Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Penny Hoarder.
These days, there are many routes to a well-paying job. While a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree certainly won’t hurt your chances of getting one, the best trade jobs offer the same (or equivalent) salary in much less time and cost of study.
Just keep in mind that salaries for trade jobs can vary greatly by industry, with HVAC technicians making an average of $63,000 a year and ultrasonographers making more than double that.
Ultimately, the best trading jobs are the ones that pay the most and are in high demand. Check out our list for the most promising trades of 2024.
Note that salaries for these trades may vary by country and region. Cities with a higher cost of living (or higher demand) tend to have better incomes. We used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to identify job growth rates, then cross-referenced Indeed data to find the national median wage.
Now let us find the best trading job for you.
1. Ultrasonographer
Also known as diagnostic medical sonographers, ultrasonographers use ultrasound equipment to capture high-resolution images of internal organs and tissues. These images help doctors diagnose many diseases, including heart disease and pregnancy complications.
The overall employment outlook for ultrasonographers is very good, as demand is growing faster than the national average for all occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be 14,200 new jobs in this field between 2022 and 2032.
- Average Salary: $129,851
- Growth rate 2022–2032: 10%
- Advanced qualifications required: No, but people with advanced degrees can earn more than those with associate’s degrees; 28% of ultrasonographers have a bachelor’s degree.
2. Respiratory Doctor
Respiratory therapists use special equipment to provide treatments such as oxygen therapy to patients with breathing problems due to asthma or other lung conditions. They also perform diagnostic tests to measure lung capacity, educate patients about managing lung conditions and provide life-saving interventions such as intubation and CPR.
The respiratory medicine field is growing rapidly, with 8,600 new jobs expected to be added to the industry annually over the next decade. As the population grows, the demand will continue to grow.
- Average Salary: $104,847
- Growth rate 2022–2032: 13%
- Advanced degree required: No, but people with advanced degrees can earn more than those with associate’s degrees; 24% of respiratory therapists have a bachelor’s degree.
3. Dentist
Dental hygienists are important members of the dental team. They usually work in a dentist’s office and spend most of their time cleaning teeth, taking X-rays, disinfecting equipment and keeping patient records. They also teach patients about oral hygiene and help dentists diagnose dental problems.
The job outlook for dental hygienists is promising, with faster-than-average growth and 16,400 openings per year over the next decade. Paying dental hygienists is particularly high in states like Alaska, California and Washington.
- Average Salary: $100,774
- Growth rate 2022–2032: 7%
- Advanced degree required: No, but people with advanced degrees can earn more than those with associate’s degrees; 29% of dental hygienists have a bachelor’s degree.
4. Construction Manager
Construction managers play an important role in all aspects of a construction project, from planning to completion. They coordinate and oversee the hiring of subcontractors, ordering services, obtaining permits and more. Ultimately, they ensure that projects are completed on time, safely and within budget.
Although employment in construction declined during the conflict, the demand for construction managers is increasing. The increase in wildfires, earthquakes and other natural disasters has increased the need for maintenance projects, and many cities are updating infrastructure to meet growing population and transportation needs.
- Average Salary: $91,135
- Growth rate 2022–2032: 5%
- Advanced degree required: No, but people with advanced degrees can earn more than those with an associate’s degree or high school diploma. 33% of people working in management have a bachelor’s degree, 7% have a master’s degree.
5. Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics inspect, repair and maintain aircraft systems to ensure they are safe and airworthy. They use special tools and equipment to solve mechanical and electrical problems, replace parts and perform routine maintenance. They are trained to follow strict rules and safety standards to ensure the reliable operation of the aircraft.
Air travel is increasing every year, and the demand for aircraft maintenance is increasing, too. With older mechanics losing their jobs, about 12,800 new jobs will be created every year.
- Average Salary: $82,864
- Growth rate 2022–2032: 4%
- Advanced degree required: No, but people with advanced degrees can earn more than those with an associate’s degree or high school diploma. 15% of aircraft mechanics have a bachelor’s degree.
Finding Success in Trading Activities
If you’re interested in medicine, architecture or engineering, you may not need a bachelor’s degree to make a good living.
These positions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to high-paying trade jobs with low barriers to entry and high demand for years to come.
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