How much do apprentices make starting out?

Starting pay varies by trade and location. Many programs begin at a percentage of a fully trained worker's wage and increase on a set schedule as you progress.

Do I need trade school before an apprenticeship?

Often no. Many people start directly as apprentices. A pre-apprenticeship or trade program can help you qualify faster and stand out in competitive trades.

How do I find Registered Apprenticeships near me?

Use the official Apprenticeship.gov job and program directories to search by location and trade. If you do not see openings, contact local programs to ask about intake dates.

Are apprenticeships hard to get into?

Some are competitive, especially higher-paying or union-heavy trades. You can improve your odds with relevant coursework, work experience, a clean driving record, and strong math and safety basics.

Do apprenticeships lead to licenses or certifications?

Many do. Some trades use apprenticeship hours toward eligibility for state licensing exams or industry certifications. Requirements depend on the trade and your state.

What is the fastest path to a high-paying apprenticeship?

Pick a trade with strong local demand, complete a short pre-apprenticeship or entry course if needed, apply widely, and be ready for aptitude tests, interviews, and drug screening.

Highest-Paying Apprenticeships in 2026: Earn While You Learn

Q: What is a Registered Apprenticeship?

A Registered Apprenticeship is a formal earn-while-you-learn program that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and leads to a nationally recognized credential.

Q: Do apprentices get paid?

Yes. Apprentices are employees and earn wages while they train. Pay typically increases as you gain skills and complete training milestones.

Q: How long does an apprenticeship take?

Most skilled-trade apprenticeships take multiple years because you are building real job competency. Program length varies by trade, employer, and state requirements.

By Chris Gaglardi
| Last Updated January 1, 2026

If you're trying to level up your income without signing up for four years of debt, an apprenticeship can be the cleanest path. You get paid while you learn, your wages usually increase as you hit milestones, and the best programs lead to a credential employers actually respect.

This guide ranks high-paying apprenticeship-aligned careers and shows you how to choose a path that fits your life, then find legitimate programs in your area. If you want the quick next step, start by browsing trade school programs near you and comparing options by cost, length, and schedule.

Quick next step

Pick two trades below: one that looks like a strong fit, and one that looks like a strong paycheck. Then compare training options on our programs directory.

The quick list: highest-paying apprenticeship tracks
What a Registered Apprenticeship is (and why it matters)
Top apprenticeship tracks (pay, fit, and what training looks like)
How to find legit apprenticeships near you
What you'll earn as an apprentice
FAQ
Sources

The quick list: highest-paying apprenticeship tracks

The table below shows a pay-first snapshot of common apprenticeship-aligned careers. Earnings vary by state, union vs. non-union, overtime, and specialty. Use this as a starting point, then pick the track that fits your lifestyle and tolerance for risk, travel, and weather.

Pay figures reflect U.S. median annual wages from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook (median pay, May 2024; projections 2024-2034). Projected openings are average annual openings for 2024-2034 (growth + replacements), not guaranteed job offers. These benchmarks are not 2026 wages and are provided for directional planning only.

Apprenticeship track	Median annual pay	Projected annual openings (U.S.)
Elevator & escalator installer/repairer	$106,580	2,000
Power-line installer/repairer (lineworker)	$92,560	10,700
Stationary engineer & boiler operator	$75,190	3,800
Boilermaker	$73,340	800
Plumber/pipefitter/steamfitter	$62,970	44,000
Electrician	$62,350	81,000
Sheet metal worker	$60,850	10,600
HVAC technician	$59,810	40,100
Carpenter	$59,310	74,100
Construction equipment operator	$58,320	46,200

Best next steps (pick your path)

If you want paid training, start by comparing schools and programs near you: browse trade school programs.

Note: Pay figures are median wages. Half of workers earn more and half earn less. Apprentice wages start lower and typically rise as you progress.

What a Registered Apprenticeship is (and why it matters)

Not every job that calls itself an apprenticeship is worth your time. A Registered Apprenticeship is built around structured training and measurable skill progression. You work with a mentor, you receive classroom instruction, you earn wages during training, and you usually get scheduled pay increases as you advance.

If you want the shortest path from interest to action, compare programs and reach out to schools for admissions and placement help: browse trade school programs.

Quick checklist: what legit programs typically include

Paid, supervised on-the-job training (you are an employee)
Related technical instruction (classroom or online)
Progressive wage increases tied to hours and/or competencies
A credential or pathway toward licensing (varies by trade and state)

Top apprenticeship tracks: pay, fit, and what training looks like

The goal here is not just to chase the highest number in a table. The real win is picking a path you can stick with long enough to become valuable. Below are the most common high-pay tracks, plus the best next steps on Trade-Schools.net.

1) Elevator & escalator installer and repairer

If you want top-tier pay, this trade is usually near the top. Work can be physical and safety-critical, with complex mechanical and electrical systems. It's also one of the more selective pathways in many areas.

Best internal next steps: industrial maintenance training, electrician schools
Good fit if: you like troubleshooting, precision work, and strict safety procedures

2) Power-line installer/repairer (lineworker)

Linework is high-paying for a reason. Expect heights, weather, travel in some roles, and a heavy emphasis on procedure and safety. For the right person, it's a proud, stable career with excellent earning potential.

Best internal next step: find a lineman school
Related option: electrician training

3) Stationary engineer & boiler operator

Stationary engineers and boiler operators keep critical building and plant systems running. Think: monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting. This can be a strong path if you want stable work in facilities, institutions, and industrial environments.

Best internal next steps: industrial maintenance programs, HVAC training

4) Boilermaker

Boilermakers build, install, and repair large tanks and vessels. The work is often industrial, sometimes travel-based, and usually demands a strong safety mindset.

Best internal next steps: welding schools, welding apprenticeship path

5) Plumber, pipefitter, and steamfitter

Plumbing and pipefitting can be a sweet spot: strong demand, solid pay, and lots of specialty routes (residential, commercial, industrial). If you like problem-solving and visible results, this is a strong contender.

Start here: find a plumbing school
Then read: plumbing apprenticeship requirements

6) Electrician

Electrician remains one of the best earn-while-you-learn paths in the U.S. It's a broad trade with plenty of specialization options, and demand tends to be steady across the country.

Start here: electrician trade schools
Then read: electrician apprenticeship guide

7) Sheet metal worker

Sheet metal work overlaps with HVAC in a big way (ductwork, commercial installs) and can also include fabrication. If you like measuring, fitting, and working with metal, this can be a great path.

Best internal next steps: HVAC programs, welding programs
Helpful guide: becoming an HVAC apprentice

8) HVAC technician

HVAC is one of the most consistent trades for demand: people fix heating and cooling problems immediately, not later. This is also a strong path if you want work that mixes electrical troubleshooting, mechanical systems, and customer interaction.

Start here: find HVAC trade schools
Then read: the guide to becoming an HVAC apprentice

9) Carpenter

Carpentry has variety: framing, finish work, remodeling, commercial, and more. It can be an excellent fit if you like tangible progress and working on a team.

Start here: carpentry schools
Optional read: what carpenters do

10) Construction equipment operator

If you like big machines and infrastructure work, equipment operation is a strong path. It can also pair well with diesel mechanics and fleet maintenance roles.

Start here: heavy equipment trade schools
Related option: diesel mechanic training

Want to move faster?

If you're not sure which track fits, compare programs and request info from schools in your area: browse programs.

Bonus: If you're also considering automotive, start with auto mechanic school options and see our guide to automotive mechanic apprenticeships.

How to find legit apprenticeships near you

Step 1: Start with Apprenticeship.gov

Use the official Apprenticeship Job Finder to search by trade and location. If you don't see openings right away, try the Partner Finder (sponsors/partners) and contact programs to ask about intake dates. If Partner Finder doesn't load, use the Apprenticeship Job Finder and filter for registered opportunities.

Step 2: Vet the program

Ask how wage increases are structured (hours, competencies, or both)
Ask how classroom instruction is scheduled
Ask what the completion outcome is (credential, licensing eligibility, job placement)

Step 3: Apply like a pro

Apply to multiple programs, not just one
Be ready for aptitude tests and interviews (basic math matters)
Show reliability (a clean driving record helps in many trades)

What you'll earn as an apprentice

Apprentice pay is not one number. Most programs use a wage progression model. You start at an entry wage, then earn increases as you complete hours and prove competencies. In some trades, apprentices commonly start around a percentage of the fully trained wage and move up on a schedule.

What affects apprentice pay the most

Location: wages vary significantly by state and metro area
Union vs. non-union: pay and benefits can differ
Overtime and travel: can dramatically increase earnings in some trades
Specialty: industrial and commercial work often pays more than basic residential work

Want to see the training options that match your time and budget? Start here: trade school programs near you.

FAQ

What is a Registered Apprenticeship?

It is a structured earn-while-you-learn pathway that combines paid work experience with classroom instruction and leads to a recognized credential.

Do apprentices get paid?

Yes. Apprentices are employees. Pay typically increases as you progress.

How long does an apprenticeship take?

It depends on the trade and your state. Many skilled-trade programs run multiple years because competency takes time to build.

Do I need trade school first?

Often no. But a short program or pre-apprenticeship can help you qualify faster and stand out in competitive trades.

How do I find apprenticeships near me?

Start with Apprenticeship.gov, then contact local sponsors for intake dates and requirements.

Sources

Wage and projections data are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook (May 2024 wages; 2024-2034 projections). Registered Apprenticeship definitions and directories are from Apprenticeship.gov.