Career change to skilled trades

89 skilled trades careers employ 11,091,860 people in the U.S. (BLS, May 2025). 88 of them usually take two years or less to prepare for. Below: the ways in, every skilled trades career with pay and jobs, and the jobs whose skills carry over best.

Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025, BLS CPS 2025 and O*NET 31.0 · How we match careers

Skilled trades careers: 89
U.S. jobs: 11,091,860
Two years of prep or less: 88

Ways into skilled trades with two years of preparation or less

88 careers that usually need training, a certificate or an associate degree, highest pay first. Supervisor and manager jobs are left out because they are usually filled by promotion.

skilled trades careers with two years of preparation or less
#	Career	Median pay	Usual preparation	U.S. jobs	Workers 45+
1	Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers	$109,910	1–2 years (training or associate)	23,790	—
2	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	$103,020	1–2 years (training or associate)	20,720	—
3	Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	$95,320	Up to a year	131,070	29%
4	Signal and Track Switch Repairers	$92,460	1–2 years (training or associate)	8,720	—
5	Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	$84,890	1–2 years (training or associate)	6,940	—
6	Avionics Technicians	$82,280	1–2 years (training or associate)	18,830	—
7	Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians	$79,870	1–2 years (training or associate)	138,090	44%
8	Boilermakers	$76,410	Up to a year	10,190	—
9	Terrazzo Workers and Finishers	$76,170	Up to a year	1,180	41%
10	Construction and Building Inspectors	$74,690	1–2 years (training or associate)	146,720	52%
11	Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door	$74,340	1–2 years (training or associate)	48,240	—
12	Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers	$74,330	Up to a year	97,720	50%
13	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	$74,090	1–2 years (training or associate)	65,010	—
14	Pile Driver Operators	$73,300	Up to a year	2,310	38%
15	Commercial Divers	$72,990	1–2 years (training or associate)	3,450	—

Show the other 73 careers

skilled trades careers with two years of preparation or less (continued)
#	Career	Median pay	Usual preparation	U.S. jobs	Workers 45+
16	Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators	$70,070	Up to a year	19,580	—
17	Tapers	$68,270	Up to a year	12,840	32%
18	Rail Car Repairers	$67,530	Up to a year	21,350	45%
19	Watch and Clock Repairers	$67,230	1–2 years (training or associate)	1,310	51%
20	Millwrights	$65,700	Up to a year	40,330	—
21	Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	$65,510	1–2 years (training or associate)	176,600	45%
22	Industrial Machinery Mechanics	$64,520	1–2 years (training or associate)	439,640	50%
23	Wind Turbine Service Technicians	$64,120	1–2 years (training or associate)	9,980	—
24	Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers	$63,890	1–2 years (training or associate)	140,920	42%
25	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	$63,800	1–2 years (training or associate)	465,840	38%
26	Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers	$63,520	1–2 years (training or associate)	11,140	42%
27	Electricians	$63,190	1–2 years (training or associate)	757,220	37%
28	Structural Iron and Steel Workers	$62,780	Up to a year	68,380	—
29	Riggers	$62,640	Up to a year	22,530	—
30	Brickmasons and Blockmasons	$62,120	Up to a year	52,550	46%
31	Sheet Metal Workers	$61,800	Up to a year	119,770	42%
32	Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists	$61,770	1–2 years (training or associate)	289,960	39%
33	Medical Equipment Repairers	$61,660	1–2 years (training or associate)	65,990	51%
34	Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons	$61,290	Up to a year	1,080	50%
35	Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers	$61,010	1–2 years (training or associate)	409,670	36%
36	Maintenance Workers, Machinery	$60,850	1–2 years (training or associate)	60,020	52%
37	Carpenters	$60,580	Up to a year	670,090	39%
38	Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers	$60,070	1–2 years (training or associate)	86,340	36%
39	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	$59,850	Up to a year	478,090	38%
40	Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers	$58,970	Up to a year	13,800	—
41	Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers	$58,930	Up to a year	83,080	32%
42	Insulation Workers, Mechanical	$58,340	Up to a year	25,660	—
43	Plasterers and Stucco Masons	$57,660	Up to a year	19,310	—
44	Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians	$57,550	1–2 years (training or associate)	23,220	—
45	Stonemasons	$57,390	Up to a year	7,820	46%
46	Glaziers	$57,080	Up to a year	58,480	—
47	Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers	$57,020	Up to a year	206,170	41%
48	Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians	$56,550	1–2 years (training or associate)	37,870	45%
49	Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles	$56,460	Up to a year	23,640	39%
50	Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers	$56,210	1–2 years (training or associate)	14,450	—
51	Mechanical Door Repairers	$55,720	Up to a year	27,120	—
52	Tile and Stone Setters	$55,690	Up to a year	35,850	39%
53	Roofers	$55,440	Up to a year	135,490	25%
54	Automotive Body and Related Repairers	$54,890	Up to a year	149,310	41%
55	Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators	$53,340	Up to a year	41,820	38%
56	Solar Photovoltaic Installers	$53,140	Up to a year	31,350	—
57	Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers	$52,720	1–2 years (training or associate)	1,650	51%
58	Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers	$52,600	1–2 years (training or associate)	19,780	—
59	Paperhangers	$52,140	Up to a year	1,570	45%
60	Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians	$52,000	Up to a year	17,430	25%
61	Locksmiths and Safe Repairers	$51,320	Up to a year	15,040	—
62	Home Appliance Repairers	$50,990	Up to a year	32,150	54%
63	Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics	$50,620	1–2 years (training or associate)	704,640	39%
64	Floor Sanders and Finishers	$50,440	Up to a year	3,720	39%
65	Carpet Installers	$50,340	Up to a year	13,780	39%
66	Highway Maintenance Workers	$50,260	Up to a year	154,960	46%
67	Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners	$49,880	Up to a year	30,650	—
68	Maintenance and Repair Workers, General	$49,590	1–2 years (training or associate)	1,529,700	45%
69	Hazardous Materials Removal Workers	$49,450	Up to a year	51,710	—
70	Painters, Construction and Maintenance	$49,400	Up to a year	225,190	45%
71	Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall	$49,120	Up to a year	44,440	—
72	Pipelayers	$49,000	Up to a year	33,050	—
73	Motorcycle Mechanics	$48,580	1–2 years (training or associate)	13,510	—
74	Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles	$48,420	1–2 years (training or associate)	8,550	—
75	Fence Erectors	$47,980	Up to a year	24,480	—
76	Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics	$47,880	Up to a year	36,060	—
77	Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers	$47,810	Up to a year	65,600	41%
78	Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers	$47,630	Up to a year	20,310	—
79	Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers	$47,450	Up to a year	26,410	—
80	Construction Laborers	$47,120	Up to a year	1,096,780	38%
81	Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners	$46,420	1–2 years (training or associate)	5,380	51%
82	Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers	$45,990	Up to a year	3,020	—
83	Bicycle Repairers	$42,780	Up to a year	12,170	25%
84	Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers	$39,630	Up to a year	95,580	—
85	Tire Repairers and Changers	$37,710	Up to a year	108,410	25%
86	Energy Auditors	$74,690Broader BLS group	1–2 years (training or associate)	—	52%
87	Geothermal Technicians	$49,230Broader BLS group	Up to a year	—	—
88	Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians	$63,800Broader BLS group	1–2 years (training or associate)	—	38%

Coming from another job? The best starting points

Jobs outside skilled trades whose skills carry over best into a skilled trades career, by our career-change match score.

Jobs whose skills carry over best into skilled trades
If you are now…	Best skilled trades match	Match	Pay change
Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	93%	+4%
Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters	Terrazzo Workers and Finishers	92%	+60%
Helpers--Electricians	Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers	92%	−7%
Hydroelectric Plant Technicians	Wind Turbine Service Technicians	92%	Not compared
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians	Avionics Technicians	91%	+11%
Fire Inspectors and Investigators	Construction and Building Inspectors	91%	−2%
Robotics Technicians	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	90%	Not compared
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators	Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door	90%	−5%
Automotive Engineering Technicians	Avionics Technicians	89%	Not compared
Dredge Operators	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	89%	+21%
Photonics Technicians	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	89%	Not compared
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians	Construction and Building Inspectors	88%	+15%
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment	Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners	88%	+39%
Continuous Mining Machine Operators	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	88%	−3%
Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	88%	−1%
First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers	88%	+7%
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators	Construction and Building Inspectors	88%	Not compared
Helpers--Roofers	Carpenters	88%	+37%
Hoist and Winch Operators	Riggers	88%	+11%
Logging Equipment Operators	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	88%	+20%

All 89 skilled trades careers

Most jobs first. Included: Construction trades (SOC 47-2000 and 47-4000) and installation, maintenance and repair (SOC 49), without helpers.

All skilled trades careers, most jobs first
#	Career	Median pay	Usual preparation	U.S. jobs	Workers 45+
1	Maintenance and Repair Workers, General	$49,590	1–2 years (training or associate)	1,529,700	45%
2	Construction Laborers	$47,120	Up to a year	1,096,780	38%
3	Electricians	$63,190	1–2 years (training or associate)	757,220	37%
4	Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics	$50,620	1–2 years (training or associate)	704,640	39%
5	Carpenters	$60,580	Up to a year	670,090	39%
6	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers	$79,860	1–2 years (training or associate)	617,500	58%
7	Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators	$59,850	Up to a year	478,090	38%
8	Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters	$63,800	1–2 years (training or associate)	465,840	38%
9	Industrial Machinery Mechanics	$64,520	1–2 years (training or associate)	439,640	50%
10	Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers	$61,010	1–2 years (training or associate)	409,670	36%
11	Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists	$61,770	1–2 years (training or associate)	289,960	39%
12	Painters, Construction and Maintenance	$49,400	Up to a year	225,190	45%
13	Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers	$57,020	Up to a year	206,170	41%
14	Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines	$65,510	1–2 years (training or associate)	176,600	45%
15	Highway Maintenance Workers	$50,260	Up to a year	154,960	46%
16	Automotive Body and Related Repairers	$54,890	Up to a year	149,310	41%
17	Construction and Building Inspectors	$74,690	1–2 years (training or associate)	146,720	52%
18	Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers	$63,890	1–2 years (training or associate)	140,920	42%
19	Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians	$79,870	1–2 years (training or associate)	138,090	44%
20	Roofers	$55,440	Up to a year	135,490	25%
21	Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	$95,320	Up to a year	131,070	29%
22	Sheet Metal Workers	$61,800	Up to a year	119,770	42%
23	Tire Repairers and Changers	$37,710	Up to a year	108,410	25%
24	Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers	$74,330	Up to a year	97,720	50%
25	Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers	$39,630	Up to a year	95,580	—

Show the other 64 careers

All skilled trades careers, most jobs first (continued)
#	Career	Median pay	Usual preparation	U.S. jobs	Workers 45+
26	Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers	$60,070	1–2 years (training or associate)	86,340	36%
27	Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers	$58,930	Up to a year	83,080	32%
28	Structural Iron and Steel Workers	$62,780	Up to a year	68,380	—
29	Medical Equipment Repairers	$61,660	1–2 years (training or associate)	65,990	51%
30	Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers	$47,810	Up to a year	65,600	41%
31	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	$74,090	1–2 years (training or associate)	65,010	—
32	Maintenance Workers, Machinery	$60,850	1–2 years (training or associate)	60,020	52%
33	Glaziers	$57,080	Up to a year	58,480	—
34	Brickmasons and Blockmasons	$62,120	Up to a year	52,550	46%
35	Hazardous Materials Removal Workers	$49,450	Up to a year	51,710	—
36	Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door	$74,340	1–2 years (training or associate)	48,240	—
37	Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall	$49,120	Up to a year	44,440	—
38	Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators	$53,340	Up to a year	41,820	38%
39	Millwrights	$65,700	Up to a year	40,330	—
40	Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians	$56,550	1–2 years (training or associate)	37,870	45%
41	Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics	$47,880	Up to a year	36,060	—
42	Tile and Stone Setters	$55,690	Up to a year	35,850	39%
43	Pipelayers	$49,000	Up to a year	33,050	—
44	Home Appliance Repairers	$50,990	Up to a year	32,150	54%
45	Solar Photovoltaic Installers	$53,140	Up to a year	31,350	—
46	Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners	$49,880	Up to a year	30,650	—
47	Mechanical Door Repairers	$55,720	Up to a year	27,120	—
48	Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers	$47,450	Up to a year	26,410	—
49	Insulation Workers, Mechanical	$58,340	Up to a year	25,660	—
50	Fence Erectors	$47,980	Up to a year	24,480	—
51	Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers	$109,910	1–2 years (training or associate)	23,790	—
52	Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles	$56,460	Up to a year	23,640	39%
53	Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians	$57,550	1–2 years (training or associate)	23,220	—
54	Riggers	$62,640	Up to a year	22,530	—
55	Rail Car Repairers	$67,530	Up to a year	21,350	45%
56	Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	$103,020	1–2 years (training or associate)	20,720	—
57	Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers	$47,630	Up to a year	20,310	—
58	Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers	$52,600	1–2 years (training or associate)	19,780	—
59	Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators	$70,070	Up to a year	19,580	—
60	Plasterers and Stucco Masons	$57,660	Up to a year	19,310	—
61	Avionics Technicians	$82,280	1–2 years (training or associate)	18,830	—
62	Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians	$52,000	Up to a year	17,430	25%
63	Locksmiths and Safe Repairers	$51,320	Up to a year	15,040	—
64	Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers	$56,210	1–2 years (training or associate)	14,450	—
65	Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers	$58,970	Up to a year	13,800	—
66	Carpet Installers	$50,340	Up to a year	13,780	39%
67	Motorcycle Mechanics	$48,580	1–2 years (training or associate)	13,510	—
68	Tapers	$68,270	Up to a year	12,840	32%
69	Bicycle Repairers	$42,780	Up to a year	12,170	25%
70	Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers	$63,520	1–2 years (training or associate)	11,140	42%
71	Boilermakers	$76,410	Up to a year	10,190	—
72	Wind Turbine Service Technicians	$64,120	1–2 years (training or associate)	9,980	—
73	Signal and Track Switch Repairers	$92,460	1–2 years (training or associate)	8,720	—
74	Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles	$48,420	1–2 years (training or associate)	8,550	—
75	Stonemasons	$57,390	Up to a year	7,820	46%
76	Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	$84,890	1–2 years (training or associate)	6,940	—
77	Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners	$46,420	1–2 years (training or associate)	5,380	51%
78	Floor Sanders and Finishers	$50,440	Up to a year	3,720	39%
79	Commercial Divers	$72,990	1–2 years (training or associate)	3,450	—
80	Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers	$45,990	Up to a year	3,020	—
81	Pile Driver Operators	$73,300	Up to a year	2,310	38%
82	Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers	$52,720	1–2 years (training or associate)	1,650	51%
83	Paperhangers	$52,140	Up to a year	1,570	45%
84	Watch and Clock Repairers	$67,230	1–2 years (training or associate)	1,310	51%
85	Terrazzo Workers and Finishers	$76,170	Up to a year	1,180	41%
86	Refractory Materials Repairers, Except Brickmasons	$61,290	Up to a year	1,080	50%
87	Energy Auditors	$74,690Broader BLS group	1–2 years (training or associate)	—	52%
88	Geothermal Technicians	$49,230Broader BLS group	Up to a year	—	—
89	Solar Thermal Installers and Technicians	$63,800Broader BLS group	1–2 years (training or associate)	—	38%

Workers 45+: BLS CPS 2025 (Table 11b). “Broader BLS group”: pay is published only for a wider group of jobs; its jobs are not counted. Methodology

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Free help near you

People moving into skilled trades can get free career counseling, job search help and, if you qualify, help paying for training through American Job Centers, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

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Links go to CareerOneStop, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Questions about moving into skilled trades

Can I switch to skilled trades without a degree?

Often, yes. 88 skilled trades careers usually need two years or less of preparation. The best-paid are Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers ($109,910), Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay ($103,020), Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers ($95,320).

Which jobs make it easiest to move into skilled trades?

By our skill match, people coming from Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining, Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters, Helpers--Electricians have the closest skilled trades matches. Use the Career Change Tool to check your own job.

How many skilled trades jobs are there?

About 11,091,860 across the 89 careers on this page with their own BLS estimate (BLS OEWS, May 2025).

Which careers count as this field?

Construction trades (SOC 47-2000 and 47-4000) and installation, maintenance and repair (SOC 49), without helpers. Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 pay and jobs, O*NET 31.0 preparation, BLS CPS 2025 worker ages.

Keep exploring

Sources. Skills, tasks and education: O*NET 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. Pay: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Data Sources & Licenses