Age 16 to 24 or still in school? YouthSkilledTrades.com is built for you.
HomeExplore TradesFind your fitFind Your TradeCareer AssessmentCareer LaddersSee the workTrade VideosSuccess StoriesWomen in the TradesSecond ChancesBlog and VideoAll resourcesFind TrainingProgramsFind ProgramsBrowse DirectoryApprenticeship ProgramsDOL Apprenticeship DataHelp along the wayVeteransState Job CentersSupport ServicesPay for ItCheck eligibilityFunding Eligibility CheckPell Grant CheckerWorkforce Pell by StateFind moneyFunding GuideScholarshipsGrants and IncentivesFree Tuition StatesPerkins V FundingToolsGet hiredResume BuilderCover Letter BuilderAI Mock InterviewAsk a ProZero to ApprenticeReadiness ChecklistFirst 90 DaysPlan and compareSalary CalculatorCollege vs. TradesSalary vs. Cost of LivingFor OrganizationsWork with usFor OrganizationsFor SchoolsEmployer ResourcesSponsorshipFree BadgeAboutAboutCommunity PartnersOur SponsorsPressContactMoreJob BoardGlobalFind a ProThe Ecosystem

What Could You Earn in the Trades?

Compare a skilled trade career to your current path, with real salary data. See the gap, share the result.

Pipefitter. Strong Systems Strong Communities career poster

Build Your Comparison

Annual Salary Advantage. Trades vs. Your Current Path
$0
in your selected state
Current Path
-
$0
Estimated median / yr
Trade Career
-
$0
BLS national median (state-adjusted) / yr
$0
5-Year Earnings
Advantage
$0
10-Year Earnings
Advantage
-
Job Growth
Outlook (10yr)

Top Trades. State-Adjusted Salaries

Salary data sourced from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. State multipliers are approximate cost-of-labor adjustments. Figures represent median wages; individual earnings vary by experience, employer, and location.

Common questions

How much do skilled trades workers make?

Pay varies widely by trade, state, and experience, from entry-level helper wages to six figures for experienced specialists and business owners. Use the calculator to see real wage data for your trade and location.

Do tradespeople make more than college graduates?

Many do, especially once you count the college debt they avoided. Apprentices earn while they train, so they often come out ahead in their twenties.

Which states pay trades the best?

Pay is generally highest in states with strong union presence and high construction demand. Cost of living matters too, so compare wages against local costs.

See also: Wage Data by trade and state and Trade Salaries, both from the same BLS source.