Author: Melissa Maypole | Reviewed By: Melissa Anderson / First covered: November 2021 / Readability Level: Grade 8 | Updates: 3
Key Takeaways:
- Going to trade school can be a fantastic decision for many individuals! It offers a practical and hands-on approach to learning specific skills that are in demand in various industries.
- Trade skills are also highly valued in today’s job market, with many industries experiencing shortages of qualified workers.
- Trade school graduates can often enjoy good job security and potentially higher earning potential as they gain experience and specialize in their field.
- If you enjoy working with your hands, solving practical problems, and want a faster path to a rewarding career, trade school could be an excellent choice for you!
Are you considering trade school? It’s a good choice in today’s economy. Many students are questioning the value of a college degree vs the trades right now. While college is always a good option, many individuals discover the benefits of jobs associated with vocational and trade schools. The fact is, numerous careers pay well and don’t require years and years of study. Moreover, some of the best programs are incredibly affordable and offer invaluable resources such as career preparation and job placement services. Trades also have the benefit of not having to worry about being replaced by artificial intelligence and robots any time soon. Since trade schools are experiencing a moment in the spotlight right now, our editors have developed the following trade-based careers list. Of course you might be looking for other information, like the difference between vocational certificates and associate degrees in the trades. On this list, you’ll find 25 careers in demand (and those associated with above-average wages) that require just an associate’s degree or certificate from a post-secondary technical school or community college. If you want to know more about trade school check out this article.
Featuring the Best Trade Jobs
You may think skilled trades are about being construction and building inspectors or working with electrical systems. But you don’t have to wield power tools or work with electrical components to work in skilled trade jobs. The options for those with a high school diploma and a vocational or trade school education go way beyond that. The positions highlighted in this article include those in various occupational categories. These include:
- Healthcare
- Mechanics
- Personal Care
- Education
- Law
Unlike many of our featured articles, this list is not a ranking. These occupations are in random order, listed by employment fields. Our editors chose the trades with rapid growth and/or lucrative salary potential. The list presents varied occupations for individuals with different vocational talents and interests.
Healthcare
Healthcare holds many opportunities for professionals of all educational levels. This also applies to those with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Healthcare jobs are currently expanding rapidly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 16% increase in job prospects in the coming decade. This will yield over 2.5 million jobs for medical and allied health professionals. This includes over a dozen jobs with an associates degree or certificate from trade schools. The healthcare field has many high-paying trade school jobs available. The annual wage for healthcare workers and technicians averaged $70,000 in 2020. This is according to the BLS. If you’re looking for variety and some of the highest-paid trade jobs in the U.S, then read on. These healthcare jobs go beyond the usual licensed practical nurse or respiratory therapist!
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Job Growth Projection: 19%
One of the best jobs in the field of healthcare is diagnostic medical sonography. These professionals operate imaging equipment to create images of internal organs and tissue. Diagnostic sonographers also deal with patients. They record medical histories and symptoms and prepare individuals for medical procedures. They must also follow strict safety procedures. Some may specialize in a specific type of sonography. This includes:
- Cardiac
- Obstetric
- Vascular
- Abdominal
- Pediatric
Diagnostic medical sonography is one of the top vocational school degrees. This comes from its above-average pay and minimal training. A degree and professional certification are usually the only things needed. New hires receive on-the-job training.
Sonographers should have little trouble finding a job after graduation. The BLS expects job opportunities to grow by almost twenty percent between now and the decade’s end. Sonographers are very well-paid for their work in the industry. They can make over $75,000 annually after graduating from associate degree programs. This makes their position one of the highest-paying trade jobs there is.
Average Salary: $75,920
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Job Growth Projection: 34%
Another of the high-paying trade school jobs in healthcare is an occupational therapy assistant. They work under the supervision of occupational therapists in places like:
- Hospitals
- Doctors’ Offices
- Outpatient Care Facilities
New hires will get on-the-job training. They help patients with therapeutic exercises. This allows patients to recover from injuries and medical conditions. Their goal is to help the patient return to normal daily life. Other duties may include:
- Demonstrating Exercises
- Teaching Patients to Use Specialized Equipment
- Developing Treatment Plans
- Recording Patient Progress
Occupational therapy assistants don’t require extensive training before employment. It is also associated with job growth and high wages. The BLS reports job openings are exploding right now. They are projected to expand by 34% in the decade between 2020 and 2030. It’s one of the best-paying trade jobs, too. The median annual pay for these professionals is around $63,000. Entry-level positions only need an associate degree from a vocational school. That’s right–no bachelor’s degree is required!
Average Salary: $62,940
Physical Therapy Assistant
Job Growth Projection: 35%
Physical therapy assistants are one of the hottest high-paying trade school jobs. The rapid job growth is due to the aging of the baby boomer population. They work with patients, helping them perform prescribed exercises. These professionals may also perform other duties like cleaning and administrative services. The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy must accredit these programs. PTAs make an average salary of around $60,000 per year, according to the BLS. This salary places physical therapy assistants among the top trades that pay well. An associate’s degree is necessary.
Average Salary: $59,770
Dental Hygienist
Job Growth Projection: 11%
Topping our highest-paying trade school jobs is the job of a dental hygienist. They only need an associate degree from a vocational college to begin working in the field. Dental hygienists bring home a paycheck equal to that of more educated professionals. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for dental hygienists is more than $77,000 per year. There are many job opportunities for these health professionals. The BLS projects an 11% increase in open positions for hygienists over the next decade. Dental hygienists often work with dentists in clinical environments to provide oral care to patients. This includes:
- Routine Cleanings
- Fluoride Treatments
- X-rays
They also educate patients on how to care for their teeth to stop oral disease and tooth decay. To find the best trade programs for dental hygienists, limit your search to accredited schools. Make sure to pay attention to school rankings and program quality.
Average Salary: $77,090
Medical Assistant
Job Growth Projection: 18%
The medical assistant is one of the best vocational jobs in the healthcare field. The BLS expects the need for medical assistants to rise with expected job growth of up to 18% over the next decade. The growth in the field will result in over 130,000 new jobs for qualified medical assistants by 2030.
Medical assistants may perform various tasks in hospitals or outpatient care centers. This includes:
- Both Clerical and Clinical Duties
- Entering Patient Records into a Database
- Assisting Doctors or LPNs During Procedures
- Interviewing Patients
- Answering Phone Calls
This position requires no associate degree or bachelor’s degree.
Medical assistants aren’t the highest-paying vocational jobs. The salary of a medical assistant is slightly below average compared to all other occupations, but the pay is still decent. As of May 2020, medical assistants made a median annual salary of over $35,000 annually.
Average Salary: $35,850
Phlebotomist
Job Growth Projection: 22%
Phlebotomy is one of the best trade programs for students who want to explore the healthcare field. As an entry-level job, the role of a phlebotomist won’t make you rich, but it will provide you with steady employment and plenty of experience in a medical role. Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for:
- Laboratory Tests
- Blood Transfusions
- Donations
Phlebotomists may also perform some clerical tasks like:
- Labeling Test Tubes
- Recording Patient Vitals
- Entering Information into a Patient Database
There are many job opportunities for a trained phlebotomist. It is definitely one of the careers in demand right now. The BLS expects growth projections of up to 22% by the decade’s end. Pay for the position is respectable. Top-earning phlebotomists make just over $50,000 a year. No associate or bachelor’s degree is necessary, but a professional certificate is required.
Average Salary: $36,320
Ophthalmic Medical Technician
Job Growth Projection: 14%
Another top vocational career in healthcare is that of an ophthalmic medical technician. It is one of the more obscure careers on our list, but the job demand is growing. Ophthalmic medical technicians work beside licensed ophthalmologists. Their job duties include:
- Conducting Vision Examinations
- Administering Eye Medications and Therapies
- Educating Patients on the Proper Care of their Glasses or Contacts
It is not one of the best-paying trade careers on our list, but it is still among the trade jobs that pay well. The BLS reports a median annual wage of nearly $38,000 as of 2020. Plus, the entry-level requirements for this position are low–some vocational school is required. There is no need for associate degree programs or extra education.
Average Salary: $37,940
EMT / Paramedic
Job Growth Projection: 11%
One of the most exciting and rewarding jobs on our list is an emergency medical technician (EMT). A 1-2 year professional certification but no associate degree is necessary. You will receive on-the-job training. These professionals play a key role in ensuring public safety. They provide life-saving medical treatments and first aid in case of an emergency. Currently, the demand for trained EMTs and paramedics is high. The BLS projects an 11% increase in job openings for these professionals by 2030. The average annual salary for EMTs/paramedics is about $36,650 per year. With experience, there is the potential to earn more.
Average Salary: $36,650
Law
Legal occupations aren’t usually equated with skilled trades. Still, there are a few positions in this professional field. Vocational school graduates can find work with an associate degree or postsecondary certificate. These occupations are some of the highest-paying trade careers. They can also provide advancement opportunities for those with a desire to pursue a legal career at a higher level. If you want to work normal business hours in an office environment, this trade job may be ideal.
Paralegal/ Legal Assistant
Job Growth Projection: 12%
Law may not be the first employment field that comes to mind when considering vocational programs. Most careers in the legal field need several years or more of university study. This is not the case for paralegals and legal assistants. These professionals need an associate degree from a vocational school or community college. Still, the role of a paralegal or legal assistant is crucial to the success of many law firms nationwide. Legal assistants work in law offices, and jobs associated with this occupation include:
- Conducting Research
- Gathering Facts
- Writing Legal Briefs
- Providing Administrative Support to the Members of a Legal Team
The job of a paralegal/legal assistant is among the many high-paying trade school jobs associated with vocational schools, according to the BLS. The median annual salary associated with this profession exceeds $52,000 per year. Demand for legal support professionals is also rising—new positions in the field are projected to increase by 12% by the year 2030. That’s faster than average compared to other occupations in the United States.
Average Salary: $52,920
Court Reporter
Job Growth Projection: 3%
Another popular career for graduates of trade schools is a court reporter. Court reporters have the responsibility of documenting legal proceedings such as:
- Hearings
- Trials
- Depositions
Court reporters capture every word spoken in the courtroom and transcribe it. The transcription becomes an official legal document.
The job outlook for court reporters is somewhat bleak right now, but there is still an ongoing need for them. The pay for this position makes it an appealing career. According to the BLS, court reporters make a median annual salary of over $61,000 annually. That’s much higher than the average for other professions and significantly more than the average for other types of legal support workers as well. It’s safe to say this is one of the better-paying trade careers. You won’t need an associate degree, but you will still need to attend vocational schools to get a professional certificate in the field.