College Degree Getting You Nowhere? 5 Profitable Trades to Consider
|
Posted By: Lizzie Weakley on December 07, 2018 As you probably know by now, a college degree is not a guarantee that you will find a job in your chosen field. There are trades you may pursue that are not only profitable, but are currently in demand. We will take a look at five trades to consider as an alternative to working in the field for which you went to school. ElectricianAn electrician installs and maintains electrical and lighting systems which provide power to appliances, lights, and various equipment for homes, buildings, and businesses. Electricians also study and read blueprints to determine the location of outlets, circuits, and other electrical equipment. There are requirements that must be met to become an electrician. First, you must have a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Secondly, you must attend a vocational or trade school and successfully complete the required electrical engineering courses. Next, you need to participate in an apprenticeship program. Many schools also include a four- or five-year apprenticeship program in addition to the required coursework. Lastly, if the state you reside in requires that electricians are licensed, then you must pass the electricians licensing test. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an electrician in 2017 was $54,110 per year, or $26.01 per hour. Truck DriverTruck drivers drive heavy and tractor-trailer trucks. They pick up merchandise at one location and deliver it to a different location. Drivers drive long distances across many states, and must take mandatory rest periods. Their duties include securing their cargo, maintaining logs specifying the hours they worked, and adhering to all traffic laws. There are two requirements that must be met to become a truck driver. You must have a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and a commercial driver’s license (CDL). For truck licence training, many attend courses at truck driving schools or community colleges. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a truck driver in 2017 was $42,480 per year, or $20.42 per hour. (Note, however, that drivers are often paid by the number of miles they drive.) PlumberPlumbers install and repair pipes and fixtures such as toilets, sinks, etc. They also maintain septic systems. To become a plumber, you must have a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and must pass a plumbing contractor’s license exam. The prospective candidate must successfully complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship program. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for a plumber in 2017 was $52,590 per year, or $25.28 per hour. WelderWelders maintain and repair metal. They join seams, fill holes, and repair indentations in metal using intense heat. A prospective welder may attend formal training provided by vocational schools, community colleges, or the U.S. Armed Forces. Upon completion of coursework, students receive a Certified Welder title. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders in 2017 earned a median salary of $40,240 per year, or $19.35 per hour. CarpenterUsing materials such as wood, carpenters develop and repair buildings and structures such as windows, cabinets, and moldings. Carpenters typically need a high school diploma. Their training is usually obtained on the job, at vocational schools, or through apprenticeship programs. Carpenters do not need to be licensed or certified. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, carpenters in 2017 earned a median annual salary of $45,170, or 21.71 per hour. These trades are not only in demand, but earn impressive salaries. Keep in mind, some of these trades will require additional coursework throughout the future to stay current and up-to-date as technologies change and improve. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Lizzie Weakley
From Columbus, OH Member Since December 2018 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
Free Will and Universal Spirit Awesome Power!!!!!visit http://gospelmusicalreview.org
We move as a people whose choices are free, and whose power is fueled by Spirit.
We choose our path, and the Universal Spirit breathes purpose into that choice ...more
rickey johnson • 74 Views • April 30th, 2026 |
 |
Grammy Nominated Artist & Reigning American Idol Winner JAMAL ROBERTS Release New Single "Perfect For Me"@JAMALROBERTS #JAMALROBERTS
IG@OfficialJamalRoberts
TikTok@OfficialJamalRoberts
FB@JamalRobertsOfficial
New Video Clip Of "Perfect For Me".
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXuJEoajSJl/?igsh= ...more
LaMarr Blackmon • 236 Views • April 29th, 2026 |
 |
2026 Lexus LX 700h Review – One Week in the DMVI replaced my daily vehicle with the 2026 Lexus LX 700h Luxury Hybrid Premium and spent a week exploring D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, dealing with Beltway traffic, pothole-filled side streets in Prin ...more
Randi Payton • 102 Views • April 29th, 2026 |
 |
1440 RIGHT NOW, THE VIDEO, Heaven Is the Destination, but Purpose Lives in the Present
1440 Right Now: Living the Message Behind the Music
The song “1440 Right Now” is more than a set of lyrics. It is a philosophy, a spiritual reminder, and a daily call to action wrapped in mel ...more
rickey johnson • 203 Views • April 27th, 2026 |
 |
Hydrate Hav plenty breakfast or lunch Help replenish Red CrossHow do I handle thuh donation process:
-Hydrate thuh 24 hours til' thee morning oF
-Consume good eatS before appointment
-Allow extra time for parkinG
-Thee hemoglobin pric requires deep breathin ...more
Legasaurus Sister • 166 Views • April 26th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 71,070,612 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 119,445 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 77,618 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
Legasaurus Sister • 62,658 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
