Skilled Trades & Construction Careers

Skilled trades and construction careers let you earn while you learn. Most electricians, plumbers and carpenters train through apprenticeships that combine paid on-the-job hours with classroom instruction, and many finish with no student loans.

Demand is strong because of retirements, infrastructure investment and the shift to clean energy. The trade-off is physical work, outdoor conditions and safety hazards that require serious respect for procedures and personal protective equipment.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

55 skilled trades careers

Boilermaker

Build and repair boilers, tanks and pressure vessels in power plants and refineries.

$76,410/yr median
-1.8% growth
4–5 year apprenticeship

Brickmason

Build durable walls, chimneys and structures from brick, block and stone.

$62,120/yr median
+1.1% growth
3–4 years (apprenticeship)

Cabinetmaker

Build cabinets, furniture and custom woodwork.

$46,680/yr median
-2.9% growth
Months to years of training

Carpenter

Build and repair frameworks, structures and finish work from wood and other materials.

$60,580/yr median
+3.9% growth
3–4 years (apprenticeship)

Carpenter Helper

Help carpenters frame, build and finish structures while learning the trade.

$43,780/yr median
-1.7% growth
A few weeks on the job

Carpet Installer

Install carpet in homes and businesses.

$50,340/yr median
-16.4% growth
A few weeks to months

Commercial Diver

Work underwater to build, inspect and repair docks, pipelines and structures.

$72,990/yr median
+4.8% growth
Diving school plus tending experience

Concrete Finisher

Place, level and finish concrete for slabs, floors, sidewalks and roads.

$57,020/yr median
+1.6% growth
3–12 months on the job

Construction Foreman

Lead construction crews on the job site day to day.

$79,920/yr median
+5.0% growth
5+ years in a trade

Construction Laborer

Prepare sites, move materials, pour concrete and support every trade on the job.

$47,120/yr median
+7.3% growth
Days to weeks (on the job)

Construction Manager

Plan, budget and run construction projects from groundbreaking to final inspection.

$114,990/yr median
+9.1% growth
4 years plus field experience

Cost Estimator

Figure out what a building project or product will cost before work begins.

$78,740/yr median
-3.1% growth
Moderate on-the-job training

Drywall Installer

Hang and finish the walls and ceilings inside homes, offices and commercial buildings.

$58,930/yr median
+2.5% growth
3–12 months on the job

Drywall Taper

Tape, mud and sand drywall joints to make walls smooth and ready for paint.

$68,270/yr median
-1.6% growth
Months on the job

Electrical Lineworker

Build and repair the power lines that deliver electricity, on poles, in buckets and underground.

$95,320/yr median
+10.3% growth
3–4 years (apprenticeship)

Electrician

Install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code.

$63,190/yr median
+9.2% growth
4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)

Electrician Helper

Help electricians pull wire, install conduit and wire buildings.

$42,670/yr median
+0.6% growth
A few weeks on the job

Elevator Technician

Install, maintain and repair elevators, escalators and moving walkways.

$109,910/yr median
+5.7% growth
4–5 years (apprenticeship)

Fence Installer

Build wood, vinyl, chain-link and metal fences.

$47,980/yr median
+5.6% growth
A few months on the job

Flagger

Direct traffic safely through road work zones to protect crews and drivers.

$38,100/yr median
+3.5% growth
1 day

Floor Layer

Install vinyl, laminate, wood and resilient floors.

$56,460/yr median
+9.0% growth
A few months on the job

Floor Sander

Sand and refinish hardwood floors to make them look new.

$50,440/yr median
+1.4% growth
A few months on the job

Furniture Finisher

Stain, finish and restore furniture and cabinetry.

$44,540/yr median
-3.5% growth
A few months on the job

Garage Door Technician

Install and repair garage doors, springs and openers.

$55,720/yr median
+6.4% growth
A few months on the job

Glazier

Install glass windows, storefronts and curtain walls on buildings.

$57,080/yr median
+1.9% growth
3–4 year apprenticeship

Heavy Equipment Operator

Operate excavators, dozers, loaders and graders to move earth and build infrastructure.

$59,850/yr median
+4.6% growth
Months to 4 years

Highway Maintenance Worker

Keep highways safe by patching roads, plowing snow and maintaining signs.

$50,260/yr median
+3.4% growth
Months on the job

HVAC Technician

Install, maintain and repair heating, cooling, ventilation and refrigeration systems.

$61,010/yr median
+10.9% growth
6–24 months

Insulation Installer

Install insulation in walls, attics and floors to save energy.

$49,120/yr median
+2.4% growth
A few weeks on the job

Ironworker

Raise the steel frames of buildings, bridges and towers, high above the ground.

$62,780/yr median
+3.1% growth
3–4 years (apprenticeship)

Locksmith

Install, repair and open locks, safes and access control systems.

$51,320/yr median
-11.7% growth
Months to years of training

Manufactured Home Installer

Set up and connect manufactured and modular homes on site.

$45,990/yr median
+5.8% growth
A few weeks to months

Mason Helper

Mix mortar and supply bricklayers and stonemasons on the job.

$47,550/yr median
-11.7% growth
A few weeks on the job

Mechanical Insulator

Insulate pipes, ducts, boilers and equipment in plants and buildings.

$58,340/yr median
+5.1% growth
4–5 year apprenticeship

Painter

Prepare and paint walls, trim, buildings and structures for protection and a clean finish.

$49,400/yr median
+3.0% growth
1–6 months on the job

Painter Helper

Prep surfaces and assist painters on homes and buildings.

$40,470/yr median
+1.5% growth
A few weeks on the job

Paperhanger

Hang wallpaper and wallcoverings in homes, hotels and offices.

$52,140/yr median
+4.3% growth
Long-term on-the-job training

Paving Equipment Operator

Run pavers and rollers that build roads, parking lots and runways.

$53,340/yr median
-0.9% growth
Months on the job

Pile Driver Operator

Drive steel, concrete and wood piles that hold up bridges and buildings.

$73,300/yr median
-5.7% growth
Months to years of training

Pipelayer

Lay pipe in trenches for water, sewer and storm drain systems.

$49,000/yr median
-3.1% growth
A few weeks on the job

Plasterer

Apply plaster and stucco to walls and ceilings for durable, decorative finishes.

$57,660/yr median
+2.8% growth
2–4 year apprenticeship

Plumber

Install and repair water, drain, gas and heating piping systems to code.

$63,800/yr median
+6.8% growth
4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)

Plumber Helper

Help plumbers install pipes, fixtures and water heaters.

$42,360/yr median
+2.4% growth
A few weeks on the job

Rebar Worker

Place and tie the steel bars that reinforce concrete.

$58,970/yr median
-5.3% growth
3–4 year apprenticeship

Rigger

Plan and rig heavy lifts for cranes, machinery moves and construction.

$62,640/yr median
+3.9% growth
Months of training

Roofer

Install, repair and replace the roofs that keep buildings dry and protected.

$55,440/yr median
+5.3% growth
3–12 months on the job

Roofer Helper

Tear off old roofs, carry materials and help roofers install new roofs.

$44,160/yr median
-0.1% growth
A few weeks on the job

Sheet Metal Worker

Fabricate and install ductwork, roofing, siding and other products made from sheet metal.

$61,800/yr median
+2.5% growth
4–5 years (apprenticeship)

Solar Panel Installer

Install and maintain rooftop and ground-mounted solar energy systems.

$53,140/yr median
+36.5% growth
1–6 months

Stonemason

Build and repair walls, buildings and features with natural and cut stone.

$57,390/yr median
-5.4% growth
3–4 year apprenticeship

Terrazzo Worker

Pour, grind and polish terrazzo floors in airports, schools and lobbies.

$76,170/yr median
-13.0% growth
3–4 year apprenticeship

Tile Setter

Install tile and stone on floors, walls, showers and backsplashes.

$55,690/yr median
+9.8% growth
1–3 years of training

Upholsterer

Rebuild and recover furniture, car seats and boat interiors.

$46,340/yr median
-2.3% growth
Months of training

Welder

Join and cut metal with MIG, TIG and stick welding for construction and manufacturing.

$53,750/yr median
+2.4% growth
3–18 months

Wind Turbine Technician

Climb, inspect, maintain and repair wind turbines that generate clean power.

$64,120/yr median
+29.5% growth
6–24 months

Compare skilled trades careers

#	Career	Median pay	Growth 2025–35	Training time	Typical entry education
1	Construction Manager	$114,990	+9.1%	4 years plus field experience	Bachelor's degree
2	Elevator Technician	$109,910	+5.7%	4–5 years (apprenticeship)	High school diploma or equivalent
3	Electrical Lineworker	$95,320	+10.3%	3–4 years (apprenticeship)	High school diploma or equivalent
4	Construction Foreman	$79,920	+5.0%	5+ years in a trade	High school diploma or equivalent
5	Cost Estimator	$78,740	-3.1%	Moderate on-the-job training	Bachelor's degree
6	Boilermaker	$76,410	-1.8%	4–5 year apprenticeship	High school diploma or equivalent
7	Terrazzo Worker	$76,170	-13.0%	3–4 year apprenticeship	High school diploma or equivalent
8	Pile Driver Operator	$73,300	-5.7%	Months to years of training	High school diploma or equivalent
9	Commercial Diver	$72,990	+4.8%	Diving school plus tending experience	Postsecondary nondegree award
10	Drywall Taper	$68,270	-1.6%	Months on the job	No formal educational credential
11	Wind Turbine Technician	$64,120	+29.5%	6–24 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
12	Plumber	$63,800	+6.8%	4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)	High school diploma or equivalent
13	Electrician	$63,190	+9.2%	4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)	High school diploma or equivalent
14	Ironworker	$62,780	+3.1%	3–4 years (apprenticeship)	High school diploma or equivalent
15	Rigger	$62,640	+3.9%	Months of training	High school diploma or equivalent
16	Brickmason	$62,120	+1.1%	3–4 years (apprenticeship)	High school diploma or equivalent
17	Sheet Metal Worker	$61,800	+2.5%	4–5 years (apprenticeship)	High school diploma or equivalent
18	HVAC Technician	$61,010	+10.9%	6–24 months	Postsecondary nondegree award
19	Carpenter	$60,580	+3.9%	3–4 years (apprenticeship)	High school diploma or equivalent
20	Heavy Equipment Operator	$59,850	+4.6%	Months to 4 years	High school diploma or equivalent
21	Rebar Worker	$58,970	-5.3%	3–4 year apprenticeship	High school diploma or equivalent
22	Drywall Installer	$58,930	+2.5%	3–12 months on the job	No formal educational credential
23	Mechanical Insulator	$58,340	+5.1%	4–5 year apprenticeship	High school diploma or equivalent
24	Plasterer	$57,660	+2.8%	2–4 year apprenticeship	No formal educational credential
25	Stonemason	$57,390	-5.4%	3–4 year apprenticeship	High school diploma or equivalent
26	Glazier	$57,080	+1.9%	3–4 year apprenticeship	High school diploma or equivalent
27	Concrete Finisher	$57,020	+1.6%	3–12 months on the job	No formal educational credential
28	Floor Layer	$56,460	+9.0%	A few months on the job	No formal educational credential
29	Garage Door Technician	$55,720	+6.4%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
30	Tile Setter	$55,690	+9.8%	1–3 years of training	No formal educational credential
31	Roofer	$55,440	+5.3%	3–12 months on the job	No formal educational credential
32	Welder	$53,750	+2.4%	3–18 months	High school diploma or equivalent
33	Paving Equipment Operator	$53,340	-0.9%	Months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
34	Solar Panel Installer	$53,140	+36.5%	1–6 months	High school diploma or equivalent
35	Paperhanger	$52,140	+4.3%	Long-term on-the-job training	No formal educational credential
36	Locksmith	$51,320	-11.7%	Months to years of training	High school diploma or equivalent
37	Floor Sander	$50,440	+1.4%	A few months on the job	No formal educational credential
38	Carpet Installer	$50,340	-16.4%	A few weeks to months	No formal educational credential
39	Highway Maintenance Worker	$50,260	+3.4%	Months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
40	Painter	$49,400	+3.0%	1–6 months on the job	No formal educational credential
41	Insulation Installer	$49,120	+2.4%	A few weeks on the job	No formal educational credential
42	Pipelayer	$49,000	-3.1%	A few weeks on the job	No formal educational credential
43	Fence Installer	$47,980	+5.6%	A few months on the job	No formal educational credential
44	Mason Helper	$47,550	-11.7%	A few weeks on the job	No formal educational credential
45	Construction Laborer	$47,120	+7.3%	Days to weeks (on the job)	No formal educational credential
46	Cabinetmaker	$46,680	-2.9%	Months to years of training	High school diploma or equivalent
47	Upholsterer	$46,340	-2.3%	Months of training	High school diploma or equivalent
48	Manufactured Home Installer	$45,990	+5.8%	A few weeks to months	High school diploma or equivalent
49	Furniture Finisher	$44,540	-3.5%	A few months on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
50	Roofer Helper	$44,160	-0.1%	A few weeks on the job	No formal educational credential
51	Carpenter Helper	$43,780	-1.7%	A few weeks on the job	No formal educational credential
52	Electrician Helper	$42,670	+0.6%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
53	Plumber Helper	$42,360	+2.4%	A few weeks on the job	High school diploma or equivalent
54	Painter Helper	$40,470	+1.5%	A few weeks on the job	No formal educational credential
55	Flagger	$38,100	+3.5%	1 day	No formal educational credential

Getting hired in skilled trades

Start with OSHA 10 safety training, a valid driver’s license and basic math skills: apprenticeship programs test for all three.

What affects pay in this field

Union versus non-union employment and local wage agreements
License level (apprentice, journeyworker, master or contractor)
Overtime, per diem and travel work
Specialization (industrial, commercial, renewable energy, high voltage)

Find your fit

Take the Skilled Trades & Construction career quiz to see which of these roles matches your interests best.

Skilled Trades & Construction careers FAQ

What is the highest-paying skilled trades career on this list?

Construction Manager has the highest median pay among our skilled trades profiles at $114,990 per year (BLS, May 2025).

Which skilled trades career is fastest to start?

Flagger typically takes about 1 day of training.

Which skilled trades career is growing fastest?

Solar Panel Installer, with projected growth of +36.5% from 2025–35 (much faster than average).

How do I choose the right skilled trades career?

Compare day-to-day duties, training time and pay, then take our Skilled Trades & Construction career quiz for a personalized match. Reading a day in the life for your top two choices helps a lot.