10 High-Paying Trade and Vocational Jobs in 2023

In this article, we will talk about the 10 high-paying trade and vocational jobs in 2023. We have also discussed an in-depth analysis of the global construction market along with its relevance with the trade jobs along with a more extensive list in another article. If you are interested in reading about that, head straight to the 23 High Paying Trade and Vocational Jobs in 2023

10. Ultrasonographer

Average Salary: $84,410

Ultrasonographers utilize ultrasound technology to create images of internal body structures. They work in hospitals, clinics, and diagnostic imaging centers. The job requires proficiency in operating ultrasound equipment, an understanding of anatomy as well as good communication skills. They play an important role in diagnosing medical conditions and monitoring pregnancies.

9. Dental Hygienist

Average Salary: $84,860

Dental hygienists provide oral care apart from cleaning teeth (scaling), they also examine patients for oral diseases, and educate them on proper dental hygiene. They work in dental clinics and require extensive knowledge of dental procedures, and dexterity in using dental instruments.

8. Power Plant Operator

Average Salary: $88,960

Power plant operators control and maintain machinery that generates electricity from various sources, such as coal, gas, or nuclear power. It is one of the fastest growing blue collar jobs.

7. Elevator and Escalator Mechanic

Average Salary: $93,960

Elevator and escalator mechanics work in construction or service companies, needing expertise in mechanical and electrical systems, problem-solving abilities, and safety adherence. It is one of the $100K jobs no one wants.

6. Nuclear Technician

Average Salary: $97,040

The job of nuclear technicians is to assist physicists and engineers in nuclear research and power production. They work in nuclear power plants and laboratories and have extensive knowledge of radiation safety, data analysis, and laboratory procedures.

5. Real Estate Appraiser

Average Salary: $97,210

Real estate appraisers determine the value of properties for buyers, sellers, and lenders. The job is usually highly engaging owing to the complexity of property valuation and its impact on real estate transactions. They are quite well-paid because their assessments guide important financial decisions.

4. Radiation Therapist

Average Salary: $98,340

Radiation therapists administer radiation treatments to cancer patients. The salaries for these therapists are often high as the job requires specialized knowledge and expertise like radiation physics, patient care, and extensive safety protocols.

3. Wholesale or Manufacturing Sales Representative

Average Salary: $109,950

Sales representatives sell products to businesses or organizations. The job involves building relationships, understanding client needs, and meeting sales targets. It is one of the high-paying trade and vocational jobs in the US because of the critical role they play in driving revenue for businesses. They must also possess exceptional negotiation skills, product knowledge, and market insights to excel in the job.

2. Licensed Nurse Practitioner

Average Salary: $124,680

Licensed nurse practitioners provide patient care under the supervision of registered nurses or doctors. They deliver hands-on care and interact closely with patients. To read more about nurses, check our article on countries that need nurses the most.

1. Air Traffic Controller

Average Salary: $130,840

As the highest-paying trade and vocational job in 2023, these professionals have a critical role in aviation safety as the job often involves split-second decision-making. Hence, the high pay compensates for the intense training, stress tolerance, communication skills, and precision required to maintain air travel safety. It is also one of the high paying jobs that don’t require math

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