Trade Careers

Trade careers encompass a wide range of skilled professions — everything from plumbers and electricians to dental hygienists and aircraft technicians. If you like hands-on work and are eager to get out into the workforce and start making a tangible impact, the trades might be the place for you.

What Is a Trade Career?

Most trade careers begin at a trade school, or in an apprenticeship program, where you’ll work with a skilled tradesperson in your chosen field. It’s a style of job that typically requires specialized training rather than a four-year college degree, and it starts with lots of learning by doing.

Many trade careers require additional certification and credentialing to begin work, but once you’ve satisfied those requirements, you’ll have everything you need to find gainful employment right away. Learn More About Trade Schools

Benefits of Learning a Trade

Above all else, the trades are a great way to enjoy a stable, lucrative and practical career — and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Because trade careers generally don’t require a four-year college degree, most tradespeople have very little, if any, student debt.

And, when they’re done with their training, they have all the hands-on experience they need to find an in-demand job with a competitive salary and flexible hours or the ability to start their own business. Learn More About Starting a Business

Top Trades for a Successful Career

The Department of Labor categorizes skilled trade professions into five major categories.

Agriculture Skilled Trades

Agriculture is all about plants and animals. Think farming, conservation and all the tech that helps us do those things better. Common jobs in this field include animal caretaking, forest conservation and ranching.

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Construction Skilled Trades

Construction is about building things, from homes to commercial buildings, and maintaining them once they’re up. Jobs in this field include many popular skilled trades, such as electricians, pipelayers and HVAC technicians.

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Transportation Skilled Trades

This trade is all about — you guessed it — transportation: moving goods and services around the world via land, air or sea. Here, you’ll find truck drivers, air traffic controllers, aircraft mechanics and more.

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Services Skilled Trades

Again, the name says it all: Service workers provide essential services to individuals and organizations, from hospitality to health care. This covers everyone from landscape architects to bakers to licensed nurses.

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Manufacturing and Industry Skilled Trades

Tradespeople in this category are concerned with assembly and quality control, including welders, machinists and metal fabricators.

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Trades in the Military

Trade jobs aren’t limited to the civilian sector. Serving in the Military offers plenty of opportunities to gain experience in fields like mechanics, electronics, engineering and construction — which can easily translate to a civilian career after service.

Explore Military Occupations

What Others Are Asking

Are trade careers as valuable as a college degree?

Is pursuing a trade career associated with students who don’t like school?

Explore Your Potential Career Paths

Some people have a clear idea of their career path, while others are still exploring. No matter where you are, we’re here to help you discover the options that align with your skills and interests.

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Which Industry Is Right for You?

From manufacturing to IT to health care, there are hundreds of industries where you can channel your abilities into a successful career. If you’re not sure which one is right for you, start by reviewing your options.

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