What Are The Most Lucrative Trades? 

We're all laughing at the "dumb" trade kids untill they charge $150/hr to fix your air conditioner.

Choose a job/career that can't be outsourced... that's the most useful takeaway from this video! 😁

So basically, the most lucrative trade is running a college.

I am 23 and a truck driver (local) only took three months to get my CDL and I started off at 60k per year. **With no debt too** Trade schools are pretty sweet. I wish Teachers/Counselors would talk more about them instead of thinking that a kid only has two options, 4yr degree or Military.

This is seriously the best channel on RU-vid; especially for millennials. You guys and your team are outstanding.

I LOVE that you said the average person changes careers 3-7 times. I was an optician, now I am a real estate agent and I’ve been considering going to school for nursing. I was struggling with that idea because I felt like I was supposed to pick a career and stick with it, but your statistic made me breathe a sigh of relief knowing I am “average” 🤗🤗🤗

Trade jobs are seriously underrated. With many of them you also have the choice of working for someone else or starting your own business 👍

I went to culinary school, I’m a private chef and make over 6 figures. I got lucky because most people I know that went to culinary school, is no longer in the industry

I’m a hairstylist. I make 80K after expenses. ( never under estimate the salon peeps. We have a blast and bank on it) 😘

Most community colleges offer these same trades. Community colleges are way cheaper than vocational schools and offer federal and state aid. I'm a surveyor in California and am studying civil engineering. Basically got my career paid for. I got my two Associate degrees for free and will only pay for my remaining 2 years at CSU-LA. 👍 I recommend doing a bit of research before going to vocational school.

“Leadership, communication, analytical skills...” Which most 4 year degrees don’t actually teach...

I got an English degree, tried to find a job paying more than $15/hr for a few years, and then went back and finished ultrasound school. Best career decision ever... now I can finally pay for my English degree.

Today job market is over saturated with college degrees, requiring Master degrees to go further, even doctorates. But people forget about trades, which can give you the chance to start a business. It's not fancy, but it's always needed.

@01:15 may we just appreciate how they just listed all the 10 jobs right away (very well done!), not stretching them out for the entire video's length, as usually done by other channels. I'm looking at you, The Financial Diet (TFD)

I have to say I’m glad that I live in Germany where I did a two and a half year apprenticeship in a company. I didn’t have to pay tuition for vocational school and I actually earned money while learning and gaining work experience. Now that I’ve finished I was able to keep working there, earning more money than any of my friends who are still in college. I will be able to earn my bachelors degree while still working and gaining experience. Even though I will have to pay tuition for that I can still afford to live on my own in a big flat, with a new car and no debt. I wish more countries would have this system, so far fewer young people would start into adulthood with a huge amount of debt.

It feels like high schools loves to force the path of 4 year college down soon-to-be graduates throats, without providing any other alternative paths. Thank you for providing all of us valuable information and financial tools that many educational institutions and guidance counselors aren’t. You guys are the best!

I was one of the millions of high schoolers preached to about the necessity of college. Began college in 2007 studying sociology with the goal of becoming a cop. With the recession, most police forces went through long hiring furloughs. I decided I had to figure out another path. Went to trade school for refinery operations and got hired before graduating (so technically I still just have a high school diploma). This decision changed my life. Started making great money, became a volunteer firefighter and now fire instructor at the refinery. Best thing I could have done.

My brother is a heavy equipment operator with a salary of $1800 a week. He quit school in the 9th grade and learned his trade in prison. Now he is married with 2 teenage daughters. He really turned his life around.

yall are giving advice that I wish I'd heard 10 years ago tbh

I went to a four year college and my sibling went a trade school my sibling is making more money than I am

Nice content! Few years back i was assistant to a wealthy pen artist and within the short period i worked with him i observed that he had quite a chunk of investment everywhere, stocks, crypto, dividend investing to name a few, so he had revenues coming in from all angles. And in a year his worth doubled. With this i learned that the rich stay rich by investing.

I went to a relatively good UK university for 4 years. Imo, I think university is way too overpriced for the amount of teaching you get. It's like you paid to be told that you need to go read these books and write an essay. I don't feel like it was worth it.

I have to stop the video to just say how much I appreciate this channel two cent for making the list so short and quick and not a ten minute long slow talking video with points spread out through the video my heart to them

The problem with our education system is that everyone is pushed into thinking that Universities are the only option to have a succesful life, and almost everyone sign up for university after high school. With so many university graduate, the value of having a degree diminished, it only benefitted employer, since there's flood of educated workers available, they get to exploit because literally everyone is expendable nowadays. Also with a lot of qualified worker, we are being pushed to be "perfect" before we sign up for jobs, which means we tend to be overqualified and overeducated, and since companies require different sets of skills, we have to learn a lot of things before being cobsidered as a desirable candidate. In the past companies would provide training so their worker would be able to learn exactly what they need, now workers are expected to already master the required skills. The whole midset resulted in a very broken workplace system and the chain reaction affected everything. It's time to change. We should stop glorifying universities and respect more vocational education. Learn from Japan or Germany, they have a very good and very structured system that ensure even lowly workers such as plumbers to be able to prosper.

I'm a pipe welder. Make over 100G in 7 months, but you have to be tough, and it's not easy.

Sorry I have to disagree about Plumber Pete starting business requiring 'economy theory'. I am a dental technician and started my own business. During my career in working for a trade company, I have developed connections, inside knowledge and social skills which helped to set up my own company. Learning 'economy theory' would be helpful but there are many other aspects in trade than just trade skills.

Like your content, also another career not mentioned is Aircraft Technician, Airlines have an aging population of technicians , who will retire soon, salaries vary between 60k to 100k . With good benefits , including flying benefits.

Everyone please remember, those salaries are not only averages of salaries in that field, but national averages as well. If you live in a high cost of living area such as New England or the West Coast, you will make more than that amount listed. If you live in a low cost of living area, such as rural central states, you will make less than the amount listed. However, even though you make less in a rural state, you will actually have more disposable income since you have lower expenses and much lower taxes. Remember, you can afford a lot more when you only pay $500 for rent in Iowa for a 1,000 square foot apartment compared to $2,000 in San Francisco for a 500 square foot apartment.

Lineman, median salary 61,400 a year. You do a 4 year apprenticeship, during which you get paid. We're working the hurricane right now so we're making tons right now, but on a typical week the journeyman make $3,000 a week.

I was forced to go to an expensive 4 yr college which I hated. I didn't want to go to college at all at age 18 but my parents didn't let me decide. Later when I realized it was my life I just dropped out. I actually wanted to go to a monastery! I did! Best education ever and free. Later I decided to finish my degree at a relatively cheap state school (City College of New York). I was ready to learn this time and had a great experience in school. My advice to the 18 year-olds is that rushing into an expensive college might not be a great idea even if everyone is telling you it is. A cheaper public college might be better and there are some alternatives if you are not ready for college.

I'm in the hospitality industry, that's also a trade school, I love it because I love to talk to customers and tourists as well! I'm about to step up in the housekeeping to a concierge!

I got a Bachelor’s Degree, graduates Magna Cum Laude from a good school. Turns out my field was bogus. I’m making more, and happier, working in the trades now.

I have an MBA and I went into Glass Glazing as an independent contractor. It turned into a business and I netted $75k last year and I’m on track to do $125k this year

Apprenticeships are probably better for most trades than vocational schools. I'm am electrician now and I would like to add that if don't let yourself be limited to residential and commercial work, you can have more opened to you in the industrial side such as controls and PLC work. Learning the electric code (or any of the codes for that matter) can get you into inspection and possibly consultation. There are still jobs beyond that, but I don't think you can really work your way up to engineering these days without a degree. I'm surprised welding isn't on the list... And thank you Two Cents for doing this!

vocational training is the original "bootstrap"to pull yourself up in the world.. i did a 12 month accelerated nursing program to get my lpn instant job, no debt.my employer liked me and paid for my rn.no debt, more money.took my money and got my degree. no debt, more money. you can see the pattern here.you don't have to stay in the same field, change as often as you like. but do it debt free, and with some coin in your pocket!

I went to a trade school through the military. I completed the BMET program. I went from 24k a year salary to 114k a year in a year literally.

You forgot the IT field, myself and my peers make $70k-$125k+

Y’all forgot one welding. I’m graduating this May from community college. Going down to local 92 ironworkers. I’m testing for restricted welding starting out at $50 and hour.

Lost my sales job to COVID, living on savings and unemployment, going back to get an LPN certificate. Feeling pretty secure.

This video is rather useful for young people, thank you!

I'm 24, I work in New York as a HVAC/Plumbing Apprentice in my 5th and final year of training. I make over $100k per year, have no debt and all of my training was paid for. There are many examples like this in all trades where a company will pay to train you while also giving you a full time job. I honestly think this is the smartest move, you make a ton of money from day one and get free training that will help double your salary by the end. I started at $45k and am now at $110k. It's hard work but it's well worth it and a much better path than college. Men are mostly doing it but I have seen more younger women especially in the electrician field.

I went through a IT and business management trade school for disadvantaged youths. Its called Year Up and there is no tuition cost, you just have to qualify and secure a spot. It worked out really well for me. I'm currently working as a sys admin in the Bay Area.

So happy to see paralegal in here! That’s what Im studying for and it’s nice to get some further encouragement that I’m making a good decision.

4:23 "Marketing and Design" in Comic Sans? I see what you did there.

Great video! My experience in construction and welding, as compared to my internship for electrical engineering, made it clear that finishing my 4 year engineering degree wouldn't be the best use of my time and money. You guys are so right that finding the best fit for each individual is key, and that trade school shouldn't be dismissed.

Trading options and earning money

I'm a "Material Handling Technician " (forklift mechanic). NO college needed just a short and inexpensive auto class needed to be qualified. starting salary for a tech is around $52-$60,000. After building a few years experience you can make $80-$100,000 if you are good at what you do.

I'd like to read a comment that says, I went to an Ivy League school for my undergrad in liberal arts, then got my Masters Degree in art history, and then got my doctorate in music theory and I have a $335,000 debt and a job that pays me $11,000 a year

Or you call up local union halls and ask if they know someone that will take you on as an apprenticeship straight out of high school. Then your not paying for any school and making money while you learn.

Hey I don't think people mention this enough, but this channel is even more useful for gen z.

I went to trade school after I got out of the U.S. Air Force. I became a diesel mechanic on 18 wheeler's. I decided to go into the trades because I saw the mistake most people were making in thinking that everyone needs to go to college. This mindset has resulted in a massive shortage of workers needed for the trades. Which basically gives me good job security. Mike Roe has been pointing this out for years. Also, the fact that there is a shortage of trade workers at least in my career field. This is causing employers to have to pay more to attract talent which in turn increases labor rates. Which is then eventually passed onto the customer's who shop at grocery stores, shop on amazon, or any service or business that rely on freight companies to move their product.

Get a trade, start working then do your college courses part time. Win-win!

I went to trade school to be a mechanic and loved it! I worked for a dealership many years but now started my own mechanic business this year. It's a pay cut at the moment but it's nice being my own boss and having a business that can grow.

I like how marketing and design are written in the comic sans font. I see what you did there graphics team.

Videos like this should really be shown in high school and middle school classrooms

You guys are like loving parents for us

This was the most accurate look at trade schools I've ever seen. You covered a lot of points most miss. I went to trade school (I'm Canadian) and I'm glad you suggested supplementing trades education with more education (typically business education will be most benwficial) We have a bit different of an education structure, but I essentially did exactly that, and now have my own business making six figures where I am highly in demand. There is incredible growth possibilities for me like there would be any business owner. Many post secondary institutions in Canada are now offering extension training to anyone with (what you would call) a two year degree. Hopefully, this catches on in The States.

I got a job as an electrician’s apprentice, and I saw these guys installing an elevator. HOLY COW. It’s actually crazy, not for the faint of heart! Those guys are skilled, and brave too. You ever seen an open elevator shaft???

Request to teach how to evaluate a stock soon? You guys are great at explaining things btw

In my country you don't need to have a licence to work in hvac, as a plumber, or an electrician, or even a mechanic you can just learn from others and practice on your own and maybe learn from youtube, then you can work with others until you can work on your own, I know how to diagnose and fix a lot of car problems, I know how to install and fix some AC problems but at the moment I am studying bachelor dgree in IT

If people knew about all this I think alot of people would consider it over college. But these option aren't really discussed in highschool

Join an apprenticeship with a union, they pay you to learn and work.

I went to Keiser University in Orlando, FL. I was on the wait list for x-ray technician. I'm not very strong in math and ended up dropping out. I now have 21k in student loans when I really should've just taken my time and gone to a community college. I now work as a nail technician and I'm much happier and I still have the potential to make just as much as an x-ray technician; especially if I just become a mobile nail tech where I only have to worry about my overhead being gas and nail supplies (which I estimated between $6-7 and my services are $15 and up).

The biggest issue I see personally with people learning trades, or going to trade schools, is that some people simply aren't cut out for the trade that they are trying to get into. For example, I'm a heavy duty diesel mechanic, I did not go to school for it, I got a job sweeping floors in a dump truck garage, started learning everything I could from service manuals, and information available online. I worked my way up very quickly, and after only a few years, I'm one of the highest paid mechanics in the shop. I've worked with guys who went to college for four years for diesel mechanics, and some of them have trouble understanding even basic mechanical concepts, and don't seem to retain much of what they should have learned. My point here is, being successful in a trade takes a lot more than just having a formal education in that skill. If you are not a mechanically inclined person, going to college is not going to change that and you should probably consider a career in something that you will be good at. I'm not trying to discourage anybody from doing what they want to do, but merely trying to point out reality. I've seen too many people waste their money on a trade school just because the career is "lucrative", and end up quitting and changing careers after several years of getting nowhere and hating their job.

Yesssss. Keep underselling the trades, more money in my pocket.

As a heavy equipment operator I’m make more than double there ‘median’ and union so benifits and pension etc. and couldn’t be happier! only thing I regret is wasting time after highschool and also taking college courses that didn’t get me anywhere and I worked minimum wage jobs

It's not on the list right now it seems, but I went to vocational school for IT and we're killing it financially and a friend I went to school with it WELL into the 6 figures 15 years later. You could do better or worse with a 4 year degree, having the right work ethic is almost more important.

I went to a trade school for emergency Medical services. The issue that I am facing is that the trade schools do not offer management training for my field. So now after 10 years of working in my field to make more money I'm having to go to college to learn business

I cannot wait for someone to say that "vocational school is for people who are not smart enough" around me so I can verbally abuse them. XD

Omg I have a 4 year degree and it totally did not prepare me for like starting a business lol

I got my ac certification in 1 yr, paid 3k and made that 1st month in the trade. Im getting ready for my contractors license. Good vid

What about welders?

I’m going for radiology and none of my friends thought it was good but then they saw this video and they apologized HA

Instrumentation and Industrial Automation Techs require only 2 years and most starting wages are @$25-35/hr depending what field you go into. Programming techs usually get paid way more.

I make barrels and apparently I make more money than a paralegal as an entry level apprentice but more than the petroleum tech when I picked up the actual machine operating job. And that's without the cost of school. And my buddies make more than the sonographer in railroad and factory repair as entry level workers. Very interesting.

I was fortunate enough to go to a trade high school. Even though I didn’t stay in my field, I was able to use the hands on skill and problem solving to move on. I have no debt and make really good money. I never imagined I would doing what I am today, but I’m grateful that I didn’t need 4 years of college to get there.

i went to trade school and i hated it. only go if you like the work cause its all your gunna do for a long time.

Awesome stuff! There's a HUGE trade shortage right now. Production workers are making out like bandits

I went to school to become an EMT and then a Paramedic. I love my job, it's fun and rewarding. Though, its pay is pretty lacking for the job you do and the dangers you face with very little retirement you will get in the end.

Wait job increases for the trade by 12 per cent... but enrolment increases by 30 per cent. Beware of enrolment growth as well.

I was supposed to start at a local community college this week to pursue a career in Information Tech, I ultimately decided on switching to a career college and now I'm studying Child and Youth Care! It's so sad because so many of my friends look down on me for going to community college but I think I'm doing fine! :)

My hard choice is between welding or massage therapy or software coding.. After 2 years I still confused about decision :(

I both have a Bachelors and a trade-school diploma. I make way more with my trade-shool diploma because it is in demand and the competition is easy. Not all bachelors are the same and that goes for technical trades also. In the end, what matters is the market and if there is demand for your target occupation. Regulated occupations are harder to get but once you get in, you are set for life. Also if the job is harder either mentally or physically expect that there is less competition involve.

This channel needs over a million subscribers

I have a two year associates, I have a career in petrochemical make well over six figures, dab in real estate and everything paid for.

Yo why's it feel like RU-vid is watching my life? Like, you watch the RU-vid, and the RU-vid watches back at you

I spent 3 years in a state college getting my associates degree that rewarded me a $11/ hour job. Out of desperation I signed up to a 12 month long program at a local technical school now I have a $48/hr job that I couldn't be more greatful for.

Upcoming electrician here. I've worked for a couple companies already. Still trying to find a good fit. Some of the work you're very underpaid for what they have you do. I gotta deliver food on the side to be able to afford tools and gear and such. They told me that the first 2 years it's gonna suck. I gotta make sure to get good rest or else I'm gonna be burnt out.

I'm a sophomore in college and this legit made me more depressed

I've found this channel today, I just love how relaxing these videos are even though topics would normally cause head ache for some people ;)

Went to community college for a year and a half then went to trade school for 10 months. Now, 12 years later, I have my own electrical company. I had always been interested in the trades as a kid and later in life came to find out I’m dyslexic. The electrical trade has given me an opportunity to thrive and I make a comfortable $70k/yr.

Thank you for this video! I’m in school for sonography and went through a rough patch so I started having doubts. This put the spark back under my butt to keep going.

wow! you guys are soooo awesome! thanks for highlighting imaging techs like me! i am quite grateful to have went that route. sonographers do need licensure. our tuition cost?... $7,000 for a community college program, in California!!! median income?... $100,000 plus gross annual salary!!!

If you are musically inclined, learn to play an accordion. It's very fulfilling. And they're in great demand.

We have been sold a fantasy by the educational system for years especially with No Child Left Behind which offered one path for every child’s economic future - college. Then came the obscene hike in college tuition with no economic justification for those fees. The reality is it takes a diverse village to provide a viable civilization.

You didn't mention Cosmetology school. I started off as an assistant to a Master Stylist right out of hair school, after 12 years of intense training and experience I now am a Salon owner with a six-figure income.

I dont think some people even think "hey will I even be hired after graduation?"

Boom. Sonographer on FIRE right here! 💪🏻🔥🔥🔥🔥

I do HVAC and Refrigeration and I think people get way too caught up in how much money a job pays my point being 8 hours a day is a long time to spend doing something you dread showing up for and can't wait to leave, I've been in my industry for 5 years and thoroughly enjoy it

HVAC for only 2 yrs and I'm already in that "median salary" I love it. Only thing is that it's kinda seasonal but summer and winter make up for slower times. Unless you're doing commercial or industrial you're steady and making good Coin!