9 Trade Jobs Employers Can’t Fill Fast Enough That Pay Over $80,000

Skilled trade professions are experiencing a surge in demand due to significant infrastructure investments and a shortage of qualified workers. If you are considering a career change and want to build wealth, there are numerous trade jobs across industries and niches available, many exceeding an annual salary of $80,000.

They mostly require a high school education along with apprenticeship experience, while some require an associate's or bachelor's degree. Most of these trade jobs offer on-the-job training, helping you specialize and grow in your chosen trade.

Editor's note: Salary information has been sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Indeed.

Median annual salary: $92,560

These professionals install, maintain, and repair electrical power distribution systems in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. While entry usually involves completing a high school diploma, to become proficient, an apprenticeship program that combines classroom sessions and paid on-the-job training is required.

The demand for these highly professional electricians is growing due to urbanization and an aging workforce.

Median annual salary: $94,260

Dental hygienists examine and treat patients for issues with oral diseases like gingivitis and provide preventative care and oral hygiene treatments.

Dental hygienists require an associate degree in dental hygiene that takes up to three years to complete. They also need to be certified in all states, even though the requirements might vary.

Median annual salary: $106,580

Elevator and escalator technicians specialize in installing and maintaining elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other kinds of lifts.

They typically require a high school diploma and learn everything about the trade through apprenticeship programs. These professionals have in-depth knowledge and understanding of mechanical and electrical systems.

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Compare car insurance rates in Ohio

See if you qualify for a lower rate in less than 2 minutes

Currently Insured?

Yes

No

Multiple Cars?

Yes

No

Homeowner

Yes

No

Age

30-39

• 18-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60-69
• 70-79
• 80+

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Smart Drivers, Smarter Savings.

Great News! We’ve located some excellent quote options just for you.

Where can we send you info and recommendations?

Enter Email

Bundle Home & Auto to Save More?

Yes

No

Active Military?

No

Yes

Compare Quotes

By clicking the button above, I understand and agree that this site uses site visit recording technology (provided by Trusted Form, Jornaya, and Microsoft Clarity) Privacy Policy

Median annual salary: $103,600

Power plant operators are specialized tradespeople who control the systems and machinery that generate and distribute electric power across national grids.

They typically need a high school diploma or equivalent to enter the industry. Once hired, they are then trained on the job extensively to become skilled within the niche.

Median annual salary: $101,990

These are professionals who administer radiation treatments to patients as prescribed by a radiation oncologist, typically as part of cancer treatment.

An associate or bachelor's degree is necessary, along with a certification exam and licensing to work as a radiation therapist in the U.S.

Median annual salary: $104,240

Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers, and other scientists in the field of nuclear power generation and production activities, such as operating and maintaining nuclear testing machinery and equipment.

They would need an associate degree in nuclear science or a related field. Once hired, they go through extensive on-the-job training to make them highly proficient within the niche.

Median annual salary: $97,020

Nuclear medicine technologists are professionals who prepare and administer radioactive drugs for imaging or treatment. They mostly work in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, or imaging clinics.

These professionals typically require an associate degree from an accredited nuclear medicine program and then proceed to get certified. Licensing requirements vary across states.

Median annual salary: $198,100

These are self-explanatory from the heading itself — they fly and navigate aircraft like planes, helicopters, etc.

Airline pilots require a bachelor's degree and experience as a commercial or military pilot. While the former requires flight training in addition, both must meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.

Median annual salary: $102,010

Transportation, storage, and distribution managers oversee and supervise the storage, delivery, and transportation of goods to ensure their supply chains run efficiently. Their duties vary from managing inventory to coordinating logistics, maintaining records, etc.

They typically require a high school diploma, although some employers prefer or require a bachelor's degree. They also need related work experience to enter the market.

While there are plenty of skilled trade jobs across industries that offer around $80,000 or above, employers still struggle to find the right set of qualified individuals. Most of these roles come with accessible apprenticeship pathways and on-the-job training, helping to specialize and climb the hierarchy of roles.

As industries evolve to keep pace with infrastructure demands, these skilled trade professionals are going to be in demand even more so in the future. So if you're tired of living paycheck to paycheck, consider one of these industries as a potential new career path.