Explore the trades

45 hands-on careers in 8 fields, with real pay data and schools near you. Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute quiz.

What every trade pays

All 45 trades, ranked by median pay. Select a trade for its full guide, or the school count to find programs.

Pay, growth and schools for every trade
TradeMedian payGrowth, 2025–35Schools
Pilot training$123,220+5.2%78
Dental hygienist$98,100+8%276
Diagnostic medical sonography$96,590+13.9%280
Respiratory therapist$82,280+8.5%333
Radiologic technologist$80,110+5%416
Aviation maintenance$79,870+5.4%174
Police academy & criminal justice$76,210+3.5%913
Electronics technician$74,090+0.3%445
Occupational therapy assistant$72,300+21.5%186
CAD & drafting$71,550-6%494
Physical therapist assistant$68,380+23%328
Surgical technologist$64,650+5%441
Industrial maintenance & mechatronics$64,520+17.8%680
Practical nursing (LPN/LVN)$64,400+3%942
Plumbing$63,800+6.8%168
Electrician$63,190+9.2%575
Medical lab technician$62,930+2.7%292
Culinary arts$62,470+6.6%478
IT support & networking$61,860-3.5%696
Diesel & heavy equipment mechanic$61,770+3.6%388
HVAC technician$61,010+10.9%769
Carpentry$60,580+3.9%241
Heavy equipment operator$59,850+4.6%72
Fire science & firefighting$59,280+3.7%377
CNC machining$58,750+1%449
CDL & truck driving$58,640+3.8%250
Massage therapy$58,450+15.3%382
Auto body & collision repair$54,890+3.7%271
Welding$53,750+2.4%924
Medical billing & coding$51,140+7.8%702
Automotive technician$50,620+5%785
Dental assistant$48,070+7.4%562
Motorcycle & small engine repair$47,880+2.3%94
Veterinary technician$47,380+9.4%254
Construction technology$47,120+7.3%398
Pharmacy technician$45,750+6.4%379
Medical assistant$45,690+12.9%1,060
Esthetician$45,330+8.8%778
Phlebotomy$45,230+6.8%349
EMT & paramedic$44,470+5.8%690
Nursing assistant (CNA)$42,260+2.6%563
Barbering$38,210+3.3%490
Baking & pastry$37,160+5.5%184
Cosmetology$35,790+7.7%1,412
Nail technician$35,760+9.2%517

Median annual pay, May 2025, and projected job growth. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.