From a Former Diesel Teacher, Current College Dean, and Army Veteran’s Perspective

There are no easy choices or foolproof plans, and that has never been more true than in the world we live in today.

With all of the influencers, social media, and now AI, it has become increasingly difficult to know which way to go or whose advice to trust when making major life decisions. When it comes to deciding what you should do or what you should encourage your kids to do after high school, it gets really tough.

For me, it was simple:

My parents didn’t have the means to send me to college, so off to the Army I went. Then 9/11 happened, and ironically, my parents probably wished they had found the money. Lol.

But all’s well that ends well, I think. I survived a war, and built a life for myself.

Currently, I’m a dean at a Technical College in the Pacific Northwest.

I manage most of our apprenticeship, automotive, and construction programs. I also taught diesel technology at a Trade School for five years, so I feel pretty comfortable giving advice about technical education.

I also happen to have a master’s degree in education from the University of Washington, so I know my way around a university as well.

That being said, let’s get to the meat of the matter.

Whether it’s you or a loved one considering trade school or college, I think the answer is actually pretty simple:

Pick the career you want first. Then let that determine which type of school or training you pursue.

And when you are thinking about careers, think about the actual skills the career requires—especially technical and hands-on skills that are difficult to automate completely.

After that, pick the school or training program that will get you there.

That may sound confusing, so let me use an example.

Electrician or Engineer?

Right now, you may be thinking I don’t know if I want to be an engineer or an electrician.

Both require math, so this whole idea that if you’re not good at math, you should become an electrician isn’t true. Electricians have to be able to do practical algebra and calculations, sometimes in their heads and on the fly.

So get it out of your mind that the trades are somehow low-intelligence fields.

Instead, think about the actual work.

What is your capacity to be outside in the cold or rain, digging ditches, climbing ladders, working in tight spaces, or being on your feet for much of the day?

The difference between these two careers isn’t simply that one requires intelligence and the other requires physical ability. Both require technical knowledge and problem-solving. But the way those skills are applied can be very different.

If you enjoy being outside, working with your hands, going to different job sites, and seeing something tangible at the end of the day, becoming an electrician might appeal to you.

If you prefer design, analysis, planning, and solving technical problems in a less physically demanding environment, engineering might be the better path for you.

Neither Path Is Necessarily Easy

Engineering school can be difficult to get into and complete, but here’s the catch: competitive electrician apprenticeships can be difficult to get into as well.

So again, it comes down to applying effort toward the path that leads to the career you actually want.

If you’re reading an article like this because you’re seriously thinking about your future, I’m going to assume you’re willing to put in some effort. Don’t choose a path simply because someone told you one was “easier.”

Choose the one that fits where you’re trying to go.

There is also a real economic tradeoff between these paths. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians had a median annual wage of about $63,000 in 2025, while electrical engineers had a median wage of about $121,000.

But those numbers don’t tell the whole story.

Electrical engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, while most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, where they are paid while they learn and their wages increase as they develop their skills.

That’s exactly why I don’t think the question should simply be, “Which career pays more?”

The better question is: What kind of work do I want to do, what will it take to get there, how much will that education cost me, and what will I be able to earn along the way?

Don’t Compare Salaries. Compare Careers.

This is another mistake I think people make when choosing careers.

Don’t make assumptions about income based solely on the level of degree a career requires.

There are technical occupations with earnings that might surprise you. Electrical power-line installers and repairers, for example, had a national median annual wage of about $95,000 in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

But there is something important to understand about numbers like that: they don’t necessarily tell you what an individual worker will actually earn over the course of a year, particularly in occupations where overtime can be significant.

I work directly with experienced lineworker instructors at my college, and it has been a long time since any of them told me they earned less than $120,000 a year while working in the industry.

That’s anecdotal. I wouldn’t suggest that every new lineworker should expect to make $120,000. But it illustrates why you need to look beyond a single national median when researching a career.

Where you live matters too.

The same occupation can pay very differently from one state or region to another. And in some careers, your willingness to travel can dramatically change the opportunities available to you.

Someone willing to temporarily work in another state, travel to major projects, respond to storm restoration, or go where demand is highest may have earning opportunities that someone committed to working close to home simply won’t have.

That doesn’t make one choice better than the other.

Maybe being home every night with your family is worth more to you than maximizing your income. That’s something you need to know about yourself before choosing a career.

So when researching what a career “pays,” don’t just Google the national average salary.

Look at where you actually plan to live. Look at wages in that region. Ask about overtime, benefits, union contracts, travel requirements, geographic differences, experience, advancement opportunities, and how many hours people actually work to earn those higher incomes.

And before somebody reads “$120,000” and immediately decides to become a lineworker, understand what you’re signing up for.

Linework can mean heights, bad weather, emergencies, travel, long hours, physical demands, and potentially dangerous working conditions.

The earning potential doesn’t mean much if you hate the life required to earn it.

That’s the point.

Don’t start with, “Which type of school is better?”

Start with, “What kind of work and life fit me, what can that career realistically provide, and what training gets me there?”

Think About the Cost of Education

Cost should be part of that decision too.

For the 2025–26 academic year, average published tuition and fees were about $4,150 per year at public two-year colleges and about $11,950 per year for in-state students at public four-year universities. Private nonprofit four-year colleges averaged about $45,000 per year in published tuition and fees.

Those are sticker prices, not necessarily what students actually pay after financial aid, but the point is that the educational path you choose has economic consequences before you ever receive your first paycheck.

That doesn’t mean “pick the cheapest option.”

A more expensive education can make perfect sense when the career requires it and the return justifies the investment.

It means know what you’re buying and why you’re buying it.

Think About Skills, Not Just Job Titles

When looking at college careers, I would also think carefully about the skills involved.

For example, fields such as network engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering involve significant elements of design, implementation, troubleshooting, and technical problem-solving.

AI will almost certainly change how people in these fields work. But working alongside technology is different from having no valuable skills without it.

When you’re building a new office, condo, manufacturing facility, or data center, trust me: nothing ever goes exactly according to plan.

Changes have to be made on the fly, and those changes require people with real knowledge, judgment, and technical know-how.

That’s why I wouldn’t spend too much time trying to predict exactly which careers AI or robotics will eliminate over the next 20 years. Nobody really knows.

Instead, ask yourself:

What valuable skills will I actually possess?

Careers involving technical knowledge, troubleshooting, physical systems, materials, equipment, safety, human interaction, or adapting to unpredictable situations give you skills that can continue to have value even as technology changes.

Software engineering, computer programming, digital design, and many other careers will continue to change rapidly because of AI and automation. But the trades will change too.

The goal isn’t to find a career that technology will never touch.

The goal is to become someone who knows how to do something valuable.

So, College or Trade School?

It depends on what you want to do.

And, yes, it might also depend on whether you mind being dirty, wet, cold, hot, or sore some days.

Personally, I loved my time in the Army and my time as a diesel mechanic. For the first part of my adulthood, that path served me well.

But here’s something else I want young people—and especially parents—to understand:

The decision you make at 18 does not have to be the decision you live with at 40.

I earned my bachelor’s degree at 32 and my master’s degree at 39. I’m 46 now, and I still plan on earning my doctorate at some point.

Life is long.

Going into a trade today doesn’t mean you can’t earn a bachelor’s degree later. Going to college doesn’t mean you can’t learn a trade later. Becoming a mechanic, electrician, welder, engineer, nurse, teacher, or anything else doesn’t mean you have signed a contract to remain exactly where you started for the rest of your life.

Your education and career can build on each other over time.

So don’t constrain yourself because you’re worried that you’re running out of time.

You either have the time or you don’t, and if you don’t, there isn’t anything to worry about anyway. Lol.

Choose a career that interests you. Figure out what education or training is actually required to get there. Learn skills that have value. Work hard. Be willing to change direction when life changes.

And above all, trust in the Lord, make a decision, and execute.

I think one day you’ll look back and be glad you did.

Hope this helps.

Till next time,

Lester

Still don’t know which career works for you take all look at the top trades to get into in 2026

Related: How to Pay for Trade School in 2026: Grants, Apprenticeships and Other Ways to Train Without Debt

The skilled trades are experiencing unprecedented growth in 2026, with over 450,000 new positions expected across key industries. Whether you’re seeking job stability, high earning potential, or a career you can start quickly without a college degree, skilled trades offer the fastest path to financial security.

From trades you can learn in just 6 months to specialized positions earning six figures, this comprehensive guide covers the 26 most in-demand trades for 2026. We’ve included salary ranges, training requirements, and growth projections to help you make the best career decision.

The Top 26 Skilled Trades for 2026

1. Electrical Lineworkers (Powerline Technicians)

Why It’s #1 for 2026: Massive infrastructure investment, grid modernization, and renewable energy integration are creating unprecedented demand for lineworkers. The aging workforce and critical nature of this work make it one of the most sought-after trades.

Average Salary: $75,000–$110,000 annually (with overtime often pushing total compensation over $120,000)

Training Time: 1-2 years plus apprenticeship

Job Growth: 8% through 2033, faster than average

Why Choose This Trade:

• Exceptional earning potential with overtime opportunities
• Critical infrastructure role – recession-resistant
• Strong union representation and benefits
• Travel opportunities for storm restoration work
• Clear career advancement path

2. Electricians

Why It’s Hot: With the rise of green energy, EV charging infrastructure, and smart technologies, electricians are in extraordinary demand.

Average Salary: $62,000–$85,000 annually

Training Time: 1-4 years (apprenticeship + schooling)

For specialized opportunities, consider becoming a high-voltage electrician

3. Elevator Installers and Repairers

Why It’s Hot: Urban development and building modernization fuel constant need for elevator specialists.

Average Salary: $85,000–$105,000 annually

Training Time: 2-4 years

4. HVAC Technicians

Why It’s Hot: Climate control systems are increasingly sophisticated, with smart home integration and energy efficiency requirements.

Average Salary: $52,000–$72,000 annually

Training Time: 6-24 months

Get detailed training information in our HVAC career guide

5. Plumbers

Why It’s Hot: Essential for residential and commercial projects, plus aging infrastructure requires constant maintenance and replacement.

Average Salary: $58,000–$78,000 annually

Training Time: 1-2 years (plus 4-5 year apprenticeship)

6. Welders

Why It’s Hot: The backbone of construction, manufacturing, and infrastructure industries.

Average Salary: $47,000–$65,000 annually (specialized welding can reach $85,000+)

Training Time: 3-18 months

7. Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Why It’s Hot: The renewable energy sector continues its explosive growth, making solar power skills essential.

Average Salary: $47,000–$72,000 annually

Training Time: 3-12 months

Discover the complete path in our solar installer guide

8. Aircraft Mechanics

Why It’s Hot: The aviation industry faces a critical shortage of skilled technicians for maintenance and repair.

Average Salary: $65,000–$95,000 annually

Training Time: 18 months – 2 years

9. Wind Turbine Technicians

Why It’s Hot: Wind energy continues to expand rapidly, especially with offshore wind development.

Average Salary: $56,000–$78,000 annually

Training Time: 1-2 years

10. Diesel Mechanics

Why It’s Hot: Commercial trucking, construction equipment, and logistics industries are booming.

Average Salary: $52,000–$72,000 annually

Training Time: 6 months – 2 years

11. Pipefitters and Steamfitters

Why It’s Hot: Critical for industrial, commercial infrastructure, and data center construction.

Average Salary: $54,000–$78,000 annually

Training Time: 2-5 years

Learn more about becoming a pipefitter

12. Millwright

Why It’s Hot: Manufacturing plants and automated facilities need specialists for high-tech equipment.

Average Salary: $65,000–$90,000 annually

Training Time: 2-4 years

13. CNC Programmers/Machinists

Why It’s Hot: Advanced manufacturing, automation, and precision engineering drive demand.

Average Salary: $58,000–$82,000 annually

Training Time: 6 months – 2 years

14. Carpenters

Why It’s Hot: Demand for custom homes, renovations, and commercial construction keeps carpentry thriving.

Average Salary: $48,000–$68,000 annually

Training Time: 6-12 months for basic skills

15. Medical Equipment Technicians

Why It’s Hot: Aging populations and advanced medical technologies drive explosive demand.

Average Salary: $54,000–$74,000 annually

Training Time: 1-2 years

16. Boilermakers

Why It’s Hot: Industrial energy production, manufacturing, and infrastructure depend on boilermakers.

Average Salary: $65,000–$88,000 annually

Training Time: 1-4 years

17. Telecommunications Technicians

Why It’s Hot: 5G expansion and fiber optic installations are reshaping communication networks.

Average Salary: $52,000–$77,000 annually

Training Time: 6 months – 2 years

18. Industrial Maintenance Technicians

Why It’s Hot: Manufacturing plants and automated facilities rely on these professionals to minimize downtime.

Average Salary: $54,000–$78,000 annually

Training Time: 1-2 years

19. Glaziers

Why It’s Hot: Modern architecture and energy-efficient building standards demand specialized glass installations.

Average Salary: $43,000–$63,000 annually

Training Time: 1-3 years

20. Heavy Equipment Operators

Why It’s Hot: Infrastructure projects and construction need skilled operators for complex machinery.

Average Salary: $48,000–$68,000 annually

Training Time: 3-12 months

21. Bricklayers and Masons

Why It’s Hot: Classic yet critical for construction projects, with growing demand for skilled craftspeople.

Average Salary: $48,000–$72,000 annually

Training Time: 1-3 years

22. Roofers

Why It’s Hot: Residential and commercial building projects, plus storm damage, create constant demand.

Average Salary: $43,000–$68,000 annually

Training Time: On-the-job training, 6 months – 1 year

23. Avionics Technicians

Why It’s Hot: Modern aircraft rely on sophisticated electronic systems for navigation, communication, and safety.

Average Salary: $60,000–$82,000 annually

Training Time: 18 months – 2 years

24. Electrical Vehicle (EV) Technicians

Why It’s Hot: The rapid transition to electric vehicles creates urgent need for specialized mechanics.

Average Salary: $50,000–$75,000 annually

Training Time: 6 months – 2 years

25. Home Inspectors

Why It’s Hot: Real estate transactions and property assessments require thorough professional inspections.

Average Salary: $48,000–$68,000 annually

Training Time: 3-6 months plus certification

26. Instrumentation Technicians

Why It’s Hot: Industrial automation and process control systems need skilled technicians.

Average Salary: $58,000–$80,000 annually

Training Time: 1-2 years

Frequently Asked Questions About Skilled Trades in 2026

Q: What’s the easiest trade to learn quickly? A: HVAC technicians can start working with just 6 months of training, making it one of the fastest entries into skilled trades. Solar installation and basic welding also offer quick entry points with strong earning potential.

Q: Which trades don’t require a college degree? A: All 26 trades on this list require only vocational training, apprenticeships, or trade school – no college degree needed. Most training takes 6 months to 2 years.

Q: What’s the highest-paying trade without extensive training? A: Electrical lineworkers offer exceptional salaries ($75,000-$110,000+) with 1-2 years of training plus apprenticeship. For quicker entry, specialized welding can reach $75,000+ with 6-12 months of training.

Q: Why is Electrical Lineworker #1 for 2026? A: The combination of infrastructure investment, grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and an aging workforce creates unprecedented demand. The work is critical, well-compensated, and offers excellent job security with strong union benefits.

Q: Are skilled trades recession-proof? A: Many trades like plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and linework are essential services that remain stable during economic downturns. Infrastructure and maintenance needs continue regardless of economic conditions.

Q: Can I start a skilled trade career over 30? A: Absolutely! Many trades welcome career changers and value maturity, work ethic, and life experience. Check out our guide: Best Skilled Trades for Career Changers Over 30.

Q: What about women in the trades? A: Women are increasingly entering skilled trades, with many organizations actively recruiting and supporting female tradespeople. Trades like electrical, HVAC, and solar installation have seen significant growth in female participation.

Q: How do I choose between similar trades? A: Consider work environment (indoors vs. outdoors), physical demands, travel requirements, and specialization interests. Many trades offer the option to shadow professionals or participate in pre-apprenticeship programs to help you decide.

The future is bright for those who invest in a skilled trade. Whether you’re starting a new career or looking to pivot, these 26 trades offer a secure path to success in 2026 and beyond.

Top 25 Trades to Get consider for 2025

Search BLS for Wages for any career you are interested in.

Summary

Blue collar work is often misunderstood, and the stereotypes surrounding it are far from reality. In this candid reflection, a former diesel mechanic, Army Veteran, and Workforce Development Dean breaks down what blue collar jobs are not. These careers are not for people who lack intelligence, motivation, or commitment. They are not remote-work roles, not immune to layoffs, not a space for drug use, and certainly not dead-end paths. Instead, blue collar work requires critical thinking, discipline, pride, and professionalism and for those who bring those qualities, the trades can open doors to lifelong opportunity, growth, and success.

What a Blue Collar Job is NOT!

There are many articles on this history of Blue Collar Jobs and the history of the term. I guess they are a sory of right of passage posts for anyone who makes content on Trades and Trades education.

That being said I wanted to take a different approach and demystify the skilled trades industry or just overall blue collar work. Why? Because there are a lot of stereotypes about blue collar workers many of which simply are not true. So I am going to give it to you straight as a Dean of Workforce Development a 15 year diesel mechanic and a Army Veteran I am going to tell you everything a Blue Collar Job Is Not.

If you’re interested in more background on the term Blue Collar Worker, check out these resources on what blue-collar work means in different contexts:

• Blue-collar worker definition on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue-collar_worker
• Investopedia’s explanation of blue-collar jobs: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/b/bluecollar.asp
• Modern workplace perspective on blue-collar meaning: https://www.culturemonkey.io/employee-engagement/blue-collar-meaning/
• Discussion on blue vs. white collar work from workers themselves: https://www.reddit.com/r/Productivitycafe/comments/1nyvdk3/whats_the_difference_in_white_collar_to_blue/

Blue Collar Work are not jobs for Stupid People:
This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about entering any trades field. Just the other day I was looking at some stairs and a perfectly level deck that my 2nd quarter carpentry students had made and I thought to myself this is the practical application of Slope and the Pythagorean theorem. I have to be honest I know that many people who find themselves in trade schools were not the best students. However, there is a difference between being a bad student and lacking intelligence. Many people who end up in trades people like me just found school to be boring and spent more time wondering why they had to learn the Pythagorean theorem when there would never be any use for it in my life or so I thought. If you are getting into the trades because you think you wont have to do math or write any papers I am sorry but you may really want to reconsider what you are doing. Being an electrician, carpenter, or a welder requires you to be able to do some basic algebra on the fly and if your not dedicated to learning the trades is just not the right place for you.

Blue Collar Jobs are not for Remote Worker
This may sound silly but I was shocked at how many people want to get into the trades and still want a flexible schedule that includes distance work days. The reality is no matter what trade you pick you should expect to be at work every single day and realistically you should expect to work until the job is done. Blue collar work is hard work! Its not for people looking to have a easy go. That being said its also immensely rewarding but not for the person who is worried about their work life balance.

Blue Collar Jobs are not Layoff Proof
One of the biggest reasons many people are looking to get into the trades is this misconception that most Blue Collar Jobs are layoff proof. The reality is Blue Collar jobs move with the economic cycle and are often a earlier indicator of how good or bad the economy is. The reality is most blue collar workers should expect to be laid off at least once or twice in their career. That said if you become one of the very best people in your field the likelihood of you being laid off will decrease immensely. Its not hard to meet a electrician or plumber who will tell you they have not been laid off in 20 years. That said if you went and observed their work you would likely see a talented craftsperson who takes the job seriously and demonstrates a high level of competency and professionalism at the workplace. There is nothing stopping you from being that person. The reality is though many people are not and will have to go through a layoff or 2 before they find the right place.

Blue Collar Jobs are not for Drug Users (Including Weed)
There is another misconception that drinking and drugging are rampant in the Blue Collar work. However, ill be the first to tell you that I never had a blue collar job where I was not drug tested and that although (Marijuana) has become legal and rising in its recreational use in many states it is still for a large part banned by most high level employers. Sure you can find that mom and pop construction company that pays weekly and does not drug test. That same place will never give you a raise and never teach you how to do anything that will accelerate your career. If you want to work for the very best employers, the companies that are going to invest in you and get you to that 6 figure salary they are going to drug test and probably do it frequently and randomly. So if you are thinking about getting into blue collar work but still need a morning blunt you may want to reconsider if this is the right career path for you.

Blue Collar work is not a Dead End Job
Lastly I want to say that getting a blue collar job is not the end of most of peoples story often its the start to a life of success. I learned how to be a diesel mechanic in the Army after I got out I was a Diesel Mechanic for 15 years before I went back to college and became a college professor and taught Diesel Mechanics. Now I am a workforce development dean helping others get their start in many blue collar fields. Blue collar work provides people with a ton a flexibility in their careers. The skill sets easily allow for career pivots into project management and education or even into entrepreneurship. The reality for most blue collar workers is they are only limited by their own work ethic and imagination.

In conclusion being a blue collar worker can be a immensely rewarding career. But its really about you and what you are willing to put into it. I hope that this article helps you make a decision on if being a blue collar worker is right for you. Please take this free skilled trades assessment to see what blue collar career best fits your personality. Thanks for reading!

About the Author

Lester Burkes is a U.S. Army Veteran, former diesel mechanic, and current Workforce Development Dean dedicated to expanding access to skilled trades careers. After spending 15 years turning wrenches and later teaching diesel technology, he now leads workforce training efforts and advocates for real pathways into high-demand careers. Through LearnSkilledTrades.com, Lester shares honest insights and lived experience to help others build strong futures in the trades.