11 Trade School Programs That Lead to High Paying Jobs
What if your own two hands could unlock a successful and high-paying job?
Many people still think a traditional college education is the only key to a truly successful career. However, there are a number of trade school programs that offer valuable and practical skills you can start using right away.
Wondering what trade school programs lead to high-paying jobs? Here are a few of our favorites!
1. Air Traffic Control
Wondering who has the most stressful jobs? The answer: anyone responsible for the safety of thousands of lives.
That’s what makes air traffic control both risky and rewarding. It only takes a few years of trade school training to learn this skill, but every day of those years is quite intense.
It’s worth it, though — these jobs typically pay more than $120,000!
2. Construction Management
Our culture really clings to an “if you build it, they will come” mentality. And that’s why there is a new building every time you turn the corner.
And construction is a very complex field. It’s easy for major projects to fall behind in schedule and/or go way over budget.
Construction management training helps you take the reins on these projects. You save the industries and architects money and they pass it onto you in the form of a six-figure salary.
3. Elevator Industry
Sometimes, the best jobs are the ones that come with true security. Take elevators, for example. They break down every day, and only true specialists know how to fix them
You can go through a special training program from the National Elevator Industry Educational Program. Once completed, you’ll be able to repair and maintain elevators around the world.
There is still an apprenticeship while you get licensed. However, you get paid the whole time, and can ultimately make nearly $80,000.
4. Computer Network Architect
Another field with real job security is, of course, computer networking. And no one knows their way around that network as a computer network architect.
Some architects have higher degrees, but you can enter into this field via trade school training. And with that training, you can design and interface with every level of computer networks.
Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for this job to pay six figures.
5. CNC Manufacturing
CNC Machining is another field that continues to grow. And no wonder — it involves manufacturing objects of any size for a variety of engineering and architectural needs.
CNC technicians must understand materials and manufacturing as well as the computers and design programs used to create everything. That makes it very complex, but getting the training is worth it.
These CNC specialists typically make over $75,000 each year!
6. Dental Support Staff
We all know that dentists make a lot of money. But did you know that their support staff also makes a fair chunk of change?
Dental hygienists can make over $70,000 a year, and dental assistants can use their on-the-job experience to climb the ranks. And getting training is easy when you take advantage of this unique community.
7. Applications Software Development
The world runs on computer programs. Whatever problem you need to solve, “there’s an app for that.”
And somebody has to make those apps we love so much. And that’s why Applications Software Development is such a robust field.
Whether it’s creating all-new apps or modifying and maintaining existing ones, these developers make it happen. And with the right trade school training, you can make over $100,000 in this field.
8. HVAC Maintenance
Ever think about the things we take for granted each day? Somewhere near the top of that list would be the air conditioner.
The ability to control how hot and cold our homes are with the touch of a button is downright miraculous. But when the HVAC is having problems, that miracle becomes a nightmare!
That’s why HVAC technicians are valued so much. When your air conditioning or heating is on the fritz, you can usually get a tech to fix everything in less than a day.
These techs receive training through trade schools and certification programs. And they typically end up making over $60,000 a year!
9. Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Doctors, like dentists, have very high-paying jobs. And like dentists, they are surrounded by highly-paid support staff.
One example of this is diagnostic medical sonography. Technicians in this area are responsible for scanning our bodies and discovering what is wrong that is making us sick.
Without that assessment, doctors could not do their jobs. That’s why, after getting the right training, these technicians can make nearly $70,000 per year.
10. Electronics Engineer
You may not think that you can become an electronics engineer without a higher education degree. However, a surprising number of working engineers only have either trade school training or two years of formal education.
In this field, you do a little bit of everything. You may be responsible for designing, maintaining, repairing, and modifying all kinds of machinery.
Just about every business relies heavily on machinery. And if you are able to work with that machinery, you have job security for life!
Those who become really established in this field can make over $100,000 per year.
11. Marine Engineering
No matter how advanced we get with planes and self-driving cars, our society still relies on boats to transport people and goods. And as long as we need boats, we need marine engineers.
As the name implies, you will be responsible for repairing and maintaining all kinds of boats under all kinds of weather conditions. And in return for this tough and risky job, you’ll benefit from solid job security and salary.
After appropriate training and an apprenticeship, you could end up making over $90,000 in this field!
High-Paying Trade School Programs: The Bottom Line
Now you know about some of the highest-paid trade school programs around. But do you know where you can find even more info about how to get the job of your dreams?
We specialize in helping people find jobs ranging from major careers to awesome side hustles. To see how we can help you land your next big gig, check out our job search articles today!