Insisting that everybody should go to college and get a degree if they want a high-paying job is just no longer true. Many people are finding that a college degree isn’t as valuable as it once was, and a lot of people are left with paying off huge student loan debts while working minimum wage jobs.
According to CNBC, [1] college debt has risen in recent years to an average of $29,200 per student for the graduating class of 2018.
More and more people are turning to trade jobs now and finding that many of them require less time and money to qualify for while promising good salaries, even up to six figures. If you think a trade job might be right for you, read on to find out more.
What Are Trade Jobs?
According to Monster.com, [2] trade jobs are skilled manual labor jobs that demand special training. They include things like tile setting, being an electrician, carpentry, plumbing, and so on. Best of all, these jobs are usually in high-demand and paid very well, since most people prefer to go to college and look for an office job. As you work, you can gain valuable experience and use it to negotiate higher salaries because a skilled tradesman is often hard to find or replace.
How to Find and Apply for Trade Jobs?
Luckily, you can find trade jobs pretty quickly and easily. Just doing a simple Google search will give you dozens of results on how to begin working on your new career in the trades.
When picking schools and courses you should know that many trade schools are in some way affiliated to companies that are hiring skilled workers. That’s why you should check to see the employment rate of the company behind a trade school program and find out a bit more about them.
Remember that you will probably end up doing an internship in one of these companies which is an excellent chance to prove yourself.
The 3 Best Trade Jobs Available Now
If you want to try working a trade job or to go into training, there are a few careers you should consider which offer excellent salaries.
Electrician
Electricians can work almost anywhere and earn great salaries. Electricians put together different electrical installation but also do all sorts of repairs and maintenance. Working conditions can be hazardous, but more dangerous jobs are compensated well. A successful electrician needs to be detail-oriented and be able to read blueprints and diagrams, besides following safety regulations.
Longshoreman
International ports rely heavily on longshoremen to handle all incoming and outgoing freight. This is a job for someone who wants to be active and perform a hands-on job. Longshoremen move large and heavy shipping containers from ships into ports, and have to keep track of inventory.
Plumber
Plumbers can install and maintain gas and water pipes, as well as elements like sinks, toilets, and heaters. Although working conditions can be difficult due to cramped and smelly places, the compensation is excellent.
Start Working on Your Trade Career Today
If you’re second-guessing going to college and want a hands-on and physically active job, going into the trades might be the best choice for you. We’ve outlined just a few of the highest paying trade jobs available, but there are many other ones that offer salaries of up to six figures per year.