You have probably read articles and seen YouTube shorts talking about how AI will take over 50-60% of jobs in the next 5-10 years. Always take this information with a grain of salt. Some of these people are the same individuals who were making big claims that Bitcoin would be replacing the US dollar, so just buy, buy, buy and HODL. Sure, cryptocurrency is probably not going to disappear and is likely to stay, but I don’t think it will be replacing the US dollar anytime soon if ever. In the same light, AI is also most likely here to stay but, it won’t just erase half of the jobs in the current market in just a decade.
However, many job roles will change gradually over time as they always have. So what do we do? 1) I say it’s the best time to invest in companies advancing AI technology via ETFs. 2) It’s time to look at work from a supply and demand standpoint. For the last 3 decades or so, we have been gravitating towards cushy, office-based jobs. They come with a high 6 figure salary on average, with a typical 9-5 and you do not need to get your hands dirty.
But history shows that businesses will always move towards efficiency. This is done by finding ways to cut costs to increase profits and to speed up product delivery. What is often the biggest cost for most businesses? Labor. Companies also claim that getting optimum productivity from employees is often the biggest challenge. Since automation and AI can alleviate these issues, there is no question that businesses will gravitate to implementing AI more and more. So what we can we the employees do to navigate this ever-changing world?
Let’s go back to the topic of supply and demand. Since lately we have been choosing office-based jobs over the trades, there is a tremendous demand for certain trade jobs. To be honest many of these jobs are quite lucrative, and do not have huge educational requirements as an entry point. In fact, many trade jobs not only provide high salaries but also offer job security, flexible work environments, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.
If you’re interested in a career that doesn’t require a college degree but can still make you rich, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s a breakdown of the top five trade jobs that are known for their high earning potential and long-term financial benefits.
1. Electricians: Powering Homes and Businesses
Median Annual Salary: $60,040
Potential Earnings: $100,000+ with experience and specialized skills
Education/Training: Apprenticeship, Vocational School, State License
Electricians are the unsung heroes who keep the lights on. Whether it’s wiring new construction projects, repairing electrical systems, or installing solar panels, electricians are in high demand across industries. As energy needs grow, the demand for skilled electricians continues to rise, providing job security and excellent earning potential.
What makes this trade especially appealing is the potential to specialize in lucrative niches like industrial or commercial electrical work. With additional certifications, electricians can also focus on high-paying sectors such as energy management, renewable energy systems, or electrical design for smart homes.
How You Can Get Rich as an Electrician:
- Specialize in commercial or industrial electrical work.
- Start your own electrical contracting business.
- Invest in continuing education and certification for renewable energy and smart home technologies.
2. Plumbers: Keeping the Water Flowing
Median Annual Salary: $59,880
Potential Earnings: $100,000+ for experienced plumbers with their own business
Education/Training: Apprenticeship, Vocational School, State License
Plumbing is another trade job that’s always in demand, and it’s one that can make you very wealthy. Plumbers are essential for installing and maintaining water systems in homes, businesses, and factories. The demand for plumbers isn’t just limited to new construction; ongoing maintenance, emergency repairs, and upgrades keep skilled plumbers busy year-round.
One of the key benefits of plumbing as a career is the ability to start your own business after gaining experience. Many plumbers operate their own companies, which can lead to six-figure incomes as you build a client base and expand your services.
How You Can Get Rich as a Plumber:
- Focus on high-demand specialties like commercial plumbing or new construction.
- Start your own plumbing business.
- Offer emergency repair services, which typically command higher fees.
3. HVAC Technicians: The Comfort Masters
Median Annual Salary: $50,590
Potential Earnings: $80,000+ with experience and specialization
Education/Training: Certification Program, Apprenticeship, State License
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians are the experts behind maintaining the comfort of homes and businesses. HVAC systems are essential for modern living, and their maintenance and repair require skilled technicians. As energy efficiency becomes more important, HVAC professionals who specialize in energy-efficient systems or green building technology are seeing their incomes soar.
Becoming an HVAC technician allows for flexible work environments, the potential for overtime pay, and steady year-round work. Experienced HVAC professionals often move into supervisory roles or start their own businesses, both of which can lead to substantial financial rewards.
How You Can Get Rich as an HVAC Technician:
- Specialize in energy-efficient HVAC systems or refrigeration.
- Start your own HVAC business, focusing on both residential and commercial clients.
- Offer emergency services and seasonal maintenance plans for steady income.
4. Welders: Precision in Metalwork
Median Annual Salary: $47,010
Potential Earnings: $100,000+ with specialization in fields like underwater welding or aerospace
Education/Training: Certification Program, Vocational Training
Welding is a trade that offers both diversity and high income potential. Welders are skilled workers who join metal parts together, and they’re needed across a wide range of industries, from construction and automotive to shipbuilding and oil rigs. What sets welding apart is the opportunity for specialization in high-demand areas such as underwater welding, aerospace welding, and pipeline welding. Welding is often also seen as a dying field even though it is essential. Just look on indeed and you will find countless job opportunities go unfilled because people are just not interested in the work. That means after getting the necessary qualifications, you can pave your own path.
While the median salary for welders may not initially seem as high as other trades, those who develop expertise in niche markets can command six-figure incomes. For example, underwater welders can make $100,000 or more per year due to the technical skills and hazardous conditions involved.
How You Can Get Rich as a Welder:
- Pursue specialized training in fields like underwater or pipeline welding.
- Work in high-demand industries such as oil and gas or aerospace.
- Consider overseas or offshore work, where demand and pay are often higher.
5. Construction Managers: Leading the Project
Median Annual Salary: $98,890
Potential Earnings: $150,000+ with experience and large projects
Education/Training: Trade Experience, Certification, On-the-Job Training
Construction managers, also known as general contractors or project managers, are responsible for overseeing construction projects from start to finish. This role typically requires several years of experience in a construction trade, but it pays off in a big way once you move into a management position.
Construction managers are in charge of coordinating teams, managing budgets, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and meeting deadlines. The more experience and success you have in managing projects, the more you can earn, particularly if you work on large-scale commercial or industrial projects.
How You Can Get Rich as a Construction Manager:
- Gain experience in different construction trades to develop a well-rounded skill set.
- Take on larger, more complex projects, which offer higher pay.
- Start your own construction management or general contracting firm.
Why Trade Jobs Are a Path to Wealth
Now that we’ve covered the top five trade jobs that can make you rich, let’s take a closer look at why these careers are so lucrative.
- High Demand: Skilled trade workers are in high demand, especially in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and energy. The growing need for infrastructure development, renewable energy installations, and skilled labor means there’s no shortage of job opportunities.
- Job Security: Many trade jobs offer greater job security compared to other fields. As long as homes and businesses need electrical wiring, plumbing, heating, or construction, skilled tradespeople will always have work. AI isn’t coming to replace these jobs anytime soon, as it may be coming for the more cushy office-based roles.
- Lower Educational Barriers: Trade jobs don’t require a four-year college degree, meaning you can start earning a good income sooner and with less student debt. Most trades require vocational training, apprenticeships, or certifications that can be completed in a fraction of the time it takes to earn a traditional degree.
- Opportunities for Entrepreneurship: Many skilled tradespeople eventually start their own businesses, significantly increasing their earning potential. Whether you open your own HVAC repair service, start an electrical contracting business, or manage construction projects, entrepreneurship in the trades can be highly profitable.
- Hands-On Work: For those who enjoy working with their hands and solving practical problems, trade jobs offer fulfilling and varied work environments. Unlike many desk jobs, trades provide tangible results at the end of the day, whether it’s fixing a plumbing issue, installing a new HVAC system, or completing a construction project.
How to Get Started in a Trade Career
If one of these lucrative trade careers sounds appealing to you, the good news is that it’s relatively easy to get started. Here’s how:
- Research the Trade: Begin by researching the trade you’re interested in. Consider factors like the required training, potential earnings, and job availability in your area.
- Get Trained: Most trades require specific training, such as apprenticeships or certification programs. Many vocational schools and community colleges offer trade programs, and some companies provide on-the-job training for entry-level workers.
- Get Licensed: Many trades require a state license to practice, which typically involves passing an exam. Make sure you understand the licensing requirements in your state.
- Gain Experience: Hands-on experience is critical in the trades. As you gain experience, you’ll become more skilled and able to command higher pay or move into management roles.
- Consider Specialization: Once you’ve gained experience, consider specializing in a high-demand niche, such as energy-efficient systems, industrial welding, or commercial plumbing. Specialization often leads to higher pay and more job opportunities.
Wealth and Success in the Trades
Trade jobs offer a fast track to wealth, job security, and career satisfaction. Whether you’re drawn to the precision of welding, the complexity of HVAC systems, or the leadership of construction management, there’s a trade job for everyone. These careers allow you to build a financially secure future without the burden of a college degree. By specializing, gaining experience, and potentially starting your own business, you can turn a trade job into a path to financial freedom.
So what do you think? Is it time to go all in on the trades?