What Is the Best Trade to Apprentice In?

With soaring prices of university education, the average American student graduates with $37,090 in student loan debt, as of 2023. The good news? There are numerous trade careers where you can earn as much or more as you could earn with a degree. 

If you’re planning to pursue a trade career, more students are reconsidering college. Instead of going into debt, consider trade training and startup costs to launch your business. Read on to answer, “What is the best trade to apprentice in?” and start a new career this year!

5 Best Trade Jobs for Apprentice

Some trade jobs require significant specialized training, while you can start others in as little as a month. If you want to launch a trade career, getting an apprenticeship role is one of the best ways to start. Discussed below are the top 10 trade jobs to apprentice in.

1. Mechanic
Mechanic jobs are perpetually in demand. Your responsibilities will include inspecting and repairing vehicles while learning from more experienced mechanics. You will be guided through more complex parts replacements or repairs while performing basic maintenance like oil changes. You might also help educate customers on proper vehicle maintenance. The national average salary is around $31,000 for an apprenticeship, but it could be as high as $96,310 for mechanical engineers as a full-time career. 

2. Elevator Technician

This specialized trade skill is in high demand and may offer higher salaries in high-cost areas. Your primary duties will include installing and repairing elevators or related equipment with supervision from an elevator technician professional. You may be able to work on different types of elevator systems, understand elevator safety guidelines, and learn how to operate and test elevator equipment. You might also need to be on call for service calls from building owners. The average salary for an elevator technician apprenticeship is $33,000. 

3. Ultrasonographer
While you’ll need a two-year associate degree to become an ultrasonographer, this fast-growing career offers a medical career and a high average salary with minimal training. Primary responsibilities include performing diagnostic image testing on the body for medical purposes. You’ll learn to use an ultrasound transducer and read images. 

You might have the opportunity to specialize in imaging of the heart, blood vessels, muscles, joints, women’s reproductive health, or pediatric care. In this career, you’ll work closely with doctors. Apprenticeship salaries average around $30,000 a year, but as a full-time career average annual salary is $131,160.

4. Respiratory Therapist

Another high-paying medical career that
Another high-paying medical career that only requires an associate degree and an apprenticeship is a respiratory therapist. Responsibilities include working with patients who have difficulty breathing to assess and treat dysfunction of the lungs. You’ll have the opportunity to work with patients of all ages and can be trained to provide emergency care for patients suffering from heart attack or shock, or who have drowned.

Apprenticeship salaries are average around $30,000 a year, but as a full-time career, the average annual salary is $104,440.

5. Plumber 

Plumbers are one of the highest-demand trade careers. As a plumber apprentice, your primary responsibilities will include performing maintenance on plumbing systems under the supervision of an experienced plumber. You will also learn to install plumbing fixtures, systems, and key safety guidelines to protect yourself.

Apprenticeship training can include how to order the correct pipes for specific jobs, how to respond to service requests, and test plumbing systems for optimal functioning. Plumber apprenticeship salaries average around $34,000 a year, while full-time plumbers earn a median salary of $60,090 per year. Learn how to grow a plumbing business here.