Electrician

Electricians are the pros who wire up our homes, schools, and businesses so we can turn on lights, charge our phones, and power our computers. Without electricians, modern life simply wouldn't work. They read blueprints, install wiring, troubleshoot electrical problems, and make sure everything meets safety codes.

The pay for electricians is excellent — starting around $40,000 and going well over $100,000 for licensed journeyman and master electricians, especially in New York City. Union electricians in NYC are among the highest paid in the country. The typical path is a 4 to 5 year apprenticeship through the IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) or a similar program.

During your apprenticeship, you work alongside experienced electricians and attend classes — and you get paid the whole time. After completing your apprenticeship, you'll need to pass a licensing exam to become a journeyman electrician.

With solar panels, smart homes, and electric vehicle chargers becoming the norm, electricians who stay current with technology will always be in demand. This is one of the highest-paying trades you can get into.