Electricians
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$62,350/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↑ Above Average
← Back to Skilled Trades
Careers Without a Required Four-Year Degree
Paths you can start through certificates, apprenticeships, or on the job.
Electrical power-line installers and repairers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$92,560/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)↗ Steady
Solar photovoltaic installers
Good fit if you …enjoy working with people and solving problems.
$47,670/yrHigh school diploma + on-the-job training | Apprenticeship (common) | Trade school cert…⇧ Strong
Wind turbine service technicians
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$62,580/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)⇧ Strong
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$62,970/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady
HVAC Technician
HVAC Technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
$52,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↑ Above Average
Carpenters
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$59,310/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady
Brickmasons and blockmasons
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$60,800/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady
Cement masons and concrete finishers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$54,660/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)→ Limited Growth
Roofers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$50,970/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady
Glaziers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$55,440/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady
Ironworker
Ironworkers install structural and reinforcing iron and steel to form buildings, bridges, and other structures.
$58,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady
Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$47,010/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Millwright
Millwrights install, maintain, dismantle, and reassemble industrial machinery and mechanical equipment.
$58,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↑ Above Average
Structural metal fabricators and fitters
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$49,900/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↓ Declining
Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy Equipment Operators drive and control large construction machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, and lo…
$52,000/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↗ Steady
Construction and building inspectors
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$72,120/yrApprenticeship (very common) | Trade school certificate | Licensure (varies by trade)↓ Declining
Public safety telecommunicators
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$50,730/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)↗ Steady
Stationary engineers and boiler operators
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$75,190/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)→ Limited Growth
Power distributors and dispatchers
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$107,240/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)↓ Declining
Water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$58,260/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)↓ Declining
Gas plant operators
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$83,400/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)↓ Declining
Power plant operators
Good fit if you …like learning by doing (projects).
$99,670/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)↓ Declining
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$92,430/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$56,530/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↓ Declining
Postmasters and mail superintendents
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$92,730/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↓ Declining
Farm labor contractors
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$48,690/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Parts salespersons
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$37,440/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Fiber optic cable installers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$58,200/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …⇧ Strong
Wastewater treatment operators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$52,100/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Smart grid technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$64,300/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …⇧ Strong
Pipeline inspectors
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$58,200/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Renewable energy plant operators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$68,400/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …⇧ Strong
Telecommunications tower technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$46,900/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Dam safety inspectors
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$62,100/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …→ Limited Growth
Stormwater management technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$51,200/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Energy auditors
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$56,800/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↑ Above Average
Traffic signal technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$58,100/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Bridge inspectors
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$68,400/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Utility locators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$44,200/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↑ Above Average
Stormwater management specialists
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$62,800/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↑ Above Average
Solar farm technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$48,600/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …⇧ Strong
Natural gas distribution workers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$62,100/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Railroad signal installers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$72,400/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Pipeline engineers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$88,500/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Water quality analysts
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$54,800/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↑ Above Average
Public works directors
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$96,200/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Elevator modernization technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$68,100/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↑ Above Average
Geotechnical engineers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$82,400/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Landfill operations managers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$72,500/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Electric substation operators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$78,600/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Municipal water system operators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$52,100/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Tunnel boring machine operators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$68,400/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Cathodic protection technicians
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$58,200/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Renewable energy inspectors
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$62,800/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …⇧ Strong
Levee safety engineers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$82,400/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Street light maintenance workers
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$42,600/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↗ Steady
Water reclamation operators
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$52,400/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …↑ Above Average
Broadband infrastructure planners
Good fit if you ...enjoy solving problems and working toward measurable outcomes.
$78,600/yrHigh school diploma + apprenticeship or on-the-job training | Certificate or Associate …⇧ Strong
Bus drivers, school
Good fit if you …enjoy working with people and solving problems.
$42,480/yrHigh school diploma + CDL (commercial driving) | On-the-job training | Some roles requi…↑ Above Average
Bus drivers, transit and intercity
Good fit if you …enjoy working with people and solving problems.
$50,840/yrHigh school diploma + CDL (commercial driving) | On-the-job training | Some roles requi…↑ Above Average
Taxi drivers, ride-hailing drivers, and chauffeurs
Good fit if you …enjoy working with people and solving problems.
$35,960/yrHigh school diploma + CDL (commercial driving) | On-the-job training | Some roles requi…⇧ Strong
Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer
Good fit if you …enjoy working with people and solving problems.
$54,320/yrHigh school diploma + CDL (commercial driving) | On-the-job training | Some roles requi…↗ Steady
Truck drivers, light or delivery services
Good fit if you …enjoy working with people and solving problems.
$39,670/yrHigh school diploma + CDL (commercial driving) | On-the-job training | Some roles requi…↑ Above Average
Renewable Energy Technician
Renewable Energy Technicians install, maintain, and repair solar panels, wind turbines, and other clean energy systems.
$52,000/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)⇧ Strong
Solar Project Developer
Solar Project Developers manage the planning and development of solar energy installations.
$82,000/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)⇧ Strong
Wind Turbine Technician
Wind Turbine Technicians install, inspect, maintain, and repair wind turbines.
$58,000/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)⇧ Strong
Lineworker
Lineworkers install and repair electrical power lines and cables.
$72,000/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)↗ Steady
Substation Technician
Substation Technicians install, maintain, and repair equipment in electrical substations.
$68,000/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)↑ Above Average
UAV Pilot
UAV Pilots operate unmanned aerial vehicles for commercial, government, and military applications.
$72,000/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)⇧ Strong
Airport Operations Manager
Airport Operations Managers oversee daily airport activities including terminal operations, ground services, security c…
$82,000/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)↗ Steady
Railroad Engineer
Railroad Engineers operate locomotives that transport freight and passengers across the country.
$68,000/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)→ Limited Growth
Ship Captain
Ship Captains command and navigate vessels including cargo ships, tankers, ferries, and tugboats.
$82,000/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)↗ Steady
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers oversee the entire flow of goods from raw materials to final delivery.
$98,000/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)↑ Above Average
Commercial Pilot
Commercial Pilots fly aircraft for purposes other than major airline service, including charter flights, aerial photogr…
$82,000/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)↑ Above Average
UAV Operations Manager
UAV Operations Managers oversee commercial drone programs, managing pilots, flight planning, regulatory compliance, and…
$78,000/yrCertificate/Associate (common) | Apprenticeships | Licensure/certifications (varies)⇧ Strong