Career paths
Compare skilled-trades career paths before choosing your next move.
Explore high-demand skilled-trades careers, understand training pathways, compare earning potential, and build a practical route toward jobs, apprenticeships, and long-term growth.
Next step
Start with direction, then move toward training or work.
Career paths help you choose a direction. Once a path feels right, compare training programs or look for real jobs and apprenticeships.
Search is useful here because career seekers may already know a trade name, skill, certification, or work environment they want to compare.
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6 of 6
4–5 year apprenticeship
Electrician
Power the future with your hands
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories. With AI data centers booming and EV charging rollout underway, demand is at a historic high.
Salary
$62,350
Skills
5 key areas
6 months–2 year program
HVAC Technician
Keep the world comfortable
HVAC techs install and maintain heating, cooling, and ventilation systems. Heat pump rollout and climate change are creating unprecedented demand for skilled technicians.
Salary
$57,300
Skills
5 key areas
4–5 year apprenticeship
Plumber
Infrastructure the world depends on
Plumbers install and repair the pipe systems that carry water, gas, and waste. Aging infrastructure nationwide means decades of guaranteed work.
Salary
$59,880
Skills
5 key areas
6 months–2 year program
Welder
Build the structures of tomorrow
Welders fuse metal parts together using heat and pressure. From ships and bridges to aerospace and pipelines — if it's metal, a welder built it.
Salary
$47,010
Skills
5 key areas
3–6 months program
Solar Technician
Power the clean energy revolution
Solar techs install, maintain, and repair photovoltaic systems on homes and commercial buildings. One of the fastest-growing trades in America with 25%+ annual growth.
Salary
$52,400
Skills
5 key areas
3 months–2 years depending on specialization
Construction Worker
Build everything around you
Construction workers build and maintain structures — from homes to highways. The most versatile trade entry point with clear paths to specialization and leadership.
Salary
$48,000
Skills
5 key areas
Need help choosing?
Match your strengths with a practical career path.
Take the career quiz to compare your interests, work style, and goals with different skilled-trades paths.