25 Highest Paying Trade School Careers in 2026 No College Degree Required with 5 Year Salary Projections

25 Highest Paying Trade School Careers in 2026 No College Degree Required with 5 Year Salary Projections

A four year college degree is no longer the only path to a six figure income. In 2026, skilled trade programs, technical certifications, and vocational training offer faster entry into the workforce, lower student debt, and strong income growth within five years. Many of these careers require certification, apprenticeship, or associate level training, but not a bachelor’s degree.

Below are 25 of the highest paying trade school careers in the United States, including realistic salary estimates five years after entering the field. Salary ranges vary by region, overtime, union status, and specialization.

1. Elevator Installer and Repairer
   Entry: 75,000 to 85,000
   5 Years: 110,000 to 140,000

2. Aircraft Mechanic and Avionics Technician
   Entry: 65,000 to 75,000
   5 Years: 95,000 to 120,000

3. Radiation Therapist
   Entry: 80,000 to 95,000
   5 Years: 105,000 to 130,000

4. Dental Hygienist
   Entry: 75,000 to 95,000
   5 Years: 95,000 to 120,000

5. Power Plant Operator
   Entry: 70,000 to 85,000
   5 Years: 95,000 to 115,000

6. Nuclear Technician
   Entry: 70,000 to 80,000
   5 Years: 90,000 to 110,000

7. Commercial Pilot Non Degree Path
   Entry: 60,000 to 80,000
   5 Years: 120,000 to 200,000 depending on airline and flight hours

8. Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
   Entry: 70,000 to 85,000
   5 Years: 90,000 to 115,000

9. MRI Technologist
   Entry: 70,000 to 85,000
   5 Years: 90,000 to 110,000

10. Electrician
    Entry: 50,000 to 60,000
    5 Years: 85,000 to 110,000

11. Plumber or Pipefitter
    Entry: 50,000 to 60,000
    5 Years: 80,000 to 110,000

12. HVAC Technician
    Entry: 45,000 to 55,000
    5 Years: 75,000 to 95,000

13. Industrial Machinery Mechanic
    Entry: 55,000 to 65,000
    5 Years: 80,000 to 100,000

14. Diesel Mechanic
    Entry: 50,000 to 60,000
    5 Years: 75,000 to 95,000

15. Crane Operator
    Entry: 55,000 to 70,000
    5 Years: 90,000 to 120,000

16. Boilermaker
    Entry: 60,000 to 75,000
    5 Years: 95,000 to 120,000

17. Commercial Diver
    Entry: 50,000 to 70,000
    5 Years: 90,000 to 150,000 depending on offshore contracts

18. Court Reporter
    Entry: 60,000 to 75,000
    5 Years: 85,000 to 110,000

19. Network and Cybersecurity Specialist Certification Path
    Entry: 65,000 to 85,000
    5 Years: 110,000 to 160,000

20. Web Developer Bootcamp Path
    Entry: 60,000 to 80,000
    5 Years: 95,000 to 140,000

21. Construction Manager Certification Track
    Entry: 65,000 to 80,000
    5 Years: 100,000 to 140,000

22. Ironworker or Structural Welder
    Entry: 55,000 to 70,000
    5 Years: 85,000 to 115,000

23. Locomotive Engineer
    Entry: 70,000 to 90,000
    5 Years: 100,000 to 130,000

24. Refrigeration Technician
    Entry: 50,000 to 60,000
    5 Years: 80,000 to 100,000

25. Respiratory Therapist
    Entry: 65,000 to 80,000
    5 Years: 85,000 to 105,000

Why These Careers Scale Quickly

Most of these trades combine three factors:

Certification barriers that limit supply
Overtime opportunities
Union or contract wage protection

Five years into the field, workers often move from apprentice to journeyman or specialist status, dramatically increasing income. In aviation, healthcare imaging, elevators, nuclear energy, and skilled construction, experience compounds quickly.

Many of these programs require only 1 to 2 years of training plus licensing exams. Apprenticeships allow you to earn while you learn. Compared to four years of tuition and student loans, trade school pathways often produce positive net worth faster.

The Real Advantage

The biggest overlooked benefit is income acceleration. By year five, many skilled trade professionals are earning as much or more than peers who chose traditional degrees, without carrying significant debt. In fields like elevator repair, aviation maintenance, dental hygiene, or cybersecurity certifications, six figure income becomes realistic well before age 30.

Trade school is no longer a backup plan. In 2026, it is a strategic economic decision.

If you're searching for more than just a job, moreover, a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential; then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Furthermore, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.

Contact NYSMDA today and get your career started!

What are the best Dental Schools?

High Value Sources

US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
https://www.bls.gov/ooh

CareerOneStop Wage Data
https://www.careeronestop.org

Federal Aviation Administration Career Data
https://www.faa.gov

National Elevator Industry Educational Program
https://www.neiep.org

American Dental Association Career Information
https://www.ada.org