19 Best High-Paying Trades for Females

Are you on a hunt to find high-paying trades for females? Trade jobs offer a great opportunity if you like hands-on work. It challenges you daily. They often pay well. But, high-paying trades require specific skills that you can learn through vocational training.

Whether you are applying to trade schools or looking for trade jobs nearby, it is important to know that high-paying trades can help you pick the right career. In this article, we will cover what trade jobs are, what are the high-paying trades for females, and more.

What Is a Trade Job?

Trade jobs have a special role. It requires about two years of training. You can choose these careers by finishing programs at community colleges, vocational schools, or trade schools.

These jobs often involve hands-on work, but they don’t always need heavy lifting. You will need skills like fine motor control. You will learn during your training. Trade jobs are active and lively. The training for these jobs is quicker and cheaper.

You might face a hurdle being a woman in a field dominated by men. This is not a problem for you, but you need to recognize it. Some workplaces or coworkers may not think this way which can be disheartening.

List of Top 19 High-Paying Trades for Females

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average yearly salary for all jobs in the U.S. is $61,900. Below, you will find a list of 19 high-paying trades for females, ranked from highest to lowest salary.

1. Ultrasonographer

As an ultrasonographer, you will be using a special device called an ultrasound transducer to take images inside the body using sound waves. You might focus on different areas like the heart, blood vessels, or joints. Some ultrasonographers specialize in women’s health or pediatric care.

Your job includes talking to patients about the procedure, running the imaging equipment, and keeping it in good shape. After taking the images, you will analyze them and write up a summary of what you find for the doctor. You will also update patients’ medical records as needed.

• Salary per annum: $131,161
• Degree required: Associate’s degree in sonography
• Who is hiring: Hospitals, clinics, imaging centers, physician offices
• Best way to get the job: Earn your degree, get licensed, gain experience through an internship or clinical rotation, network with healthcare professionals

2. Respiratory Therapist

As a respiratory therapist, you will be helping patients who struggle with breathing. You will take care of people of all ages and handle emergencies like heart attacks or drowning.

Your tasks will include connecting patients to ventilators and making sure they get enough oxygen. You will also run tests to check their breathing and provide treatments to help them breathe better. Also, you will teach patients breathing exercises to improve their condition.

• Salary per annum: $104,437
• Degree required: Associate’s degree in respiratory therapy
• Who is hiring: Hospitals, clinics, home care companies, nursing homes
• Best way to get the job: Earn your degree, pass the national licensing exam, gain experience through clinical rotations, network with healthcare professionals

3. Dental Hygienist 

If you are considering a trade that is great for women, you can think about becoming a dental hygienist. It pays well, around $99,013 per year. It often offers flexible hours and good benefits.

To become a dental hygienist, you will need to attend a trade school program and get your license. Usually, this takes two years or less. That means you can start earning a good salary without having to get a four-year degree.

• Salary per annum: $99,013
• Degree required: Associate’s degree in dental hygiene
• Who is hiring: Dental offices, public health clinics, hospitals, private practices
• Best way to get the job: To start your career, you should earn your degree, get licensed, and gain experience through an internship. Also, it’s essential to network with dentists in your area.

4. Construction Manager

As a construction manager, you will collaborate with architects and engineers to oversee various construction projects. The projects can be residential, commercial, or federal.

Your main task will be to figure out what materials are needed for a project and make sure they are available. You will use your analytical skills to review blueprints, provide cost estimates, and set timelines for completion.

• Salary per annum: $88,319
• Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in construction management or related field
• Who is hiring: Construction companies, engineering firms, government agencies
• Best way to get the job: Earn your degree, gain experience through internships or entry-level positions, obtain relevant certifications, network with industry professionals

5. Aircraft Mechanic

As an aircraft mechanic, you will be responsible for keeping helicopters and airplanes in top shape. This means you would check all the mechanical parts to make sure they are working safely and properly.

You will work at places like airports, government organizations, and engineering companies. You would ensure that aircraft meet safety standards. Your tasks will include inspecting aircraft systems, diagnosing any issues, cleaning mechanical parts, and keeping maintenance records up to date.

• Salary per annum: $82,476
• Degree required: Varies, but an associate’s degree in aircraft maintenance technology or FAA A&P certification is preferred
• Who is hiring: Airlines, repair stations, general aviation facilities, government agencies
• Best way to get the job: Earn your degree or certification, complete an apprenticeship program, network with aviation professionals

6. Cable Technician

As a cable technician, you will be responsible for installing and fixing cable lines in various buildings like homes and offices. Your job might involve responding to outages and fixing problems. It could mean working extra hours or being on call.

You will often work outside, so you will need to be ready for different weather conditions and follow safety rules to stay safe. Your duties will include troubleshooting systems, letting customers know what’s wrong, doing regular maintenance on equipment, and replacing any parts that are not working properly.

• Salary per annum: $70,714
• Degree required: Associate’s degree in electronics or telecommunications, or equivalent training
• Who is hiring: Cable and internet service providers, telecommunications companies
• Best way to get the job: Complete a training program, earn industry certifications, gain experience through entry-level positions, and network with technicians in your area

7. Industrial Mechanic

As an industrial mechanic, you will be responsible for testing and adjusting various industrial equipment like production machinery, shredders, and packaging machines. Your role is crucial in keeping factories running smoothly and safely. You will handle emergency repairs and minimize downtime. 

You will typically work in settings like factories, construction sites, or power plants. Your tasks may involve running diagnostic tests on equipment and fixing or swapping out machinery parts. It may also include studying technical manuals for machine details and maintaining machinery by cleaning or lubricating it.

• Salary per annum: $69,637
• Degree required: Varies, but an associate’s degree in industrial technology or equivalent training is preferred
• Who is hiring: Manufacturing companies, power plants, refineries, chemical plants
• Best way to get the job: Complete a training program or apprenticeship, earn industry certifications, gain experience through entry-level positions, network with mechanics in your field

8. Solar Installer

As a solar installer, you will be in charge of putting solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on rooftops to generate electricity from sunlight. Your job involves assembling and maintaining these panels, following a plan tailored to each customer’s needs and property.

You will work outdoors, dealing with different weather conditions. Your main tasks include connecting the panels to the building’s electrical system, and testing and activating them.

• Salary per annum: $69,422 
• Degree required: Not required, but certifications are recommended
• Who is hiring: Solar installation companies, electrical contractors, roofing companies
• Best way to get the job: Complete a training program, earn solar certifications, gain experience through internships or entry-level positions, network with solar

9. Plumber 

If you are thinking about a trade job, plumbing is a fantastic option for women. It pays well, with an average salary of about $68,220 per year. You can work in various areas like residential and commercial construction, home maintenance, and manufacturing.

To become a plumber, you can either attend a trade school or start as an apprentice. It’s your choice to pick the option that suits you best.

• Salary per annum: $68,220
• Degree required: Associate’s degree in plumbing or equivalent training
• Who is hiring: Plumbing companies, construction companies, government agencies
• Best way to get the job: You should complete an apprenticeship program, get licensed, and build your network with potential employers.

10. Automotive Service Technician

If you are good with fixing things, becoming an automotive service technician might be just right for you. You will spend your time repairing and taking care of vehicles, doing tasks like changing oil and balancing tires.

In this field, you can expect to make around $66,760 a year. You might even score discounts on vehicle maintenance services as a bonus.

• Salary per annum: $66,760
• Degree required: Associate’s degree in automotive technology or equivalent training
• Who is hiring: Auto dealerships, independent repair shops, automotive manufacturers
• Best way to get the job: You should finish a recognized training program, get industry certifications, and gain hands-on experience through apprenticeships or internships.

11. Real estate appraiser

As a real estate appraiser, your job is to figure out how much a piece of land and its buildings are worth. You will go to different places, check out their features, and compare them to similar ones.

You might specialize in either residential or commercial real estate. You will most likely spend a lot of time traveling to different properties.

Your typical tasks include inspecting properties, taking notes on what makes each one unique, taking photos inside and out to include in your reports, and finally writing up and delivering those reports on the property’s value.

• Salary per annum: $64,075
• Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in business or related field, and state licensing
• Who is hiring: Appraisal firms, banks, mortgage companies, self-employment
• Best way to get the job: Earn your degree, complete required coursework and pass the licensing exam, gain experience through an apprenticeship or entry-level position, network with experienced appraisers

12. Electrician 

If you enjoy working with electrical stuff, becoming an electrician could be your thing. You will be responsible for setting up, maintaining, and fixing electrical systems. This could involve anything from wiring homes to handling lighting or even working with utility companies.

You have got two ways to begin your career as an electrician. You can either attend a trade school or start as an apprentice. This can lead you to a job that pays around $62,739 per year.

• Salary per annum: $62,739
• Degree required: Associate’s degree in electrical technology or equivalent training
• Who is hiring: Electrical contractors, construction companies, utilities, government agencies
• Best way to get the job: To get there, you will need to finish an apprenticeship program, get your license, and make connections with potential employers.

13. Licensed practical nurse

As a licensed practical nurse, you will work closely with doctors and registered nurses. Your job is to keep detailed records of patients’ conditions and report any changes to the supervising doctor or nurse.

You could work in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or residential homes. Sometimes, your shifts might be longer than eight hours. You will need to be physically fit to provide hands-on care to patients.

Your typical tasks include keeping an eye on patients’ vital signs, giving them medication, and helping them with tasks like bathing and getting dressed.

• Salary per annum: $59,125
• Degree required: Diploma or associate’s degree in practical nursing
• Who is hiring: Hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, home care agencies
• Best way to get the job: Earn your degree, pass the NCLEX-PN exam, gain experience through clinical rotations, network with healthcare professionals

14. Wind Turbine Technician

Nowadays, more people are turning to eco-friendly energy sources. It is good news for the wind power industry. This means there is a growing need for skilled wind turbine technicians.

As a wind turbine technician, you could earn around $58,005 per year by taking care of tasks like maintenance, installation, and repair of wind turbines. You will need to complete a trade school program to begin your career. This way, you will have the skills you need to start working right away.

• Salary per annum: $58,005
• Degree required: Associate’s degree in industrial technology or related field
• Who is hiring: Wind turbine manufacturing companies, energy companies, wind farm operators
• Best way to get the job: You need to earn relevant certifications, gain experience through internships or entry-level positions in renewable energy, and connect with industry professionals.

15. Chef

If you have a passion for food, being a chef could be an exciting career path for you. You will get to make tasty dishes. It can be satisfying. It is a chance to let your creativity shine and make delicious meals. This makes the job even more enjoyable.

While you don’t have to have formal training to become a chef, going to a culinary arts program at a trade school can give you a head start. You will learn all sorts of cooking and presentation skills. This will build a strong foundation. Also, it could help you reach a salary of around $53,380 per year faster.

• Salary per annum: $53,380
• Degree required: Not required, but a culinary school degree or certificate can be helpful
• Who is hiring: Restaurants, hotels, catering companies, cruise lines, self

16. HVAC Technician

If you are an HVAC technician, your job is all about installing and fixing heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. You can work in many different places, like big buildings, and homes. You can even work with companies that make these systems.

To start your career as an HVAC technician, you typically start by finishing a program at a trade school. Once you are done with that, you can earn around $50,590 per year.

• Salary per annum: $50,590
• Degree required: Associate’s degree in HVAC technology or equivalent training
• Who is hiring: HVAC companies, construction companies, building management companies
• Best way to get the job: To get started, you can join an apprenticeship program or an HVAC training program, then get certified. You can also gain experience through internships or starting with entry-level positions.

17. Carpenter 

If you choose to become a carpenter, you will play a crucial role in building new structures. Using materials like wood, you will construct or renovate homes, businesses, and other buildings. You can specialize in tasks like framing or finishing, or keep your skills versatile to have more job options.

To start your carpentry career, you can attend a trade school, join an apprenticeship, or learn while working. With experience, you can earn around $49,520 per year.

• Salary per annum: $49,520
• Degree required: Not required, but an associate’s degree in carpentry is helpful
• Who is hiring: Construction companies, carpentry contractors, cabinetmakers, self-employment
• Best way to get the job: To gain experience, you can join an apprenticeship program or volunteer at organizations like Habitat for Humanity. Also, networking with carpenters in your area can help you learn and grow in the field.

18. Welder 

If you are looking for a job with flexibility, consider becoming a welder. Your welding skills are in demand across various industries. It offers opportunities for freelance work or full-time positions.

To start your career as a welder, you will typically need specialized training, such as completing a program at a trade school. Despite this, it is rewarding as welders usually earn around $44,190 per year.

• Salary per annum: $44,190
• Degree required: Varies, but welding certifications are highly valued
• Who is hiring: Manufacturing companies, construction companies, shipbuilding companies, oil and gas industry
• Best way to get the job: You can enhance your skills by getting certified in different welding processes, gaining experience through apprenticeships or training programs, and networking with potential employers.

19. Esthetician

If you’re into skincare, becoming an esthetician might be just right for you. Estheticians specialize in skincare treatments like facials, waxing, and body wraps to help people look their best.

To start your career as an esthetician, you will need to get licensed. It usually means completing a program at a community college or trade school. The requirements may vary by state, so make sure to check the rules in your area. Once you are licensed, you can start earning around $36,510 per year.

• Salary per annum: $36,510
• Degree required: Varies by state, but typically a certificate or diploma from a cosmetology school
• Who is hiring: Salons, spas, medical offices, retail stores
• Best way to get the job: You can also boost your career by building your portfolio with freelance work and networking with professionals in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The high-paying trades for females offer great career opportunities. You should forget about the stereotype that these jobs are only for men. It is not true at all in the 21st century. Employers usually value skilled workers, irrespective of their gender. Don’t forget women are just as capable as men in these fields. So, if you are interested, the high-paying trades can be a rewarding and fulfilling career path for you.