13 Skilled Trades Jobs That Lead to Steadier Work

Carpenter

Carpenters are skilled tradespeople who build, repair, and install structures like wooden frameworks, concrete forms, and decorative crown molding. They work in a variety of industries and specialties. To get into this skilled trade, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship program. In this program, soon-to-be carpenters learn how to use carpenter tools, read blueprints, and solve construction problems. Even as apprentices, workers can still earn money while they work, keeping a steady paycheck coming in.  

Certified Irrigation Specialist

Irrigation specialists design and install watering systems for projects such as farms, golf courses, and housing developments. You can learn this skilled trade during a regular weekly job assignment, performing entry-level tasks such as fixing valves or sprinkler heads. Some employers, however, want their irrigation specialist to be certified in various areas. Certifications in this skilled trade can not only lead to steady work beyond the weekly assignments but also to a bigger paycheck. 

Certified Flagger

Certified flaggers are responsible for setting up work zones and navigating traffic in and around construction sites. This skilled trade requires workers to go through a certification process. What does that certification process look like? Taking a series of courses, such as how to set up traffic cones, how to use hand signals to communicate with other workers on the job site, and the basic principles of traffic control. After completing the program, you will have to pass a test as well as meet any other state requirements before you can start working steadily in this skilled trade.  

Welder

Welders are skilled tradesmen who build metal structures using various welding techniques, equipment, and materials. Their job also includes reading blueprints, sketches, and specifications, inspecting structures, and starting power supplies. They also have to monitor their own work as well as care for their welding machinery. While it isn’t required to be certified or get a degree you increase your chances of getting higher-paying jobs if you are. The American Welding Society offers nine professional certifications, including Certified Welder (CW), Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Senior Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI), and Certified Welding Educator (CWE). 

Plumber

Plumbers do more than fix toilets and install dishwashers. They build and maintain systems such as commercial gas piping and residential plumbing. Because plumbers work on specialized, often complex piping systems, they must be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but usually involve meeting a minimum number of years of experience working under a master plumber. The process is worth it because there is always a demand for this skilled trade.  

Electrical Drafter

Electrical drafters work with architects, engineers, and construction workers to design technical plans for electrical systems in buildings, residences, and factories. They make sure they include the right design elements and measurements, as well as making sure the drawings meet local code regulations. Because the job is so technical, you’ll need at least a 2-year degree from a tech school or community college, where you’ll learn the basics of electrical design and sketching. To better your chances of getting steady, high-paying projects, you can go on to get a 4-year degree in a field like math or engineering, or get a certification.

Line Repairmen

Line repairmen install and repair electrical, telecommunications, and cable lines. This involves digging underground trenches with trenchers or cable plows, installing cable lines in these trenches, as well as stringing the wires on utility poles. If any of these lines break down or need new parts like fuses or transformers, line repairmen will take care of that too. Before you jump into a bucket truck, you have to complete an apprenticeship program that covers everything from how to climb a telephone pole to basic metering.  

Building Inspector

Building inspectors are crucial in making sure a building or construction site is structurally sound. During inspections, they’ll point out potential problems and building code violations, provide repair recommendations, and monitor every phase of a construction project. While you may be able to get a job without a college degree or a professional certification, those who do get higher-paying jobs often have one. You can earn a college degree in fields such as construction technology, building safety and code administration, or building code enforcement. If you have a background in architecture or professional training as a plumber or an electrician, that would be helpful, too! You’ll also need to check your state's certification requirements. 

Millwright

A millwright is a skilled worker who assembles, repairs, or maintains machinery in a factory, plant, or construction site. They install pumps, align rotors, assemble turbines, and set up heavy machinery. Because this work is highly specialized, millwrights must serve as apprentices for an average of 4 years before they can work in this skilled trade. During this program, you’ll learn how to work with various types of industrial equipment, pour concrete, operate automated systems, and much more. You’ll leave the program prepared to get steady work as a millwright

Iron Worker

Ironworkers install and maintain the steel and iron structural beams that support roads, buildings, and bridges. They use tools like torches, welding equipment, shears, and rod-bending tools to do their work. To start in this skilled trade, you’ll need to complete an apprenticeship program where you’ll learn how to use these different types of equipment as well as how to read blueprints and do the job safely. If you want to get a leg up on the competition and land steady work, you’ll go on and get certified in areas such as welding or rigging. .

Maintenance Electrician

Maintenance electricians are responsible for conducting routine inspections, repairing faulty components, installing new equipment, and diagnosing mechanical problems. This skilled job requires advanced technical skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of reading blueprints and local building codes. That’s why, after becoming certified technicians, these electricians must go on to get an associate’s degree in electronics before landing steady work in this trade. 

Electrical Supervisor

Electrical supervisors lead teams of electrical workers doing installations and repairs on construction projects. They’re also responsible for setting schedules, assigning work, training employees, and ensuring the project stays on track. Workers who enter this skilled trade either have an associate’s or technical degree, as well as experience with various types of electrical tools, equipment, and safety procedures. This is a natural next career step for electricians. 

Glazier

Glaziers are skilled workers who cut, install, repair, and remove glass fixtures such as windows, shower doors, skylights, and decorative room dividers. They also install storefront windows, display cases, and security glass. Before getting started in this skilled trade, you have to complete a four-year apprenticeship program. During that time, you’ll learn how to handle tools, basic math, construction procedures, safety, and so much more. All of these skills are important for getting steady work as a glazier.