Author: Brenda Rufener / Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson / First covered: November 2019 / Updates: 4
Key Takeaways:
- Our #1 ranking highest paying trade school program is Airline and Commercial Pilots, followed by Air Traffic Control.
- Trade school programs offer high-paying jobs with only a high school diploma and one to two years of training.
- Vocational education focuses on practical skills, often requiring less time and money compared to traditional four-year degrees.
Trade school programs offer high-paying jobs with only a high school diploma and one to two years of training.The top two highest-paying programs are Airline and Commercial Pilots and Air Traffic Control, with salaries over $120,000. Vocational education focuses on practical skills, often requiring less time and money compared to traditional four-year degrees.
This ranking profiles the highest-paying trade school options and jobs in the skilled trades.
If you’re seeking a high-paying job without spending years pursuing a college degree, you’re not alone. Vocational or trade school may be an option. While very few jobs are attainable with only a high school diploma, even fewer pay more than $30,000 annually. But with education, focus, and drive, you may qualify for a high-paying skilled trade job.
Methodology
For this list, we researched some of the highest-paying trade jobs. Many jobs on our list require only high school and one to two years of trade or technical schooling. We found jobs that paid more than $50,000 per year with no bachelor’s degree required. Some skilled trades on our list even have favorable job outlooks for the next ten years.
Below are the results for our top 20 highest-paying two-year vocational degree programs.
Ranking Most Lucrative Trade School Careers
Recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center show that freshman enrollment growth at 16% (or 112,000 more enrollees) was strongest at community colleges with an emphasis on trade or vocational programs.
Here’s a table comparing the various professions, their median salaries, and projected growth rates:
| Profession | Median Salary | Projected Growth Rate |
| Funeral Services Workers | $60,580 | +4% |
| Water Transportation Workers | $64,930 | +3% |
| Occupational Therapist Assistants | $67,010 | +1.8% |
| Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers | $67,220 | +1% |
| Boilermakers | $71,140 | -1% |
| Fire Inspectors | $71,420 | +6% |
| Railroad Worker | $73,580 | +2% |
| Police and Detectives | $74,910 | +4% |
| Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners | $75,020 | -5% |
| Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians | $75,400 | +5% |
| Aerospace Engineering Operations Technicians | $77,830 | +8% |
| Diagnostic Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technicians | $80,850 | +11% |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | $92,500 | -1% |
| Web Developers | $92,750 | +8% |
| Radiation Therapist | $98,300 | +3% |
| Power Plant Operators | $100,890 | -8% |
| Nuclear Technicians | $101,740 | +6% |
| Air Traffic Control | $137,380 | +3% |
| Airline and Commercial Pilots | $171,210 | +5% |
#20 – Funeral Services Workers Degree
Median Salary: $60,580
Projected Growth Rate: +4.0%
While a funeral service job may not be a popular career path, it is one of the list’s highest-paying trade jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports job growth and strong earnings potential for the next few years. While the median annual wage is $60,580, promotion and a salary increase can occur with training and experience.
So, how do you become a funeral service worker? An associates degree in funeral service or mortuary science is the standard requirement. State licensing also requires funeral service workers be at least 21 years old. They must have:
- Completed two years of trade school or community college education
- Received supervised training
- Passed the state licensing examination
The American Board of Funeral Service Education accredits approximately sixty funeral service programs. Technical colleges or two-year schools offer this trade school program. Some funeral homes prefer to have experience working in a funeral home. This can be obtained as a summer job or internship. Strong interpersonal skills are also required for this role.
#19 – Water Transportation Workers Degree
Median Salary: $64,930
Projected Employment Growth Rate: +3.0%
Making our list of high-paying jobs is the water transportation program. There is little education required for seamen or those in entry-level mariner jobs. They get on-the-job training for their specific trade and jobs. This training typically lasts for approximately six months to one year. Training length depends on ship size and the waterway the ship travels. Sailors and marine oilers receive similar training. However, these professionals don’t need to complete a traditional trade school degree. Some water transportation jobs require a specific type of education. U.S. Coast Guard-approved training programs are a part of this.
Those on ships with U.S. flags must have credentials from the Transportation Security Administration. The Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) must be renewed every five years. Mariners on the open ocean need the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping endorsement. The regional U.S. Coast Guard offices provide training, which includes:
- First aid
- Lifeboat safety
Plus, some schools offer additional training programs. Like the TWIC, the STWC training must be completed every five years.
Nearly all mariners must have a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC). The MMC can be applied for at the U.S. Coast Guard regional examination center. They can get training from the U.S. Coast Guard or certified training centers and trade schools. One such training program is shipboard safety.
#18 – Occupational Therapist Assistants Degree
Median Salary: $67,010
Projected Growth Rate: +1.8%
The most in-demand job on our list is that of occupational therapist. These are high-paying jobs in the skilled trades with plenty of job security. These health professionals work in outpatient care centers and have specific job descriptions. They help individuals develop, regain, and maintain skills needed for daily living. An occupational therapist needs an associate or bachelor’s from an accredited school. OT assistant programs are found at many two-year colleges offering trade degrees. There are more than 250 programs available. The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education accredits them. These programs are also a part of the American Occupational Therapy Association.
Becoming an occupational therapist requires two years of full-time study. To become skilled workers in the industry, students take courses in subjects like:
- Biology
- Pediatric Health
- Psychology
While assistants need a two-year degree, aids only need a high school education for most jobs. Aids are then trained on the job under the supervision of more experienced workers. This training consists of one to three weeks covering topics related to the field. Along with training, both aids and assistants must have:
- Critical thinking skills
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Certifications in CPR and basic life support (BLS)
Certification training can be gotten from a trade school or community college.
#17 – Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers Degree
Median Annual Salary: $67,220
Projected Growth Rate: +1.0%
Salary potential is one reason individuals pursue trade school degrees. A top-paying trade job is electrical and electronics installers and repairers. These electrical systems workers install and repair electrical equipment. They may also perform routine maintenance. A high school diploma or GED may be required for this skilled trade. You also need advanced training from a technical school or community college. Many of these trade schools offer basic electronics programs. These are programs designed to equip students for the electronics field. Courses in these specialized programs cover:
- AC and DC Electronics
- Electronic Device Repair
- Microcontrollers
- Electrical Components
Students must choose a program that offers training in dealing with electrical power. This is so that they gain the skills and experience required by many job opportunities in the field.
Certification is not required for most to install and repair electronics and electrical systems. Still, several organizations offer it. In fact, the Electronics Technicians Association International offers close to fifty certification programs. These span all levels of competency and job responsibilities. Certification may be valuable to a potential employer, and it may help you set yourself apart from your competition. To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive examination. Also, most electrician jobs do require extensive on-the-job training. Programs with hands-on requirements may meet some or all of these training stipulations.
#16 – Boilermakers Degree
Median Salary: $71,140
Projected Growth Rate: -1.0%
Boilermakers have one of the most lucrative jobs on our list. They assemble, install, and repair boilers and boiler systems. They may also maintain boilers and work on other large vessels or containers that hold gases and liquids. This is a physically demanding and high-paying job and requires extensive travel. Boilermakers are away from home for extended periods. Still, boilermakers earn an average median annual wage of more than $71k. The pay also increases as the individual gains more skills.
So, how does one become a boilermaker? Training is generally learned through the trade and an extensive vocational training/apprenticeship program. Many trade school programs offer boilermaker programs that expose individuals to hands-on training. Here, students learn about the following:
- Installation Techniques
- Blueprint Reading
- Metals
- Power Tools
- General Construction Safety Practices
When a boilermaker finishes an apprenticeship, they become a journey worker. Journey workers perform supervised tasks under the mentorship of more experienced workers. This can last for up to two years. Those with welding experience get accepted into trade schools and training programs before those with none.
#15 – Fire Inspectors Degree
Median Salary: $71,420
Projected Growth Rate: +6.0%
Fire inspectors are one of the fastest-growing trade school jobs on our list. There is a projected growth rate of six percent. Fire inspectors are responsible for examining buildings to detect potential fire hazards. They also ensure buildings meet fire codes at the federal, state, and local levels. To become a fire inspector, some trade school education and on-the-job training are required. First, fire inspectors must pass background checks, which include drug tests. They need a valid driver’s license and U.S. citizenship due to their police powers. Training requirements vary by region and state. Some job openings require the completion of classroom instruction.
Classroom training takes place at a fire or police academy. Some schools may also offer certification programs. Topics covered in classes vary by program but may include:
- Fire Code Terminology
- Procedures and Protocols for Handling Hazardous and Explosive Materials
- Fire Inspection Procedures
- Building Codes
Aside from general education classes and classroom training, fire inspectors receive on-the-job training for technical skills needed as well. Typically, they work alongside more experienced officers that serve as mentors. The following organizations offer training programs in fire investigation:
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
#14 – Railroad Worker Degree
Median Annual Salary: $73,580
Projected Growth Rate: +2.0%
High school completion and months of on-the-job training are required to become a railroad worker. Also, locomotive engineers must be certified by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). To be certified for this skilled trade involves passing a written test and a skills test. Supervisor observation is also required. This ensures an engineer understands all physical aspects of routes. Most of the training required for this trading job occurs on the job. Most job openings at railroad companies require the completion of one to three months of training.
Companies like Amtrak offer their own type of training programs. Smaller freight companies and regional railroads may send their potential hires to technical and trade schools for training. Again, several months of training is required to work for even the smaller companies. Yardmasters must also learn how to operate locomotives and remote technology. Similar training programs are available at two-year colleges and many vocational skills.
#13 – Police and Detectives Degree
Median Salary: $74,910
Projected Job Growth Rate: +4.0%
Police and detective roles are among the fastest-growing trade jobs on our list. As a police officer, you will serve the public by protecting lives and property. Detectives or criminal investigators gather and collect evidence relating to a possible crime. Both jobs require training and specialized education. Besides a high school diploma or GED, police officers and detectives spend time at an agency’s training academy. The academy requires classroom learning and on-the-job training. Rigorous physical demands and personal qualifications must be met. This can determine eligibility for students seeking this position.
Police officers and detectives have completed college coursework or earned an associates degree. Community colleges offer programs in law enforcement and criminal justice. In some agencies and geographic locations, it is seen as an asset to have working knowledge of a foreign language. Federal agencies, like the FBI, require detectives and investigators to have a bachelor’s degree. This degree can be in criminal justice or closely related discipline. But for most entry-level police work jobs, some coursework and completion of academy training programs are all that is needed. Many consider police officer/detective one of the best trade school careers.
#12 – Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians Degree
Median Annual Salary: $75,400
Projected Job Outlook: +5.0%
This is often seen as one of the fastest-growing trade jobs available. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are in demand. They require specialty training and degrees. Aircraft mechanic/ avionics equipment mechanics repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft. Examples include planes and other aviation vehicles. These highly specialized mechanics and technicians work in hangars or on airfields. Specific training is required to become an aircraft and avionics equipment mechanic and technician. Most learn their trade at a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) school or on the job. Several FAA-approved programs exist at trade or two-year schools. Specialized training on the job is also required. Some individuals receive their training while in the military.
Typically, aircraft mechanics attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance school. These schools award a certificate of training that is recognized by the FAA. Through these FAA-approved programs, tests may be delivered and certifications awarded upon passing. To become an avionics technician, a vocational school degree is the preferred education. This job relies heavily on aircraft controls, systems, and instruments. Thus, computer experience is needed.
As aircraft equipment mechanics and technicians gain experience or additional education, they may be eligible for advancement. Opportunities for advancement include lead mechanic jobs, lead inspectors, or shop supervisors.
#11 – Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners Degree
Median Annual Salary: $75,020
Projected Job Growth Rate: -5.0%