The best trade to get into right now is electrical work. Electricians earn a median salary of $61,590. Job openings are projected to grow 11% through 2032, nearly three times the national average. You can start an apprenticeship straight out of high school with zero student debt.
But "best" depends on what you care about. Some trades pay more. Others have faster training or let you work outdoors. A few are nearly impossible to automate. We ranked 12 trades using Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and job projection numbers so you can compare them side by side.
Here's the full list, followed by a breakdown of each trade.
The 12 Best Trades to Get Into Right Now
| Rank | Trade | Median Salary | Job Growth | Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrician | $61,590 | +11% | 4–5 yr apprenticeship |
| 2 | HVAC Technician | $57,300 | +9% | 6 mo – 2 yr |
| 3 | Plumber | $61,550 | +6% | 4–5 yr apprenticeship |
| 4 | Elevator Installer | $102,420 | +3% | 4 yr apprenticeship |
| 5 | Industrial Mechanic | $59,840 | +14% | 1–2 yr certificate |
| 6 | Wind Turbine Tech | $61,770 | +45% | 2 yr associate |
| 7 | Welder | $48,940 | +2% | 6 mo – 2 yr |
| 8 | Dental Hygienist | $87,530 | +7% | 2–3 yr associate |
| 9 | Diesel Mechanic | $54,360 | +3% | 1–2 yr program |
| 10 | Lineworker | $85,420 | +6% | 3–4 yr apprenticeship |
| 11 | Automotive Tech | $47,770 | +2% | 1–2 yr program |
| 12 | Radiologic Tech | $73,410 | +6% | 2 yr associate |
1. Electrician — The Best All-Around Trade
Electrician takes the top spot because it balances everything: high pay ($61,590 median), strong 11% job growth, no student debt, and a career that's nearly impossible to offshore or automate. You can start earning real money within months of beginning your apprenticeship.
Best for: People who want the best combination of pay, security, and career flexibility. Works well for career changers too, since apprenticeships don't require prior experience.
Most electricians start through a 4–5 year apprenticeship, earning around $18/hour in year one and climbing to $30+/hour by the time they journey out. Union programs (IBEW) typically pay more but have stricter entry requirements.
Compare Electrician Programs Near You
We track 214 schools offering Electrical Installation programs with graduate earnings data. Filter by state, tuition cost, and ROI.
View Electrical Programs →2. HVAC Technician — Fast Training, Steady Demand
HVAC edges out plumbing because the training is faster. You can be working in 6 months with a certificate program, or 2 years with an associate degree. Median pay sits at $57,300 and climbing — climate change and aging housing stock mean HVAC techs are in constant demand.
Fast track: HVAC has one of the shortest training times among high-paying trades. Most programs take 6–24 months, vs. 4–5 years for plumbing or electrical apprenticeships.
The work is a mix of indoor (installing systems, troubleshooting) and outdoor (condenser repairs, rooftop units). Most techs work for small service companies or large commercial HVAC contractors.
3. Plumber — High Ceiling, Always Needed
Plumbing ties electrical for median salary but lags slightly on job growth (+6% vs +11%). The work is physically demanding — you're in crawl spaces, under sinks, in tight spots — but the ceiling is high. Master plumbers who own their own business regularly clear $150,000+.
Physical caveat: Plumbing is tough on the body. Back issues, knee problems, and repetitive strain are common by mid-career. Many plumbers transition to supervisor or business owner roles by their 40s.
4. Elevator Installer — The Highest-Paying Trade Most People Forget
At $102,420 median, elevator installers are the highest-paid trade workers in the country. The trade has limited openings (+3% growth) and requires a 4-year apprenticeship through the IUEC union, but the pay is worth the gate.
Only about 2,000 annual openings nationally, so it's competitive to get in. If you live in a major metro and can land an apprenticeship, this is one of the best-paying trades you can enter.
5. Wind Turbine Tech — Fastest-Growing Trade in the Country
Wind turbine technician is growing at 45% — the fastest rate of any occupation tracked by the BLS. Pay is solid at $61,770 median, and the training is just a 2-year associate degree. The catch: most jobs are in the Midwest, Texas, and coastal regions where wind farms cluster.
You'll climb 300-foot towers daily. Not a trade for the heights-averse.
How to Choose the Right Trade
The "best" trade depends on your situation. Here's a simplified decision framework:
- If you want the highest ceiling: Elevator installer or union electrician
- If you want the fastest path to a paycheck: HVAC or welding (under 12 months)
- If you prioritize growth / future-proofing: Wind turbine tech, industrial mechanic, electrician
- If you hate school: Any apprenticeship path — you earn while you learn, no classroom required beyond nightly coursework
- If you want outdoor work: Lineworker, wind turbine, construction trades
Every one of these trades beats the median U.S. worker salary ($47,000) and offers a path to six figures for those who pursue specialization or ownership. The worst outcome in any of these trades — baseline technician pay — still exceeds what most bachelor's degree graduates earn in their first 5 years.
Compare Programs by State & Earnings
See which schools in your state have the highest graduate earnings for each trade. Filter by tuition, ROI, and placement rate.
Browse All 205 Trades →