11 Trade Jobs for Women that Pays Over 50K a Year

Men have traditionally dominated the trade industry, but this is changing. More and more women are entering the trades, and new opportunities come. Trade jobs are often high-paying and offer plenty of advancement opportunities. What’s more, the demand for these jobs is growing, making them excellent options for women who want to earn higher salaries and have fulfilling careers.

To give you an idea of how lucrative trade jobs for women can be, here are a few trade jobs for women that typically pay more than 50K a year. Plus, trade schools can help women get started in these fields.

What Are Trade Jobs

Trade jobs are occupations related to manual labor or craftsmanship. They usually require technical skills and hands-on experience with tools and machinery. Those jobs often require specialized training or an apprenticeship to perform them.

The jobs range from heavy machinery operators to electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. Most of these jobs require some form of certification or license before you can begin working in the field—but once you have it, many job opportunities are available.

The Best Trade Jobs for Women

There are a variety of trade jobs for women that can be both rewarding and lucrative. Many trade positions offer decent pay, flexible hours, and job security, which can provide even more opportunities for skilled trade workers. Here are some of the common trade jobs that promise potential benefits to women:

1. Electricians:

Electricians install wiring and maintain electrical systems in residential and commercial properties. They also work on electrical wiring projects, such as installing outlets or running new wires through walls or ceilings. The electrician must be licensed or certified by the state they work in, but once they have their license, they can make a median salary of $56k annually, according to BLS.

2. Truck Driver:

Those who deliver goods via truck usually make between $43K-$79K annually, depending on the company they work with and any bonuses they may receive for making long-distance trips or weekend shifts.

3. HVAC Technician:

HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems (HVAC) in homes or businesses. They troubleshoot issues with existing systems and make sure all components are working correctly before leaving the job site. This job requires specialized training plus certification from the state where you live—but once you have it, you can expect to make up to $50,000 per year — with top earners making as much as $76K annually, depending on your experience level.

4. Welder:

Welders join metal pieces together by melting them together with heat from an electric arc or gas flame torch using filler metals such as solder or welding rods to form solid connections between two metal surfaces. To become a welder, one needs formal training from an accredited trade school plus certification from the state where you live. With good welding skills comes big money; welders make around $50K a year, but those with specialized expertise earn closer to double that amount.

5. Plumber:

Plumbers install, repair, and maintain pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment used in residential and commercial buildings. They must be licensed by the state they work in before they can begin working as a plumber. Once they have their license, though, plumbers make an average salary of around $55,160 per year.

6. House Painter

As a house painter, you will be responsible for painting interior and exterior walls, ceilings, woodwork, and minor repairs in preparation for painting. As with any trade job, you will need to complete courses that teach proper techniques when using different tools of the trade. However, anyone can become a successful house painter with the right education, resources, and guidance. The median annual salary is around $40,280 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor statistic  

7. Automotive Mechanic/Technician:

Automotive technicians diagnose vehicle issues such as cars, trucks, and SUVs and perform repairs. They may also specialize in engine repairs, transmission repairs, electrical system repairs, etc. The technicians use specialized diagnostic equipment to identify problems and recommend solutions based on their findings.

Automotive mechanics/technicians generally bring home somewhere between $51k-$60k each year, depending on whether or not they’re employed by dealerships or independent shops (the former tend to pay better).

8. Brick Masons:

Masons construct walls from brick, stone, and concrete blocks. They measure the dimensions of the wall before cutting bricks accordingly. They then lay the bricks one by one until the wall has been completed. Bricklayers need formal training and certifications before starting this career —bricklayers’ salaries range from 45K-75K annually, depending upon skill set and experience level.

9. Carpentry:

Carpenters build structures made out of wood or other materials such as steel or concrete. Carpenters use tools like saws, hammers, chisels, planes, drills, etc., to cut, shape and fasten materials together.

Carpenters need to be trained either through an apprenticeship program or at an accredited trade school before they can work as carpenters—but once they do, they can make up to $60,000 per year, depending on their experience level. Some even manage wages upwards of seventy thousand dollars annually. 

10. Heavy Equipment Operator:

Heavy equipment operators use cranes, bulldozers, and large equipment to move materials around a construction site or job site. They move dirt and debris from construction sites, dig trenches, haul materials and assist with demolition. The median salary for heavy equipment operators is around $57K per year, requiring specialized training.

11. Landscape Architects:

Landscape architects are trade jobs for women that can offer great opportunities and once in lifetime experience. Landscape architects plan, design, manage and maintain spaces such as gardens, leisure areas, urban parks, and other green spaces. They use sophisticated technology to develop strategies that ensure the best possible results for their clients.

Various specializations are found within landscape architecture, such as ecology, geology, climatology, hydrology, and sports field construction -all of which combine art with a deep knowledge of the environment. While traditional trade jobs have been largely male-dominated in the past couple of centuries, more trade jobs for women are being acknowledged as vital components towards creating balanced workplaces.

Landscape designers need formal education degrees and certifications before starting this career. According to BLS, a landscape designer’s median salary is $69,360 annually, depending upon skill set and experience level.

Trade Schools for Women         

There are many excellent trade schools for women across the country that offer training programs in various trades mentioned above:       

(i) North Central Kansas Technical College (NCKTC)

The school in Beloit, KS, provides technical education to students from all backgrounds. The school is committed to providing professional and accessible technical education and training to those who seek it.

NCKTC has a diverse student body, with 45 percent female enrolled students, a testament to the welcoming environment that the college fosters. Aspirants can avail a variety of technical-based programs taught by experienced professionals in their respective fields.

The school boasts a highly successful job placement rate of 90 percent, enabling students to transition efficiently into gainful employment opportunities upon completion of their studies. North Central Kansas Technical College strives for excellence in all areas, including academics and career-related outcomes for its students.

(ii) State Technical College of Missouri – Linn, MO

State Technical College of Missouri in Linn is an excellent option for those looking to further their education or upskill in a particular area. With state-of-the-art technology, experienced industry instructors, and personalized coaching, learners at this college can gain the skills they need to succeed in their career and life goals.

As an institution working towards greater student diversity, State Technical College goes the extra mile by providing generous scholarships and other resources specifically designed to support the success of female students. Currently, women make up 16 percent of the student body at this college, and figures continue to grow as more people have access to these resources.

(iii) Bates Technical College – Tacoma, WA

Located in Tacoma, Washington, Bates Technical College is an excellent option for those wanting to pursue higher education at a trade school. The college offers dozens of programs such as automotive and diesel technology, pre-apprenticeship construction trades, horticulture, and much more.

With experienced faculty instructing students in hands-on activities, the college provides excellent resources for those wanting to pursue a career in a skilled trade. Adding to this, Bates Technical College has a diverse population, as 43 percent of the student body is female, leading women to explore career paths in male-dominated industries.

Trade Jobs for Women: Conclusion

For women looking for high-paying careers with lots of opportunities for growth and advancement, there are plenty of trade jobs for women available that pay over 50K per year. With proper training and certification, any woman could pursue one of these careers while feeling confident knowing she will earn competitive wages doing something she loves.

There are also many great trade schools specifically designed for women who want to pursue careers in these fields, so be sure to research available trade schools near you to get started. With hard work and dedication, there’s no limit to what you can achieve regarding these outstanding trades jobs.