The trade that makes the most money in 2025 is Elevator and Escalator Mechanics, with a median pay of about $106,580 per year. They are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators, escalators, and similar machines. This job requires specialized licensing and skills due to safety and regulation demands. Other top high-paying trades include:

• Power Plant Operators with around $103,600 median pay,
• Ultrasonographers at approximately $131,000 per year (though technically a healthcare trade),
• Respiratory Therapists earning about $104,000,
• Construction Managers earning around $88,000 to $150,000 depending on experience,
• Electricians making on average $60,000 to $90,000 or more depending on specialization,
• Plumbers earning about $55,000 to $85,000 or higher,
• HVAC Technicians with $50,000 to $75,000+,
• Aircraft Mechanics with median salaries around $82,000.

Among traditional hands-on trade jobs, elevator mechanics and construction managers top the list in earnings, but specialized trades with technical certifications, such as ultrasonographers and respiratory therapists, command very high salaries as well. For a pure skilled trades focus though, elevator mechanics are the highest paid overall.