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8 Well-Paying Trade Jobs That Actually Mean It When They Say 'No Experience Necessary'

Quickly learn on the job with these high-paying jobs.

By Cassandra Yorgey

Edited by Amanda Machado

Updated Dec. 10, 2025

Mass layoffs across multiple industries have left millions of workers searching for stable careers. Many are looking for positions in new fields that can provide a way out of living paycheck to paycheck, but they keep encountering conflicting job postings for "entry-level" positions.

Trade careers, however, offer genuine opportunities for workers without previous experience to build reliable pay and long-term stability.

Here are a few of the well-paying trade jobs that usually really mean "no experience necessary".

Editor's note: All salary figures are sourced from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

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Solar panel installation technician

Median annual salary: $51,860

According to folks already in the field, getting started in the photovoltaic installation sector is often as easy as applying to your local solar company. Employers are often looking for desire and initiative in job candidates because much of the training is done on the job.

Solar energy, and installation specifically, is expected to grow significantly (42%) over the next 10 years. Companies such as Solar Energy International also provide both free and paid training courses to help people get started in the field.

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Flight attendants

Median annual salary: $67,130

If you love to travel, getting hired as a flight attendant doesn't require experience so much as the ability to pass basic yet stringent requirements, such as a background check, possession of a valid passport, and passing physical tests to comply with requirements by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Airlines are very transparent about how to get started and what is required, so potential applicants can self-select out early in the process.

Wind turbine technician

Median annual salary: $62,580

The green energy sector is expected to grow quickly over the next decade, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 50% growth rate for wind turbine technicians. Many in the field say it's easy to enter the field without experience, and the main qualification is safety.

There are rigorous safety tests for OSHA standards that need to be passed during training, so convincing companies that you operate safely in potentially dangerous situations and follow instructions can get you set up with a job that offers paid training.

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers

Median annual salary: $37,320

The average pay for vet assistants is on the low end, but reports from workers within the industry say it's an easy way to get your foot in the door towards becoming a veterinary technician without having to pay for the certification yourself, which bumps up the pay on average to $45,980 per year.

States have different requirements, so depending on your location, you may be able to start as a tech with no formal experience beyond being generally good with animals.

Electricians

Median annual salary: $62,350

The barrier to entry for electricians varies widely by locale. Some areas have a shortage of apprentices, which can make it easy to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) without experience.

Areas without a shortage can be more challenging, and some report waitlists of over 5 years. Training is either on-the-job or through classes, but the first step is reaching out to your local IBEW to learn how to get started.

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers

Median annual salary: $51,000

There are several ways to enter welding as a career. Local community colleges often offer inexpensive welding classes that don't require a full degree. However, many employers (such as shipyards) will pay for classes and then hire graduates, making this an excellent option for those who are money tight when it comes to sponsoring their own training.

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Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators

Median annual salary: $58,260

Water purification technicians usually require a state license, but most entry-level workers obtain it through on-the-job training. People on the job suggest requesting a tour of your local water and wastewater plants, and asking about what kind of entry-level positions would be available without experience to get started.

Your local town or city authority will be able to direct you to contact information and job postings, so you can skip directly to applying if you're already certain this is the path for you.

Material moving machine operator

Median annual salary: $46,620

Many forklift operators say to skip the paid courses and just apply directly for open positions, even if the positions require some experience. It does require certification. However, employers will train and certify you while you get paid if the demand for workers is there.

From there, it's easy to transition to other material-moving machine operator positions that can pay more, but will also have on-the-job training and certifications.

Bottom line

If the layoffs of the past years have you rethinking your job prospects and career path, there are still entry-level positions that don't require experience and instead train you after hiring. Many of these trade positions are economically situated to withstand economic downturns and are likely to offer stability in the coming years.

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