10 Well-Paying Skilled Trades You Should Know

Skilled trades are essential to many modern economies, including that of Canada. With the growing need for specialized skills, opportunities for tradespeople are on the rise, offering attractive compensation.

If the idea of working with your hands or unraveling complex problems excites you, this article may catch your eye. Explore these ten well-paying skilled trades that might just be your next career move.

1. Plumbers 

Plumbers play an essential role in contemporary society, handling tasks ranging from fixing small leaks to overseeing significant installations. Enrolling in a plumbing program could be your entry into this indispensable profession. 

Many vocational schools and community colleges across Canada offer four to five years of comprehensive training programs where you can learn from experienced professionals. Upon completion, the median wage for plumbers in Canada is around CAD$60,000 per year.

2. Automotive Service Technicians

If you’re passionate about cars, you may find a lucrative career as an automotive service technician. In this role, you diagnose and repair vehicles, ensuring that they are safe and efficient. As technology continues to advance, so does the demand for skilled technicians. 

This trade requires three to four years of study plus an apprenticeship before you could earn your license. As an automotive service technician, your knowledge and expertise could earn you an annual salary of around CAD$52,000.

3. Welders 

Welders are vital across diverse industries, binding metal components together. Their skills are in demand, particularly in fields like construction and manufacturing. Welding offers a dynamic work environment with good pay, making it a trade worth exploring for those who enjoy hands-on tasks.

Many technical schools offer welding programs where, in three to four years, you can learn different welding techniques. After gaining experience, a skilled welder in Canada can earn about CAD$62,000 annually.

4. HVAC Technicians

In the diverse climate of Canada, HVAC technicians work to ensure that people enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures. These professionals install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems. 

HVAC training programs at trade schools provide a comprehensive understanding of heating and cooling systems. Once certified after four to five years of training, you can expect a median annual salary of around CAD$68,000.

5. Construction Electricians 

Construction electricians are essential to the infrastructure and housing sectors, installing electrical systems in new buildings. You can learn how to safely install wiring through a formal apprenticeship program, which is included in your required four to five years of training.

But before you apply to any construction firm, consider taking the Construction and Skilled Trades or CAST test to improve your chances of landing a profitable job as a construction electrician. Skilled construction electricians earn a median salary of approximately CAD$54,000 annually. 

6. Heavy-Duty Mechanics 

Every machine and vehicle needs to be in excellent condition when used for work, and that’s the job of a heavy-duty mechanic. Heavy-duty mechanics keep the biggest machines running smoothly. These skilled professionals repair and maintain large vehicles and heavy equipment, ensuring they don’t cause undue harm in the workplace.

Three to four-year vocational programs provide hands-on training in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining heavy equipment. Skilled mechanics in this field can earn a median annual salary of about CAD$70,000.

7. Dental Hygienists 

In the healthcare sector, dental hygienists are responsible for essential oral care, providing services that help maintain healthy smiles. A career in this field offers a stable income and the rewarding opportunity to improve people’s health and well-being. 

Colleges offer two to four-year dental hygiene programs where you can learn essential skills like teeth cleaning and patient education. As a dental hygienist in Canada, you can earn an annual salary of around CAD$70,000.

8. Air Traffic Controllers 

Have you ever pondered how airplanes manage to avoid mid-air collisions? Air traffic controllers are the experts who make this possible. They ensure the safe and efficient flow of aircraft in the skies. It’s a high-responsibility job that requires intense training, but the payoff is a high salary and a bird’s eye view of the aviation industry.  

After completing a two to four-year training course approved by Transport Canada and gaining some experience, you can earn around CAD$123,000 annually.

9. Painters And Decorators

Painters and decorators enhance environments, using their artistic skills to create visually appealing spaces. This trade requires a keen eye for design and a skilled hand, fulfilling those with creativity and precision. If you have a flair for transforming spaces, this trade can offer a gratifying career.

You can learn this trade through a two to four-year apprenticeship program or vocational school. In this role, the median annual salary is around CAD$40,000.

10. Solar Panel Installers 

As more homes and businesses make the switch to sustainability, solar installers are at the forefront of this green revolution. They install, maintain, and repair solar panels, contributing to the fight against climate change. 

Trade schools and community colleges offer two to three-year programs on solar panel installation and maintenance. Solar installers in Canada can expect a median annual salary of about CAD$54,000 as the sector continues to grow.

Final Thoughts

There’s a world of well-paying skilled trades waiting for you to consider. These ten represent just a glimpse of the opportunities available. Remember, a worthwhile career doesn’t always require a four-year degree; it requires dedication, skill, and a willingness to learn. 

Don’t shy away from seeing these trades as viable career options. Visit trade schools, explore online resources, and talk to professionals in these fields to gain a deeper understanding. A lucrative career in a skilled trade could be your next step, so why wait? Embrace this exciting opportunity, ‘upskill’ yourself, and shape a successful future in the skilled trades industry.

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