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The 15 Highest-Paying Skilled Trades in 2027

Ranked by median annual pay from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Growth figures are projections through 2034. Real government numbers, not estimates.

1. Elevator and Escalator Installer

Median pay: $106,580 a year. Projected growth: 5% by 2034. Highest median pay in the trades, full stop. Apprenticeships are competitive and worth chasing.

2. Power Plant Operator

Median pay: $103,600 a year. Projected growth: declining 10% by 2034. Pay is elite, but be clear-eyed: BLS projects this field shrinks 10% by 2034. Roughly 3,800 openings a year still come from retirements.

3. Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer

Median pay: $92,560 a year. Projected growth: 7% by 2034. Grid modernization and storm work keep crews busy. Best pay-to-entry ratio on this list.

4. Aircraft and Avionics Mechanic

Median pay: $79,140 a year. Projected growth: 5% by 2034. FAA certification is the gate. Avionics techs specifically are growing 8%.

5. Industrial Machinery Mechanic

Median pay: $63,760 a year. Projected growth: 16% by 2034. Fastest growth of any high-paying trade here. Retirements plus new automation to maintain.

6. Plumber, Pipefitter, and Steamfitter

Median pay: $62,970 a year. Projected growth: 4% by 2034. Recession-resistant. Every building needs pipe run and repaired.

7. Ironworker (Structural Iron and Steel)

Median pay: $62,700 a year. Projected growth: 4% by 2034. Structural work pays $62,700. Rebar work runs closer to $59,280.

8. Electrician

Median pay: $62,350 a year. Projected growth: 9% by 2034. Data centers and EV charging are pulling demand past the supply of licensed electricians.

9. Wind Turbine Service Technician

Median pay: $62,580 a year. Projected growth: 50% by 2034. The fastest-growing occupation in the entire U.S. economy, not just the trades.

10. Sheet Metal Worker

Median pay: $60,850 a year. Projected growth: 2% by 2034. Steady fabrication and HVAC ductwork. Growth is slow but the work is consistent.

11. HVAC Mechanic and Installer

Median pay: $59,810 a year. Projected growth: 8% by 2034. Every building needs heating and cooling. About 40,100 openings a year.

12. Carpenter

Median pay: $59,310 a year. Projected growth: 4% by 2034. Framing, finish, and the remodeling boom keep carpenters working.

13. Construction Equipment Operator

Median pay: $58,320 a year. Projected growth: 4% by 2034. Seat time is the skill. Roughly 46,200 openings a year.

14. Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driver

Median pay: $57,440 a year. Projected growth: 4% by 2034. Shortest training runway on this list. Freight has to move.

15. Solar Photovoltaic Installer

Median pay: $51,860 a year. Projected growth: 42% by 2034. Lower pay today, but second-fastest growth in the country. Good ground floor.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Median wages reflect May 2024 data. Growth reflects 2024-2034 projections.