Everyone knows that an education is a requirement. But, you might not have the best financial situation to spend four years in school. Or, maybe you are not willing to spend your time gaining an education. In that case, what should you do? Well, you can always consider an education at a trade school. There are many people who graduated from a trade school and they make just as much money as graduates with college degrees.

The main difference between a standard college and a trade school is time. During the first few years of college, you will be in the process of getting your general courses out of the way. But, in a trade school, you will only take classes on the specific career path that you are interested in. Since you will skip out on the general education classes, it will make a world of a difference.

What are The Highest Paying Trade School Job Options?

You never know how much you can make from a job opportunity. But, we can give you an idea. The following trades are taught in trade schools that provide the highest paying job options and the median annual income for each employment opportunity.

• Marine Mechanic – $38,280
• Automotive Service Tech – $38,470
• Welder – $39,390
• Auto Body Repairman – $40,379
• Masonry Worker – $41,330
• Carpenter – $43,600
• Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – $44,090
• Heavy Equipment Operator – $45,040
• Diesel Mechanic – $45,170
• Commercial Diver – $49,090

Marine Mechanic – $38,280

Marine mechanics require specialized technical education, to operate watercraft properly. Generally, you can find employment at seaports and marinas. But, there are boats residing in inland areas as well. Additionally, there are mobile marine mechanics that look for and assist stranded boats and marine vessels.  The main tasks for this position include testing electrical mechanisms, fuel systems, rigging, and much more! In addition, marine mechanics test and substitute parts that need fixing, in order to maintain watercraft function properly. Other duties include explaining to clients in repairs of these mechanisms and preventative maintenance.

If you want to pursue a career as a marine mechanic, then you should consider applying to State Fair Community College. They offer an Associate of Applied Science in Marine Technology. This degree is created to ensure that you remain ahead in this career path. Typically, you will take classes on engine components, ignition systems, marine rigging, and more!

Automotive Service Technician – $38,470

Dealers, local shops, spare parts stores and other places are responsible for employing service technicians. The main task of a service technician is to guarantee that cars and vehicle systems are operating smoothly. Technicians will try out systems and parts, to locate issues that could take place, in order to prevent issues and accidents. Additionally, service technicians are responsible for finding issues that could take place in the future, which would prevent issues and accidents. Additionally, service techs spend a lot of their time testing and replacing computer parts and switches. Other job duties may include changing oil, rotating tires and explaining preventative maintenance to customers, as well as answering questions that customers may have.

Many automotive service technicians graduate from Universal Technical Institute. This school offers one of the best automotive programs that educate future technicians the basics and manufacturer-specific classes.

Welder – $39,390

Welders are in charge of connecting two, or more, pieces of metal together, permanently, through the use of high heat. There are many different industries that require welders. This includes: airplane manufacturers, construction of companies, car manufacturers, and many more! Any business that needs a strong metal bond would require welders. Welders operate in several types of environments, including outside weather and the natural elements. There are many instances where welders find themselves in odd circumstances and in tight spots to connect metal pieces. Due to the high intensity of heat they need for the job and its conditions, you need to be careful.

You will find that Hill College provides one of the most affordable welding courses across the United States. This college offers certificates in welding and an associate’s of applied sciences. Additionally, their courses include industrial safety and metallurgy, along with a couple more.

Auto Body Repairman – $40,379

Auto body repair-men spend their days fixing cars and trucks that are damaged. These repairmen sand down and paint car parts. Once these parts are ready, repairmen are responsible for linking these vehicular parts together. Additionally, you will find that auto bodyworkers are famous for restoring classic cars and trucks. This job title needs a lot of work with your hands and power tools, which can be loud and exhausting. Auto body repair-men will also deal with paint fumes and dust, as part of the nature of their work. But, most auto body shops are well ventilated. Additionally, auto body repair-men can find themselves in tight spots and awkward spaces. So, you should try to be physically fit, at least as much as possible.

Holmes Community College provides an associate of applied science degree that is the cheapest option you can find. This course will educate you on vehicle refinishing, electrical systems, and much more! Typically, this course will provide a lot of practical experience and knowledge.

Masonry Worker – $41,330

Typically, Masons work with bricks, concrete, and rocks to construct structures. These structures include walls, buildings, and more. Masons require staying in great physical condition, since they need to lift and move heavy objects. Additionally, masons need to spend a lot of their time on their knees or in a bent over position. Generally, masons will spend their time outdoors, since structures are built outdoors. Ivy Tech Community College provides a program in Construction Management. This program is one of the cheapest programs you will find. You will take classes, such as building material strength and measurements, along with many more.

Carpenter – $43,600

Carpenters are responsible for building many things, including buildings, bridges, and homes. Additionally, carpenters work smaller scale jobs. This includes home remodeling and kitchen cabinet installments. You will find that this job needs a lot of physical fitness and flexibility, on your part. Every day of this job varies. One day you could be nailing a wall together and driving forklifts the next day. Typically, carpenters operate outdoors and in natural elements. In this position, you could work overtime when the weather is warm and have some downtime during the winter. Due to the nature of being a carpenter, it could have some occupational hazards. This is why you should remain alert at all times. Central Georgia Tech provides a diploma program in Carpentry Technology. This course includes structural framing, residential framing, and more!

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – $44,090

If you love helping people, then you should consider choosing a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN). Typically, licensed practical nurses operate under doctors and registered nurses. There are many licensed practical nurses that are employed in caregiving facilities and hospitals. Additionally, there are chances to work as a freelancer, since most people are looking for in-home caregivers for sick family members that need help. Furthermore, there are schools and larger corporations that require licensed practical nurses. Since there are people who need round-the-clock care, this position includes flexible hours.

Additionally, there are physical demands that you need to meet, as a licensed practical nurse. This includes being in great health and physical fitness. You will find that Northern Oklahoma College provides one of the cheapest Practical Nursing Eligibility degrees. Through this course, you will take classes on the fundamentals of nursing, microbiology, and more! Typically, this course will take about 2 years to complete.

Heavy Equipment Operator – $45,040

Heavy equipment operators are referred to as construction equipment operators. The people in this job position are in charge of controlling large machinery, such as cranes, bulldozers, and many more! To control these large machines, one needs special training and skills. You will find that job responsibilities vary in this field of work. Typically, it depends on the company you will work for and the machines you will need to control. It could differ from plowing snow from roads to leveling the ground to commence construction for building. In this field of work, you will be subjected to dealing with dirt, rain, snow, dust, and much more! Due to the extreme conditions of the job, you need to remain in great physical condition.

Turtle Mountain Community College provides a program in Building Construction Technology. This is one of the cheapest vocational degrees that you will find. The program will teach you about the importance of safety measures and the ability to take part in construction jobs.

Diesel Mechanic – $45,170

Diesel Mechanics are responsible for fixing, inspecting and maintaining diesel engines. Mechanics are in charge of explaining repair work with customers, preparing work orders, going through diagnostic tests, and way more. Diesel systems operate differently than standard gasoline systems, so training is very particular. Typically, diesel mechanics operate inside a workshop. But, this can be a very unclean profession, because mechanics operate around oil and grease. In this job position, you will need to use different tools, such as: pneumatic wrenches and screwdrivers.

There are several industrial machines that operate diesel engines, since the fuel outlasts standard fuel. Additionally, diesel engines are cheaper than standard fuel. You can expect to work on factory machines and trucks, as a mechanic. If you are interested in becoming a diesel mechanic, then you should think about taking the Diesel Equipment Technology program. Southwest Mississippi Community College offers this program. You can complete this course in one year for a certificate. But, you can also complete an associate’s of science degree in two years.

Commercial Diver – $49,090

Commercial divers spent most of their days at work staying under the surface of water. But, there are many times when divers are responsible for the installation or repair of broken structures. In order to repair broken structures, you will need to go through an underwater welding program. You will find that many commercial divers live on ships and the oil industry recruits them. But, there are also commercial divers that are recruited as photographers of marine life and underwater structures. Other job positions could be as a commercial diver such as media diving for underwater images and stories. Additionally, HAZMAT divers are responsible for looking for bodies in lakes and rivers, as well as cleaning up hazardous water spills.

The CDA Technical Institute provides an underwater welding course. This program is the most affordable program that you can find. It will take approximately 6 months to complete. The CDA is certified from the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. This institute works with several professional affiliates, which includes: International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA), Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI), and National Academy of Scuba Educators (NASE).

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are alternatives to getting an education without going through the standard educational process. You can look at trade schools, where you can receive an education and receive good income as well. There are many professions that you can consider, from a licensed practical nurse to an auto body repair person. Additionally, you could get paid as much as someone who went to a standard university. You might get paid even more, actually. In this context, you should think about going into trade school. It will take less time for you to complete a degree and you will be able to work a good profession.