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7 Skilled Labor Jobs and What They Pay

February 2, 2022 | Career Blog

You don’t have to earn a four-year degree from a college or university to earn a good living. Many skilled trade jobs offer competitive pay and lots of job opportunities. The best part is you typically only need a high school diploma or similar education qualification to get your foot in the door.

You may qualify for various skilled trade jobs if you possess the specialized skills needed to work as an electrician, plumber, or another tradesperson. In many cases, a limited amount of skills training — often in the form of an apprenticeship — is all that’s needed to qualify for well-paying jobs available in the market. Other times, on-the-job training is provided, allowing you to learn while you earn.

With that in mind, let’s review some of the best skilled labor jobs that you should consider on your career path.

Skilled Labor Jobs For Highly-Skilled Individuals

We have listed some of the most prominent skilled labor jobs available across multiple industries. Learn more about each of these types of jobs and the median U.S. pay.

1. HVAC Technician

Average salary: $50,590

Responsibilities:

  • Install, maintain, and clean heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems.
  • Inspect and test HVAC systems and components.
  • Install electrical wiring and components.
  • Discuss malfunctioning equipment with clients.
  • Maintain repair and maintenance records.
  • Repair and replace defective or worn components.
  • Recommend maintenance to maintain and improve system performance.
  • Follow government regulations regarding the handling and disposal of materials like refrigerants.

2. Plumber

Average salary: $56,330

Responsibilities:

  • Read blueprints.
  • Follow state and local building codes and regulations.
  • Install and repair piping systems and fixtures.
  • Inspect and test installed plumbing systems and pipelines.
  • Clean drains.
  • Remove obstructions from pipes and fixtures.
  • Repair and replace broken or defective pipes and fixtures.
  • Prepare cost estimates for clients.
  • Install pipes and plumbing fixtures.
  • Troubleshoot malfunctioning plumbing systems.
  • Repair and maintain plumbing systems.

3. Home Inspector

Average salary: $62,860

Responsibilities:

  • Review and approve building plans.
  • Use equipment and test devices to check for damage and leaks.
  • Use equipment and test devices to assess the overall functionality of a wide range of systems.
  • Monitor construction sites to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Inspect electrical, plumbing, and other systems to ensure that they are up to code
  • Use surveying equipment to verify the elevation, alignment, and level of various structures.
  • Issue stop-work orders and violations to sites and projects that are not in compliance with regulations.

4. Electrician

Average salary: $56,900

Responsibilities:

  • Perform installation and maintenance of lighting, electrical power, and communications.
  • Repair wiring, lighting systems, and control systems.
  • Read blueprints and technical diagrams as needed to complete projects.
  • Inspect electrical components, including breakers and transformers.
  • Follow state and local building regulations, ensuring that components and systems are in compliance.
  • Repair and replace wiring, fixtures, and equipment with hand tools and power tools.
  • Identify electrical issues with various testing devices.

5. Civil Engineering Technician

Average salary: $54,080

Responsibilities:

  • Assist civil engineers with the planning, design, and construction of roadways, bridges, utilities, and other forms of infrastructure.
  • Assist civil engineers with the planning, design, and construction of industrial, commercial, residential, and land development projects.
  • Read and review project plans and drawings to assess the sizes of structures.
  • Conduct field surveys to collect various types of data.
  • Consult with engineers to prepare project plans.
  • Use CAD software to draft project drawings.
  • Develop plans and estimate costs for operating facilities and construction systems.
  • Test the appropriateness of construction materials.
  • Take and test soil samples.
  • Prepare reports and maintain documentation regarding project activities and data.

6. Aircraft Mechanic

Average salary: $66,680

Responsibilities:

  • Repair and maintain all aspects of aircraft and avionics equipment.
  • Diagnose electrical and mechanical issues.
  • Refer to maintenance manuals to determine appropriate repair procedures.
  • Repair brakes, wings, electrical systems, and other aircraft components and equipment.
  • Test aircraft parts using gauges and other types of diagnostic equipment.
  • Maintain records of repair and maintenance work performed on aircraft.
  • Inspect aircraft components to ensure that they meet performance requirements.
  • Replace defective or damaged parts using hand tools and power tools.
  • Examine replacement parts for defects.

7. Electrical Line Worker

Average salary: $68,030

Responsibilities:

  • Install, repair, and maintain electrical power systems and telecommunications cables, including fiber optics.
  • Identify defective transformers, voltage regulators, switches, and other devices and components.
  • Operate power equipment to install, repair, and maintain poles, lines, and towers.
  • Inspect and test power lines and accompanying equipment.
  • Climb poles and transmission towers.
  • String power lines between towers, poles, and buildings.
  • Use truck-mounted buckets to reach electrical and transmission equipment in high places.

How We Help Skilled Workers Find Skilled Labor Jobs

If you have training, experience, or knowledge in one of these jobs, then you’re on the right path to find a new job opportunity. If you’re a skilled tradesperson seeking reliable employment or looking for a lifelong career, we can help.

Right this instant, you can review the Allegiance jobs board to check the availability of skilled trade jobs in your area. You can also contact us to locate skilled labor jobs in your area via temporary staffing positions, which often lead to full-time jobs.

We want to help you make the most of your skills by placing you in a job that fits your qualifications. Reach out to our team today to get started!