25 careers
Jobs With Paid On-the-Job Training or Apprenticeships
In these careers, much of the learning happens on the job, through an apprenticeship or months of supervised training, so you earn a paycheck while you build skills.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| # | Career | Median pay | Growth 2025–35 | Training time | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Air Traffic Controller | $148,080 | +1.7% | FAA Academy plus 2–4 years on the job | Associate's degree |
| 2 | Commercial Pilot | $123,220 | +5.2% | 1–2 years of flight training | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 3 | Nuclear Reactor Operator | $122,890 | -5.9% | 2–4+ years | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 4 | Nuclear Technician | $110,240 | +1.1% | 2 years + plant training | Associate's degree |
| 5 | Elevator Technician | $109,910 | +5.7% | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 6 | Power Dispatcher | $106,730 | +1.2% | 1–3+ years on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 7 | Substation Technician | $103,020 | +9.7% | 1–2 years + experience | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 8 | Power Plant Operator | $102,040 | -5.1% | 1–3+ years on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 9 | Refinery Operator | $96,710 | -1.9% | 6–18 months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 10 | Postmaster | $96,660 | -0.3% | Postal experience plus management training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 11 | Electrical Lineworker | $95,320 | +10.3% | 3–4 years (apprenticeship) | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 12 | Detective | $93,790 | +0.2% | 3–5 years as a police officer | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 13 | Railroad Signal Technician | $92,460 | +1.8% | Railroad training plus months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 14 | Transportation Inspector | $92,100 | +2.2% | 2–5 years of related experience | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 15 | Gas Plant Operator | $87,820 | -6.0% | 1–2+ years on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 16 | Subway Operator | $86,380 | +3.7% | Transit academy plus on-the-job training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 17 | Transportation Equipment Electrician | $84,890 | +5.4% | Training program plus months on the job | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 18 | Locomotive Engineer | $81,410 | +0.5% | 1–2 years including conductor time | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 19 | Stationary Engineer | $78,620 | +3.1% | 1–4 years | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 20 | Roof Bolter | $78,540 | -18.9% | Months of on-the-job training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 21 | Auto Damage Appraiser | $78,240 | -8.7% | Training program plus months on the job | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| 22 | Chemical Plant Operator | $78,120 | -5.2% | 6–18 months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 23 | Railroad Conductor | $78,000 | +0.9% | 3–6 months of railroad training | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 24 | Claims Adjuster | $78,000 | -5.5% | 3–12 months | High school diploma or equivalent |
| 25 | Gas Compressor Operator | $77,320 | +2.1% | Months on the job | High school diploma or equivalent |
1. Air Traffic Controller
Air traffic controllers coordinate aircraft movements on the ground and in the air, giving pilots clearances and instructions to keep aircraft safely separated and traffic flowing.
- Median pay: $148,080 ($71.19/hr)
- Training: FAA Academy plus 2–4 years on the job: associate's degree
- Growth: +1.7% (slower than average), 2,100 openings/yr
Air Traffic Controller career guide · Air Traffic Controller training
2. Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots fly aircraft for hire outside the major airlines, including charter, corporate, cargo, aerial tours, crop dusting, medical transport and flight instruction.
- Median pay: $123,220
- Training: 1–2 years of flight training: postsecondary nondegree award
- Growth: +5.2% (faster than average), 5,200 openings/yr
Commercial Pilot career guide · Commercial Pilot training
3. Nuclear Reactor Operator
Nuclear power reactor operators control nuclear reactors, adjusting control rods, monitoring instruments and responding to abnormal conditions, under a license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
- Median pay: $122,890 ($59.08/hr)
- Training: 2–4+ years: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -5.9% (a projected decline), 400 openings/yr
Nuclear Reactor Operator career guide · Nuclear Reactor Operator training
4. Nuclear Technician
Nuclear technicians assist physicists, engineers and other professionals in nuclear research and power generation, monitoring radiation, operating equipment and running tests.
- Median pay: $110,240 ($53.00/hr)
- Training: 2 years + plant training: associate's degree
- Growth: +1.1% (slower than average), 900 openings/yr
Nuclear Technician career guide · Nuclear Technician training
5. Elevator Technician
Elevator and escalator installers and repairers assemble, install, test, maintain and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways and lifts, working with electrical, mechanical and hydraulic systems.
- Median pay: $109,910 ($52.84/hr)
- Training: 4–5 years (apprenticeship): high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +5.7% (faster than average), 1,900 openings/yr
Elevator Technician career guide · Elevator Technician training
6. Power Dispatcher
Power distributors and dispatchers coordinate and control the flow of electricity across transmission and distribution systems, balancing supply and demand and directing field crews during outages.
- Median pay: $106,730 ($51.31/hr)
- Training: 1–3+ years on the job: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +1.2% (slower than average), 700 openings/yr
Power Dispatcher career guide · Power Dispatcher training
7. Substation Technician
Electrical and electronics repairers for powerhouses, substations and relays inspect, test, repair and maintain transformers, breakers, relays and control systems.
- Median pay: $103,020 ($49.53/hr)
- Training: 1–2 years + experience: postsecondary nondegree award
- Growth: +9.7% (much faster than average), 1,800 openings/yr
Substation Technician career guide · Substation Technician training
8. Power Plant Operator
Power plant operators control and monitor the boilers, turbines, generators and auxiliary equipment that produce electricity at gas, coal, hydro, solar and other plants.
- Median pay: $102,040 ($49.06/hr)
- Training: 1–3+ years on the job: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -5.1% (a projected decline), 2,300 openings/yr
Power Plant Operator career guide · Power Plant Operator training
9. Refinery Operator
Petroleum pump system operators, refinery operators and gaugers control refinery units, pumps and tanks that process and move crude oil and petroleum products.
- Median pay: $96,710 ($46.50/hr)
- Training: 6–18 months on the job: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -1.9% (a projected decline), 2,700 openings/yr
Refinery Operator career guide · Refinery Operator training
10. Postmaster
Postmasters and mail superintendents direct and coordinate operational, administrative, management and support services of a U.S. post office.
- Median pay: $96,660 ($46.47/hr)
- Training: Postal experience plus management training: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -0.3% (little or no change), 900 openings/yr
Postmaster career guide · Postmaster training
11. Electrical Lineworker
Electrical lineworkers install, maintain and repair the overhead and underground power lines that carry electricity from power plants to homes and businesses, often working at heights on energized equipment and restoring power after storms.
- Median pay: $95,320 ($45.83/hr)
- Training: 3–4 years (apprenticeship): high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +10.3% (much faster than average), 10,900 openings/yr
Electrical Lineworker career guide · Electrical Lineworker training
12. Detective
Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and evidence, interview witnesses and suspects, and build cases on crimes such as theft, fraud, assault and homicide.
- Median pay: $93,790 ($45.09/hr)
- Training: 3–5 years as a police officer: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +0.2% (little or no change), 7,800 openings/yr
Detective career guide · Detective training
13. Railroad Signal Technician
Signal and track switch repairers install, inspect, test, maintain or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches and related equipment.
- Median pay: $92,460 ($44.45/hr)
- Training: Railroad training plus months on the job: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +1.8% (slower than average), 800 openings/yr
Railroad Signal Technician career guide · Railroad Signal Technician training
14. Transportation Inspector
Transportation inspectors check the safety of commercial vehicles, aircraft, railroads, vessels and freight, enforce federal and state regulations and investigate accidents and violations.
- Median pay: $92,100 ($44.28/hr)
- Training: 2–5 years of related experience: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +2.2% (slower than average), 2,300 openings/yr
Transportation Inspector career guide · Transportation Inspector training
15. Gas Plant Operator
Gas plant operators distribute or process gas for utilities and industry, controlling compressors, pipelines and processing equipment at plants and stations.
- Median pay: $87,820 ($42.22/hr)
- Training: 1–2+ years on the job: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -6.0% (a projected decline), 1,400 openings/yr
Gas Plant Operator career guide · Gas Plant Operator training
16. Subway Operator
Subway and streetcar operators operate subway, elevated suburban trains or electric-powered streetcars to transport passengers.
- Median pay: $86,380 ($41.53/hr)
- Training: Transit academy plus on-the-job training: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +3.7% (about as fast as average), 900 openings/yr
Subway Operator career guide · Subway Operator training
17. Transportation Equipment Electrician
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment, install, adjust or maintain electrical systems in trains, ships, buses and other transportation equipment.
- Median pay: $84,890 ($40.81/hr)
- Training: Training program plus months on the job: postsecondary nondegree award
- Growth: +5.4% (faster than average), 500 openings/yr
Transportation Equipment Electrician career guide · Transportation Equipment Electrician training
18. Locomotive Engineer
Locomotive engineers drive trains, controlling speed, braking and train handling while following signals, track warrants and operating rules to move freight and passengers safely.
- Median pay: $81,410 ($39.14/hr)
- Training: 1–2 years including conductor time: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +0.5% (little or no change), 2,000 openings/yr
Locomotive Engineer career guide · Locomotive Engineer training
19. Stationary Engineer
Stationary engineers and boiler operators control and maintain boilers, chillers, turbines and other equipment that provide heat, power and cooling for buildings, hospitals, campuses and plants.
- Median pay: $78,620 ($37.80/hr)
- Training: 1–4 years: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +3.1% (about as fast as average), 3,200 openings/yr
Stationary Engineer career guide · Stationary Engineer training
20. Roof Bolter
Roof bolters, mining, operate self-propelled machines to install roof support bolts in underground mines.
- Median pay: $78,540 ($37.76/hr)
- Training: Months of on-the-job training: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -18.9% (a projected decline), 100 openings/yr
Roof Bolter career guide · Roof Bolter training
21. Auto Damage Appraiser
Insurance appraisers, auto damage, inspect damaged vehicles, estimate repair costs and help determine settlement amounts for insurance claims.
- Median pay: $78,240 ($37.61/hr)
- Training: Training program plus months on the job: postsecondary nondegree award
- Growth: -8.7% (a projected decline), 700 openings/yr
Auto Damage Appraiser career guide · Auto Damage Appraiser training
22. Chemical Plant Operator
Chemical plant and system operators control or operate chemical processes and equipment, including reactors, distillation columns and mixing systems.
- Median pay: $78,120 ($37.56/hr)
- Training: 6–18 months on the job: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -5.2% (a projected decline), 1,300 openings/yr
Chemical Plant Operator career guide · Chemical Plant Operator training
23. Railroad Conductor
Railroad conductors coordinate train crews, verify cars and paperwork, switch and inspect cars, communicate with dispatchers and make sure trains follow operating rules.
- Median pay: $78,000 ($37.50/hr)
- Training: 3–6 months of railroad training: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +0.9% (little or no change), 3,000 openings/yr
Railroad Conductor career guide · Railroad Conductor training
24. Claims Adjuster
Claims adjusters, examiners and investigators evaluate insurance claims, inspect damage, interview people, review policies and determine coverage and settlement amounts.
- Median pay: $78,000 ($37.50/hr)
- Training: 3–12 months: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: -5.5% (a projected decline), 20,900 openings/yr
Claims Adjuster career guide · Claims Adjuster training
25. Gas Compressor Operator
Gas compressor and gas pumping station operators operate steam, gas, electric motor or internal combustion engine driven compressors to transmit, compress or recover gases.
- Median pay: $77,320 ($37.17/hr)
- Training: Months on the job: high school diploma or equivalent
- Growth: +2.1% (slower than average), 300 openings/yr
Gas Compressor Operator career guide · Gas Compressor Operator training
Methodology
Rankings use national data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025; BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35)) for the 709 careers profiled on Career Education Institute. Lists are not exhaustive of all U.S. occupations. Data checked October 15, 2026.
About this list
What is #1 on the list of jobs with paid training?
Air Traffic Controller, with a median wage of $148,080 per year and about FAA Academy plus 2–4 years on the job of training.
How was this list made?
We ranked careers from our 709 profiles using BLS May 2025 wage data and 2025–35 employment projections, applying the criteria described on this page.