Skilled trade pay rates: 10 trades compared
Median hourly pay for 10 skilled trades across 25 US metros, from BLS OEWS May 2025. Pick a trade to see where it pays best.
Electricians
SOC 47-2111
Median pay across metros: $24.43–$50.53/hr
Top metro: Portland, OR at $50.53/hr
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters
SOC 47-2152
Median pay across metros: $25.00–$49.70/hr
Top metro: Chicago, IL at $49.70/hr
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
HVAC Technicians
SOC 49-9021
Median pay across metros: $24.30–$38.51/hr
Top metro: Seattle, WA at $38.51/hr
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Welders
SOC 51-4121
Median pay across metros: $23.18–$31.85/hr
Top metro: Seattle, WA at $31.85/hr
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Carpenters
SOC 47-2031
Median pay across metros: $23.44–$42.89/hr
Top metro: San Francisco, CA at $42.89/hr
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Automotive Service Technicians
SOC 49-3023
Median pay across metros: $22.54–$36.55/hr
Top metro: San Francisco, CA at $36.55/hr
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Painters (Construction & Maintenance)
SOC 47-2141
Median pay across metros: $20.88–$30.58/hr
Top metro: San Francisco, CA at $30.58/hr
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Roofers
SOC 47-2181
Median pay across metros: $21.02–$39.47/hr
Top metro: Chicago, IL at $39.47/hr
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Landscaping & Groundskeeping Workers
SOC 37-3011
Median pay across metros: $17.13–$23.57/hr
Top metro: Boston, MA at $23.57/hr
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Maintenance & Repair Workers
SOC 49-9071
Median pay across metros: $21.82–$30.59/hr
Top metro: San Francisco, CA at $30.59/hr
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025
Don't see your trade?
We started with the 10 most common skilled trades. If enough workers ask for another, we will add it — the BLS tracks hundreds of occupations.