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Explore high-demand skilled trades, compare real pay, and map out a career path, no four-year degree required.
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Take the 2-minute quiz- High demand
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- Hands-on work
Avg salary · Electrician
$63,190
BLS national median, 2025
Explore Popular Trades
View all tradesElectrician
Critical demandPower the infrastructure of the future. The most in-demand trade in America
$63,190
median
+9%
growth
Plumber
High demandKeep water, gas, and heat running safely. Work that never gets outsourced
$63,800
median
+4%
growth
HVAC Technician
High demandKeep homes and businesses livable in every season. Year-round demand
$61,010
median
+8%
growth
Compare trades side by side
Weighing two or more paths? See pay, training time, and demand head to head.
| Compare | Plumber | HVAC Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $63,800 | $61,010 |
| 10-yr growth | +4% | +8% |
| Entry pay | $44,150 | $40,050 |
| Time to start earning | 4 to 5 years | 3 to 5 years |
| Time to license | 4 to 5 years | 2 to 5 years |
The Electrician Career Path
One of the most in-demand trades in America, with a clear path from apprentice to master.
- 1
Apprentice
Earning while learning
0 to 5 yrs
$40k to $58k
- 2Most common goal
Journeyman Electrician
Licensed and working independently
5 to 10 yrs
$58k to $90k
- 3
Master Electrician
Highest regulated license
10+ yrs
$85k to $170k
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Real career paths
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Federal pay data
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