Which Skilled Trades Pay Six Figures With Experience? 12 High-Paying Careers to Consider

Picture earning $100,000 without college debt. It can happen, but not in every trade. So, what skilled trades pay six figures with experience? Some pay it at the median. Others get there with overtime, rare skills, or their own shop. We have talked with many working pros. Pay climbs fast once you prove your skill. Here are real numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), so you know what to expect.

Can Skilled Trades Really Pay $100,000 or More?

Yes, but the details matter. Pay comes in a few forms. Base pay is your wage or salary. Overtime adds extra hours at higher rates. Own-business income comes from running your own shop. Total pay is all three added up.

Median pay is the middle number. Half of workers earn more. Half earn less. The top 10% figure shows what the best-paid workers make. For comparison, the median for all US jobs was $49,500 in May 2024.

Only two of the highest-paying skilled trades below have a six-figure median. The rest get to $100,000 with experience, overtime, or the right location. We also cover the highest-paying jobs without a college degree in another guide.

12 Skilled Trades That Can Pay Six Figures With Experience

All figures come from BLS data for May 2024. Treat them as national averages. These six-figure trade jobs vary by state and employer.

1. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

The median pay is $106,580. The top 10% earn over $149,250. You train in a four-year paid program. Most states also require a license. This is the one hands-on trade with a six-figure median.

2. Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

The median is $92,560. The top 10% earn over $126,610. The work is risky, so it pays more. Storms bring long shifts and extra pay. Training takes up to three years.

3. Plumbers and Pipefitters

BLS counts these two trades as one group. The median is $62,970. The top 10% earn over $105,150. Big factory and office jobs pay more than home repairs. Master plumbers often open their own shops.

4. Electricians

The median is $62,350. The top 10% earn over $106,030. Pay rises when you move into factory or special work. Training takes four to five years. Most states require a license.

5. HVAC Mechanics and Installers

The median is $59,810. The top 10% earn over $91,020. Skills in big building systems and cooling pay more. Most techs reach $100,000 only in a high-cost area, with heavy overtime, or with their own business.

6. Boilermakers

The median is $73,340. The top 10% earn over $107,600. Boilermakers build and fix large tanks and boilers. Plant shutdowns bring long hours and extra pay. Training lasts four years.

7. Construction Managers

The median is $106,980. The top 10% earn over $176,990. This is a related career step, not a hands-on trade. Some managers start in the trades. Others start with a college degree. Top pay comes after years of project work.

8. Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics

The median is $78,680. The top 10% earn over $120,080. Airline mechanics earn a median of $95,320. You need a federal license from an approved school. Avionics experts earn a median of $81,390.

9. Industrial Machinery Mechanics

BLS groups these mechanics with plant repair workers. The median is $63,510. The top 10% earn over $91,620. Factories use more robots now. Mechanics who can fix them stand out.

10. Heavy Equipment Operators

The median is about $58,700. The top 10% earn around $100,700. Crane operators and big road crews sit near the top. Overtime and remote jobs can add a lot.

11. Ironworkers

Structural ironworkers have a median of $62,700. Rebar workers have a median of $59,280. Top earners in high-wage areas can pass $100,000, mostly on union jobs. The work is hard and often high up.

12. Wind Turbine Technicians

The median is $62,580. The top 10% earn over $88,090. BLS expects jobs to grow 50% from 2024 to 2034. You need a short college program and a comfort with heights. Six figures is rare here, but lead roles can get close.

Salary Comparison at a Glance

Source: BLS, May 2024. Want a wider view of pay this year? See our look at the highest-paying jobs in 2026. Keep in mind that skilled trades that pay $100K at the top end are not the same as those with a $100K median.

What Determines How Much Experienced Tradespeople Earn?

Two people in the same trade can earn very different pay. Here is what moves the needle in high-paying trade careers:

• Years on the job: Skilled workers earn more as they solve hard problems alone.
• Licenses: Only licensed people can do some work, so they earn more.
• Location: Big cities and high-cost states pay more. This look at high-paying New York careers shows how much place matters.
• Union jobs: Union pay scales are often higher.
• Special skills: Rare skills pay extra, like high-voltage work or robot repair.
• Overtime: Extra hours can add thousands each year.
• Own business: Owners keep more of each job, but they take more risk.

How Long Does It Take to Earn Six Figures in a Skilled Trade?

There is no set timeline. BLS does not track pay by years worked. So skilled trade salary after 10 years depends on your trade, state, and choices. The top 10% figure is a good clue. Electricians have a $62,350 median. Their top 10% earn $106,030. That gap is about $43,700. It shows what experience can add.

A common path looks like this:

1. Paid training (about 4 to 5 years): You earn while you learn the basics.
2. Journey level: You work alone and earn full trade pay.
3. Experienced worker: You take harder jobs and more overtime.
4. Expert, lead, or owner: This is where pay peaks, but not everyone gets there.

How Can You Increase Your Earnings in a Skilled Trade?

The best trades for long-term earning potential reward people who keep learning. These steps help most:

• Earn more licenses: Each one proves a new skill.
• Learn a niche: Focus on work few people can do well.
• Lead a crew: Foremen earn more than most field workers.
• Look at unions: Unions often pair training with higher pay.
• Start a business: After years of work, you can sell your own services.

Are Six-Figure Skilled Trade Careers Worth Pursuing?

For most people, yes. You can skip tuition debt and earn while you train. Demand for skilled workers is steady. But be honest about the costs. The work is often hard on the body. Some jobs carry real safety risks. Hours can include nights, weekends, and travel. In our experience, the happiest people pick a trade that fits their strengths. They do not chase only the biggest number. Still unsure? Read about careers that actually pay without a degree.

FAQs

What is the highest-paying skilled trade in the United States?

Elevator and escalator installers lead among hands-on trades. Their median pay is $106,580. The top 10% earn over $149,250. Construction managers pay slightly more at the median, but the job often needs a degree.

Can you make $100,000 a year without a college degree?

Yes. Elevator installers earn a $106,580 median with paid training, not a degree. Electricians, plumbers, and boilermakers can pass $100,000 at the top 10% level. Experience, overtime, and location make the difference.

How many years does it take to make six figures in a skilled trade?

There is no set timeline. Most paid training programs last four to five years. Six figures often comes after that, with more experience, special skills, overtime, or a lead role. Pay depends on your trade and location.

Which skilled trades have the best long-term earning potential?

Elevator installers, power-line workers, electricians, plumbers, and boilermakers rank high. Their top 10% earn over $100,000. Aircraft mechanics and construction managers also offer strong long-term pay.

Can you earn six figures in a skilled trade without starting your own business?

Yes. Elevator installers and power-line workers show how. Top earners often work for employers. They use overtime, special skills, and union pay scales to pass $100,000.

Ready to Map Your Own Path to Six-Figure Pay?

Want real numbers before you pick a path? Come listen with us. On our podcast, How Much Can I Make?, we break down what jobs really pay. We also share how people got there. Start with this episode on turning skills into high-paying jobs.

Our advice is simple. Pick one of these trade jobs that pay six figures. Check your local pay. Then talk to someone doing the work.