The Trades 

Job Description

Advanced manufacturing technicians make sure machines keep running. They maintain and repair the electrical and mechanical parts of these machines. They know how fluid systems, like pumps, and gas systems work. Technicians can even program machines and make parts for them. In short, they make sure that factories continue making all the products that we need.

Career Options

• Mechanical Engineer

• Manufacturing Manager

• Assembly Team Leader

• Information Technology Manager

• Electrician

• Operations Manager

• Entry-Level Manufacturing Engineer

• Service Technician

Salary Information

• Median pay $59,840/year. Benefits & vacation differ by employer.

Science Buddies, Career Discovery Tools, Advanced Manufacturing, at https://careerdiscovery.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/engineering/manufacturing-technician#section-overview (visited June 25, 2023). 

Job Description

Automotive technicians know how to maintain vehicles' electrical and mechanical systems. They can not only diagnose problems, but are also often able to make the repairs themselves. Since so many people depend on cars to go places, an automotive technician's work is rewarding and important. 

Career Options

• Automotive Technician

• Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians

• Automotive Body and Glass Repairers

• Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics

• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians

• Small Engine Mechanics

Salary Information

• Median pay $46,880/year. Benefits & vacation differ by employer.

Science Buddies, Career Discovery Tools, Automotive Technician, at https://careerdiscovery.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/engineering/automotive-technician (visited June 25, 2023). 

Job Description

Carpenters construct, repair, and install building frameworks and structures made from wood and other materials. 

Career Options

• Construction Carpenter

• Rough Carpenter

• Wood Flooring Installer

Salary Information

• Median pay $48,260 per year. Benefits and vacation differ by employer.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Carpenters, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/carpenters.htm (visited July 06, 2023). 

Job Description

Painters apply paint, stain, and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, large machinery and equipment, and bridges and other structures. 

Career Options

• Commercial Painter

• Industrial Painter

• Residential Painter

Salary Information

• Median pay $45,590 per year. Benefits and vacation differ by employer.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Painters, Construction and Maintenance, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/painters-construction-and-maintenance.htm (visited July 06, 2023). 

Job Description

Electricians install and maintain the wiring and equipment that carries electricity, and they also fix electrical machines. They plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes. Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components. Test electrical systems or continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, using testing devices, such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, or oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system.

Career Options

• Residential Electrician

• Commercial Electrician

• Industrial Electrician

• Maintenance Electrician

• Installation Electrician

• Construction Electrician

• Automotive Electrician

• Marine Electrician

• Lineman

Salary Information

• Median pay $60,040 per year. Benefits and vacation differ by employer.

Science Buddies, Career Discovery Tools, Electrician, at https://careerdiscovery.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/earth-physical-sciences/electrician (visited June 25, 2023). 

Job Description

Farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers run establishments that produce crops, livestock, and dairy products. 

Career Options

• Farmer

• Rancher

• Agricultural Worker

• Crop Farmer and Manager

• Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry Farmer

• Nursery and Greenhouse Manager 

• Aquaculture Farmers and Manager  

Salary Information

• Median pay $73,060 per year. Benefits and vacation differ by employer.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/farmers-ranchers-and-other-agricultural-managers.htm (visited July 6, 2023). 

Job Description

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—often called HVACR technicians—work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings. 

Career Options

• AV Technician

• HVAC Engineer

• HVAC Installer

• Refrigeration Technician

• Automotive HVAC Technician

• Wind Turbine Technician

• HVAC Project Manager

• HVAC Service Manager

• HVAC Sales

• HVAC Building Services Manager

Salary Information

• Median pay $48,630 per year. Benefits and vacation differ by employer.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm (visited June 25, 2023). 

Job Description

Plumbers install and repair piping fixtures and systems. Plumbers work in factories, homes, businesses, and other places where there are pipes and related systems. 

Career Options

• Plumbing Technician

• Pipefitter

• Steamfitter

• Pipelayer

• Residential Plumber

Salary Information

• Median pay $59,880 per year. Benefits and vacation differ by employer.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm (visited June 25, 2023). 

Job Description

Professional landscapers install and maintain landscapes, prune trees or shrubs, and do other tasks to ensure that vegetation is attractive, orderly, and safe.

Career Option Examples

• Ground Maintenance Worker

• Landscaping Worker

• Greenskeeper 

• Pesticide handlers, sprayers, and applicators 

• Arborist

Salary Information

• Median pay $35,460 per year. Benefits and vacation differ by employer.

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Grounds Maintenance Workers, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/grounds-maintenance-workers.htm (visited July 05, 2023). 

Job Description

Welders' skills are needed to assemble many of the objects you encounter and use every day. Read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings. Do math to determine dimensions of welded joints or how to assemble parts. Be knowledgeable about different types of metals and the tools required to weld them. Monitor the quality of the welding process to ensure good final results. Inspect welds for mechanical strength and integrity. Handle, operate, and maintain different types of welding tools and equipment. A career in welding could take you to the garage for a famous car race, to the tops of the highest buildings, or even to the bottom of the ocean!

Career Option Examples

• Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing 

• Machinery Manufacturing

• Pipefitter

• Water, Sewage and Other Systems 

• Machinery Manufacturing 

• Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing 

• Ship and Boat Building 

• Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing

• Scheduled Air Transportation 

Salary Information

• Median pay $47,010 per year. Benefits and vacation differ by employer.

Science Buddies, Career Discovery Tools, Welder, at https://careerdiscovery.sciencebuddies.org/science-engineering-careers/engineering/welder (visited June 25, 2023).