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Create CVIf you’re searching for the best skilled trades in the US that pay over $100K, you’re likely evaluating alternatives to traditional degree-based careers or looking to maximize earnings in a hands-on profession. The reality is: many skilled trades now outperform white-collar roles in total compensation, especially when factoring in overtime, union benefits, and demand-driven wage spikes.
This guide breaks down exactly how much skilled trades pay in the US, which trades consistently exceed $100K per year, and how compensation is actually determined behind the scenes by employers, unions, and market demand.
The US labor market has undergone a major shift. While demand for college-educated roles remains strong, skilled trades are facing severe talent shortages, which is pushing salaries upward.
Key compensation drivers in skilled trades:
Aging workforce with fewer replacements
Increased infrastructure spending (federal + state)
Housing and construction demand
High overtime availability
Union-negotiated wage increases
Geographic shortages (rural and high-growth cities)
From a recruiter perspective, companies are no longer competing on hourly wage alone. They compete on:
Before diving into specific roles, here’s a realistic snapshot of skilled trades salary ranges in the USA:
Entry-level (0–2 years): $40,000 – $65,000
Mid-level (3–7 years): $65,000 – $95,000
Senior / specialized (8+ years): $90,000 – $140,000+
Top 10% (high-demand niches): $120,000 – $200,000+
Important: Skilled trades often exceed $100K through total compensation, not just base salary.
Average salary electrician USA: $75,000 – $110,000
Top earners: $120,000 – $160,000+
High-paying specializations:
Industrial electricians
Oil & gas electricians
High-voltage line workers
Total compensation breakdown:
Base salary: $70K – $100K
Overtime: $10K – $40K
Bonuses: $5K – $15K
Guaranteed overtime
Signing bonuses ($5K–$25K in some trades)
Per diem and travel pay
Pension and healthcare benefits
Job security and long-term contracts
Union benefits: Pension + healthcare
Recruiter insight: Electricians hit $100K when they move into industrial environments or union roles with overtime guarantees.
Average plumber salary USA: $70,000 – $105,000
Top earners: $110,000 – $150,000+
High-paying segments:
Commercial plumbing
Union construction projects
Specialized systems (medical gas, HVAC piping)
Compensation structure:
Base: $65K – $95K
Overtime: $10K – $30K
Union pension: Significant long-term value
Hiring insight: Plumbing salaries spike in large-scale construction markets like California, Texas, and New York.
Elevator installer salary USA: $90,000 – $130,000
Top earners: $150,000 – $200,000+
Why this trade pays so high:
Extremely limited talent pool
Strong union control
High safety requirements
Total compensation:
Base: $85K – $120K
Overtime: $15K – $40K
Bonuses: $5K – $20K
This is consistently one of the highest-paying skilled trades in the US.
HVAC technician salary USA: $65,000 – $95,000
Top earners: $100,000 – $140,000+
Top-paying niches:
Industrial HVAC systems
Data center cooling specialists
Refrigeration systems
Compensation breakdown:
Base: $60K – $90K
Overtime: $10K – $30K
Emergency call pay: Significant
Market insight: HVAC technicians cross $100K when they specialize in complex systems or high-demand regions.
Construction manager salary USA: $85,000 – $130,000
Top earners: $140,000 – $180,000+
This is where trades transition into leadership roles.
Total compensation:
Base: $90K – $140K
Bonus: $10K – $40K
Profit-sharing: Project-based
Key factor: Many high earners started in trades like carpentry or electrical work.
Welder salary USA: $55,000 – $90,000
Top earners: $100,000 – $200,000+
High-paying welding niches:
Underwater welding
Pipeline welding
Aerospace welding
Compensation:
Base: $60K – $85K
Project pay: $20K – $100K+
Travel/per diem: High
Important: Welding income varies heavily based on project type and travel willingness.
Lineworker salary USA: $80,000 – $120,000
Top earners: $130,000 – $180,000+
Compensation structure:
Base: $75K – $110K
Overtime: Massive driver (storms, emergencies)
Hazard pay: Additional income
These roles consistently exceed $100K due to overtime and emergency demand.
$35,000 – $55,000
Limited overtime
Training-focused
$60,000 – $90,000
Full productivity
Access to overtime
$90,000 – $140,000+
Specialized skills
Leadership responsibilities
$120,000 – $200,000+
Union roles or niche specialization
High overtime + project bonuses
High-paying regions:
California
New York
Texas
Washington
Why: Higher cost of living + higher demand + union presence.
Union roles often offer:
Higher base pay
Guaranteed overtime
Pension plans
Healthcare coverage
Recruiter insight: Union workers often have lower salary volatility but higher long-term earnings.
Generalists earn less than specialists.
Weak Example: General residential electrician
Good Example: High-voltage industrial electrician
Specialization increases:
Billable rate
Scarcity
Employer competition
Overtime can add:
In trades, overtime is often the difference between $80K and $120K.
Higher-paying industries:
Oil & gas
Infrastructure
Data centers
Manufacturing
Lower-paying sectors:
Residential services
Small local businesses
Focus on:
Electrical
HVAC
Welding
Elevator repair
Relocate or target:
Major cities
Industrial hubs
Infrastructure projects
Avoid staying general too long.
Weak Example: “I do general plumbing work.”
Good Example: “I specialize in commercial plumbing systems for hospitals.”
High earners:
Accept travel jobs
Take emergency shifts
Work large projects
Move into:
Foreman
Supervisor
Construction manager
This is where salaries jump significantly.
Most trade professionals do not negotiate effectively, leaving money on the table.
Your certifications
Project experience
Reliability
Ability to work overtime
Ask about overtime structure
Negotiate signing bonuses
Request guaranteed hours
Compare union vs non-union offers
Weak Example: “Is this salary flexible?”
Good Example: “Based on my experience with industrial systems and overtime availability, I’d expect a total compensation closer to $110K.”
The outlook is extremely strong through 2030.
Key trends:
Continued labor shortages
Infrastructure investment
Rising wages due to demand
Increased automation support roles
Top trades will likely see:
10%–25% salary growth
Increased bonuses
More employer competition
If your goal is to earn $100K+ without a traditional degree, skilled trades are one of the most reliable paths in the US job market.
The key is not just choosing a trade—but positioning yourself correctly:
Specialize early
Target high-paying industries
Leverage overtime
Negotiate strategically
From a recruiter’s perspective, the highest-paid trade professionals are not just skilled—they are strategically positioned in the market.
This is what separates a $70K tradesperson from a $140K+ top earner.
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