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What trade makes 100k a year?

Jan 10, 2025 | Laurel

Laurel MS Roofers

What trade makes 100k a year?

Skilled trades are an essential part of the economy, offering lucrative careers that often don’t require a four-year degree. Many of these trades provide high earning potential, with some professionals making $100k or more annually. While reaching this salary may depend on factors like experience, location, and industry demand, several trades offer the opportunity to earn six figures.

1. Electrician

Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. With the demand for skilled electricians growing due to advancements in technology and renewable energy sources, this trade offers excellent earning potential.

  • How to Earn $100k: Most electricians start with an apprenticeship and work their way up through experience. Master electricians, especially those who own their own business or specialize in commercial and industrial projects, can easily earn $100k or more per year. Specializing in areas like solar panel installation or large-scale industrial projects can also increase earnings.

2. Plumber

Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and drainage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The construction and maintenance of these essential systems ensure a steady demand for qualified plumbers.

  • How to Earn $100k: While starting salaries for plumbers may be lower, experienced plumbers, particularly those who work on large commercial projects or own their own businesses, can make $100k a year. Specializing in high-demand areas like medical gas piping, hydronic systems, or working in cities with a high cost of living can lead to higher pay.

3. HVAC Technician

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians install, maintain, and repair climate control systems. As energy-efficient systems become more popular and essential for homes and businesses, the demand for skilled HVAC technicians continues to rise.

  • How to Earn $100k: HVAC technicians who specialize in commercial systems, refrigeration, or advanced energy systems have higher earning potential. Owning an HVAC business or working in areas with extreme climates (hot or cold) where heating and cooling systems are critical can help skilled technicians reach $100k or more annually.

4. Construction Manager

Construction managers oversee building projects from start to finish, managing the budget, scheduling, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. This role is critical for large-scale commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects.

  • How to Earn $100k: Construction managers with years of experience, especially those working on complex commercial or government projects, can earn over $100k per year. Earning a degree in construction management or obtaining certifications in specialized areas like project management can further boost salary potential.

5. Welder

Welders work in a variety of industries, from construction to manufacturing, using specialized techniques to join metal parts together. Skilled welders are in high demand, particularly in industries like oil and gas, shipbuilding, and aerospace.

  • How to Earn $100k: Experienced welders who specialize in high-demand areas such as underwater welding, pipeline welding, or working on complex infrastructure projects can earn $100k or more. Welders who travel to remote locations, such as offshore oil rigs or large construction sites, often command higher salaries due to the challenging nature of the work.

6. Elevator Installer and Repairer

Elevator installers and repairers maintain and repair elevators, escalators, and other lift systems. This specialized trade is critical for maintaining the safety and functionality of buildings with elevator systems, particularly in urban environments with high-rise structures.

  • How to Earn $100k: Elevator installers and repairers typically undergo an apprenticeship and earn a high hourly wage. Those with several years of experience and who work in large cities or with high-demand clients can easily surpass $100k per year. The high level of technical expertise and responsibility involved in this trade makes it one of the most lucrative options.

7. Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy equipment operators use machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators to move large amounts of material in construction, mining, and infrastructure projects. As infrastructure continues to grow globally, there’s an increasing demand for skilled operators to handle complex machinery.

  • How to Earn $100k: Operators who specialize in large-scale commercial or industrial projects, such as road construction or mining operations, can earn $100k or more annually. Additionally, those who obtain multiple certifications to operate different types of heavy machinery have greater earning potential.

8. Boilermaker

Boilermakers assemble, install, and repair boilers, tanks, and other large vessels that hold liquids or gases. This specialized trade is essential for industries such as power generation, oil refining, and chemical manufacturing.

  • How to Earn $100k: Boilermakers working in high-demand industries or hazardous environments, such as power plants or refineries, can earn $100k or more with experience. Those who are willing to travel or take on jobs in remote or high-risk areas often command higher salaries due to the nature of the work.

9. Pipefitter/Steamfitter

Pipefitters and steamfitters install and repair pipes that carry liquids, gases, or steam. They often work in industrial settings, such as power plants or factories, where precision and safety are crucial.

  • How to Earn $100k: Experienced pipefitters and steamfitters, especially those who specialize in high-demand industries like oil and gas, chemical manufacturing, or industrial construction, can make $100k or more annually. Journeyman and master fitters with advanced certifications typically have the highest earning potential.

10. Wind Turbine Technician

With the growing focus on renewable energy, wind turbine technicians are in high demand. These professionals install, maintain, and repair wind turbines, often working in remote or rural areas where wind farms are located.

  • How to Earn $100k: Wind turbine technicians who are willing to work in remote locations, take on travel-heavy roles, or specialize in troubleshooting and repairing large-scale turbines can earn $100k or more. As the demand for renewable energy grows, so does the earning potential for skilled technicians in this field.

Conclusion

While earning $100k or more in a trade often requires years of experience, specialization, and sometimes owning a business, it is certainly achievable in many skilled trades. With the increasing demand for professionals in construction, energy, and technology-related fields, individuals willing to hone their craft and pursue high-demand areas can enjoy both job security and a lucrative salary. If you’re considering a career in the trades, these options offer a pathway to financial success without the need for a traditional four-year degree.

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