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Explore High-Demand Trades & Certificate Programs

Discover career paths that offer hands-on training, strong earning potential, and faster entry into the workforce. From skilled trades to healthcare certifications and tech bootcamps, learn what options fit your goals—without the time and cost of a traditional four-year degree.

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O*NET is the U.S. government’s comprehensive database of occupations, offering reliable details on job responsibilities, skills, pay, and education. Click the button in each career section to go straight to that job’s official O*NET profile.

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Skilled Trades & Technical Careers

Top Five Trades

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Electrician

  • Training:  Trade School or 4-5 year apprenticeship
  • Why it’s popular: High demand; steady work; opportunity to open your own business
  • Median salary: ~$60,000+ nationally; can be much higher with specialization
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Plumber/Pipefitter

  • Training: Apprenticeship or vocational program
  • Why it’s popular: Essential service; excellent union opportunities
  • Median salary: ~$59,000
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Close-up of a plumber's hands installing steel pipes indoors, showcasing skilled manual work.
A worker in a bucket hat repairs an outdoor air conditioning unit on a rooftop.

HVAC Technician

  • Training: 6–12 month certificate or 2-year technical program
  • Why it’s popular: Growing need for energy-efficient systems
  • Median salary: ~$53,000
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Automotive Technician & Diesel Mechanic

  • Training: Trade school or manufacturer-specific program
  • Why it’s popular: High job security; demand for EV and diesel specialists
  • Median salary: $45,000–$60,000
Auto Mechanic
Diesel Mechanic
Mechanic uses a flashlight to inspect car's suspension in a garage setting.
A welder works on metal fabrication indoors, creating bright sparks and smoke.

Welding

  • Training: 6–12 month trade program
  • Why it’s popular: Ability to specialize (pipeline, underwater, structural)
  • Median salary: ~$48,000 but varies widely
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Healthcare Certificate & Trade Programs

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Medical Assistant

  • Training: 9–12 month certificate
  • Median salary: ~$38,000
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Dental Hygenist

  • Training: 2-year associate’s
  • Median salary: ~$81,000
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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

  • Training: 12–18 months
  • Median salary: ~$54,000
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A female surgeon wearing protective gear arranges surgical instruments in a hospital operating room.

Surgical Technologist

  • Training: 12–24 months
  • Median salary: ~$56,000
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Pharmacy Technician

  • Training: Certificate or on-the-job training
  • Median salary: ~$38,000
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Technology & Digital Trades
(Certification Based)

Great for students who want tech careers without a computer science degree

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Cybersecurity Tech

Training: Bootcamp or CompTIA certificates

Median Salary: $60,000+ for entry leve-

IT Support/Network Technician

Training: Certificates (CompTIA A+, Network+)

Median Salary: ~$50,000

Web Developer

Training: Coding bootcamp or self-paced courses

Median Salary: ~$60,000+

UX/UI Designer

Training: Certification programs, porfolios

Median Salary: ~$75,000+

Transportation & Services Trades

Three semi trucks driving on a highway through a forested landscape in Arizona.

Commercial Truck Driving (CDL)

Training: 4–8 weeks

Median salary: ~$50,000–$70,000

Black and white photo of a ground crew performing aircraft maintenance on the tarmac.

Aviation Maintenance Technician

Training: 18–24 months

Median salary: ~$70,000

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Cosmetology/Barbering

Training: 9–15 months

Median salary: ~$30,000–$50,000 depending on clientele

Skilled Construction & Industrial Trades

Excavator and truck working together in a quarry, showcasing industrial equipment and operations.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Training: Certification or apprenticeship

Median salary: ~$55,000

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Masonry/Bricklaying

Training: Apprenticeship

Median salary: ~$55,000

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A welder works on metal fabrication indoors, creating bright sparks and smoke.

Sheet Metal Worker

Training: Apprenticeship

Median salary: ~$58,000

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Additional Apprenticeship Options

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Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Many apprenticeship graduates earn $70k-100K in their field within a few years.

Additional Apprenticeships:

  • Carpenter
  • Lineworker (Utility Worker)
  • Ironworker
  • Machinist/CNC Operator
  • Boilermaker
  • Elevator Installer/Repair Technician
Benefits of Apprenticeships:
  • Earn money while you train
  • Little to no tuition cost
  • Work directly with experienced professionals
  • Clear path to long-term employment