Find the Skilled Trade That Fits Your Life
Honest career profiles, real salary data, and a free quiz to find your match — for the millions of skilled trade jobs that need to be filled.
The numbers speak for themselves
Average trade school graduate salary
with zero student debt
Unfilled skilled trade jobs
in the U.S. right now
Projected job growth for solar installers
fastest in the country
While college graduates average $38,000 in student debt, trade apprentices earn while they learn — and enter high-demand careers in 1-4 years.
From curious to confident in 3 steps
No guesswork, no sales pitches — just a clear path forward.
Take the Quiz
Answer 10 questions about your preferences, personality, and goals. We'll match you to the trades that fit.
Explore Your Matches
Read honest career profiles with real salary data, physical demands, and career progression paths.
Know Your Next Step
Get a clear action plan: apprenticeship programs, training options, and what to expect on day one.
Explore the most in-demand trades
Each profile includes real salary data, day-in-the-life details, and honest pros and cons.
Diesel Mechanic
$32K - $75KInspect, repair, and maintain diesel engines and vehicles including trucks, buses, boats, and construction equipment.
Electrician
$35K - $100KInstall, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. Work with wiring, circuit breakers, and electrical equipment.
Plumber
$33K - $95KInstall and repair pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment for water distribution and waste disposal in residential and commercial buildings.
HVAC Technician
$32K - $80KInstall, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems in residential and commercial buildings.
Welder
$30K - $75KJoin metal parts using various welding techniques. Work in manufacturing, construction, automotive, and shipbuilding industries.
Carpenter
$32K - $85KConstruct, install, and repair structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials. Work on buildings, furniture, and architectural elements.
Real stories from real tradespeople
People just like you who found their path in the skilled trades.
"I went from a desk job to an electrical apprenticeship at 32. Best decision I ever made. The work is challenging, the pay is great, and I actually look forward to Mondays now."
Marcus T.
4th-year Electrical Apprentice
"Nobody in my family had ever done trades. TradesGuide helped me understand what I was getting into — the good and the bad. Now I'm a licensed plumber with my own van."
Sarah K.
Journeyman Plumber, 6 years
"The comparison between electrician and HVAC helped me pick the right path. Three years later, I'm debt-free and making more than my friends with college degrees."
James R.
HVAC Technician
Can't decide between two trades?
Side-by-side comparisons on salary, physical demands, career growth, and more.
No trade school sponsors. No enrollment funnels. Just data.
TradesGuide exists to help you make a good decision — not to sell you anything. Our salary data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Our career profiles are fact-checked against industry sources and reviewed by working tradespeople.
No trade school sponsors
We're not funded by anyone who benefits from your enrollment decisions.
BLS-verified salary data
Our numbers come directly from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Real tradesperson insights
Career profiles are reviewed by people who actually work in these trades.
Transparent methodology
We explain exactly where every data point comes from.
In-depth guides for your journey
Whether you're just exploring or ready to start, we've got you covered.
Trade School vs. College
The Honest Comparison
A data-driven look at earnings, debt, time investment, and career outcomes for both paths.
Switching to a Trade at 30
(or 40, or 50)
It's not too late. Here's what career changers need to know about apprenticeships, timeline, and earning while you learn.
The Complete Apprenticeship Guide
From Application to Journey-Level
How apprenticeships actually work, where to find them, and what to expect in your first week.
Ready to find your trade?
Our 2-minute career quiz matches you to trades based on your preferences, physical comfort, and career goals. No email required, completely free.
10
Quick questions
2 min
Average time
100%
Free, no signup