required education: High school diploma or equivalent

Job outlook (2021–2031): +2 percent

Plumbers specialize in delivering clean water and removing waste. They work with a variety of plumbing fixtures and systems including pipes, water heaters, valves, faucets, and toilets to install and maintain plumbing, repair or replace damaged or malfunctioning plumbing fixtures, detect and repair leaks, clear clogs in drains and sewer lines, install and repair water heaters, and more.

Median Salary: $79,590

Highest earners: $130,000

Required education: Associate's degree in nuclear medicine technology and obtain a license or certification

Job outlook (2021–2031): +5 percent

Nuclear medicine technologists are healthcare professionals who administer and interpret diagnostic tests that use radioactive materials to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Their tasks include preparing and administering radioactive materials to patients, operating specialized imaging equipment, analyzing images and data, educating patients and working with other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans and make clinical decisions.

Median Salary: $111,220

Highest earners: $132,960

Required education: High school diploma or equivalent, but some employers may prefer workers who have a college or vocational school degree. They also must trained to meet rigorous safety and security requirements.

Job outlook (2021–2031): -1.56 percent

A nuclear power reactor operator controls and operates nuclear power reactors to ensure the reactor is operating safely and efficiently. They monitor, control and troubleshoot the reactor, reactor's systems and equipment, including nuclear fuel, control rods, and the cooling system.

Median Salary: $103,500

Highest earners: $126,807

Required education: Associate's degree

Job outlook (2021–2031): +6 percent

Radiation therapists work as part of an oncology team to administer radiation treatment to cancer patients to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors. A radiation therapist works with specialized equipment to deliver precise and targeted doses of radiation to cancer cells in the body.