The Highest-Paying
Trade Jobs of 2021

Web developers, also known as web designers, create and design websites. You must know how to code to make sure your website is functional. No certification is needed for this job, and you can work as a developer just based on your skills. At eight percent, the job outlook is promising, and you can continuously upskill through various web design classes.

Respiratory therapists provide care for patients who are having trouble breathing due to respiratory diseases like asthma or emphysema. You do not need a college degree, but training in a vocational school is mandatory. This is because you need to be aware of health standards. The job outlook for respiratory therapists is much faster than average at 19 percent.

Fire inspectors are responsible for examining buildings and other establishments to check for fire hazards. You must be aware of fire codes to properly examine a structure. Most states require certification exams, and on-the-job training is a must. There is strong competition in this job, and the job growth is at eight percent.

Occupational therapy assistants help therapists provide care to help injured or recovering patients continue their basic life activities. Most states require a license to ensure the quality of work. You must also be caring and physically strong to assist patients. At 32 percent, the job growth of occupational therapy assistants is much higher than average.

Flight attendants are in charge of managing an airline cabin and responding to passenger needs. Airlines accept high school graduates with training, but some expect a college degree. If you know a foreign language, you have a higher chance of getting this job. The job outlook for flight attendants is at 17 percent, but competition is tight.

Electricians work in homes, buildings, factories, and more to install, repair, and maintain electric power. They handle electrical equipment and read blueprints to make sure everything is installed correctly. Most states require electrician licenses. Job growth is projected at eight percent, with 82,200 possible openings every year.

Chefs and cooks typically work in restaurants to prepare food and attend to any food-related concerns. Though some jobs require secondary or higher education, you can train to be a chef on your own. You can gain skills through continued practice and experimentation. Outlook for this job is faster than average with a six percent projected growth.

Private detectives, also known as private investigators, are hired to provide information on an individual or organization. You need to be skilled in doing background checks and working in the field. Most jobs only require a high school diploma, and you can learn most skills through on-the-job training. The job outlook is projected at eight percent.

Community health workers educate the public about health issues and monitor the health situation in a given community. You will learn on the job as a community health worker, but you can still enroll in a training program to improve your skills. The job outlook is projected to grow by 13 percent.

Insulation workers install insulation in buildings to help reduce noise and save money on energy. An apprenticeship program or high school diploma is enough to qualify as an insulator, as long as you can prove your skill. You must be resourceful and comfortable working with tools. The job outlook is relatively average at three percent.

Hazardous materials removal workers manage and dispose of dangerous chemicals and waste. Wearing personal protective equipment is part of the job. Your training will cover health hazards, site safety, and decontamination. The job outlook is at eight percent, with a projected 5,600 job opportunities every year.

Dental laboratory technicians assist dentists with crowns, bridges, dentures, and other dental procedures. You are not required to have a certification, but you can earn specialized certificates to be more adept with dental technology. At nine percent projected growth, you will be able to find a job in this field.

Choreographers and dancers work in the entertainment industry or other settings that require dancers. They can do freelance work or get a more steady job. Certification and experience are not required, but some fields might require extra skills. The job outlook for choreographers and dancers looks promising at six percent.

Pest control workers attend remove pests such as roaches, rats, ants, termites, and more that can potentially ruin houses and buildings. You need to have completed high school to qualify, and most states require you to pass an exam and earn a license. You must also know the proper way to handle and use pesticides. Job growth is projected at nine percent.

Bus and transit drivers responsible for transporting people from one point to another via public vehicles. You will need a driver’s license and knowledge of precautionary measures and safety. You will also need to get certified to drive a bus. This job is projected to grow by 11 percent by 2029, with about 132,900 projected openings every year.

Grounds maintenance workers care for the outdoor grounds of houses, buildings, and parks. Certification is not required as long as you can demonstrate your competence, especially in plant care. You will need to have a sense of aesthetics. You may also opt to upskill and become a landscape designer. Job growth is projected at 10 percent.

Sports officials are responsible for maintaining the order of an athletic and sporting event. They have the power to impose rules and penalties. You are required to register with your state if you want to officiate in an athletic event. You will need to take an exam to demonstrate your knowledge. At eight percent, sports officials have a decent job outlook.

Veterinarian assistants help veterinarians to provide care for animals during consultation and procedures. Certification is not required, but you must demonstrate your ability to work around all kinds of animals. In this line of work, you will also need compassion and a love for animals. Job growth is much faster than average at 16 percent.

Recreation workers help improve fitness and health through relaxing activities. These activities are often set in summer camps, facilities, parks, and more. This is ideal for students seeking part-time jobs. You need to have a certification to qualify because you should know first aid and emergency response. The job outlook is promising at 10 percent.

Animal care and service workers are responsible for training, feeding, and grooming animals. Certifications are not required, though you can get a certification for grooming or pet training in a trade school. This job is projected to grow 22 percent by 2029, with about 62,400 possible openings every year. This is a great job outlook.