Explore Skilled Trade Careers
Compare pay, training, job outlook and what the work is actually like across 30 skilled trades.
Showing 30 of 30 skilled trade career guides
Elevator Installer & Repairer
Assemble, install, troubleshoot, and service elevators, escalators, and moving walkways.
Power Plant Operator
Monitor and control electric power generation turbines, boilers, generators, and switchboards in plant control rooms.
Lineworker
Build, maintain, and repair high-voltage overhead and underground power transmission and distribution lines.
Boiler Technician
Operate, maintain, and inspect high-pressure steam boilers, water treatment loops, and combustion systems.
Crane Operator
Operate mobile and tower cranes using precision controls to hoist and position heavy construction materials.
Plumber
Assemble, install, and repair piping networks for water, drainage, venting, and gas supply.
Pipefitter
Fabricate, weld, and install high-pressure piping systems for steam, chemicals, and industrial manufacturing.
Robotics Technician
Program, maintain, and troubleshoot robotic arms, vision sensors, and automated manufacturing cells.
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Troubleshoot and repair factory production equipment, hydraulic systems, conveyors, and mechanical drives.
Electrician
Install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical power, lighting, wiring, and control systems in buildings.
Substation Technician
Install and test high-voltage transformers, circuit breakers, and protection relays that control grid power flow.
Instrumentation Technician
Calibrate, test, and repair sensors, transmitters, and automated control devices in industrial facilities.
Wind Turbine Technician
Inspect, test, and repair electrical generators, gearboxes, and hydraulic pitch controls atop wind towers.
Gas Utility Technician
Install, test, and maintain underground natural gas distribution pipes, valves, and service meters.
Pipeline Technician
Inspect, test, and maintain overland and buried pipeline valves, compressor stations, and pressure systems.
Mechatronics Technician
Troubleshoot and maintain integrated automated machines, motors, pneumatic valves, sensors, and computer controls.
Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Diagnose, overhaul, and repair diesel engines, transmissions, and brake systems in commercial trucks and heavy equipment.
HVAC Technician
Install, maintain, and troubleshoot heating, cooling, ventilation, and commercial refrigeration equipment.
Oil & Gas Service Technician
Operate, service, and maintain surface pumps, separators, and wellhead extraction machinery.
Carpenter
Construct, frame, and finish wood and composite structures, drywall, and architectural trim.
Ironworker
Erect structural steel frames, place reinforcing rebar, and rig crane loads for commercial structures and bridges.
Sheet Metal Worker
Fabricate and install thin metal ductwork, roofing, flashing, and architectural metal panels.
Drilling Technician
Operate rotary drilling rigs and equipment to bore deep wells for energy, geothermal, or foundations.
Mason
Build and repair structural and decorative walls, facades, and foundations using brick, stone, and block.
Wastewater Operator
Control machinery and biological processes that purify municipal and industrial wastewater before environmental discharge.
Water Treatment Operator
Operate treatment plant pumps, filters, and chemical systems to produce safe municipal drinking water.
Solar Technician
Assemble, mount, and connect rooftop and ground-mounted solar photovoltaic panel arrays.
Welder
Fuse and fabricate structural metal components using arc, MIG, TIG, and torch welding equipment.
Glazier
Cut, fit, and install architectural glass panels, storefront curtain walls, and commercial windows.
CNC Machinist
Program, set up, and operate computer-controlled milling and lathe machines to produce precision metal parts.