Education is integral to financial stability in the long run, and that’s long since been established, but not everyone has the finances to put themselves through 4 entire years of a college education.
On the other hand, some simply aren’t willing to put their money towards a college degree, and that’s perfectly understandable, seeing as there are still respectable jobs that don’t require a higher education level.
This is why so many people are choosing to prepare themselves for being part of the workforce by attending a trade school, and a lot of these individuals make as much money as someone who graduated with a college degree does.
Time is money, and that’s the main thing that trade schools focus on, as a college degree will have you spending the first few years getting some general courses out of the way, whereas a trade school will let you take only the classes related to the specific career path you’re gunning for.
With this, you’ll save yourself a load of time and be hunting for employment on the job market much faster, which can make a world of a difference if you’re looking to make an early start.
Can trade school jobs pay well?
While it’s never certain exactly how much money you’ll be making from a job opportunity, you can still have a general idea of what to expect.
Some trades can pay up to $50k on average, although some can leave you with a significantly lower median annual income.
It’s important to choose a career you’re passionate about, and once you do, you may find that the work you’re doing is easier and more enjoyable.
A welder’s annual salary can average around $39k, but a commercial diver can make up to $50k, so it all depends on the career you choose.
Among the better-paying trade school jobs, you’ll find carpenters, heavy equipment operators, marine mechanics, and more, so let’s go over some of these and find you a career that you’ll hopefully opt for.
Carpenter
A carpenter’s job is manufactory in nature, and if you’ve got a penchant for working with your hands, this may just be the job you’re looking for.
Carpenters practically built this nation up from the ground, as they’re responsible for building anything from bridges to homes, although they do sometimes take on smaller-scale jobs.
At times this can be remodeling someone’s kitchen or living arrangements, which may pay significantly less than a bigger project, albeit it also comes with a much lower amount of responsibility.
It’s important to note that a carpenter’s work requires a lot of physical stamina and being flexible when it comes to your work hours, as every day can be different.
One day you’ll be putting up a wall on someone’s house and you could be driving a forklift the next, although one common thing is that you’ll find yourself working outdoors most of, if not all the time.
If you wish to become a skilled carpenter, you may want to check out Georgia’s Carpentry Technology program, which includes structural framing, residential framing, and many more skills that you’ll need to become the best at what you do.
Heavy equipment operator
Often referred to as construction equipment operators, these individuals are in charge of controlling and working with large machinery, which includes cranes, bulldozers, excavators, and many other types of machines.
However, operating each of these requires a certain amount of knowledge and skill, and oftentimes the job comes with a massive amount of responsibility.
The scope of your work is wide, and it could be anything from plowing snow on the roads during wintertime to leveling the ground when other heavy equipment operators need to begin construction for a building.
With this career option, you’ll commonly be subjected to the elements, and don’t be surprised if the majority of your work is performed in difficult conditions like heavy rain, snow, and of course, large amounts of dirt.
The Turtle Mountain Community College offers an expansive course in Building Construction Technology, and it may just be one of the cheapest degrees you’ll find on the market.
With it, you’ll learn about safety measures and all the ins and outs of working in the construction field.
Marine mechanic
A marine mechanic’s job is essentially operating watercraft to a professional degree, and if you do choose this career path, you’ll find most of your work in seaports and marine areas.
However, boats still do exist and operate in inland areas, and there are even jobs for mobile mechanics that help repair and assist stranded vessels out in the water.
Most of your work will be checking for necessary repairs on a vehicle’s electric systems, fuel intake, rigging, and many other things that may be required to get a watercraft running.
Your other duties will be educating your clients on the changes and the repairs you’re doing, advising them on how to avoid any additional damage to the watercraft as well as offering them some tips on how they can implement preventive maintenance on their ship/boat.
The State Fair Community College is a great place to start if you’re looking to become a marine mechanic, as they offer a degree in Applied Science of Marine Technology.
With this degree, you’ll stay ahead of your peers in this career path, and you’ll learn everything there is to know about engines, ignition systems, wiring, and propulsion systems on watercraft.