The Trades Are Having a Moment
A severe shortage of skilled tradespeople in the United States has pushed wages to record levels. The average plumber, electrician, or HVAC technician now earns $55,000-$80,000 annually, with experienced tradespeople in high-demand markets exceeding $100,000. Meanwhile, trade school programs typically cost $5,000-$20,000 and take 6 months to 2 years to complete — a fraction of the time and cost of a four-year degree. For students who enjoy hands-on work and want to enter the workforce quickly, trade school represents an increasingly attractive alternative.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | Trade School | Four-Year College |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 6 months - 2 years | 4-6 years |
| Average total cost | $5,000-$20,000 | $100,000-$200,000 |
| Median starting salary | $35,000-$50,000 | $40,000-$55,000 |
| Median mid-career salary | $55,000-$85,000 | $65,000-$120,000 |
| Student debt at graduation | $5,000-$10,000 | $29,000-$35,000 |
| Job placement rate | 85-95% | 75-85% |
| Automation risk | Low (hands-on work) | Varies by field |
Highest-Paying Trades
Certain trades consistently offer salaries that rival or exceed many bachelor's degree fields:
- Elevator installer/repairer — Median $97,860/year. Requires apprenticeship; strong union presence.
- Radiation therapist — Median $92,520/year. Requires associate's degree and certification.
- Dental hygienist — Median $81,400/year. Associate's degree, excellent work-life balance.
- Electrician — Median $61,590/year, with master electricians earning $80,000-$120,000.
- Plumber — Median $60,090/year, with licensed contractors earning significantly more.
- HVAC technician — Median $51,390/year with strong demand growth projections.
The Financial Head Start
The most underappreciated advantage of trade school is the financial head start. An 18-year-old who enters a plumbing apprenticeship earns $30,000-$40,000/year while training, accumulates zero debt, and is earning full journeyman wages ($60,000+) by age 22. Meanwhile, their college-bound peer graduates at 22 with $29,000 in debt and a starting salary that may not be significantly higher. By age 30, the tradesperson has earned approximately $200,000 more in cumulative income when accounting for the college graduate's lost earnings, student loan payments, and tuition costs.
When College Is Still the Better Choice
College remains the better path when your target career requires a degree (medicine, law, engineering, teaching, accounting), when you seek career flexibility and advancement into management, or when your interests align with fields where the bachelor's degree premium is largest. Many trades also have a physical toll — decades of physically demanding work can lead to chronic injuries that limit earning capacity in later career stages. If longevity and career pivoting flexibility matter to you, a degree provides more options. Compare earnings data for specific majors against trade careers to make the most informed decision.