Trades Career ROI Comparison: Which Trade Pays Best?

3 minute read

Long read

Skilled trades offer some of the best ROI career paths in the US economy — low or zero training cost with median salaries of $50,000–$80,000. Comparing trades on pay, training time, and growth outlook helps prospective students choose.

How top trades compare on salary and ROI

Salary Overview

BLS May 2024 data shows clear salary leaders among trades: elevator installers ($102,420 median), power line workers ($85,420), plumbers ($61,550), electricians ($61,590), and HVAC technicians ($57,300). All offer paid apprenticeships or low-cost training.

Training time varies from 6 months (CDL, welding certificates) to 5 years (full union apprenticeships). Longer apprenticeships typically lead to higher lifetime earnings, but shorter programs offer faster labor market entry.

Salary by Role and Experience

TradeMedian Salary (BLS May 2024)Training PathElevator Installer/Repairer$102,420 median4-yr apprenticeshipPower Line Worker$85,420 median3–4 yr apprenticeshipPlumber / Pipefitter$61,550 median4–5 yr apprenticeshipElectrician$61,590 median4–5 yr apprenticeshipHVAC/R Technician$57,300 median6 mo–4 yr trainingWelder$49,490 median6 mo–2 yr training

Return on Investment Analysis

Elevator installers have the highest median salary ($102,420) and the strongest ROI among traditional trades. Power line workers follow closely at $85,420 with similarly paid apprenticeships. Both require union apprenticeships that are competitive to enter.

For fastest entry, CDL drivers ($54,320 median) and welders ($49,490 median) can begin earning in 3–8 months. Longer apprenticeships in electrical and plumbing trade higher early earnings for stronger lifetime pay.

Factors That Affect Earnings

Apprenticeship length — longer apprenticeships correlate with higher pay
Union access — the highest-paying trades are predominantly union
Danger and physical demands — linework and elevator pay reflects risk premium
Geographic demand — construction boom states offer surge premiums
Overtime availability — trades with heavy OT add 15–40% to annual pay

Career Growth Timeline

Months 1–6: CDL or welding certificate, immediate entry at $40,000–$55,000
Years 1–5: Apprenticeship in electrical, plumbing, or HVAC, earn $35,000–$60,000 (scaling)
Years 5–10: Journeyworker or master, earn $60,000–$100,000
Years 10+: Contractor or business owner, earn $90,000–$200,000+

Geographic and Industry Variation

Union-strong states (Illinois, New York, California, Washington, Oregon) pay the highest in virtually every trade category. Alaska pays top wages across all trades due to remote demand and hazardous conditions.

Sunbelt construction booms (Texas, Florida, Arizona, Georgia) are narrowing the gap. Non-union journeyworker wages in these markets have risen 15–25% since 2020 due to labor shortages.

Key Takeaways

Elevator installers lead all trades at $102,420 median
Paid apprenticeships make trades among the highest-ROI career paths
Union membership adds 20–50% in total compensation premium

Sources

BLS May 2024 OES
DOL apprenticeship data
union wage schedules

Find my College

Invalid First Name

Invalid Last Name

Invalid Email Address

Invalid Phone Number

Invalid Zip Code

By checking this box, I consent to representatives of Education Directory to contact me about educational opportunities via email, text, or phone, including my mobile phone number using an automatic dialer. Message and data rates may apply. I understand that my consent is not a requirement for enrollment, and I may withdraw my consent at any time.

🔒 Your information is secure and only used to match you with relevant programs.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Usually takes less that 5 minutes to get results

Conclusion

Skilled trades consistently deliver high ROI through paid training, zero tuition debt, and strong median salaries. The highest-paying trades (elevator, linework) require competitive apprenticeships, while faster-entry trades (CDL, welding) offer immediate income.