Top Skilled Trade Jobs That Pay Over $70K Without a Degree
A bachelor’s degree has long been seen as the path to a good salary. But with rising tuition costs and growing student debt, many are asking: Is college the only way to earn a solid income? Not anymore.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median wage for jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree was around $67,920 in May 2024. (The median is the middle point — half of workers earn more, half earn less.) While some fields pay more, others fall short of expectations.
Meanwhile, many skilled trades offer salaries that match or even beat those of college grads—without the four-year degree.
In this post, we spotlight high-paying skilled trade jobs that offer mean annual wages of over $70,000, based on the latest BLS data.
These careers are often accessible through apprenticeships, certifications, or two-year programs, making them a smart option if you want to earn while you learn.
What is Mean Annual Wage?
You might be wondering: what's the difference between the numbers we’re showing here and the college salary numbers you often hear about? Good question.
When we talk about bachelor’s degree jobs, we’re using the median wage—the middle point where half of workers earn more and half earn less. But for skilled trade jobs, we use the mean wage—the average of all workers’ salaries. This is the standard way the government reports trade wages.
Both numbers are good ways to understand earning potential. And either way you look at it, skilled trades can offer paychecks that match or even beat many jobs that require four-year degrees.
Top Skilled Trades That Pay Over $70K
1. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers – $104,860
What They Do:
Install and maintain elevators, escalators, and similar systems. You’ll need strong mechanical skills and a good head for heights.
2. Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay – $97,460
What They Do:
Keep the power grid running by maintaining the critical equipment used in power plants and substations.
3. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers – $90,110
What They Do:
Install and fix high-voltage power lines. It’s essential work — especially after storms and emergencies.
4. Signal and Track Switch Repairers – $84,940
What They Do:
Keep railroad switches and signals operating safely, helping to prevent train accidents and delays.
5. First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers – $84,500
What They Do:
Lead teams on construction or mining sites, ensuring projects run smoothly and safely.
6. First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers – $82,930
What They Do:
Manage teams who fix vehicles, machines, or industrial equipment, blending leadership with technical know-how.
7. Avionics Technicians – $82,350
What They Do:
Avionic Technicians work on the electronic systems inside airplanes — from navigation controls to communication equipment.
8. Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment – $80,980
What They Do:
Maintain the electrical systems in buses, trains, ships, and other transport vehicles.
9. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians – $80,780
What They Do:
Inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft to ensure they’re safe for flight — a job that demands serious precision.
10. Commercial Divers – $78,110
What They Do:
Handle underwater inspections, welding, and repairs — often on bridges, dams, or offshore oil rigs.
11. Boilermakers – $76,900
What They Do:
Assemble and repair huge metal containers like boilers and storage tanks, often in industrial settings.
12. Construction and Building Inspectors – $76,430
What They Do:
Ensure that new and existing buildings meet safety codes, construction standards, and zoning regulations.
13. Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers – $72,440
What They Do:
Install and maintain the phone, internet, and cable lines that keep homes and businesses connected.
Why Choose a Skilled Trade?
Lower Cost and Faster Entry
Most trades require only a high school diploma and short-term training. You can start earning quickly without taking on massive student loans.
High Demand
Many trades face ongoing labor shortages, meaning excellent job security and bargaining power.
Tangible, Meaningful Work
When you’re a skilled tradesperson, you see the real-world results of your work every day — whether it’s a working elevator or a repaired aircraft.
Career Progression
Many trades offer strong pathways into supervisory roles or allow you to eventually start your own business.
Ready to Build a Career Without the Degree?
At Timpl, we connect talented job seekers with skilled trade opportunities that offer great pay, real growth, and the chance to make a tangible impact. If you're ready to start earning without waiting four years — or piling up debt — we’re ready to help you take the first step.
Explore jobs at TIMPL - Careers or connect with a recruiter today.
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