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

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $60,650

Carpenter and Scaffold Carpenter

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $47,470

Cement Mason

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $49,550

Crane Operator

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $70,720

Electrical Technician

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $59,730

Electrician

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $61,210

HVAC Technician

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $47,980

Insulator

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $43,250

Iron Worker

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $62,030

Painter

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $48,000

Pipefitter

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $60,090

Water Plant Operator

Tap to Explore This Career

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 $48,970

Skilled 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.