– Trade Skills That Pay More Than Office Jobs
Here’s the truth: Most trades can put you in the top 20% – 30% of earners if you have a decent strategy. And you are here on our site, so you are in the perfect place to build the perfect strategy for you and your goals. The best part – you can skip the expensive college degree, work the strategy, take your income to the level you deserve, and have the type of job that will give you the freedom to live just about anywhere you choose. So let’s look at just a handful of your options:
Elevator technicians. Any type of technician, really. But we often miss the obvious. Like elevators. They’re everywhere, and someone has to keep them from freefalling passengers to a fiery death! If you can learn to install and fix things, there is a world of opportunity as a technician. One side note, as an example of how to build the right strategy: You could be a VCR technician, but nobody uses VCR’s anymore, and if one breaks, nobody’s going to pay much to fix it. If an elevator falls, well… let’s make sure the elevator doesn’t fall. If you know how to do that, they’ll pay you extra. So evaluating different opportunities is just one way we learn to build great strategies.
Electrical lineworkers can bring home serious paychecks. Again, any electrical field can pay well, but some pay more than others, and if you’re going to mess with electricity, you might as well leverage it for all it’s worth! Lineworkers work outdoors in all weather, climb poles, and fight with crows for premium roosting spots. If that doesn’t appeal to you, there’s always industrial controls. Every factory in the world is starving for people who can keep their controls from breaking.
Plumbers aren’t just fixing leaky faucets – they’re building solid careers with great earnings. And it isn’t all stinky work. A lot of plumbers work on new installations. The best part? You can start as an apprentice earning money while you learn, and eventually open your own business if you choose.
HVAC technicians are riding a wave of growing demand. Climate control is crucial in homes and businesses, making this career nearly recession-proof. You’ll learn to install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Many techs specialize in green energy solutions, adding even more value to their skills.
Industrial maintenance mechanics can run the spectrum on pay, but if you learn the right skills, you can live quite well. You’ll probably start out greasing bearings at a low wage. But if you can learn to troubleshoot and repair sophisticated machinery, you’ll be indispensable. Think of indispensable as a fancy word for, paying you is cheaper than having an entire factory come to a grinding halt!
Many welders earn six-figure incomes. Of course, there are many who can’t afford rent on a cardboard box in the woods. But hopefully you are seeing a theme emerge. Getting into a trade isn’t free money. But, if you are smart and tactical, you can join the upper end of the middle class.
The list goes on. Diesel mechanics, auto body repair, Only fans… (it’s a skill… sort of) The important thing is to realize that you have a lot of options. No trades is a free ride, but any trade, done wisely, can be life changing.
– Strategies for Moving Up Within Your Field
Ever wonder why some people make twice as much as others doing similar work? Let’s break down how to join the top earners, no degree required.
Understanding The Money Gap:
Start by finding salary ranges in your field. Job sites like Indeed and Glassdoor show real pay numbers. Look at both entry-level and experienced positions.
Talk to suppliers, customers, and others connected to your industry. They often know who pays well and why. Plus, these conversations build valuable connections.
Pay attention to job titles. Sometimes a small change in title means a big jump in pay. For example, “Lead” or “Senior” often adds thousands to your salary.
What Top Earners Do Differently:
Top earners usually handle bigger accounts or more responsibility. They solve problems others can’t. Start volunteering for challenging tasks to build these skills.
Notice how high earners talk and act. They often focus on business results rather than just daily tasks. Start thinking about how your work affects company profits.
High earners typically know multiple parts of the business. Cross-training in different areas makes you more valuable. Ask to learn new responsibilities during slow times.
Building Your Value Every Day:
Document your wins. Keep track of problems you solve and money you save the company. These become powerful talking points for raises or new jobs.
Learn the tools and technology others avoid. Being the go-to person for important systems makes you harder to replace. Start with free online tutorials.
Build relationships with people in every department. Top earners understand the whole business, not just their corner. Ask questions about other departments’ challenges.
Making Smart Career Moves:
Sometimes moving up means moving on. Top earners usually change companies every few years. Each move can bring a bigger pay bump than staying put.
Look for companies growing quickly or facing big changes. They often need reliable people who can handle more responsibility. These situations create opportunities for fast advancement.
Consider smaller companies where you can wear multiple hats. Learning different roles can speed up your progress toward higher-paying positions.
The Extra Mile That Pays Off:
Start thinking like an owner, not an employee. Suggest improvements that save money or time. Companies reward problem solvers who make their lives easier.
Build a reputation for reliability. Show up early, deliver consistently, and help others succeed. This opens doors to better opportunities faster than skills alone.
Learn about your industry’s big picture. Read trade magazines, follow industry leaders online, and understand market trends. Knowledge helps you spot opportunities others miss.
Remember, moving up takes time, but small steps add up. Focus on becoming more valuable every month, and the money will follow. Keep track of your progress – you might be surprised how far you can go in just a year or two!
– Finding Free (or at least affordable) Training and Certification Programs
While many careers don’t require a college degree, like welding, for example. You can get an entry level welding position with no formal training. However, the best paying jobs do require certification. Any career path where there is certification or licensing at the upper levels is an opportunity for you to maximize your income. The obvious problem – actually getting those certificates or licenses can be a burden, financially, mentally, and in the time investment.
The time is what it is. But the good news is that there are affordable ways for you get started. And, in some cases, once you get into an entry level position, you are earning money while you learn to earn even more money. In fact, this is a key strategy to earn top-dollar, regardless of your career choice: Never stop stacking up certifications. So let’s look at you options:
- Your Local Library: More Than Just Books
Your public library card might be your new best friend. Many libraries offer free access to LinkedIn Learning and other online courses. You can learn everything from basic computer skills to project management, right from home.
Did you know many libraries partner with certification programs? Some even offer free study guides and practice tests for professional certifications. Ask your librarian about their career resources.
- Community Organizations That Have Your Back
Check out your local Workforce Development Center. They often offer free training programs and might even help cover certification costs. They’re literally there to help you succeed!
Churches and community centers sometimes host free computer classes or partner with technical schools. These programs often fly under the radar, but they’re golden opportunities for free learning.
Your local United Way or Goodwill might surprise you. Many locations offer job training programs or can connect you with free resources. Some even provide stipends while you learn.
- Making Community College Work for You
Community colleges aren’t free, but they’re way cheaper than universities. Many offer payment plans that let you spread costs over time. No massive loans needed!
Look for shorter certificate programs instead of full degrees. You can often complete these in months instead of years, keeping costs down while building valuable skills.
Here’s a secret: Many community colleges offer grants for career training. Talk to their financial aid office about “workforce development grants.” You might get your training covered!
- Smart Ways to Get Employers to Pay
Already working? Your current job might help pay for training. Many companies have tuition reimbursement programs that employees never use. Check your benefits!
Even small companies sometimes help with training costs. Try presenting a business case showing how new skills will benefit your employer. They might surprise you.
- Online Platforms That Won’t Break the Bank
Coursera and edX offer certificates from real colleges. Here’s the hack: You can audit most courses for free. Pay only if you need the certificate.
Check out Google’s Career Certificates on Coursera. They’re affordable, respected, and designed to get you job-ready in growing fields like IT support.
YouTube isn’t just for cat videos. Many professionals share quality training content for free. Follow channels in your field and learn from experts.
- Government Programs You Should Know About
The Department of Labor sponsors free apprenticeship programs in many trades. You’ll earn while you learn, and many lead to well-paying careers.
Veterans, take note: The GI Bill covers many certification programs. And if you’re a veteran’s spouse, there might be free training programs for you too.
Some states offer free training through their unemployment offices – even if you’re currently employed. These programs often focus on in-demand skills.
Remember, investing in your skills doesn’t mean going broke. Start with these free and low-cost options, and you might be surprised at how far you can go. Keep checking back with these resources regularly – new opportunities pop up all the time!
– Building Experience Through Volunteer Work
Think volunteer work is just for high school students needing service hours? Think again! Smart career builders use volunteering to gain real-world experience and skills.
Finding The Right Opportunities
Look for volunteer roles that match your career goals. Want to move into management? Lead volunteer teams at local events. Interested in marketing? Help nonprofits with their social media.
Local charities often need help with tasks that build business skills. From managing spreadsheets to coordinating projects, you’ll find chances to learn while helping others.
Food banks, animal shelters, and community centers always need reliable volunteers. These places often let dedicated volunteers take on more responsibility over time.
Making Your Volunteer Work Count
Don’t just show up – treat volunteer work like a job. Be reliable, take initiative, and build relationships. Organizations notice volunteers they can count on.
Document everything you learn and accomplish. Keep track of projects managed, people supervised, and problems solved. These become powerful resume points.
Take photos of events you organize or projects you complete. Build a portfolio showing your work. This proves your experience better than words alone.
Turning Volunteer Experience Into Job Opportunities
Many nonprofits hire from their volunteer pool first. Show up consistently, and you might hear about job openings before anyone else.
Network while you volunteer. Other volunteers often have regular jobs at interesting companies. These connections can lead to job opportunities.
Use your volunteer work in job interviews. Stories about organizing events or solving problems show real leadership experience, even if you weren’t paid.
Making The Most Of Limited Time
Can’t commit to regular hours? Look for one-time event opportunities. Even occasional volunteering builds skills and connections.
Consider virtual volunteer work. Many organizations need help with online tasks you can do from home. This flexibility lets you gain experience around your schedule.
Join the planning committee for an annual event. You’ll gain project management experience while only having to commit to a few meetings.
Remember, volunteer experience counts as real experience. Many successful people started their careers through volunteer work. The key is choosing opportunities that build the skills you need for your career goals.
Best of all, volunteering lets you test-drive different roles without changing jobs. You might discover new career paths you never considered. Plus, you’re helping your community while helping yourself!