An apprenticeship provides on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction to teach a skilled trade or profession. Apprenticeships allow people to earn while they learn, making them an attractive option for gaining new skills and experience while getting paid. Some apprenticeships lead to jobs that pay quite well relative to the training requirements. This article will explore the highest paid apprenticeship opportunities, looking at average salaries, required skills and training, and job prospects.
What are the highest paid apprenticeship jobs?
Here are some of the highest paid apprenticeship jobs:
Elevator Installer and Repairer
Elevator installers and repairers go through a 4-year paid apprenticeship program to learn how to install, maintain, and repair elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and other lifts. This is a high-paying trade, with the top earners making over $100,000 per year.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for elevator installers and repairers is $89,840. The top 10% of earners make $119,620 or more.
Electrician
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. Apprentice electricians complete 4-5 years of paid on-the-job training and technical instruction before becoming a journeyman electrician. This apprenticeship prepares them to work in residential, commercial, and industrial facilities.
The average annual salary for an electrician is $59,190, going up to $92,590 for the top 10% of earners according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With overtime, it is possible for electricians to make six-figure salaries.
Plumber
Plumbers install and repair water systems, drainage systems, plumbing fixtures, and heating and cooling systems. A 4-5 year paid apprenticeship teaches plumbing skills through on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Once plumbers become journeymen, they can earn an excellent income.
The BLS reports that the average salary for plumbers is $55,160 per year. The top 10% of plumbers earn $93,430 or more annually.
Elevator Constructor
Elevator constructors, also called elevator mechanics or elevator repairers, assemble, install, maintain, and fix elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and chairlifts. The apprenticeship program takes 4 years to complete and combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
Elevator constructors are highly skilled trade workers who earn excellent wages. According to the BLS, their average annual salary is $91,260. The top 10% of earners make $119,630 or more.
Sheet Metal Worker
Sheet metal workers fabricate, assemble, install, and repair sheet metal products and equipment made from materials such as ducts, control boxes, drain pipes, and furnace casings. They complete a 4-5 year paid apprenticeship before becoming journeymen sheet metal workers.
Sheet metal workers can earn a very good living. The BLS reports an average annual salary of $55,320, with the top 10% of earners making $92,460 or more per year.
Construction Manager
Construction managers plan and coordinate building projects, overseeing the various contractors and tradespeople required to complete the work. Many construction managers get started through an apprenticeship program, which provides paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction.
Construction managers earn excellent wages, reflecting the skills and training required. According to the BLS, their average salary is $97,220 annually. The top 10% of earners make $176,310 or more per year.
Steamfitter/Pipefitter
Steamfitters and pipefitters assemble, fabricate, maintain, and repair piping systems carrying water, steam, chemicals, and fuel in heating, cooling, lubricating, and various other systems. A 4-5 year paid apprenticeship teaches these specialized skills.
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for steamfitters is $62,550. The top 10% of earners make over $98,000 per year.
Power Plant Operator
Power plant operators control equipment to generate and distribute electric power. Training typically involves a combination of classroom instruction and paid on-the-job training over 1-5 years. Operators are continually trained on safety procedures, new equipment, and regulations.
According to the BLS, the average annual pay for power plant operators is $83,020, with top earners making over $117,000 per year. The specialized skills and training required lead to excellent pay.
Why do these jobs pay so well?
There are several reasons why these apprenticeship jobs are among the highest paid:
Specialized skills and training
These jobs require extensive, specialized skills and training. The paid apprenticeship programs, which can take 4-5 years to complete, provide workers with specific technical skills that allow them to command high wages. Few people can walk in off the street and perform these jobs.
Dangerous working conditions
Some of these jobs, like electrician, involve the risk of electrocution and electrical burns. Elevator constructors work at great heights. Plumbers handle sewage and toxic chemicals. These hazardous working conditions warrant higher pay.
Physically demanding roles
Several of these trades, including steamfitter, plumber, and sheet metal worker, involve heavy lifting, climbing, crawling, bending, and kneeling. The physically arduous nature of the work means higher compensation.
High level of responsibility
Workers in these roles often hold a great deal of responsibility for expensive equipment and systems, and even human safety. Power plant operators, for example, are responsible for safely generating electricity. The responsibility factor results in greater pay.
Strong unions
Many of these trades have strong labor unions that negotiate higher wages and benefits through collective bargaining agreements. The unions ensure workers are highly compensated for their skills and risk.
High cost of errors
Mistakes made on the job can lead to equipment failures, service interruptions, and injuries. There is little margin for error. Workers get paid well to perform their duties to strict standards.
Ongoing career development
Although initial apprenticeships last 4-5 years, workers continue developing their skills over decades-long careers. Their expertise, certifications, and leadership roles allow for ever-higher earnings.
Job outlook and opportunities
In addition to paying very well, many of these trades also offer excellent job opportunities and security:
Growing employment
The BLS projects above average job growth over the next decade for elevator installers/repairers (+12%), electricians (+8%), plumbers (+9%), steamfitters/pipefitters (+10%), and power plant operators (+5%). Construction managers are projected to see 10% growth. The need for skilled tradespeople continues increasing.
Retiring workforce
Many current skilled trades workers are nearing retirement age. For example, the average plumber is 45 years old. About 57% of U.S. electricians are 40 or older. As current workers retire, they will leave openings that need filling.
Recession resistant
Skilled trades tend to be more recession proof than many other jobs. No matter the economy, construction projects move forward, buildings require elevator maintenance, and pipes need fixing. These jobs provide good security.
Can’t be outsourced
Unlike manufacturing or tech support jobs, construction trades cannot be shipped overseas. All building activities happen locally, keeping the jobs in the community.
Rewarding work
Many find skilled trades deeply rewarding, as they can point to completed projects, whether it is new buildings, lighting systems, or heating ducts. Some love working with their hands, solving problems, and building things.
Good for entrepreneurs
After several years of experience, tradesworkers can start their own contracting, plumbing, or electrician businesses. Self-employment provides added income and flexibility.
Entry requirements
Here are some common requirements and qualifications to enter an apprenticeship program:
– High school diploma or equivalent
– Minimum age requirement, typically 18+ years old
– Physical capability to perform job duties
– Mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills
– Detail oriented with good hand-eye coordination
– Ability to work at heights or in tight spaces
– Willingness to complete 4-5 years of on-the-job training
– Some programs require a driver’s license
– Drug screening and background checks are common
– Some apprenticeships require passing an aptitude test
Overall, apprenticeship programs provide an excellent earning and learning opportunity for those interested in skilled trades. The combination of technical instruction with paid on-the-job training creates highly competent workers able to command high salaries.
How to get started
For those interested in launching a lucrative and rewarding career through an apprenticeship, here are some steps to get started:
– Research high-demand skilled trades and apprenticeship opportunities in your area. Job boards, community colleges, trade schools, and local unions are good resources.
– Make sure you meet basic requirements like age, education, physical ability, and aptitude.
– Prepare for any required entrance exams, interviews, or applications.
– Apply to the program, submitting requested documents. This process is competitive so you may have to apply to multiple programs.
– Once accepted, work hard during the multi-year training, combining classroom learning with quality on-the-job performance.
– Learn all you can from experienced mentors and instructors during the apprenticeship. Develop your skills and make valuable connections.
– Upon completing the program and earning your certification, work safely and professionally as you transition to a journeyman role. Join any required trade organizations.
– Continue developing your skills and expertise over time through advanced training and certifications to maximize your earnings and career advancement opportunities.
Conclusion
Apprenticeships in trades like elevator installation/repair, electrical work, plumbing, construction management, and power plant operations lead to some of the highest paying careers out there without requiring a four-year college degree. These jobs demand extensive technical skills and on-the-job training but compensate workers accordingly with high pay, excellent job outlooks, and rewarding work. For those willing to learn a skilled trade through an apprenticeship, exciting high-earning careers lie ahead.