The skilled trades are experiencing a renaissance, with some positions offering six-figure salaries without requiring a college degree.
Leading the pack are elevator and escalator installers, who are earning over $100,000 annually while the student debt crisis continues to burden college graduates.
High-Paying Trade Jobs That Don’t Require College
1. Elevator and Escalator Installers ($100,000+ Average)
Elevator and escalator installers are taking home just over $100,000 a year on average, making this one of the most lucrative trades available. These professionals install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and similar equipment in buildings.
What the job involves: Installing complex mechanical systems, troubleshooting electrical components, and ensuring safety compliance in high-rise buildings and commercial spaces.
2. Power Plant Operators ($85,000-$95,000)
Power plant operators manage the systems that generate electricity, monitoring equipment and adjusting controls to maintain optimal power output. Many utilities provide on-the-job training programs.
3. Transportation Inspectors ($75,000-$90,000)
These professionals examine transportation equipment, facilities, and systems to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The role includes inspecting aircraft, trains, buses, and maritime vessels.
4. Electrical Power-Line Installers ($70,000-$85,000)
Power line technicians install and maintain the electrical grid infrastructure. While dangerous, the work offers excellent pay and job security as the electrical grid continues expanding.
5. Commercial Pilots ($80,000-$120,000)
Commercial pilots can earn substantial salaries flying for airlines, cargo companies, or charter services. Flight training programs are available through aviation schools and military service.
6. Nuclear Technicians ($85,000-$95,000)
Nuclear technicians assist engineers and physicists in nuclear research and production. Most positions require specialized training but not a four-year degree.
Why These Jobs Pay So Well
The combination of skilled labor shortages and essential infrastructure needs drives these high salaries. As baby boomers retire, there’s increasing demand for workers who can maintain and install critical systems that keep modern society functioning.
Key advantages:
The elevator installation field particularly benefits from urbanization trends and aging building infrastructure requiring modernization. With specific work experience valued over formal education, these trades offer a direct path to middle-class income without the financial burden of college tuition.
