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Average salaries
As we’ve already explored, a common myth in the world of the
skilled trades is that many of the jobs that are available don’t pay
well. This misconception alone is enough to steer students away
from the trades. These students, as indicated by the ECMC Group
study, are trying to set themselves up for good jobs. If they think
that the trades don’t pay well, they will steer clear.
In truth, many skilled trades jobs offer respectable median salary
rates as well as opportunity for significant salary growth over the
course of a career. Wages in the trades are often commensurate
with a person’s skill level, experience, and ability. In other words,
as you get better at your craft, you will likely be able to earn higher
certifications, take on more responsibility at the workplace, and
earn more money.
A great example of the salary potential and job growth opportunity
to be found in the skilled trades is the electrical trade. According
to ZipRecruiter, the average master electrician in the United States
earns $80,000 a year, and some earn nearly $126,500. Most master
electricians do not have bachelor’s degrees but have worked their
way up in the industry by accumulating thousands of hours of work
experience and passing certification exams.
Even at the entry level, though, skilled trades professionals can
make good money. Again, per ZipRecruiter, the average entry-level
electrical apprentice job pays approximately $47,500 per year.
While not huge, these kinds of earnings come with a few key
advantages.
First, you can start making this much money right out of high
school with limited experience or existing skill. If you have a base
of knowledge in the trade, such as from a career-tech program that
you went through in high school, you may be able to command a
slightly higher salary. Plus, given the shortage of electricians in