In a world captivated by the allure of cutting-edge technology and automation, it's easy to overlook the enduring importance of skilled trade jobs . Yet, these professions are not just surviving, they're thriving, as the demand for trade experts is not only robust but also projected to soar in the years to come.
Offering lucrative salaries, rock-solid job security, and abundant opportunities for career growth, trade jobs are the unsung heroes of the modern workforce.
In this article, we'll lift the curtain on 10 high-paying trade jobs of the future and give you the inside scoop on how to make one of these rewarding careers your own.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
As the world races to embrace cleaner, greener energy solutions, solar photovoltaic installers are the trailblazers leading us into a sun-powered future. These eco-warriors are the hands and brains behind the installation, maintenance, and repair of solar panel systems that grace rooftops and open fields alike.
With a jaw-dropping projected growth rate of 63% between 2019 and 2029 , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this career is not just hot—it's sizzling!
So, how do you join this solar brigade? You've got options! You can dive right in with on-the-job training or sharpen your skills at a technical school offering specialized courses in solar technology.
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However, if you're aiming for the top, some states require certification—a badge of honor that can be yours after taking an exam. As for the paycheck, the average solar photovoltaic installer earns around $44,890 annually. But hold onto your hard hat—seasoned pros in this field can rake in significantly more!
Wind Turbine Technician
As the world's appetite for renewable energy grows, wind turbine technicians are the daredevils riding the gusts of this booming industry. These adrenaline junkies don't just clock in and out, they scale towering turbines and battle the elements to ensure these wind-powered behemoths are in top shape.
If you're wondering about job security, here's a number to blow you away: a staggering 61% growth rate is expected for this role between 2019 and 2029. Talk about a career that's literally on the rise!
So, how do you catch this updraft? First, you'll want to earn your wings at a technical school that offers specialized training in wind energy technology, but the learning doesn't stop there, as you'll also get hands-on experience through on-the-job training.
As for the financial rewards, the average wind turbine technician earns a breezy $56,230 per year, with plenty of room for growth as you gain experience.
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Electrician
In a world where almost everything runs on electricity, electricians are the unsung heroes keeping the lights on—literally. From powering your cozy home and bustling workplace to ensuring that industrial machinery hums along smoothly, these masters of the circuit are indispensable.
As we venture further into the age of smart homes, electric vehicles, and automation, the demand for specialized electricians is set to surge like a bolt of lightning. Thus, it is no surprise that electricians take home over $57,000 on an average each year, with the role set to see a 6% YoY increase in openings.
The journey here often begins with an apprenticeship program that blends together classroom learning, along with on-the-job training. Electricians stand to earn substantially more if they choose to specialize, such as becoming an industrial electrician, or an oil rig electrician, among other things.
Plumber
In a world obsessed with digital wizardry, plumbers are the timeless guardians of our most basic needs—clean water and functional sanitation. Whether it's laying down the plumbing foundation for a skyscraper or rescuing a suburban home from a disastrous leak, plumbers are the unsung heroes.
This is also one of the few professions on this list that is virtually recession-proof , because no matter how dire the global economy gets, people will not put off a plumbing emergency to a later date. It also helps that plumbing is one such trade that cannot be either outsourced or automated.
So, how do you dive into this evergreen profession? Most aspiring plumbers kick start their careers with an apprenticeship, where they earn while they learn. Plumbers who are licensed can see floodgates of opportunities open for them, allowing for average pay as high as $55,000 annually.
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Aircraft Mechanic
As the skies fill with more planes, the unsung heroes ensuring high quality assurance standards
, so that we can fly safely are none other than aircraft mechanics.
These skyward engineers are the last line of defense between us and aviation disasters, meticulously maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing the mechanical marvels that are modern airplanes. With the aviation industry set to soar, the demand for these high-flying professionals is set to take off with it.
Your first stop in this business is an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School, where you'll learn the A to Z of aircraft maintenance. But that's not all, you'll also need to ace certification exams to prove you've got the right stuff. Once you’re done with this, you can expect average pay in excess of $64,000 a year.
Diesel Mechanic
You wouldn’t expect to see diesel mechanics among the most lucrative trades of the future, but believe us when we say this, diesel engines are not going anywhere.
While they will certainly be phased out among most passenger cars over the coming years, they will continue to dominate when it comes to marine engines, locomotives, and construction and farming equipment for the foreseeable future.
This makes it a much more specialized job, requiring a certification from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), with the best paying diesel mechanic jobs paying well in excess of $58,000 a year, and with plenty of scope for advancement.
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Conclusion
As we navigate a world increasingly shaped by technology and automation, it's easy to overlook the enduring value of skilled trades. But make no mistake—these professions aren't just holding steady, they're set to flourish in the coming years.
Whether you're fresh out of high school or contemplating a career pivot, there's a high-paying trade job with your name on it. All you need is a few years of dedication, and a can-do attitude to get things rolling, and a lucrative career can be yours, with no student loan debt, or any other prerequisites.
