Can you make $200k in the trades?
- Page last updated October 25, 2026
Honest answer: yes for some people, on some paths, in some markets — usually after years of experience, overtime, specialty skills, or owning a business. It is not a typical starting wage, and it is not what BLS medians show.
Quick take
National median wages for major trades sit roughly in the $50k–$65k range (May 2025 OEWS). The top 10% of wage-and-salary workers in several trades clear about $95k–$110k. Hitting $200k usually means overtime, prevailing-wage/union scale in expensive metros, niche welding or industrial work, dual licenses, or profit from a shop — not year-one classroom pay.
What BLS actually reports (national)
| Occupation | Median (May 2025) | Highest 10% (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricians | $63,190 | more than $108,510 |
| Plumbers, pipefitters & steamfitters | $63,800 | more than ~$108,000 |
| HVAC mechanics & installers | $61,010 | more than $95,210 |
| Welders, cutters, solderers & brazers | $53,750 | see live OES/OOH |
| Carpenters | $60,580 | see live OES/OOH |
Sources: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook / Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Self-employed contractor profit is not fully captured the same way — treat viral “I make $200k” posts as anecdotes, not directory data.
Paths where high earnings show up (without promising them)
- Journey-level + overtime. Shut-downs, storm work, and long industrial weeks can push annual pay well above the median.
- High-cost metros with strong scales. Some metro OEWS tables show electrician or plumber medians near six figures — still not $200k for the median worker.
- Specialty skills. Certain welding processes, controls, medical gas, or data-center electrical work can command premiums when demand is hot.
- Owning a licensed contracting business. Revenue can exceed $200k; take-home depends on overhead, insurance, slow seasons, and how many people you employ.
What “$200k” is not
It is not the average outcome of a six-month certificate. It is not something this site can verify for a named school. We do not invent salary guarantees. If a recruiter promises a number, ask for the written wage schedule and whether it is base, overtime, or owner draw.
What we will not tell you
We will not publish a fake “average trade salary $200k” chart. Schools and sponsors can’t pay for a better rating or placement. For training paths, see Trade school vs apprenticeship and schools.
Browse electrician, plumbing, and HVAC hubs, then check local wages on BLS OEWS or CareerOneStop.