Trades Salaries (2024)
Compare salaries across 5 trades roles. National median pay, total employment, and links to city-by-city breakdowns.
Trades Roles by Salary
| Rank | Role | SOC Code | Median Salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electrician | 47-2111 | $73,317 | 301,510 |
| 2 | Plumber | 47-2152 | $70,862 | 182,540 |
| 3 | Carpenter | 47-2031 | $62,464 | 283,690 |
| 4 | Automotive Technician | 49-3023 | $56,837 | 250,390 |
| 5 | Welder | 51-4121 | $56,534 | 112,560 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The highest paying trades role is Electrician with a national median salary of $73,317. This is based on 2024 BLS occupational wage data across all tracked metro areas.
There are approximately 1,130,690 trades positions across 5 roles tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average median salary across all trades roles is $64,003.
Trades roles have an average median salary of $64,003. The highest paid role (Electrician) earns $73,317, while the lowest starts at $56,534. Pay varies significantly by specific role, city, and experience level.
Salary data from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Roles grouped by BLS occupational category.