High paying trades in America?

THE BEST MANUAL TRADE IS USUALLY ONE WHERE YOU CAN SET UP YOURSELF AT LOW COST, AND DO NOT REQUIRE MUCH EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT. ON THAT BASIS I WOULD CHOSE ELECTRICIAN PLUMBER OR CARPENTER, OF HOSE I THINK THERE IS MORE DEMAND FOR PLUMBERS AND MORE CHANCE OF CALL OUTS ETC. it's only fair to warn you I live in britain, this may have a bearing, our plumbers are very busy in winter with bursts.

A master plumber will soon be able to write his own ticket as more are retiring from the trade than are entering it, according to licensing bureaus who require an annual continuing education conference to maintain their licenses. New construction may make lots of money but service calls pay the bills, and a plumber worth his salt will always stay busy.

Ask questions, find out if the trade is required under any right-to-work laws in your state to have membership in the pipefitter's local union. Apply at the union hall and take the exam, get your apprentice certification and work permit and you'll hit the ground running. If there is no right-to-work legislation you'll still have to begin as an apprentice which is also regulated by the state whether or not labor unions are involved. After two years as a registered apprentice you'll be eligible to take the journeyman's exam and become licensed, and two years as a journeyman you can qualify for a master's.

A master plumber can realistically earn as much as $100K a year.

Taking in to consideration that some of the trades are currently having difficulty because of bad economic conditions, I would eliminate any trad that depends on new construction for the majority of jobs. This would include heavy equipment mechanic, electrician, plumber, carpenter and mason worker.

I know that many of these trades do work in existing homes, but the jobs are fewer and most likely filled by experienced people already.

The other fields are probably better choices.

Of course it all depends on whether any of them are something you are excited about. No one wants to be in a job that they just don't enjoy, even if the money is good.

I have included a link that might help you in determining what each trade might be payed.

http://www1.salary.com/Skilled-and-Trades-Salaries...

All of the above. These trades are high paying and steady. In addition to those you listed are welder, machinist, pipe-fitter and heavy equipment operator. I'm 50 years old and proficient in welding, machining and electronics. I am self employed and don't ever worry about how I'm going to pay my bills. Even when unemployment is high I stay busy and profitable.

Don't worry about higher education. If you have average intelligence and willing to do the physical work, The money will be yours.

go with one that needs certification and licensing

the influx of illegal immigrants cut into the labor force of the non license protected trades and keep wages down

Commercial and industrial HVAC and controls. Hands down...!

electrician or plumber tops my list