Highest Paying Trade Jobs: 173 Skilled Trades Ranked by Federal Wage Data
- Data
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 national and state files; BLS Employment Projections 2025-35
- Period
- May 2025 wages; 2025-35 projections
- Release used
- 2026-08-27
- Next release
- OEWS May 2026 estimates (annual; date not yet posted)
- Geography
- United States; 50 states and DC for state leaders
- Sources
- 20 (19 official)
The highest paying trade jobs in the US are nuclear power reactor operators ($122,890 median), elevator and escalator installers ($109,910) and power distributors and dispatchers ($106,730), per BLS May 2025 data for 173 skilled trades. Electricians rank 42nd at $63,190, just below plumbers at $63,800, after a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship.
Nuclear reactor operators and elevator installers lead the highest paying trade jobs
Ranked by the BLS May 2025 national median, the top of the list is dominated by power-plant, grid and electrical-mechanical work. The median trade pays $53,140, and the spread from top to bottom is more than three to one.
The ranking covers 173 detailed occupations from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey for May 2025, published on 2026-05-15 (BLS OEWS). Nuclear power reactor operators lead at a $122,890 median, 2.41 times the $50,980 median for all US occupations. Elevator and escalator installers follow at $109,910 and power distributors and dispatchers at $106,730.
U.S. national median, May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (released 2026-05-15)
The ranking reflects pay for wage and salary workers only. BLS excludes the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, and it excludes overtime pay and shift differentials from the wage figures (OEWS technical notes). Contractor-owners and overtime earnings therefore sit outside every number here.
Skilled trade (this report): A detailed occupation in SOC major group 47 (construction and extraction), 49 (installation, maintenance and repair) or 51 (production), plus crane and tower operators (53-7021), whose BLS typical entry education is below a bachelor's degree and whose BLS training is an apprenticeship, long-term or moderate-term on-the-job training, or a postsecondary nondegree award or associate's degree. Supervisors, helpers and residual 'all other' codes are excluded.
Show all 173 rows
| Rank | SOC | Occupation | Employment May 2025 | 10th percentile | Median | 90th percentile | Typical entry education | Typical training |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 51-8011 | Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | 5,150 | $98,640 | $122,890 | $149,310 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 2 | 47-4021 | Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers | 23,790 | $59,270 | $109,910 | $158,890 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 3 | 51-8012 | Power Distributors and Dispatchers | 8,520 | $72,440 | $106,730 | $154,270 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 4 | 49-2095 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 20,720 | $65,730 | $103,020 | $129,920 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Moderate-term OJT |
| 5 | 51-8013 | Power Plant Operators | 29,320 | $61,790 | $102,040 | $131,940 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 6 | 51-8093 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 33,160 | $57,110 | $96,710 | $115,880 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 7 | 49-9051 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 131,070 | $51,470 | $95,320 | $128,690 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 8 | 49-9097 | Signal and Track Switch Repairers | 8,720 | $62,610 | $92,460 | $119,550 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 9 | 51-8092 | Gas Plant Operators | 18,030 | $61,350 | $87,820 | $115,520 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 10 | 49-2093 | Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | 6,940 | $50,750 | $84,890 | $116,810 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Moderate-term OJT |
| 11 | 49-2091 | Avionics Technicians | 18,830 | $49,410 | $82,280 | $113,680 | Postsecondary nondegree award | None |
| 12 | 49-3011 | Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | 138,090 | $48,780 | $79,870 | $128,890 | Postsecondary nondegree award | None |
| 13 | 51-8021 | Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | 28,250 | $50,590 | $78,620 | $125,390 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 14 | 47-5043 | Roof Bolters, Mining | 2,160 | $63,750 | $78,540 | $92,830 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 15 | 51-8091 | Chemical Plant and System Operators | 16,610 | $48,400 | $78,120 | $111,930 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 16 | 47-2011 | Boilermakers | 10,190 | $50,490 | $76,410 | $110,370 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 17 | 47-2053 | Terrazzo Workers and Finishers | 1,180 | $46,090 | $76,170 | $126,130 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 18 | 47-4011 | Construction and Building Inspectors | 146,720 | $47,140 | $74,690 | $114,200 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 19 | 49-9012 | Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door | 48,240 | $45,910 | $74,340 | $112,500 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 20 | 49-9052 | Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | 97,720 | $45,310 | $74,330 | $103,680 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 21 | 49-2094 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | 65,010 | $46,840 | $74,090 | $105,590 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Long-term OJT |
| 22 | 47-2072 | Pile Driver Operators | 2,310 | $48,790 | $73,300 | $124,600 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 23 | 49-9092 | Commercial Divers | 3,450 | $43,330 | $72,990 | $157,790 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Moderate-term OJT |
| 24 | 47-4061 | Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators | 19,580 | $45,640 | $70,070 | $87,420 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 25 | 47-2082 | Tapers | 12,840 | $43,670 | $68,270 | $107,110 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 26 | 51-9162 | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers | 28,500 | $47,530 | $68,120 | $100,320 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Moderate-term OJT |
| 27 | 53-7021 | Crane and Tower Operators | 42,890 | $42,640 | $68,080 | $103,570 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 28 | 47-5012 | Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas | 12,600 | $47,010 | $67,890 | $101,860 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 29 | 49-3043 | Rail Car Repairers | 21,350 | $46,800 | $67,530 | $95,100 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 30 | 49-9064 | Watch and Clock Repairers | 1,310 | $34,240 | $67,230 | $109,990 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 31 | 49-9044 | Millwrights | 40,330 | $46,290 | $65,700 | $93,600 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 32 | 49-3042 | Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | 176,600 | $46,820 | $65,510 | $94,460 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 33 | 51-2011 | Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | 34,020 | $47,310 | $65,380 | $107,500 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 34 | 49-9041 | Industrial Machinery Mechanics | 439,640 | $46,120 | $64,520 | $95,170 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 35 | 49-9081 | Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 9,980 | $49,230 | $64,120 | $92,460 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Long-term OJT |
| 36 | 51-4111 | Tool and Die Makers | 56,930 | $44,680 | $64,050 | $92,680 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Long-term OJT |
| 37 | 49-2022 | Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers | 140,920 | $44,240 | $63,890 | $96,730 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Moderate-term OJT |
| 38 | 51-4192 | Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic | 5,970 | $39,980 | $63,870 | $93,860 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 39 | 47-2152 | Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 465,840 | $44,150 | $63,800 | $108,420 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 40 | 49-2021 | Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers | 11,140 | $44,460 | $63,520 | $103,990 | Associate's degree | Moderate-term OJT |
| 41 | 51-4061 | Model Makers, Metal and Plastic | 2,610 | $39,760 | $63,340 | $99,010 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 42 | 47-2111 | Electricians | 757,220 | $42,640 | $63,190 | $108,510 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 43 | 47-2221 | Structural Iron and Steel Workers | 68,380 | $44,580 | $62,780 | $108,260 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 44 | 51-6092 | Fabric and Apparel Patternmakers | 2,950 | $33,790 | $62,750 | $123,540 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 45 | 49-9096 | Riggers | 22,530 | $40,680 | $62,640 | $97,850 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 46 | 51-2061 | Timing Device Assemblers and Adjusters | 250 | $27,880 | $62,620 | $78,270 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 47 | 47-2021 | Brickmasons and Blockmasons | 52,550 | $44,820 | $62,120 | $100,010 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 48 | 47-5041 | Continuous Mining Machine Operators | 14,000 | $46,770 | $61,810 | $86,210 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 49 | 47-2211 | Sheet Metal Workers | 119,770 | $38,630 | $61,800 | $105,650 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 50 | 49-3031 | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | 289,960 | $44,530 | $61,770 | $88,740 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 51 | 49-9062 | Medical Equipment Repairers | 65,990 | $38,490 | $61,660 | $98,280 | Associate's degree | Moderate-term OJT |
| 52 | 47-5032 | Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters | 5,100 | $40,480 | $61,390 | $99,360 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 53 | 49-9045 | Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons | 1,080 | $40,590 | $61,290 | $86,510 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 54 | 49-9021 | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | 409,670 | $40,050 | $61,010 | $95,210 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Long-term OJT |
| 55 | 49-9043 | Maintenance Workers, Machinery | 60,020 | $42,000 | $60,850 | $88,550 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 56 | 47-2031 | Carpenters | 670,090 | $40,410 | $60,580 | $99,910 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 57 | 47-5023 | Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas | 19,450 | $44,460 | $60,190 | $83,800 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 58 | 49-2098 | Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | 86,340 | $38,800 | $60,070 | $81,150 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 59 | 51-8031 | Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | 128,490 | $39,110 | $60,020 | $91,060 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 60 | 47-2073 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | 478,090 | $42,190 | $59,850 | $101,090 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 61 | 47-2171 | Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers | 13,800 | $43,310 | $58,970 | $104,540 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 62 | 47-2081 | Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers | 83,080 | $38,460 | $58,930 | $102,010 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 63 | 51-4041 | Machinists | 287,050 | $39,200 | $58,750 | $80,010 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 64 | 47-2132 | Insulation Workers, Mechanical | 25,660 | $42,470 | $58,340 | $100,220 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 65 | 47-5013 | Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas | 43,140 | $38,940 | $58,160 | $97,560 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 66 | 51-9011 | Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | 139,630 | $37,440 | $58,040 | $92,250 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 67 | 51-4062 | Patternmakers, Metal and Plastic | 1,470 | $42,460 | $58,000 | $82,590 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 68 | 47-2161 | Plasterers and Stucco Masons | 19,310 | $39,560 | $57,660 | $96,710 | No formal credential | Long-term OJT |
| 69 | 49-3051 | Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians | 23,220 | $36,950 | $57,550 | $79,330 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 70 | 47-5022 | Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining | 34,480 | $41,600 | $57,430 | $82,400 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 71 | 51-9197 | Tire Builders | 20,770 | $40,150 | $57,390 | $74,680 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 72 | 47-2022 | Stonemasons | 7,820 | $39,300 | $57,390 | $86,180 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 73 | 47-2121 | Glaziers | 58,480 | $37,300 | $57,080 | $89,790 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 74 | 47-2051 | Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers | 206,170 | $39,190 | $57,020 | $85,480 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 75 | 51-7031 | Model Makers, Wood | 280 | $34,800 | $56,550 | $98,050 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 76 | 49-3041 | Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians | 37,870 | $37,470 | $56,550 | $78,740 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 77 | 47-2042 | Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles | 23,640 | $37,600 | $56,460 | $96,700 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 78 | 49-2092 | Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers | 14,450 | $37,100 | $56,210 | $85,200 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 79 | 49-9011 | Mechanical Door Repairers | 27,120 | $38,490 | $55,720 | $78,260 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 80 | 47-2044 | Tile and Stone Setters | 35,850 | $37,140 | $55,690 | $86,110 | No formal credential | Long-term OJT |
| 81 | 47-2181 | Roofers | 135,490 | $37,460 | $55,440 | $81,720 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 82 | 49-3021 | Automotive Body and Related Repairers | 149,310 | $36,910 | $54,890 | $87,940 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 83 | 51-4051 | Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders | 16,780 | $39,200 | $54,430 | $74,470 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 84 | 51-4121 | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | 416,210 | $39,240 | $53,750 | $77,530 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 85 | 51-2031 | Engine and Other Machine Assemblers | 34,000 | $38,500 | $53,710 | $77,750 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 86 | 47-2071 | Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators | 41,820 | $38,230 | $53,340 | $92,230 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 87 | 47-2231 | Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 31,350 | $41,600 | $53,140 | $79,970 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 88 | 51-4035 | Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 12,460 | $37,840 | $52,800 | $81,030 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 89 | 49-9061 | Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers | 1,650 | $34,320 | $52,720 | $83,940 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 90 | 49-2097 | Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers | 19,780 | $36,760 | $52,600 | $84,190 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Short-term OJT |
| 91 | 51-9071 | Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers | 22,440 | $35,580 | $52,540 | $87,540 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 92 | 47-2142 | Paperhangers | 1,570 | $36,020 | $52,140 | $69,050 | No formal credential | Long-term OJT |
| 93 | 49-3092 | Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians | 17,430 | $36,120 | $52,000 | $77,960 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 94 | 51-4052 | Pourers and Casters, Metal | 4,560 | $38,480 | $51,810 | $72,040 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 95 | 51-9012 | Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 60,100 | $36,200 | $51,610 | $79,750 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 96 | 51-9141 | Semiconductor Processing Technicians | 31,460 | $37,690 | $51,430 | $82,540 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 97 | 51-2041 | Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters | 52,360 | $37,960 | $51,330 | $72,280 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 98 | 49-9094 | Locksmiths and Safe Repairers | 15,040 | $35,530 | $51,320 | $79,400 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 99 | 49-9031 | Home Appliance Repairers | 32,150 | $36,190 | $50,990 | $80,660 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 100 | 51-9161 | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators | 169,450 | $38,140 | $50,690 | $73,890 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 101 | 51-4034 | Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 16,710 | $36,670 | $50,620 | $69,700 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 102 | 49-3023 | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | 704,640 | $34,660 | $50,620 | $81,790 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Short-term OJT |
| 103 | 47-2043 | Floor Sanders and Finishers | 3,720 | $37,070 | $50,440 | $70,340 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 104 | 51-9196 | Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 96,130 | $37,300 | $50,270 | $70,320 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 105 | 47-4051 | Highway Maintenance Workers | 154,960 | $36,230 | $50,260 | $71,970 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 106 | 51-4023 | Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 25,250 | $37,690 | $50,140 | $70,310 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 107 | 51-4194 | Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners | 5,600 | $35,350 | $50,060 | $77,170 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 108 | 47-4090 | Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers | 28,380 | $36,510 | $49,910 | $78,700 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 109 | 47-4071 | Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners | 30,650 | $37,040 | $49,880 | $73,490 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 110 | 51-7032 | Patternmakers, Wood | 220 | $37,600 | $49,630 | $83,780 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 111 | 51-9081 | Dental Laboratory Technicians | 34,410 | $36,660 | $49,610 | $76,940 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 112 | 49-9071 | Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | 1,529,700 | $35,350 | $49,590 | $77,180 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 113 | 47-4041 | Hazardous Materials Removal Workers | 51,710 | $38,460 | $49,450 | $82,410 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 114 | 47-2141 | Painters, Construction and Maintenance | 225,190 | $37,440 | $49,400 | $78,810 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 115 | 51-4032 | Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 4,680 | $36,300 | $49,080 | $68,410 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 116 | 51-4022 | Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 8,930 | $36,800 | $49,030 | $68,720 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 117 | 51-9023 | Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 94,920 | $36,790 | $48,990 | $70,200 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 118 | 51-4191 | Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 14,000 | $35,180 | $48,750 | $66,350 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 119 | 51-5111 | Prepress Technicians and Workers | 23,840 | $35,810 | $48,690 | $66,080 | Postsecondary nondegree award | None |
| 120 | 49-3052 | Motorcycle Mechanics | 13,510 | $34,770 | $48,580 | $74,400 | Postsecondary nondegree award | Short-term OJT |
| 121 | 51-9061 | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | 597,370 | $35,510 | $48,570 | $77,860 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 122 | 51-9021 | Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 26,000 | $36,520 | $48,540 | $69,240 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 123 | 49-2096 | Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles | 8,550 | $35,590 | $48,420 | $70,170 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 124 | 51-9124 | Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 158,740 | $36,260 | $48,250 | $74,730 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 125 | 51-2021 | Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | 12,840 | $37,540 | $48,220 | $63,300 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 126 | 51-4071 | Foundry Mold and Coremakers | 12,790 | $37,160 | $48,110 | $62,640 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 127 | 51-9051 | Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders | 14,280 | $35,960 | $48,040 | $69,800 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 128 | 51-9082 | Medical Appliance Technicians | 11,280 | $36,510 | $48,030 | $75,740 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 129 | 47-4031 | Fence Erectors | 24,480 | $35,810 | $47,980 | $70,010 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 130 | 51-4122 | Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 31,600 | $36,860 | $47,920 | $66,540 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 131 | 49-3053 | Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics | 36,060 | $34,670 | $47,880 | $67,260 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 132 | 47-5081 | Helpers–Extraction Workers | 6,700 | $36,960 | $47,730 | $68,020 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 133 | 51-4021 | Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 60,840 | $36,700 | $47,720 | $63,710 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 134 | 49-3022 | Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers | 20,310 | $35,390 | $47,630 | $70,650 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 135 | 51-4081 | Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 124,590 | $35,780 | $47,180 | $74,450 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 136 | 47-5071 | Roustabouts, Oil and Gas | 44,970 | $36,420 | $46,960 | $64,530 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 137 | 51-2051 | Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators | 16,170 | $36,910 | $46,880 | $63,760 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 138 | 51-7011 | Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters | 77,170 | $35,650 | $46,680 | $63,720 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 139 | 51-9032 | Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 44,980 | $35,930 | $46,570 | $61,120 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 140 | 51-4033 | Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 67,000 | $36,110 | $46,550 | $62,600 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 141 | 51-9191 | Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders | 11,500 | $31,460 | $46,460 | $60,810 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 142 | 49-9063 | Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners | 5,380 | $31,220 | $46,420 | $71,600 | High school diploma | Apprenticeship |
| 143 | 51-6091 | Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers | 12,850 | $35,890 | $46,350 | $63,910 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 144 | 51-6093 | Upholsterers | 20,140 | $31,690 | $46,340 | $63,770 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 145 | 51-4031 | Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 171,200 | $35,760 | $46,330 | $65,510 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 146 | 51-9195 | Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | 33,190 | $35,850 | $46,170 | $61,530 | High school diploma | Long-term OJT |
| 147 | 51-2028 | Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers | 246,970 | $35,350 | $45,850 | $62,950 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 148 | 51-5112 | Printing Press Operators | 144,260 | $33,330 | $45,780 | $63,520 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 149 | 51-9041 | Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 58,770 | $34,630 | $45,760 | $63,450 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 150 | 51-3091 | Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders | 20,370 | $33,250 | $44,810 | $62,680 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 151 | 51-2090 | Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 1,405,030 | $33,280 | $44,650 | $64,880 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 152 | 51-4072 | Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 150,470 | $34,170 | $44,350 | $61,600 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 153 | 51-4193 | Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic | 32,410 | $33,790 | $43,960 | $60,370 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 154 | 51-9192 | Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders | 14,760 | $33,790 | $43,530 | $58,570 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 155 | 51-7042 | Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing | 61,420 | $32,110 | $43,380 | $56,830 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 156 | 51-9194 | Etchers and Engravers | 7,750 | $32,210 | $43,310 | $63,360 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 157 | 51-9111 | Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | 379,060 | $33,390 | $43,220 | $60,030 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 158 | 49-3091 | Bicycle Repairers | 12,170 | $31,220 | $42,780 | $55,000 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 159 | 51-7041 | Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood | 40,850 | $30,890 | $42,770 | $58,170 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 160 | 51-9022 | Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand | 10,510 | $33,480 | $42,660 | $60,810 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 161 | 51-3092 | Food Batchmakers | 174,520 | $31,990 | $42,290 | $58,940 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 162 | 51-5113 | Print Binding and Finishing Workers | 33,180 | $32,220 | $42,290 | $59,150 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 163 | 51-6052 | Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers | 13,920 | $29,920 | $41,640 | $63,670 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 164 | 51-9123 | Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers | 7,940 | $31,470 | $41,600 | $60,820 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 165 | 51-3093 | Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders | 31,250 | $31,680 | $41,590 | $54,410 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 166 | 51-9193 | Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders | 6,900 | $33,430 | $41,330 | $62,340 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 167 | 51-3021 | Butchers and Meat Cutters | 136,430 | $29,460 | $40,140 | $58,110 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 168 | 51-9083 | Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians | 18,660 | $33,530 | $39,460 | $57,380 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 169 | 51-6062 | Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 9,000 | $28,650 | $38,760 | $49,420 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 170 | 51-6064 | Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 22,020 | $31,790 | $38,670 | $49,420 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 171 | 51-6041 | Shoe and Leather Workers and Repairers | 7,450 | $28,210 | $37,800 | $52,550 | High school diploma | Moderate-term OJT |
| 172 | 51-3011 | Bakers | 236,200 | $28,120 | $37,160 | $49,020 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
| 173 | 51-6051 | Sewers, Hand | 2,190 | $27,680 | $36,480 | $47,570 | No formal credential | Moderate-term OJT |
National wage and salary employment. Wages exclude overtime. Training and education are the BLS typical entry path (EP Table 5.4). OJT = on-the-job training.
Source: [1][5] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Five trades pay a six-figure median and 39 reach $100,000 at the top end
Six-figure pay at the median is rare in the trades and concentrated in power generation and elevator work. At the 90th percentile, $100,000 is common across licensed construction trades.
Five of 173 trades had a US median of $100,000 or more in May 2025. Thirty-nine trades had a 90th percentile of $100,000 or more, which includes electricians ($108,510), plumbers ($108,420), structural iron and steel workers ($108,260) and sheet metal workers ($105,650).
Top 20 trades, interpolated from OEWS percentiles, May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (released 2026-05-15); ECW interpolation
The share of workers above $100,000 is an ECW estimate. BLS publishes wages at the 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentiles; the estimate draws a straight line between the two percentiles that bracket $100,000. By that method about 88% of nuclear power reactor operators, 42% of power-line installers and 15% of electricians earned over $100,000 in May 2025.
Longer training does not always mean higher pay per year of preparation
Apprenticeship trades take the longest to learn under BLS definitions, and most of them pay less per year of preparation than trades learned on the job. Elevator installers earn the most per year of preparation among apprenticeship trades.
BLS defines a typical apprenticeship as at least 144 hours of technical instruction and 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year over a 3- to 5-year period, and long-term on-the-job training as more than 12 months (BLS EP definitions). Using 4 years for an apprenticeship and 1 year as a floor for long-term training, elevator installers earn $27,480 of median pay per year of preparation, boilermakers $19,100 and power-line installers $95,320.
| Rank | Occupation | Median | Typical training | Assumed prep years | Median per prep year | Share over $100,000 | Projected change 2025-35 | Annual openings 2025-35 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | $122,890 | Long-term OJT | 1 | $122,890 | 88% | -5.9% | 400 |
| 2 | Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers | $109,910 | Apprenticeship | 4 | $27,480 | 58% | 5.7% | 1,900 |
| 3 | Power Distributors and Dispatchers | $106,730 | Long-term OJT | 1 | $106,730 | 60% | 1.2% | 700 |
| 4 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | $103,020 | Moderate-term OJT | 2.5 | $41,210 | 54% | 9.7% | 1,800 |
| 5 | Power Plant Operators | $102,040 | Long-term OJT | 1 | $102,040 | 52% | -5.1% | 2,300 |
| 6 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | $96,710 | Moderate-term OJT | 0.5 | $193,420 | 41% | -1.9% | 2,700 |
| 7 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $95,320 | Long-term OJT | 1 | $95,320 | 42% | 10.3% | 10,900 |
| 8 | Signal and Track Switch Repairers | $92,460 | Moderate-term OJT | 0.5 | $184,920 | 24% | 1.8% | 800 |
| 9 | Gas Plant Operators | $87,820 | Long-term OJT | 1 | $87,820 | 27% | -6.0% | 1,400 |
| 10 | Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | $84,890 | Moderate-term OJT | 1.5 | $56,590 | 24% | 5.4% | 500 |
| 11 | Avionics Technicians | $82,280 | None | 1 | $82,280 | 24% | 9.4% | 1,700 |
| 12 | Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | $79,870 | None | 1 | $79,870 | 25% | 5.4% | 11,400 |
| 13 | Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | $78,620 | Long-term OJT | 1 | $78,620 | 26% | 3.1% | 3,200 |
| 14 | Roof Bolters, Mining | $78,540 | Moderate-term OJT | 0.5 | $157,080 | under 10% | -18.9% | 100 |
| 15 | Chemical Plant and System Operators | $78,120 | Moderate-term OJT | 0.5 | $156,240 | 23% | -5.2% | 1,300 |
| 16 | Boilermakers | $76,410 | Apprenticeship | 4 | $19,100 | 20% | -1.8% | 700 |
| 17 | Terrazzo Workers and Finishers | $76,170 | Apprenticeship | 4 | $19,040 | 35% | -13.0% | 100 |
| 18 | Construction and Building Inspectors | $74,690 | Moderate-term OJT | 5.5 | $13,580 | 21% | 0.0% | 14,800 |
| 19 | Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door | $74,340 | Moderate-term OJT | 0.5 | $148,680 | 22% | 4.3% | 3,600 |
| 20 | Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | $74,330 | Long-term OJT | 1 | $74,330 | 17% | -3.4% | 8,000 |
Prep years are ECW assumptions from BLS category definitions (see methodology). Share over $100,000 is interpolated from published percentiles.
Source: [1][5][6][8] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The per-year figure for power-line installers is a ceiling. The Occupational Outlook Handbook says line apprentices reach journey level after 3 or 4 years; on that basis the figure is $27,234, close to elevator installers. Electricians ($14,042) and plumbers ($14,178) come out lowest because their 4- or 5-year apprenticeships are the longest in this group. Apprentices are paid while they train, so these ratios describe time to full pay, not lost income.
Median of occupation medians, May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (released 2026-05-15); training categories from EP Table 5.4
| BLS typical training | Trades | Median of trade medians | Highest median | Employment May 2025 | Annual openings 2025-35 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 15 | $62,120 | $109,910 | 2,320,480 | 211,000 |
| Long-term OJT | 32 | $61,200 | $122,890 | 2,645,500 | 242,000 |
| Moderate-term OJT | 120 | $49,755 | $103,020 | 10,125,780 | 980,800 |
| Short-term OJT (with postsecondary award) | 3 | $50,620 | $52,600 | 737,930 | 69,800 |
| None (postsecondary award only) | 3 | $79,870 | $82,280 | 180,760 | 15,200 |
Median of occupation medians, unweighted.
Source: [1][5] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Seven of the 10 best-paid trades work on electric power or electrical equipment
Electrical work sits at both ends of the ranking. Grid, substation and elevator trades lead the list, while electricians are mid-table on pay but have the most openings of any apprenticeship trade.
Ranks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 and 10 in the May 2025 ranking are power generation, grid, elevator or electrical repair trades. Powerhouse, substation and relay repairers earn a $103,020 median, power-line installers $95,320 and transportation equipment electrical repairers $84,890. Electricians, the largest electrical trade with 757,220 jobs, earn $63,190, or $30.38 an hour.
| Rank of 173 | Occupation | Employment May 2025 | Median annual | Median hourly | 90th percentile | Typical training | Projected change 2025-35 | Annual openings 2025-35 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers | 23,790 | $109,910 | $52.84 | $158,890 | Apprenticeship | 5.7% | 1,900 |
| 4 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | 20,720 | $103,020 | $49.53 | $129,920 | Moderate-term OJT | 9.7% | 1,800 |
| 7 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | 131,070 | $95,320 | $45.83 | $128,690 | Long-term OJT | 10.3% | 10,900 |
| 10 | Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | 6,940 | $84,890 | $40.81 | $116,810 | Moderate-term OJT | 5.4% | 500 |
| 20 | Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers | 97,720 | $74,330 | $35.73 | $103,680 | Long-term OJT | -3.4% | 8,000 |
| 21 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment | 65,010 | $74,090 | $35.62 | $105,590 | Long-term OJT | 0.3% | 4,700 |
| 35 | Wind Turbine Service Technicians | 9,980 | $64,120 | $30.83 | $92,460 | Long-term OJT | 29.5% | 1,500 |
| 42 | Electricians | 757,220 | $63,190 | $30.38 | $108,510 | Apprenticeship | 9.2% | 72,700 |
| 58 | Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers | 86,340 | $60,070 | $28.88 | $81,150 | Moderate-term OJT | 6.8% | 8,500 |
| 78 | Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers | 14,450 | $56,210 | $27.02 | $85,200 | Moderate-term OJT | 4.4% | 1,400 |
| 87 | Solar Photovoltaic Installers | 31,350 | $53,140 | $25.55 | $79,970 | Moderate-term OJT | 36.5% | 4,200 |
| Not ranked (helper) | Helpers–Electricians | 63,630 | $42,670 | $20.51 | $58,340 | Short-term OJT | 0.6% | 6,100 |
Electrician helpers are shown for context but excluded from the ranking (short-term OJT helper role).
Source: [1][5][6] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
State medians for electricians are in the electrician salary by state page, union inside wireman rates are in the IBEW pay scale report, and line work pay is covered in the lineman salary report. Electrician helpers earn a $42,670 median and are excluded from the ranking as a helper role. O*NET lists inside wireman, industrial electrician and maintenance electrician among sample job titles for electricians (O*NET).
Electrician vs plumber salary: $610 apart at the median
Electricians, plumbers and HVAC mechanics are close on pay. The differences show up in training type and in the number of projected openings.
In May 2025 plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters earned a $63,800 median, electricians $63,190 and HVACR mechanics and installers $61,010. At the 90th percentile, electricians ($108,510) and plumbers ($108,420) are $90 apart, while HVACR mechanics reach $95,210.
Annual wage percentiles, United States, May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (released 2026-05-15)
| Measure | Electricians | Plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters | HVACR mechanics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank of 173 trades | 42 | 39 | 54 |
| Employment, May 2025 | 757,220 | 465,840 | 409,670 |
| 10th percentile | $42,640 | $44,150 | $40,050 |
| 25th percentile | $49,430 | $50,190 | $48,360 |
| Median annual wage | $63,190 | $63,800 | $61,010 |
| Median hourly wage | $30.38 | $30.67 | $29.33 |
| 75th percentile | $83,940 | $85,110 | $77,060 |
| 90th percentile | $108,510 | $108,420 | $95,210 |
| Estimated share over $100,000 | 15% | 15% | under 10% |
| Typical training (BLS) | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship | Long-term OJT |
| Projected change 2025-35 | 9.2% | 6.8% | 10.9% |
| Annual openings 2025-35 | 72,700 | 42,000 | 40,600 |
National, May 2025 wages; 2025-35 projections.
Source: [1][5][6] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Both electricians and plumbers typically train through a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship (BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook). HVAC postsecondary programs last 6 months to 2 years, and BLS assigns HVACR mechanics long-term on-the-job training. The route into electrical work is set out in how to become an electrician and program costs in electrician school cost.
Power-line and electrical repair trades pair top pay with faster growth
The best-paid power-plant trades are projected to shrink, while grid and electrical trades grow faster than the 3.5% projected for all US jobs.
BLS projects total US employment to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035 (BLS Employment Projections). Power-line installers (10.3%), powerhouse and substation repairers (9.7%) and electricians (9.2%) are all projected to grow faster. Nuclear power reactor operators (-5.9%), power plant operators (-5.1%) and gas plant operators (-6.0%) are projected to decline.
Average openings per year, 2025-35
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)
Openings include replacement of workers who retire or change occupation, not only new jobs. The 20 highest-paying trades add up to 68,300 openings a year, fewer than the 72,700 projected for electricians alone. Wind turbine service technicians (29.5%) and solar photovoltaic installers (36.5%) are among the five fastest-growing occupations, but BLS notes the two combined add fewer than 15,000 jobs by 2035.
Washington pays the most for 3 of the top 10 trades
For the 10 best-paid trades, the highest state medians cluster in Washington, Oregon, the Northeast, Alaska, Hawaii and California. Many of these state figures rest on a few hundred jobs.
Washington leads for power distributors and dispatchers ($144,710), power plant operators ($131,620) and transportation equipment electrical repairers ($122,140) in May 2025. Maine has the highest elevator installer median at $143,690 on 110 jobs, and Hawaii leads for power-line installers at $134,340.
| Rank | Occupation | U.S. median | Highest-paying state | State median | State employment | States with a published median |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nuclear Power Reactor Operators | $122,890 | New York | $129,580 | 230 | 5 |
| 2 | Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers | $109,910 | Maine | $143,690 | 110 | 37 |
| 3 | Power Distributors and Dispatchers | $106,730 | Washington | $144,710 | 380 | 38 |
| 4 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | $103,020 | Oregon | $131,050 | 170 | 48 |
| 5 | Power Plant Operators | $102,040 | Washington | $131,620 | 430 | 49 |
| 6 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | $96,710 | Alaska | $124,530 | 370 | 42 |
| 7 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | $95,320 | Hawaii | $134,340 | 600 | 51 |
| 8 | Signal and Track Switch Repairers | $92,460 | Massachusetts | $126,440 | 160 | 21 |
| 9 | Gas Plant Operators | $87,820 | California | $130,220 | 800 | 43 |
| 10 | Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | $84,890 | Washington | $122,140 | 230 | 29 |
50 states and DC only. Small state employment makes some medians volatile; ** means BLS did not publish employment.
Source: [2] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
BLS published a state median for nuclear power reactor operators in only 5 states, so New York's lead at $129,580 is a comparison among few states. State-level safety context for line and electrical work is in electrical injury statistics.
How the benchmark is built
Full ranking of 173 skilled trades
FormulaSort detailed SOC trades by OEWS May 2025 national A_MEDIAN, descending
Inputs: fact sheet OEWS median rows for all 173 trades; t1 (fact sheet rows)
Result: 173 trades ranked; electricians rank 42
Top 10 are power, grid, elevator, refinery and rail trades; electricians sit in the top quarter.
Limitations: Median excludes overtime and self-employed; definition of trade is ECW's (listed in methodology).
Median wage per assumed year of preparation
FormulaA_MEDIAN / (training years + education years + experience years)
Inputs: t2; EP Table 5.4 rows; EP definitions rows (fact sheet rows)
Result: Elevator installers $27,480; boilermakers $19,100; power-line installers $95,320 (ceiling); electricians $14,042 on OOH-stated length
Trades learned on the job score high per year; long apprenticeships score low, but apprentices are paid.
Limitations: Year values are assumptions mapped from BLS categories; long-term OJT uses a 1-year floor.
Projected annual openings, top 20
FormulaSum of EP 2025-35 annual openings for ranks 1 to 20
Inputs: t2; EP Table 1.2 rows (fact sheet rows)
Result: 68,300 openings a year
The best-paid trades are small; electricians alone have 72,700.
Limitations: Projections; openings include replacement needs.
Share of workers earning over $100,000
Formula100 minus the percentile at which $100,000 falls, by linear interpolation between OEWS percentiles
Inputs: t2, t4; OEWS percentile rows (fact sheet rows)
Result: Nuclear operators 88%; elevator installers 58%; power-line installers 42%; electricians 15%; plumbers 15%; HVACR under 10%
Six-figure pay is typical only in five trades.
Limitations: Assumes wages are spread evenly between percentiles; overtime excluded.
Electrician vs plumber vs HVAC
FormulaDifferences of national medians and 90th percentiles
Inputs: t4 (fact sheet rows)
Result: Plumbers +$610 over electricians at the median; electricians +$2,180 over HVACR; electricians +$90 over plumbers at the 90th percentile
The three trades are near parity; openings differ more than pay.
Limitations: No significance test; national figures hide large state differences.
Where contractors differ
- Nuclear power reactor operators had the highest median wage of any skilled trade in the US in May 2025, at $122,890 (BLS OEWS).[1]
- Elevator and escalator installers and repairers had a US median wage of $109,910 in May 2025, the highest of the 15 trades that BLS assigns an apprenticeship.[1][5]
- Five US trades had a median wage of $100,000 or more in May 2025: nuclear power reactor operators, elevator installers, power distributors and dispatchers, powerhouse and substation repairers, and power plant operators.[1]
- An estimated 58% of US elevator and escalator installers earned over $100,000 in May 2025, interpolated from BLS percentiles.[1]
- Electrical power-line installers and repairers had a US median of $95,320 in May 2025 and are projected to grow 10.3% over 2025-35, with 10,900 openings a year.[1][6]
- Electricians ranked 42nd of 173 US trades in May 2025 with a median of $63,190 and a 90th percentile of $108,510.[1]
- US plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters had a median of $63,800 in May 2025, $610 above electricians.[1]
- US HVACR mechanics and installers had a median of $61,010 in May 2025, $2,180 below electricians, and are projected to grow 10.9% over 2025-35.[1][6]
- BLS projects 72,700 openings a year for US electricians over 2025-35, versus 42,000 for plumbers and 40,600 for HVACR mechanics.[6]
- The 20 highest-paying US trades together have 68,300 projected openings a year over 2025-35, fewer than electricians alone.[6]
- Washington had the highest state median for 3 of the top 10 US trades in May 2025, including power distributors and dispatchers at $144,710.[2]
- Nuclear power reactor operators (-5.9%) and power plant operators (-5.1%) are projected to shrink over 2025-35 even though both pay medians above $100,000.[6]
- OEWS wages exclude overtime and shift differentials, so the ranking understates take-home pay in trades where overtime is common.[4]
In short
- BLS May 2025 data cover 173 skilled trades under this report's definition; their median wages run from $36,480 to $122,890.
- Five trades have a national median of $100,000 or more, and 39 trades reach $100,000 at the 90th percentile.
- Seven of the 10 best-paid trades generate, move or repair electric power or electrical equipment.
- Electricians rank 42nd at a $63,190 median, which is 1.24 times the all-occupation median of $50,980.
- Plumbers earn $610 more than electricians at the median; at the 90th percentile electricians earn $90 more.
- Electricians have 72,700 projected openings a year through 2035, the most of any apprenticeship trade and 4.8% of all trade openings.
- Long training does not guarantee top pay: the 15 apprenticeship trades have a median of medians of $62,120, against $61,200 for the 32 long-term on-the-job training trades.
What people search for
What trade pays the most?
Nuclear power reactor operators had the highest median wage of any US skilled trade in May 2025, at $122,890, per BLS OEWS. Among construction trades, elevator and escalator installers lead at $109,910.
Which trade jobs pay over $100,000?
Five US trades had a median of $100,000 or more in May 2025: nuclear power reactor operators ($122,890), elevator and escalator installers ($109,910), power distributors and dispatchers ($106,730), powerhouse, substation and relay repairers ($103,020) and power plant operators ($102,040). Thirty-nine trades reach $100,000 at the 90th percentile.
Electrician vs plumber salary: which pays more?
In May 2025, US plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters earned a $63,800 median and electricians $63,190, a $610 gap. At the 90th percentile electricians earned $108,510 and plumbers $108,420.
What is the highest paying trade without college?
Nuclear power reactor operators ($122,890 median, May 2025) need a high school diploma plus long-term on-the-job training and an NRC license, per BLS. Elevator and escalator installers ($109,910) need a high school diploma and a 4-year apprenticeship.
Common questions
What trade pays the most per hour?
Nuclear power reactor operators had the highest US hourly median of any trade in May 2025, at $59.08, per BLS OEWS. Elevator and escalator installers were second at $52.84 an hour.
How many skilled trades pay $100,000 at the high end?
Thirty-nine of 173 US trades had a 90th percentile wage of $100,000 or more in May 2025, including electricians at $108,510.
How much do electricians make compared with other trades?
US electricians earned a $63,190 median in May 2025, rank 42 of 173 trades and above the $53,140 median of all trade medians.
How much do HVAC technicians make compared with electricians?
HVACR mechanics and installers earned a $61,010 median in May 2025, $2,180 below electricians, per BLS OEWS.
Are linemen paid more than electricians?
Yes. US electrical power-line installers and repairers earned a $95,320 median in May 2025, against $63,190 for electricians. More detail is in the lineman salary report.
How many electrician jobs open each year?
BLS projects 72,700 openings a year for US electricians over 2025-35, including replacement needs, with employment growth of 9.2%.
Which high-paying trades are growing fastest?
Among the top 20 US trades, power-line installers (10.3%) and powerhouse and substation repairers (9.7%) have the fastest projected growth over 2025-35, against 3.5% for all jobs.
Do these trade wages include overtime?
No. BLS OEWS wages are straight-time gross pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials and employer benefit costs, so actual earnings in overtime-heavy trades can be higher.
Which state pays elevator installers the most?
Maine had the highest state median for elevator and escalator installers in May 2025, at $143,690, on an employment base of 110 jobs.
Why do these figures differ from other highest paying trade lists?
This ranking uses BLS May 2025 medians for all 173 trades under a stated definition. Many other lists use May 2024 data, mix mean and median pay, or include degree-level jobs such as construction managers.
Get the data
Every table in this report is available as a CSV under CC BY 4.0. The fact sheet lists each value with its source URL and access date.
- derived_metrics.csv (CSV)
- fact_sheet.csv (CSV)
- All 173 skilled trades ranked by median annual wage, May 2025 (CSV)
- Top 20 trades: pay per year of preparation, six-figure share and 2025-35 outlook (CSV)
- Electrical trades in the ranking (CSV)
- Electrician vs plumber vs HVAC side by side (CSV)
- Highest-paying state for each of the top 10 trades (CSV)
- Trades grouped by BLS typical training (CSV)
Cite this report
The figures to cite first
- Five of 173 US skilled trades had a median of $100,000 or more in May 2025; nuclear power reactor operators led at $122,890.[1]
- Electricians ranked 42nd of 173 US trades at a $63,190 median in May 2025.[1]
- BLS projects 72,700 annual openings for US electricians over 2025-35.[6]
Quotable figures
- Nuclear power reactor operators had the highest median wage of 173 US skilled trades in May 2025, at $122,890 (BLS OEWS).[1]
- Only five of 173 US skilled trades had a median wage of $100,000 or more in May 2025.[1]
- Seven of the 10 best-paid US trades in May 2025 generate, move or repair electric power or electrical equipment.[1]
- US electricians earned a $63,190 median in May 2025, $610 below plumbers and $2,180 above HVACR mechanics.[1]
- BLS projects 72,700 openings a year for US electricians over 2025-35, more than the 68,300 combined for the 20 highest-paying trades.[6]
- An estimated 58% of US elevator and escalator installers earned over $100,000 in May 2025.[1]
Summary for editors
Electrical Contractors and Wiring ranked 173 skilled trades by their May 2025 median wage from the federal Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey and matched each to BLS training categories and 2025-35 projections. Nuclear power reactor operators lead at a $122,890 median, followed by elevator and escalator installers at $109,910 and power distributors and dispatchers at $106,730. Only five trades have a six-figure median, while 39 reach $100,000 at the 90th percentile. Seven of the 10 best-paid trades work on electric power or electrical equipment. Electricians rank 42nd at $63,190, $610 below plumbers and $2,180 above HVACR mechanics, but have the most projected openings of any apprenticeship trade at 72,700 a year. The best-paid power-plant trades are projected to shrink, while power-line installers grow 10.3%. Wages exclude overtime and the self-employed. Data and tables are free to reuse under CC BY 4.0.
Headlines the data supports
- Only five skilled trades pay a six-figure median, federal data show
- Nuclear reactor operators top the list of 173 highest paying trade jobs
- Seven of the 10 best-paid trades work on electric power
- Electrician vs plumber salary: $610 apart at the median
- Electricians rank 42nd on pay but lead apprenticeship trades on openings
Citation
Electrical Contractors and Wiring. (2026). Highest Paying Trade Jobs: 173 Skilled Trades Ranked by Federal Wage Data. Retrieved from https://electricalcontractorsandwiring.com/data/highest-paying-trades/
Reuse
Data and tables are licensed CC BY 4.0. Attribution: “Source: Electrical Contractors and Wiring, Highest Paying Trade Jobs: 173 Skilled Trades Ranked by Federal Wage Data” with a link to this page.
How we built this report
Selection: the ranking starts from every detailed occupation in the BLS OEWS May 2025 national file (released 2026-05-15) in SOC major groups 47, 49 and 51, plus crane and tower operators (53-7021) and hoist and winch operators (53-7041). First-line supervisors (xx-1xxx), helpers (47-3xxx and 49-9098) and residual 'all other' codes were removed. An occupation is kept as a skilled trade when its BLS typical entry education (Employment Projections Table 5.4, 2025) is below a bachelor's degree and its typical training is an apprenticeship, long-term or moderate-term on-the-job training, or its entry education is a postsecondary nondegree award or associate's degree. This leaves 173 trades; 24 short-term-training occupations were excluded, including construction laborers, carpet installers and hoist and winch operators. The excluded list is in scripts/out/excluded_occs.csv.
Wages: national annual median, 10th, 25th, 75th and 90th percentiles and hourly median from the OEWS May 2025 national xlsx. OEWS wages are straight-time gross pay and exclude overtime, shift differentials and employer benefit costs; the survey excludes the self-employed. Estimates pool six semiannual panels from November 2022 to May 2025. State leaders use the OEWS May 2025 state xlsx, restricted to the 50 states and DC; Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands were excluded.
Projections: employment change and annual average openings come from BLS Employment Projections 2025-35 (Table 1.2, released 2026-08-27). The brief named the 2024-34 set; the 2025-35 release supersedes it and was used under the latest-release rule.
Derived metrics: (1) share over $100,000 is 100 minus the percentile at which $100,000 falls, by linear interpolation between the two published percentiles that bracket it; when the 90th percentile is below $100,000 the share is reported as under 10%. (2) Median pay per year of preparation divides the median by assumed years: apprenticeship 4 (midpoint of the BLS 3- to 5-year definition), long-term on-the-job training 1 (floor of 'more than 12 months'), moderate-term 0.5, postsecondary nondegree award 1, associate's degree 2, related work experience under 5 years 1 and 5 years or more 5. A cross-check uses program lengths stated in the Occupational Outlook Handbook for four trades. All formulas and inputs are in derived_metrics.csv and scripts/.
Conflicts: the OEWS news release cites mean wages (for example $109,820 for elevator installers); this report ranks by median ($109,910) because medians are less affected by a few high earners. Where the Occupational Outlook Handbook groups several codes (power plant operators, distributors and dispatchers, $105,080), the detailed OEWS codes are used instead.
Limitations: BLS training categories describe the typical path, not a requirement, and the year values are ECW assumptions. National medians hide state and union differences. Small occupations such as terrazzo workers (1,180 jobs) and state cells with a few hundred jobs carry larger sampling error. The trade definition includes production occupations such as bakers because they fall in SOC group 51 with moderate-term training; the top of the ranking does not depend on that choice.
Last update: 2026-10-27. Not career, financial or legal advice.
This report presents published data with its limitations. It is not legal, financial or investment advice.
Sources by tier
Tier 1: primary and official sources (19)
- [1] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. OEWS May 2025 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (national_M2025_dl.xlsx). May 2025. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [2] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. OEWS May 2025 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates (state_M2025_dl.xlsx). May 2025. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [3] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2025 (news release USDL-26-0725). May 2025. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [4] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. OEWS technical notes, May 2025. May 2025. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [5] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment Projections Table 5.4, Education and training assignments by detailed occupation, 2025. 2025. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [6] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment Projections Tables 1.2 and 1.10, Occupational projections 2025-35. 2025-35. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [7] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment Projections: 2025-2035 Summary (news release USDL-26-1422). 2025-35. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [8] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment Projections definitions. 2025-35. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [9] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Education and training assignments: technical documentation. 2025. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [10] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Electricians. 2025-35. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [11] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters. 2025-35. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [12] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. 2025-35. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [13] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers. 2025-35. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [14] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Line Installers and Repairers. 2025-35. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [15] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers. 2025-35. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [16] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Wind Turbine Technicians. 2025-35. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [17] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2018 Standard Occupational Classification: Major Groups. SOC 2018. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [19] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. OEWS tables (May 2025 file index). May 2025. Accessed 2026-10-27.
- [20] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment Projections tables (file index). 2025-35. Accessed 2026-10-27.
Tier 2: trade bodies, market research, company data (1)
- [18] O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor, ETA). O*NET OnLine: Electricians (47-2111.00). 2026. Accessed 2026-10-27.