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10 Trade Jobs Employers Can’t Fill Fast Enough That Pay Over $75,000

These in-demand trade careers offer strong pay and fast hiring.

By Andy Lindquist

Edited by Lisa Dammeyer

Updated Feb. 16, 2026

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Plenty of blue-collar jobs with high-paying salaries are in need of a new crop of workers. These jobs don't come with the glitz and glamour of traditional office work, but they're hands-on positions that form the backbone of the economy. One of the best ways to grow your wealth is to land a lucrative job with a steady salary, and these roles are a great way to go about it.

Here are 10 trade jobs that pay over $75,000 a year and are hiring above the national average rate.

Editor's note: Salary information comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Sonographer

Median annual salary: $89,340

Projected growth rate: 13% (Much faster than average)

As a medical sonographer, you'll use specialized ultrasound equipment and high-frequency sound waves to create non-invasive images of the body's internal organs and tissues. You'll work closely with physicians to help diagnose medical conditions or monitor fetal development.

To enter this field, you typically need an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate in diagnostic medical sonography from an accredited program. Many employers also require professional certification through the ARDMS.

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Fire inspector

Median annual salary: $75,480

Projected growth rate: 6% (Faster than average)

In this role, you'll examine building plans and existing structures to ensure they comply with local and state fire codes. That will require you to test safety equipment, such as sprinklers and alarms, and recommend ways to eliminate fire hazards.

Most people become fire inspectors after serving several years as firefighters. You generally need a high school diploma and specialized certification through your state's fire marshal's office or a national organization like the NFPA.

Aerospace engineer

Median annual salary: $79,830

Projected growth rate: 8% (Much faster than average)

This technical job involves installing, maintaining, and operating specialized equipment used to develop and test new aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and other flying objects. You'll also run computer-simulated tests and interpret data to ensure designs meet strict safety and performance standards.

Most enter the field by earning an associate degree in engineering technology or a related field. Some candidates also qualify through equivalent technical training received during military service or at a specialized vocational school.

Police officer

Median annual salary: $77,270

Projected growth rate: 3% (As fast as average)

As a police officer, you'll maintain public safety by patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergency calls, and enforcing motor vehicle and criminal laws. Your duties range from investigating accidents and testifying in court to engaging in community outreach programs.

To become an officer, you typically need at least a high school diploma or GED, though many departments require some college coursework. You must also graduate from a certified police academy and complete a period of supervised on-the-job training.

Elevator and escalator repairer and installer

Median annual salary: $106,580

Projected growth rate: 5% (Faster than average)

In this job, you'll install, maintain, and repair the complex electrical and hydraulic systems that power elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. The work is technically demanding and safety-critical, often requiring troubleshooting electronic control panels and mechanical components.

The most common path is a four-year or five-year apprenticeship program. Most states also require a specific mechanic's license, which involves passing a rigorous exam on safety codes and technical skills. Given that every new building needs these, this job has plenty of built-in stability.

Power line worker

Median annual salary: $92,560

Projected growth rate: 7% (Much faster than average)

A line worker installs and maintains the high-voltage cables and transformers that comprise the national electrical grid. Be prepared to work at great heights or in extreme weather to repair lines after storms.

Entry usually requires a high school diploma followed by a formal apprenticeship that combines technical instruction with paid, on-the-job training. Many candidates also attend a pre-apprenticeship line school to gain basic climbing and electrical skills before applying for a union or utility role. With the country hungry for more electricity, there is plenty of projected growth in this field.

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Dental hygienist

Median annual salary: $94,260

Projected growth rate: 7% (Much faster than average)

As a hygienist, you'll be the first line of defense in the dental office. That means removing plaque and tartar, taking X-rays of the mouth, and applying sealants or fluoride to protect teeth. You'll also play a major role in educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques.

Most dental hygienists enter the profession by earning an associate degree in dental hygiene from an accredited community college or technical school. You must also be licensed by your state to practice clinically.

Construction manager

Median annual salary: $106,980

Projected growth rate: 9% (Much faster than average)

In this role, you'll plan, coordinate, and oversee entire building projects from start to finish. That means managing budgets, scheduling subcontractors, and making sure every aspect of a build complies with safety codes and legal regulations.

Most employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree in construction science, architecture, or civil engineering. However, experienced tradespeople with years of on-the-job experience and an associate degree can often work their way into these management roles.

Aircraft mechanic

Median annual salary: $79,140

Projected growth rate: 5% (Faster than average)

As an aircraft mechanic, you'll be responsible for the airworthiness of planes and helicopters, performing scheduled maintenance and emergency repairs on engines, landing gear, and wings.

You must strictly follow FAA safety standards at all times, and the work can be quite challenging. To enter the field, most attend an FAA-approved technician school to earn their A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) ratings. Alternatively, some gain equivalent experience through military service or several years of supervised on-the-job training.

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Respiratory therapist

Median annual salary: $80,450

Projected growth rate: 12% (Much faster than average)

In this job, you'll treat patients who have difficulty breathing due to chronic conditions like asthma or emphysema, or acute issues like heart attacks. That means you'll operate mechanical ventilators, administer aerosol medications, and perform diagnostic lung tests.

To become one, you must earn at least an associate degree in respiratory therapy from an accredited program. Most states also require you to pass a national exam to obtain licensure.

Bottom line

Getting into the skilled trades, or at least jobs that don't follow the same corporate structure as white-collar work, can be a great way to make a stable income and make a big impact on society at large. Many of these roles involve interacting with the physical world and either building or repairing something, which gives one a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Plus, since these roles are in high demand and pay well, you'll be well on your way toward building wealth.

Beyond individual job growth rates, there's a much bigger workforce shift happening across the trades. A recent Lightcast analysis found that the U.S. faces an annual shortfall of about 1.7 million skilled trade workers, meaning there are far more openings than qualified graduates. That imbalance is helping push wages higher and giving job seekers more leverage across nearly all trade fields.

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