Pay is one part of choosing a trade. The setting, schedule, physical demands, travel, training route and licensing requirements may matter just as much. Begin with occupations you can investigate locally, then use national statistics as context.
Four trades, compared on the same basis
| Occupation | May 2025 median | Growth 2025–2035 | Typical route described by BLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $63,190 | 9% | Apprenticeship, commonly 4–5 years |
| Plumber | $63,800 | 7% | Apprenticeship, commonly 4–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | $61,010 | 11% | Postsecondary instruction, commonly 6 months–2 years, plus workplace training |
| Welder | $53,750 | 2% | High school or equivalent plus technical instruction and workplace training |
These are national occupational medians, not starting salaries. BLS wage estimates exclude self-employed workers. The plumbing figure covers plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters; the welding figure covers welders, cutters, solderers and brazers. Do not treat either group as a quote for a particular specialty. Employment growth is a projection for the occupation, not a guarantee that a graduate will find a job.
Make a practical shortlist
Choose two occupations and collect local entry-level job advertisements. Write down the requirements that repeat, then contact an employer or sponsor to ask what is needed before your first day. Compare training offers only after you understand those entry requirements.
Questions beyond salary
- Would you prefer service visits, construction sites, industrial facilities or a workshop?
- How much travel, shift work or on-call time can you accept?
- Can you enter a paid training route, and what is its application timeline?
- Which credentials are needed for the work you intend to do?
- What is the full financial and time commitment of each option?
Turn a comparison into a next step
A useful result is a small action: speak to a sponsor, request the full program price, or verify a licensing rule. A ranking cannot do those things for you. Our guides link back to official sources so that you can check the assumptions behind your plan.
Side-by-side trade comparisons
Two comparisons put a pair of occupations on the same BLS reference periods.
Sources & verification
Sources checked October 19, 2026. Statistical reference dates are stated separately. Official application rules may change.