Skilled workers are in demand, these trade jobs pay the most

Demand for skilled workers is driving up salaries in trade jobs -- here are the ones that pay the best\

Trade jobs in the U.S. are in a renaissance with high demand for skilled workers and waning interest in college among young adults.

The shortage of workers in the trades has driven up the pay, making those positions more attractive and the training a better payoff than a four-year college degree, in many instances.

Trade jobs in the U.S. are going through a renaissance. (Scott Olson/Getty Images/File)

Using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job site Indeed recently reported that the average salary for a trade job in America is $61,900, but several occupations pay much more, even just starting out.

HIGHEST-PAYING JOBS RIGHT OUT OF SCHOOL

Here are the highest-paying trade jobs in 2024, according to Indeed:

Ultrasonographer: $131,161

Respiratory therapist: $104,437

Dental hygienist: $99,013

Construction manager: $88,319

Aircraft mechanic: $82,846

Trade jobs in the U.S. are going through a renaissance. (George Frey/Getty Images/File)

Cable technician: $70,714

Industrial mechanic: $69,637

Solar installer: $69,442

Real estate appraiser: $64,075

Electrician: $62,739

Licensed practice nurse: $59,125

Wind turbine technician: $58,005

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Skilled trade workers needed to help 'get a lot more done': Cataneo

Gateway Plumbing & Heating owner John Cataneo says there's room for creativity and profitability in many trade jobs, which are in high demand.

The shortage of trade workers has led to elevated demand across the economy, particularly in the construction field, where the dearth of skilled workers is contributing to a shortage of housing across the country.

GEN ZERs SKIP COLLEGE TO PURSUE MORE BLUE-COLLAR JOBS

The 2024 U.S. Trade Report from ProTool Reviews focused on that industry and highlighted the best-paying trade jobs in the sector.

Elevator and escalator installer is the highest-paid trade job in the construction industry, according to new data. (iStock)

Here are the highest-paying construction-related trades, according to ProTool Reviews:

Elevator and escalator installer: $100,060

Electrical power line installer: $85,900

Aircraft mechanics technician: $76,260

Boilermaker: $73,840Telecommunications installer: $69,040

Ironworker: $68,220

Two rodbuster ironworkers use pliers to attach rebar during the construction of the new 6th Street Bridge in Los Angeles on June 3, 2022. (Gary Leonard/Getty Images)

Pipefitter, plumber and steamfitter: $67,840

Electrician: $67,810