Skilled Trades Careers
Get the Scoop on Skilled Trades Jobs
Browse through our interactive cards to get a closer look at skilled trades careers. Whether you’re interested in the daily tasks, required skills, or potential earnings, these cards offer a detailed overview of each role. Start exploring to see which skilled trade might be the perfect fit for your future!
Brick Mason
What they do?
- Use Tools to Cut Bricks to Fit Project Areas
- Measure Surfaces
- Manage Projects and Needed Materials
Skills needed:
- Project-Management
- Knowledge of Equipment and Tools
- Coordination
Where they work:
- Construction Companies
- Union
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $60,650Carpenter and Scaffold Carpenter
What they do?
- Construct Frameworks
- Repair Buildings
- Plan Projects
- Install Scaffold Components in Place with Rods, Planks, Boards, Clamps, etc. Requiring Physical Labor
Skills needed:
- Manual and Finger Dexterity
- Eye-hand Coordination
Where they work:
- Construction Companies
- Builders
- Unions
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $47,470Cement Mason
What they do?
- Work with Concrete
- Finish Surfaces
- Build Walls
Skills needed:
- Strength
- Detail-Oriented
- Knowledge of Concrete Mixing
Where they work:
- Construction Sites
- Concrete Manufacturing Companies
- Infrastructure Projects
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $49,550Crane Operator
What they do?
- Use Heavy Machinery
- Lift Materials
- Deliver Resources to Sites
Skills needed:
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Safety
- Spatial Awareness
Where they work:
- Construction Sites
- Shipping Ports
- Manufacturing Facilities
- HVAC Facilities
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $70,720Electrical Technician
What they do?
- Repair Electrical Systems
- Maintain Equipment
Skills needed:
- Electrical Knowledge
- Troubleshooting
- Attention to Detail
Where they work:
- Electrical Contractors
- Manufacturing Plants
- Utilities
- Unions
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $59,730Electrician
What they do?
- Install Electrical Systems
- Repair Equipment
- Install and Maintain Wiring, Control and Lighting Systems
Skills needed:
- Electrical Wiring
- Detail-Oriented
- Blueprint Reading
Where they work:
- Construction Sites
- Residential and Commercial Buildings
- Unions
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $61,210HVAC Technician
What they do?
- Install, Maintain, and Repair Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Systems
Skills needed:
- Customer Service Oriented
- Troubleshooting Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Time Management Skills
Where they work:
- HVAC Companies
- Construction
- Building Maintenance
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $47,980Insulator
What they do?
- Install Insulation Materials to Regulate Temperature and Sound
Skills needed:
- Teamwork
- Physical Fitness
- Attention to Detail
Where they work:
- Construction
- Residential and Commercial Buildings
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $43,250Iron Worker
What they do?
- Install and Reinforce Structural Iron and Steel
Skills needed:
- Physical Strength
- Spatial Awareness
- Safety Consciousness
Where they work:
- Construction Sites
- Steel Fabrication Companies
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $62,030Painter
What they do?
- Prepare surfaces for painting
- Apply paint using tools
- Detail and Touch-Up the painting
Skills needed:
- Detail-Oriented
- Problem-Solving
- Artistic Abilities
Where they work:
- Residential Properties
- Commercial Buildings
- Construction Sites
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $48,000Pipefitter
What they do?
- Plan Pipe Systems
- Design Layouts
- Inspect Work Sites
- Test Lines
Skills needed:
- Good Numerical and Problem Solving Skills
- Attention to Detail
- Strong Communication Skills
Where they work:
- Manufacturing Settings
- Union
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $60,090Water Plant Operator
What they do?
- Purify Wastewater
- Maintain Water Pumps
- Test Quality of Water and Adjust Treatment
Skills needed:
- Attention to Detail
- Equipment Operations
- Safety Awareness
Where they work:
- Water Treatment Plants
- Municipal Water Departments
- Private Water Utility Companies
Salary:
According to O*NET, average salary is $48,970Skilled Trades Career Pathways
Explore each career pathway to discover the steps needed for a successful future. You’ll find information on job responsibilities, required courses and certifications, advancement opportunities, salary ranges, and more. Dive in to learn about the exciting opportunities within the skilled trades sector and begin your journey toward a fulfilling and rewarding career.
Carpenter
Cement Mason/
Finisher/Brick Mason
Commercial Painter/
Decorator
Construction
Equipment Operator
HVAC Plumbing
HVAC/R
Iron Works
Journey Electrician
Metal & Insulation Fabrication
Pipefitting/Plumbing
HVAC/Construction
Plasterer, Drywall Finisher, Cement Mason/Finisher
Scaffold Carpenter
Skilled Tradesman