How Much Can You Earn with a Trade License? Realistic Salary Expectations

Pursuing a career in the skilled trades can be a smart and rewarding choice, offering solid earning potential, job security, and opportunities for growth. But one of the most common questions aspiring professionals ask is: How much can I actually earn with a trade license? At @HomePrep, we’ve helped thousands of students prepare for licensing exams in fields like electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, and general contracting. But beyond just passing your exam, it’s important to understand what your earning potential looks like once you’re licensed. In this guide, we’ll explore the realistic salary expectations for some of the most popular skilled trades, using the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). We’ll also cover the factors that can influence your income and how @HomePrep can help you achieve your earning goals.

Electricians: Powering Up Your Income

Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. According to the BLS (2024 data):

Median Annual Salary: $62,350
Top 10% Earn: Over $106,030
Bottom 10% Earn: Less than $39,430

Factors Influencing Electrician Salaries:

Location: Electricians in urban areas often earn higher wages due to higher living costs.
Experience Level: Master electricians or those with specialized skills (like industrial controls) can earn significantly more.
Union Membership: Union electricians typically earn higher wages and enjoy better benefits.

@HomePrep offers state-specific electrical licensing courses that help you pass your exam and start earning as soon as possible.

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters: Earnings That Flow

Plumbers are essential for installing and maintaining water, gas, and waste systems. As of 2024, the BLS reports the following:

Median Annual Salary: $62,970
Top 10% Earn: Over $105,150
Bottom 10% Earn: Less than $40,670

What Affects Plumber Salaries?

Commercial vs. Residential: Plumbers who work on large commercial projects often earn more.
Certifications: Specialized skills like backflow prevention or gas fitting can increase earnings.
Geographic Region: States with higher demand for plumbers, like California or Florida, typically offer higher wages.

@HomePrep provides comprehensive plumbing exam prep, helping you get licensed faster and start earning sooner.

HVAC Technicians: Keeping Cool and Cashing In

HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The BLS reports the following for 2024:

Median Annual Salary: $59,810
Top 10% Earn: Over $91,020
Bottom 10% Earn: Less than $39,130

How to Earn More as an HVAC Technician:

Specialize in Green Energy Systems: Solar heating, geothermal, or energy-efficient systems are in high demand.
Seasonal Demand: HVAC techs often earn more during extreme hot or cold months.
Commercial Contracts: Working on large commercial systems can significantly boost earnings.

@HomePrep offers HVAC licensing exam prep and continuing education courses to help you build a profitable career.

Construction Managers: Building High Earnings

Construction managers oversee building projects from start to finish, handling everything from budgeting to scheduling and quality control. According to BLS data (2024):

Median Annual Salary: $106,980
Top 10% Earn: Over $176,990
Bottom 10% Earn: Less than $65,160

Factors That Boost Construction Manager Salaries:

Project Size: Managing large commercial or industrial projects offers higher earnings.
Experience and Reputation: Proven managers with strong client relationships earn more.
Education and Certification: Earning additional certifications in project management or green building can increase your value.

@HomePrep’s business and law courses help aspiring contractors understand how to price jobs, manage contracts, and grow a successful business.

Why Trade Salaries Vary

While the national averages give you a sense of earning potential, your actual income can vary based on several factors:

Experience: New license holders typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, but earnings increase with experience.
Specialization: Technicians with advanced skills, such as solar installation, energy management, or custom construction, earn more.
Geographic Location: Wages can be significantly higher in states with strong demand for skilled trades.
Industry: Certain industries, such as oil and gas, can offer higher wages for trade professionals.

How @HomePrep Can Help You Maximize Your Earnings

At @HomePrep, we do more than just help you pass your licensing exam. We help you build a successful, high-earning career in your chosen trade.

Here’s How We Set You Up for Success:

State-Specific Licensing Exam Prep: Pass your exam on your first try and start earning faster.
Continuing Education Courses: Keep your skills sharp and maintain your license with ease.
Business and Law Courses: Learn how to bid on jobs, manage contracts, and maximize profits.
Flexible Online Learning: Study at your own pace, from anywhere.

Ready to Boost Your Income?

If you’re ready to take control of your financial future and build a high-earning career in the trades, @HomePrep is here to help. 👉 Explore our full range of licensing exam prep courses at athomeprep.com. 👉 Prepare with confidence, pass your exam, and start earning the salary you deserve. Your earning potential is in your hands—let’s make it happen.