Explore Trades

Compare paths side-by-side to find the right fit for your skills and goals.

Electrician

"Detail-oriented problem solvers who like systems and code compliance"

Median Pay$62,350/year

Apprenticeship Length4-5 years

Physical DemandModerate

Primary EnvironmentIndoor/Outdoor Mixed

Union AvailabilityYes

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Plumber

"Hands-on troubleshooters who don't mind tight, awkward spaces"

Median Pay$62,970/year

Apprenticeship Length4-5 years

Physical DemandHigh

Primary EnvironmentIndoor/Outdoor Mixed

Union AvailabilityYes

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HVAC/R Technician

"Technical problem solvers who like variety and troubleshooting"

Median Pay$59,810/year

Apprenticeship Length3-5 years

Physical DemandHigh

Primary EnvironmentIndoor/Outdoor Mixed

Union AvailabilityLimited

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Welder

"Precise, focused workers who like seeing immediate, visible results"

Median Pay$51,000/year

Apprenticeship Length6-18 months (trade school) or 3-4 years (union)

Physical DemandHigh

Primary EnvironmentIndoor/Outdoor Mixed (shop or field)

Union AvailabilityLimited

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Carpenter

"Builders who like tangible, visible results from their work"

Median Pay$59,310/year

Apprenticeship Length3-4 years

Physical DemandHigh

Primary EnvironmentOutdoor/Indoor Mixed

Union AvailabilityLimited

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Pipefitter

"Detail-oriented workers who like industrial/technical systems"

Median Pay$62,970/year (combined BLS category with plumbers/steamfitters)

Apprenticeship Length5 years

Physical DemandHigh

Primary EnvironmentIndoor (industrial/commercial)

Union AvailabilityYes

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Millwright

"Mechanically-minded problem solvers who like precision alignment work"

Median Pay$63,510/year (combined BLS category)

Apprenticeship Length4 years

Physical DemandHigh

Primary EnvironmentIndoor (industrial)

Union AvailabilityYes

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Solar Installer

"Growth-minded workers interested in renewable energy"

Median Pay$51,860/year

Apprenticeship LengthWeeks to months (trade school) plus NABCEP certification

Physical DemandModerate to High (roof and outdoor work)

Primary EnvironmentOutdoor

Union AvailabilityRare

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Lineman

"Thrill-seekers who don't mind heights and high-voltage risk"

Median Pay$92,560/year

Apprenticeship Length3-4 years (often preceded by pre-apprenticeship climbing school)

Physical DemandHigh

Primary EnvironmentOutdoor

Union AvailabilityYes

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Ironworker

"Fearless builders who thrive working at heights"

Median Pay$62,700/year

Apprenticeship Length3-4 years

Physical DemandVery High

Primary EnvironmentOutdoor

Union AvailabilityYes

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CNC Machinist

"Detail-oriented workers who like precision and technology"

Median Pay$56,150/year

Apprenticeship Length1-2 years (trade school) or registered apprenticeship

Physical DemandLow to Moderate

Primary EnvironmentIndoor

Union AvailabilityLimited

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Heavy Equipment Operator

"Hands-on workers who like operating powerful machinery"

Median Pay$58,320/year

Apprenticeship Length3-4 years

Physical DemandModerate to High

Primary EnvironmentOutdoor

Union AvailabilityYes

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Sheet Metal Worker

"Precise fabricators who like working with metal systems"

Median Pay$60,850/year

Apprenticeship Length4-5 years

Physical DemandHigh

Primary EnvironmentIndoor/Outdoor Mixed

Union AvailabilityYes

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Diesel Mechanic

"Problem solvers who like diagnosing and fixing complex engines"

Median Pay$60,640/year

Apprenticeship Length1-2 years (trade school) or employer apprenticeship

Physical DemandModerate to High

Primary EnvironmentIndoor (shop)

Union AvailabilityLimited

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Wind Turbine Technician

"Thrill-seekers who don't mind extreme heights and travel"

Median Pay$62,580/year

Apprenticeship Length1-2 years (trade school) + on-the-job training

Physical DemandVery High

Primary EnvironmentOutdoor

Union AvailabilityLimited

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Boilermaker

"Heavy-duty builders who don't mind confined spaces and extreme heat"

Median Pay$73,340/year

Apprenticeship Length4 years

Physical DemandVery High

Primary EnvironmentIndoor/Outdoor (Industrial)

Union AvailabilityYes

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Elevator Install/Repair

"Problem solvers who don't mind heights and rigorous training"

Median Pay$106,580/year

Apprenticeship Length4 years

Physical DemandVery High

Primary EnvironmentIndoor/Outdoor Mixed

Union AvailabilityYes

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Fire Sprinkler Fitter

"Precision pipefitters who focus on life-safety code compliance"

Median Pay$62,970/year

Apprenticeship Length4-5 years

Physical DemandHigh

Primary EnvironmentIndoor/Outdoor Mixed

Union AvailabilityYes

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Search and filter tools (by environment, physical demand, math required) are coming soon. More trades are being added regularly.