Top High-Paying Trade Jobs Without a Degree in 2024
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the value and opportunities offered by skilled trade jobs that don’t require a traditional four-year college degree. Many of these roles offer competitive salaries, strong job security, and the potential for career advancement. As we look ahead to 2024, several high-paying trade jobs stand out as particularly promising for those seeking lucrative careers without the need for a degree.
Construction Superintendent – Median Salary: $84,600
Construction superintendents play a crucial role in overseeing and coordinating construction projects. They are responsible for managing crews, ensuring adherence to plans and specifications, and maintaining project schedules. With a median salary of $84,600, construction superintendents rank among the highest-paid trade jobs that don’t require a degree.
To succeed as a construction superintendent, individuals typically need several years of experience in the construction industry, strong leadership and communication skills, and a thorough understanding of construction methods and safety protocols. While a degree is not required, many construction superintendents hold certifications in areas such as OSHA safety or project management.
Manufacturing Production Manager – Median Salary: $71,800
Manufacturing production managers are responsible for overseeing the production process in manufacturing facilities. They plan and coordinate the work of production teams, ensure that production goals are met, and implement strategies to improve efficiency and quality. With a median salary of $71,800, manufacturing production managers can earn substantial incomes without a college degree.
To become a manufacturing production manager, individuals typically need several years of experience in manufacturing, as well as strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills. Many production managers also hold certifications in areas such as lean manufacturing or Six Sigma.
Journeyman Plumber – Median Salary: $61,500
Plumbers are essential tradespeople who install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in homes, businesses, and other buildings. Journeyman plumbers, who have completed an apprenticeship and obtained a license, can earn a median salary of $61,500 per year.
To become a journeyman plumber, individuals typically need to complete a 4-5 year apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Plumbing apprenticeships are often sponsored by unions or trade associations and provide a structured path to a well-paying career without the need for a college degree.
Fleet Manager – Median Salary: $64,600
Fleet managers are responsible for overseeing the maintenance, operation, and performance of a company’s fleet of vehicles. They develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure that vehicles are safe, reliable, and cost-effective. With a median salary of $64,600, fleet managers can earn strong incomes without a degree.
To become a fleet manager, individuals typically need several years of experience in fleet operations or a related field, as well as strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills. Many fleet managers also hold certifications in areas such as fleet safety or automotive technology.
Journeyman Electrician – Median Salary: $62,600
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and other buildings. Journeyman electricians, who have completed an apprenticeship and obtained a license, can earn a median salary of $62,600 per year.
To become a journeyman electrician, individuals typically need to complete a 4-5 year apprenticeship program that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Electrician apprenticeships, like plumbing apprenticeships, provide a structured path to a well-paying career without the need for a college degree.
Growing Demand for Skilled Tradespeople
The demand for skilled tradespeople is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by a combination of factors including labor shortages, infrastructure needs, real estate redevelopment, and investments in renewable energy. According to research by McKinsey & Co., the U.S. skilled labor market has been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, with many industries facing challenges in finding qualified workers.
As a result of these trends, wages for skilled trade jobs have been rising rapidly. According to data from Payscale and ZipRecruiter, wages for many skilled trade occupations have increased by more than 20% since the first quarter of 2020. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, as competition for skilled tradespeople remains fierce.
Skilled Trade Job Wages Up Over 20% Since 2020
The rapid wage growth in skilled trade jobs is a clear indication of the strong demand for these workers. According to data from Payscale and ZipRecruiter, wages for many skilled trade occupations have increased by more than 20% since the first quarter of 2020. For example:
- Construction superintendent wages have increased by 21.6%
- Manufacturing production manager wages have increased by 22.3%
- Journeyman plumber wages have increased by 23.1%
- Fleet manager wages have increased by 24.7%
- Journeyman electrician wages have increased by 25.4%
These wage increases are expected to continue in the coming years, as the demand for skilled tradespeople remains strong and competition for talent remains fierce.
Infrastructure, Real Estate & Renewable Energy Driving Demand
Several key factors are driving the growing demand for skilled tradespeople, including:
- Infrastructure needs: The U.S. has significant infrastructure needs, including repairs and upgrades to roads, bridges, and other public works. These projects will require a large number of skilled tradespeople, including construction workers, electricians, and plumbers.
- Real estate redevelopment: The redevelopment of older buildings and construction of new homes and commercial properties is also driving demand for skilled tradespeople. As more people move to urban areas and the housing market remains strong, the need for skilled construction workers, electricians, and plumbers will continue to grow.
- Renewable energy investments: The transition to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, is creating new opportunities for skilled tradespeople. The installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems requires specialized skills, and the demand for these workers is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.
The Rise of Skills-Based Hiring
As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow, many companies are rethinking their hiring practices and placing a greater emphasis on skills-based hiring. Rather than requiring a college degree for all positions, these companies are focusing on the specific skills and experience needed to perform the job.
This shift towards skills-based hiring is creating new opportunities for workers without college degrees to earn high salaries in a variety of industries. According to CNBC, some companies are now willing to pay six-figure salaries to workers with the right skills, even if they don’t have a degree.
Companies Dropping Degree Requirements in Favor of Skills
One of the most significant trends in skills-based hiring is the willingness of companies to drop degree requirements for certain positions. Instead of automatically requiring a college degree, these companies are focusing on the specific skills and experience needed to perform the job.
For example, Google, Apple, and IBM have all announced that they no longer require a college degree for many positions. Instead, they are looking for candidates with the right skills and experience, regardless of their educational background.
This trend is creating new opportunities for workers without degrees to compete for high-paying jobs that were previously out of reach. By focusing on skills rather than degrees, companies are opening up new pathways to success for a wider range of workers.
Skills-Based Hiring Not Yet Common Practice Across Industries
While the trend towards skills-based hiring is growing, it is not yet common practice across all industries. According to Ruth Thomas, a pay equity strategist at Payscale, many companies are still heavily focused on degree requirements when making hiring decisions.
Thomas notes that skills-based hiring is a newer trend that is not yet widely adopted across all industries. While some companies are leading the way in this area, others are still catching up.
Despite these challenges, the trend towards skills-based hiring is expected to continue in the coming years. As companies struggle to find qualified workers in a tight labor market, they will increasingly look beyond traditional degree requirements and focus on the skills and experience needed to perform the job.
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