The skilled trades industry is one of the most stable and rewarding career paths. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the demand for highly skilled tradespeople is growing rapidly, and with it, the potential to earn a great living. In fact, many trades now offer some of the highest-paying job opportunities—especially as the skilled workforce becomes increasingly in demand.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to take your trade to the next level, understanding which trades offer the highest salaries in 2025 is essential for making smart decisions about your future. This comprehensive guide will walk you through some of the highest-paying trade jobs in New England in 2025.
Why the Skilled Trades Industry is a Great Career Choice
As of 2025, demand for skilled tradespeople is expected to continue growing due to factors such as:
- Infrastructure Projects: Massive public works projects, such as bridges, highways, and urban developments, are on the rise.
- Aging Workforce: A significant portion of the current skilled trades workforce is nearing retirement, creating a need for younger tradesmen.
- Technological Advancements: The increasing use of advanced tools and equipment means more opportunities for skilled professionals in emerging fields.
Moreover, unlike many professions that require a four-year degree, skilled trades offer a faster, more affordable route to financial stability and benefits through apprenticeships and on-the-job training.
Highest Paying Trade Jobs in 2025
Although salary rates differ based on region, experience level, or job type, you can expect going into 2025, these will be the highest-paying trades jobs across the board.
1. Electricians
- Average Salary: $60,000 – $90,000 per year
- Top Earners: $100,000+
Electricians are in high demand across both residential and commercial construction. With a growing need for renewable energy systems, smart home technology, and increased electrical grid infrastructure in New England, jobs for electricians will continue to be one of the highest-paying trades for years to come.
Electricians can increase their earning potential by specializing in areas such as industrial electrical work, renewable energy installations (solar and wind power), or high-voltage systems. Becoming a master electrician through your experience and tuition reimbursement benefits is also a great way to boost earnings.
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2. Plumbers
- Average Salary: $55,000 – $85,000 per year
- Top Earners: $95,000+
Plumbing is another well-compensated trade. Plumbing systems are crucial in every home, building, and industrial facility, ensuring constant demand for skilled professionals. The job market for plumbers is seeing growth due to increased environmental focus on water efficiency and sustainability.
Many women in trades have found success in this field, breaking down gender stereotypes while enjoying the financial rewards that come with expertise in the trade.
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3. HVAC Technicians
- Average Salary: $50,000 – $75,000 per year
- Top Earners: $90,000+
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians maintain the comfort and safety of homes and businesses. With the rise in construction projects, particularly in new homes and commercial spaces, HVAC technicians will continue to be in demand. Additionally, HVAC systems are becoming more complex with the rise of smart technologies, requiring highly skilled tradesmen to maintain and install them.
Specializing in energy-efficient systems or eco-friendly HVAC solutions can further increase earning potential, making this a lucrative and forward-thinking career.
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4. Construction Managers
- Average Salary: $70,000 – $115,000 per year
- Top Earners: $150,000+
For those with a combination of trade experience and management skills, becoming a construction manager is an excellent way to maximize earning potential. Construction managers oversee building projects from start to finish, coordinating labor, materials, timelines, and budgets.
Skilled tradespeople are excelling in this field. The demand for construction managers is expected to rise, as the construction industry continues to expand and innovate.
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5. Welders
- Average Salary: $50,000 – $70,000 per year
- Top Earners: $90,000+
Welding is a highly skilled trade with diverse applications, from metal fabrication to repair work. Welders are needed in various industries, including construction, aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. Specialized welding techniques, such as underwater welding or working with high-performance metals, can command higher wages.
As industries continue to innovate, the demand for skilled welders will remain strong, making it a highly lucrative trade.
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6. Carpenters
- Average Salary: $45,000 – $65,000 per year
- Top Earners: $85,000+
Carpentry is one of the oldest and most versatile trades in the construction industry. From framing and roofing to custom cabinetry and trim work, skilled carpenters are always in demand. With the growing trend of bespoke homes and high-end renovations, carpenters specializing in these areas can significantly increase their earning potential.
The industry’s diversity is expected to continue to grow, with tradesmen taking on leadership and specialized roles within the field.
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7. Heavy Equipment Operators
- Average Salary: $55,000 – $80,000 per year
- Top Earners: $100,000+
Operating heavy machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and backhoes requires specialized skills and training. These skilled tradesmen are critical to large construction projects, such as road building, excavation, and site preparation. The ability to operate multiple types of equipment can further increase earnings and job opportunities.
For those looking to operate machinery in the growing fields of renewable energy construction or urban development, this is an area with high earning potential.
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8. Masons (Bricklayers, Stonemasons, Concrete Tradesmen)
- Average Salary: $45,000 – $70,000 per year
- Top Earners: $85,000+
Masonry is a rewarding and essential skill in construction, involving the building of structures using bricks, stone, and concrete. Whether constructing walls, foundations, or intricate stonework, masons are vital to the completion of high-quality projects. Masons who specialize in luxury homes, historical restoration, or decorative masonry can see a significant increase in pay.
Women in masonry are steadily gaining recognition as top performers in a traditionally male-dominated area, further proving that skill and dedication outweigh gender stereotypes in the trades.
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Emerging Trades to Watch in 2025 and Beyond
The skilled trades industry is not static; it’s evolving with new technologies, environmental concerns, and societal shifts. Here are some emerging trades with excellent earning potential:
1. Solar Panel Installers
As renewable energy becomes more prevalent, solar panel installation is expected to grow rapidly. The need for skilled tradesmen to install and maintain solar systems will lead to high-paying jobs in this field.
2. Green Construction and Sustainability Experts
As the construction industry embraces sustainability, there will be a growing demand for specialists in eco-friendly building practices, including energy-efficient homes, LEED-certified buildings, and environmentally conscious materials.
3. 3D Printing and Robotics in Construction
With the rise of 3D printing in construction, especially in large-scale projects and housing, tradespeople skilled in operating 3D printers or integrating robotics will be in demand.
Conclusion: The Future of Skilled Trades
The construction industry offers a wide variety of high-paying opportunities, and things will continue to evolve in 2025. Whether you’re interested in becoming an electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, or construction manager, there are plenty of paths to earning a solid income while contributing to building the future.
With the demand for skilled tradesmen continuing to grow, now is the perfect time to pursue a career in the trades. For women in construction, there’s never been a better time to enter these fields and prove that skill, expertise, and leadership are what truly matters—regardless of gender.
Whichever trade you choose, investing in your skills and expertise will pay dividends for years to come. Explore skilled trade job opportunities.