A four-year degree can be a strong investment, but it is not the only path to a durable career. College Board reports that 47% of 2023–24 bachelor's degree recipients at public and private nonprofit institutions graduated with debt; among borrowers, average cumulative debt was $29,560. Skilled trades can offer different entry routes, including paid apprenticeships and shorter technical programs.
College debt source: College Board, Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2025. Trade wage benchmarks below use BLS May 2025 national medians and 2025 to 2035 projections.
What You Need Instead of a Degree
Trade careers require apprenticeships, licensing exams, and certifications. The training is practical, paid in most cases, and takes 2 to 5 years instead of 4 or more.
1. Electrician: $63,190 median
Most electricians learn through a paid apprenticeship. BLS projects 9% employment growth for 2025 to 2035. Licensing rules vary by state and locality.
Full electrician career hub →2. Plumber / Pipefitter: $63,800 median
Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn through apprenticeship. BLS projects 7% growth for 2025 to 2035; most states require plumbers to be licensed.
3. HVAC Technician: $61,010 median
HVAC technicians typically need a postsecondary nondegree award plus substantial on-the-job training. BLS projects 11% growth for 2025 to 2035.
4. Wind Turbine Technician: $64,120 median
Wind technicians typically complete postsecondary technical training and employer training. BLS projects 30% growth for 2025 to 2035.
5. CDL Heavy Truck Driver: $58,640 median
Heavy truck drivers usually attend professional truck-driving school and must hold a CDL. BLS projects about 214,500 openings per year on average over the decade.
6. Welder: $53,750 median
Welders typically need a high school diploma or equivalent plus technical and on-the-job training. Pay varies substantially by skill, industry, schedule, and specialty.
7. Solar PV Installer: $53,140 median
Solar PV installers typically need a high school diploma and moderate-term on-the-job training. BLS projects 37% growth from 2025 to 2035 — one of the fastest rates in the current outlook.
Trade School vs College: The Numbers
| Factor | Trade / Apprenticeship | 4-Year College |
|---|---|---|
| Typical route | Apprenticeship, technical school, employer training, or credential | Bachelor's degree program |
| Earn while training | Often yes for apprenticeships; not universal | Varies by work-study/employment |
| Published tuition benchmark | Varies widely by program; some apprenticeships are employer-sponsored | $11,950 average public four-year in-state tuition and fees, 2025–26 |
| Borrowing | Varies by route and student | 47% of 2023–24 bachelor's recipients borrowed; $29,560 average among borrowers |
| Credential requirement | Occupation/state specific | Degree requirements depend on occupation |