10 Trade Jobs Employers Can't Fill Fast Enough That Pay Over $65,000

A college degree still holds value today, but as office jobs face uncertainty from automation and outsourcing, the skilled trades may offer greater job stability — and a path to stop living paycheck to paycheck. For proof, look at the open roles at companies of all sizes. Many of them need qualified electricians, mechanics, and technicians, and they're willing to pay well for them.

Here are 10 trade jobs that pay over $65,000 per year. In most cases, you can become qualified for these roles through apprenticeships (in other words, paid training) rather than via costly degrees. Which one of these jobs is for you? Let's take a look and find out.

Editor's note: All salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Median annual salary: $66,490

Water transportation workers operate barges, boats, and other vessels that take people or cargo across rivers and lakes. While this job may keep you away from home for extended periods of time, there are generally no requirements for entry-level roles.

Higher-paying roles in water transportation are available to those with experience and U.S. Coast Guard-approved training.

Median annual salary: $71,270

A lot of public infrastructure and many commercial systems run on custom electronic systems, some of which are getting to be quite old. When these systems act up or break down, they need attention from an electronics repair person.

If you have a knack for electronics and electrical systems, you can find work in factories, repair shops, or public transportation facilities, often with no specific experience required.

Median annual salary: $72,120

Every construction project is faced with various building codes, zoning laws, and safety regulations. Construction inspectors help ensure compliance by reviewing plans and examining on-site progress.

Each state has its own licensing requirements for construction inspectors, but you generally only need a minimum of five years of construction experience to qualify.

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Median annual salary: $73,340

Boilermakers install and maintain boilers and other large vessels that hold liquids or gases. This may sound like a niche job, but industries as varied as power generation, food and beverage production, and textile manufacturing all use boilers.

You don't need a degree to qualify for this job, but you do need to complete a three to four-year paid apprenticeship.

Median annual salary: $75,190

Stationary engineers operate complex equipment, such as generators, chillers, and boilers, in large facilities, such as hospitals or factories. They also maintain the equipment and ensure it runs at peak efficiency.

This role requires a high school diploma plus an apprenticeship or other training, and can lead to a long-term, stable career.

Median annual salary: $78,680

Aircraft mechanics are key to flight safety, as they inspect and repair planes as needed. The aviation industry always needs more mechanics, and job growth is projected to rise over the next decade.

To qualify, you must graduate from a Federal Aviation Association (FAA)-approved program and pass a certification exam. The whole process takes one to two years, and you can start earning a good salary right away.

Median annual salary: $79,830

Aerospace technicians assist engineers in the design and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. This role is a great way to break into the industry without attending years of schooling, as you typically only need an associate's degree in aerospace technology or a related field.

Advancements in aviation and renewed interest in space exploration have led to an increase in demand for these technicians, a trend expected to continue well into the next decade.

Median annual salary: $81,390

Aircraft mechanics aren't the only skilled tradespeople required to keep flights running smoothly. Avionics technicians install, test, and repair the navigation and communication systems pilots use throughout their voyage.

Similar to aircraft mechanics, you need an FAA certification to qualify for avionics work. Thanks to increasingly complex aviation technology, airlines constantly need new technicians coming into this field.

Median annual salary: $92,560

Lineworkers install and repair high-voltage cables that bring electricity to homes and businesses. While this is a physically demanding job that requires working at heights, it pays well for those who can handle it.

As the country needs more power stations and data centers to support AI growth, there will be considerable demand for powerline installers and repairers over the next decade.

Median annual salary: $106,580

No one thinks about vertical transport systems like elevators and escalators until there's a problem. It's at that point that you want a highly skilled mechanic to fix it ASAP.

That's why elevator or escalator repair pays so well. This is a demanding but lucrative trade that only requires a high school diploma and a four-year paid apprenticeship to get started.

When you look at the cost of a four-year degree and student loan debt, the skilled trades start to look pretty good. You can often start these jobs right out of high school with paid apprenticeships and build a long-term career. That means you're earning while you learn — a major win if you want to eliminate some money stress early on.

Plus, there's plenty of demand for these roles, thanks to a massive labor shortage. The Associated Builders and Contractors organization, for instance, estimated that the construction industry alone will need another 454,000 workers this year just to keep up with demand. That's nearly a million job openings in just one sector, underscoring the urgent need for more skilled workers.