CARPENTRY

A craft dating back thousands of years, carpentry is the largest of all building trades with many different “specialties.” A carpenter works with various materials to construct, install and maintain buildings and other objects like cabinets or furniture.

A carpenter works indoors and out, using heavy or rough materials, sharp tools and power equipment. Although the work can be strenuous—bending, lifting, standing, climbing and kneeling—it also is creative in nature. If you like working with your hands, enjoy math and have an eye for detail, carpentry may be the trade for you!

Education: Carpenters typically learn on the job and through apprenticeships.

Average National Wage: $54,200 (2022)

Average Wisconsin Wage: $53,620 | Top 25% Earn at Least $66,460 (2020 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics)

ELECTRICAL

Electricity is essential in today’s world. Electricians install, connect, test and maintain wiring systems like lighting, power, climate control and security systems. From reading blueprints for system layout to testing circuits for proper connections, they must follow the National Electric Code and state and local building codes.

The work environment varies depending on the job, but most are physically demanding—bending, lifting, kneeling and standing for long periods. Electricians risk injury from electrical shock, so safety precautions are vital. If you like working with your hands, enjoy math and have excellent eye-hand coordination, electrical wiring may be the trade for you!

Education: Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, but some start out by attending a technical school. Most states require electricians to be licensed.

Average National Wage: $61,550 (2022)

Average Wisconsin Wage: $62,170 | Top 25% Earn at Least $77,970 (2020 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics)

PAINTING

Painting is a skill dating back thousands of years. A painter is needed whenever a home or office space is built or renovated. The trade involves more than just painting. Paper hanging, sealing, staining and faux finishing also are skills common to painters, all of which require detailed preparation and careful selection of materials and tools.

Painters work indoors and out, sometimes on tall ladders and scaffolds. Using heavy paint cans and buckets, the work is physically demanding—bending, lifting, kneeling and standing for long periods. If you like working with your hands and have an eye for detail, painting may be the trade for you!

Education: Most painters learn their trade on the job. No formal education is typically required.

Average National Wage: $46,460 (2022)

Average Wisconsin Wage: $46,650 | Top 25% Earn at Least $57,770 (2020 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics)

PLUMBING 

The plumbing trade is one of the largest in the building industry, ensuring the nation has safe drinking water. Following blueprints, plumbers install and repair water, waste disposal, drainage and gas systems in buildings. They also install plumbing fixtures, like showers, sinks and toilets, and appliances, like dishwashers, garbage disposals and water heaters.

Plumbers work indoors and out, sometimes in wet and damp areas. Using heavy and rough material, the work is physically demanding—bending, lifting, kneeling and standing for long periods. If you like working with your hands and have an eye for detail, plumbing may be the trade for you!

Education: Most plumbers learn on the job through an apprenticeship, but some start out by attending a technical school. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.

Average National Wage: $61,100 (2022)

Average Wisconsin Wage: $66,640 | Top 25% Earn at Least $83,700 (2020 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics)

HVAC

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems control the temperature, humidity and the air quality in homes and buildings. HVAC technicians install, maintain and repair such systems, which consist of many mechanical, electrical and electronic components. From following blueprints to installing equipment to connecting electrical wiring and testing safe operation, the trade requires skills common to electricians and plumbers.

The work is indoors and out and sometimes in tight, awkward spaces. Generally, the trade is physically demanding—bending, lifting, kneeling and standing for long periods. Technicians also risk injury from electrical shock, so safety precautions are vital. If you enjoy working with customers, problem solving and working with your hands, HVAC may be the trade for you!

Education: HVAC Technicians typically learn on the job through apprenticeships.

Average National Wage: $53,410 (2022)

MASONRY

A craft dating back thousands of years, brick masonry work varies from laying a simple walkway to installing ornate building exteriors. Brick masons build and restore walls, floors, partitions, fireplaces, chimneys and other structures using brick, precast masonry panels, concrete block and other masonry materials.

Much of the work is outside, physically demanding—bending, lifting, standing, climbing and kneeling—and creative in nature. If you like working with your hands and have an eye for detail, brick masonry may be the trade for you!

Education: Masons typically learn on the job and through apprenticeships.

Average National Wage: $57,880 (2022)

Average Wisconsin Wage: $56,090 | Top 25% Earn at Least $71,370 (2020 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics)