Quickest-to-learn vs. highest-paying trade jobs

(NewsNation) — While many sectors of higher education are seeing fewer students register for classes, many trade programs are thriving across the U.S.

Trade schools are programs with courses that prepare students directly for their intended jobs without a bachelor’s or more advanced degree from a four-year university.

Students often work while they learn, and because coursework in a vocational program is trade-specific, students may not need to register for general education courses that fall outside their desired career.

Chris Cuomo brought on a “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe for a special edition of [CUOMO] focused on elevating and encouraging blue-collar jobs. Watch the full episode here.

Mechanic and repair trade programs saw an enrollment increase of 11.5% from spring 2021 to 2022, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. In construction trades, enrollment grew 19.3%, and in culinary programs, it increased 12.7%. Meanwhile, overall enrollment declined 7.8% at public two-year colleges and 3.4% at public four-year institutions.

Quickest-to-learn trades

Electrician

Training duration: About 10 months

Median Annual Salary: $60,240

HVAC Mechanic/Installer

Training duration: Six months, up to two years

Median Annual Salary: $51,390

Phlebotomist

Training duration: About a year

Median Annual Salary: $38,530

Truck Driver

Training duration: Three to six months

Median Annual Salary: $49,920

Data courtesy: Forbes Advisor

Highest-paying trades

According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many pay at least $80,000 or even $90,000 a year.

Elevator/Escalator Mechanic

Median Annual Salary: $99,000

Power Plant Operators

Median annual salary: $97,570

Train drivers, subway and streetcar operators

Median Annual Salary: $88,260

Chemical plant and system operators

Median Annual Salary: $82,670

NewsNation’s Cassie Buchman and The Associated Press contributed to this report.