Highest Paying Trades in the US & Canada (2025)

Think trade jobs are all grease and no green? Think again. In 2025, the highest paying trades across the US and Canada are delivering serious income, career security, and long-term potential without needing a four-year degree.

This guide will take you through the most lucrative jobs, including HVAC and welding, to fire safety and construction management. You'll see how the highest-paying skilled trades are evolving, what each job pays, and why training and certification are key to climbing the ladder.

We're also looking at the bigger questions, such as what are the most lucrative trades and which jobs pay the highest salary for tradesmen without a college degree.

If you're in the process of hiring, changing career paths, or want to find out if your salary does not match, you're at the right spot.

The last 10 years have not been boring for professionals in skilled trades. Between the turbulence of economics and industry shifts, this field has experienced everything.

The growth of cities and the massive infrastructure projects kept electricians, plumbers, and welders in high demand across the US and Canada.

As older tradespeople left the workforce, businesses had to raise wages to attract new talent. That helped the highest paying trades to increase the wage even higher.

In 2020, the world slowed down. The job sites were shut down, contracts stopped, and workers stayed at home. However, the turnaround was quick and robust.

In 2021, stimulus programs began to take off, and trades were once again at the forefront. Maintenance and construction were the main drivers of the recovery.

In 2025, the shortage of skilled labor is pushing the highest trade salary numbers even higher, particularly for professionals who have been certified.

Here’s what each of these top-paying trades involves, how to get started, and what you can expect to earn.

Electricians do more than flip breakers. They wire homes, power up factories, and keep entire cities running. From new construction to emergency repairs, their work keeps the lights on. Growing for green energy and smart homes, this is one of the highest-paying skilled trades. Apprenticeships and licenses are required.

With strong demand across both the US and Canada, it is ranked among the highest paying skilled trades. A surge in investments directed towards renewable energy, smart home devices, and industrial automation has further fueled the increase in demand for skilled electricians.

Average Salary

$65,280 in the US $75,397 in Canada

Start By

• Completing a paid apprenticeship, usually 4 to 5 years

• Get licensed through your state or provincial authority

• Stay sharp on math, tech, and safety codes

Electricians who focus on solar electric systems, industrial control systems, or who offer high-voltage services often earn above average. Many of them also join unions so they get higher pay, better job benefits, and job security.

Plumbers are the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep water flowing, gas lines safe, and buildings dry. From residential fixes to massive commercial builds, there is always a pipe that needs installing or repairing.

This trade ranks high among the highest paying trades without a degree. Many plumbers start with a high school diploma and learn the rest through apprenticeship. With experience, they can make over $100,000, particularly those in industrial settings or who work as pipefitters or steamfitters.

Average Package

$63,350 in the US

$85,000 in Canada

Start By

• Completing a 4 to 5-year apprenticeship
• Get licensed or certified, depending on your location
• Build strength and stamina because water heaters are not light

Plumbers who work on medical gas piping, eco-friendly plumbing systems, and sprinkler fittings often increase their earning potential. This trade also provides a great chance for self-employment.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, but let’s be honest, these techs control comfort. From furnaces to freezers, they install and fix them all. Climate control is a major business.

HVAC professionals who know about heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems can earn well, particularly as green tech adoption continues to grow.

This is one of the highest paying trade jobs, especially for techs who focus on refrigeration or energy-efficient systems.

Average Package

$57,300 in the US

$75,000 in Canada

Start By

• Completing a 2 to 5-year apprenticeship or trade program

• Get licensed to work with refrigerants

• Be ready to squeeze into tight spaces and solve problems fast

HVAC techs who stay updated with smart systems and solar-powered equipment can often power up their income. Demand stays strong year-round.

Imagine them as the quarterbacks of the job site. They manage, plan, and oversee the entire process from the blueprint to the final inspection.

If you're wondering what the best-paying jobs are, this job is usually at the top. This person is the go-to if a project has a hard deadline and it needs to be kept from turning into a disaster.

This position is one of the highest paying trade jobs across the US and Canada.

Average Package

$113,000 in the US

$120,000 in Canada

Start By

• Build years of experience in the trades

• Consider a diploma or degree in construction management

• Develop sharp leadership and project planning skills

Managers with trade experience lead better teams and land bigger jobs. Many go on to run their field service firms.

Boilermakers work with steel tanks and pressure vessels. The job is technically and physically demanding. People working in industrial settings are able to earn six figures through overtime.

Boilermakers are the muscle behind heavy-duty metalwork. They specialize in building and repairing boilers, tanks, and massive steel containers used in power plants and factories.

This is one of the highest paying skilled trades, especially in industrial and remote job sites.

Average Package

$68,030 in the US

$80,000 in Canada

Start By

• Completing a 3 to 4-year apprenticeship

• Get certified in welding techniques

• Be ready to work in tight, high, or hot spaces

Boilermakers who travel for shutdowns or handle complex welding jobs often earn six figures with overtime.

These techs keep buildings secure by installing alarms, surveillance systems, and access controls. The job mixes low-voltage electrical work with smart tech know-how.

This job requires electrical expertise and IT. As the demand for smart homes and commercial security increases, this job is becoming one of the most in-demand and well-paid tech-forward trades.

It’s one of the highest paying trades without a degree, especially for workers who actively keep up with the new smart security tech.

Average Package

$60,000 in the US

$70,000 in Canada

Start By

• Train through a program or apprenticeship
• Get licensed if required in your region
• Learn both wiring and software setup

The more tech-savvy you are, the more valuable you become. Smart Homes and commercial upgrades are fueling the demand throughout the year.

From framing homes to precise work on the finishing, carpentry offers an income that is steady income and plenty of room to specialize. This trade lands in the top 10 highest paying trades, especially for pros who specialize in custom or high-end projects.

Average Package

$55,000 in the US

$75,000 in Canada

Start By

• Completing a 4 year apprenticeship
• Learn to read blueprints and use precision tools
• Build strength and accuracy

Experienced carpenters move into supervisory roles or start their own carpenter businesses. The more complex the work, the higher the payments. It is consistently in the top 10 highest paying trades when skill and experience are factored in.

Mechanics keep the wheels turning. From diagnosing engine trouble to repairing brakes, they work on everything from family cars to heavy-duty trucks.

This is one of the highest paying trade jobs in the automotive world, especially for those who specialize.

Average Package

$50,000 in the US

$67,000 in Canada

Start By

• Completing a 3 to 4-year training program or apprenticeship
• Get certified in your region (ASE or Red Seal)
• Stay current with new vehicle tech

Mechanics with skills in diesel, electric vehicles, or performance tuning can earn more. Many also open their mechanical repair shops.

Bricklayers build the bones of structures. They work with bricks, blocks, and stone to create walls, chimneys, patios, and more.

It may not top the charts, but it's still one of the highest paying skilled trades with strong union support in many regions. Average Package $50,000 in the US $60,000 in Canada Start By Completing a 3 to 4-year masonry apprenticeship

Learn to read plans and work with levels and patterns

Bring stamina and balance to the job Skilled bricklayers in cities or on commercial sites earn more. The work is physical but always in demand.

Landscapers design and build outdoor spaces that look good and work hard. From planting trees to installing patios, they turn open ground into finished spaces.

While it sits lower on the pay scale, experienced landscapers with design skills or commercial clients can earn strong incomes.

Average Package

$45,000 in the US

$55,000 in Canada

Start By

• Learn through hands-on training or a landscaping program
• Understand plant care, soil types, and outdoor construction
• Be creative and physically fit

Specializing in irrigation, hardscaping, or large-scale maintenance can increase earnings. Many also thrive by starting their landscaping business.

Fire protection technicians install and maintain systems that save lives. Sprinklers, alarms, and extinguishers all fall under their expertise.

This role is often listed among and answer the question what are the highest paying trades jobs, especially in commercial and industrial construction.

Average Package

$60,000 in the US

$80,000 in Canada

Start By

• Train through a fire protection or sprinkler fitter program
• Get certified according to local codes
• Stay sharp on safety regulations and tech upgrades

Buildings are getting smarter, and so are fire systems. Techs who can handle integrated safety networks are in high demand.

The hiring of top talent is just the beginning. To reap the maximum benefit from your team and your payroll, you need to run your business like a well-oiled machine.

1. Use the right tech

Make use of the best technology, invest in field-service software that simplifies scheduling, job tracking, and invoicing. Less amount of paperwork means that you can have time to do paid tasks.

2. Keep skills sharp

Continuous training helps keep your team productive, safe, and prepared for any new challenges. A certified tech is nearly always faster and more efficient with technology.

3. Plan smarter

Utilize digital calendars and scheduling applications to avoid gaps and overbooking. Planning well means fewer headaches and greater productivity.

4. Improve communication

Use simple apps to keep your team and office on the same page. Clear updates help jobs stay on track and reduce rework.

5. Invest in people

Train, mentor, and upskill your team. When workers feel valued and prepared, they are more productive and loyal.

Hiring just anyone might get the job done. Having the best gets it done faster, cleaner, and with fewer callbacks. This is why investing in the right skills is a smart choice.

• Hiring top talent in the highest paying trades jobs is an investment in quality and efficiency

• Skilled pros bring experience that reduces errors and keeps timelines intact

• They manage complex tasks with confidence, improving client satisfaction

• Competitive pay helps attract and retain reliable, long-term team members

• Ongoing training keeps your crew sharp and your business ahead

• The result is a stronger reputation, smoother projects, and steady growth

Skilled trades are not an alternative. In 2025, they're the best option for anyone looking to make a profit and have a steady job that is in high demand.

If you run your own business in the trade, tools such as Field Promax help you stay well-organized, aid your staff, and help keep the job moving without chaos.

The best trades to choose from are more than just a hiring strategy. It's how you can build lasting success by utilizing the right team and proper tools in place.