Quick Takeaway
Over the past decade, linemen, aviation mechanics, and select industrial maintenance/sheet metal roles have seen the strongest wage growth, often outpacing inflation. Many other core trades—electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, welders—still pay well but have grown more slowly, meaning their real buying power is flat or slightly lower than 10 years ago.
Over the last decade, the cost of living has climbed fast—U.S. inflation between 2014 and 2025 has totaled roughly 30–35%, depending on which CPI measure you use. That means any trade whose pay hasn’t risen at least that much has effectively lost buying power, even if the dollar amount on the paycheck is higher.
The good news: several skilled trades have seen wage growth that beats inflation, with some roles adding 40–60% or more in nominal pay. Others, however, have barely kept pace—and a few have fallen behind in real (inflation-adjusted) terms.
This guide looks at:
- Which skilled trades gained the most in the past 10 years
- Which trades lagged or lost ground after inflation
- Which trades clearly rose faster than inflation and improved real earnings
Note: The figures below are rounded, national median estimates based on BLS ranges and related wage datasets. They are intended for planning and comparison, not as exact point values.
Inflation vs Wage Growth: The Baseline
Before comparing trades, it’s important to set the bar. From 2014 to 2025, overall consumer prices increased by roughly 31% on a cumulative basis. Any occupation whose pay grew less than that has effectively seen flat or negative real wages, even if the dollar amounts on paper are higher.
- Approximate 10-year inflation: +30% to +35%
- Target to “beat” inflation: Wage growth above ~+35%
Fastest Rising Trade Salaries (Approximate 2014–2024 Comparison)
The table below compares approximate national median wages for selected trades, using 2014 as a baseline and 2024 as the comparison year. Values are rounded to the nearest thousand for readability.
| Trade |
Approx. 2014 Median Pay |
Approx. 2024 Median Pay |
Nominal Change |
% Change (Nominal) |
Beats ~31% Inflation? |
| Electrical Power-Line Installer (Lineman) (Guide) |
$65,000 |
$92,000 |
+$27,000 |
+42% |
Yes |
| Aviation Mechanic (Guide) |
$52,000 |
$70,000 |
+$18,000 |
+35% |
Yes (edge) |
| Industrial Maintenance Technician (Guide) |
$46,000 |
$60,000 |
+$14,000 |
+30% |
Borderline |
| Electrician (Guide) |
$50,000 |
$62,000 |
+$12,000 |
+24% |
No (slightly below) |
| Plumber (Guide) |
$48,000 |
$60,000 |
+$12,000 |
+25% |
No |
| HVAC Technician (Guide) |
$47,000 |
$59,000 |
+$12,000 |
+26% |
No |
| Diesel Mechanic (Guide) |
$46,000 |
$58,000 |
+$12,000 |
+26% |
No |
| Heavy Equipment Operator (Guide) |
$45,000 |
$58,000 |
+$13,000 |
+29% |
Borderline |
| Welder (Guide) |
$40,000 |
$50,000 |
+$10,000 |
+25% |
No |
| CNC Machinist (Guide) |
$38,000 |
$48,000 |
+$10,000 |
+26% |
No |
| Carpenter (Guide) |
$40,000 |
$52,000 |
+$12,000 |
+30% |
Borderline |
| Roofer (Guide) |
$37,000 |
$47,000 |
+$10,000 |
+27% |
No |
| Mason / Brickmason (Guide) |
$42,000 |
$55,000 |
+$13,000 |
+31% |
Roughly equal |
| Sheet Metal Worker (Guide) |
$44,000 |
$58,000 |
+$14,000 |
+32% |
Slightly beats |
| Concrete / Cement Worker (Guide) |
$37,000 |
$48,000 |
+$11,000 |
+30% |
Borderline |
These are approximate, rounded estimates based on wage ranges and industry data, not precise historical medians. Use them as directional indicators for which trades are gaining ground the fastest.
Visual Comparison: Trade Wage Growth vs Inflation
If you plotted each trade’s 10-year wage growth alongside a ~31% inflation benchmark, a few patterns jump out:
- Above the line: Linemen and aviation mechanics clearly sit above the inflation bar, with sheet metal and some industrial maintenance roles hovering just at or above it.
- On or near the line: Carpenters, masons, concrete workers, and heavy equipment operators cluster close to the inflation benchmark.
- Below the line: Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, welders, diesel mechanics, and roofers show solid nominal gains—but not quite enough to fully outpace inflation.
On a simple bar chart, this makes it easy to see which trades have gained real buying power and which ones are relying more on overtime, union step raises, or regional hotspots to stay ahead.
Trades With the Strongest Wage Growth
Looking at percentage changes, a few trades stand out as clear winners over the last decade:
- Electrical Power-Line Installers (Lineman) – Roughly 40%+ nominal wage growth, significantly beating inflation. This role benefits from:
- Infrastructure upgrades and grid modernization
- High physical risk and skill requirements
- Union contracts that often negotiate solid raises
- Aviation Mechanics – Around mid-30% wage growth:
- Strong demand from commercial aviation, cargo, and private fleets
- Certification requirements that limit supply
- High responsibility (safety-critical) work
- Sheet Metal & Industrial Maintenance – Around 30–32% growth:
- Manufacturing automation and modern facilities need fewer but more skilled technicians
- Work often overlaps with HVAC, fabrication, and plant maintenance
These trades not only kept up with inflation but, in many regions, delivered real gains in take-home purchasing power. When you combine that with shorter training timelines and lower debt compared to four-year degrees, the ROI is extremely compelling.
Trades That Lagged Inflation (Real Pay Stagnation)
Many well-known trades did see respectable nominal raises, but not quite enough to outpace 30–35% inflation. That means their real wages are flat or slightly lower than a decade ago, even if the dollar amounts on paper are higher.
| Trade |
Approx. % Change |
Inflation-Adjusted Outcome |
| Electrician |
+24% |
Slight real loss vs 30–35% inflation |
| Plumber |
+25% |
Slight real loss |
| HVAC Technician |
+26% |
Slight real loss |
| Diesel Mechanic |
+26% |
Slight real loss |
| Welder |
+25% |
Slight real loss |
| Roofers |
+27% |
Slight real loss |
Important context: even if these trades lost a bit of ground versus inflation, they still often outperform many non-STEM bachelor’s degrees when you factor in:
- Little to no student loan debt
- 2–4 extra years of earnings while degree students are still in school
- Overtime, shift differentials, and union scale in many markets
Trades That Clearly Beat Inflation
If we set the “beat inflation” bar at ~35% nominal wage growth over the last decade, the trades that most clearly appear to pull ahead in real terms are:
- Electrical Power-Line Installers (Lineman) – Clear winner with 40%+ nominal growth and very high top-end pay.
- Aviation Mechanics – Mid-30% growth plus strong benefits and long-term career ladders.
- Sheet Metal Workers & Select Industrial Maintenance Roles – Around low-30% growth, depending on region, edging out inflation when paired with overtime and union contracts.
These trades are especially interesting for students who want:
- Physically active work instead of office jobs
- Clear training pathways via trade schools or apprenticeships
- High-skill, high-responsibility jobs in critical infrastructure or transportation
Why Some Trade Wages Grow Faster Than Others
Not all trades move in lockstep. Several factors drive faster wage growth in some specialties:
- Regulation & Licensing – Trades with strict licensing (like linemen, aviation mechanics, or certain industrial techs) often have tighter labor supply and higher bargaining power.
- Unionization – Strong unions can negotiate multi-year contracts, COLA adjustments (cost-of-living), and better benefits.
- Infrastructure & Energy Investment – Trades tied to the power grid, data centers, airports, and large industrial projects benefit from multi-billion-dollar capital spending.
- Risk & Working Conditions – Jobs with higher physical risk, harsh conditions, or demanding schedules often command premium pay.
How to Use This Data to Pick a Trade
Wage growth is only one piece of the puzzle—but it’s a big one. If you’re comparing trade careers, consider:
- Current median pay in your state or region
- 10-year wage trajectory (is it trending up or flat?)
- Training length and cost (6–24 months vs 4–6 years of school)
- Apprenticeship or employer-paid pathways that reduce or eliminate tuition
To dive deeper into the training side, explore our step-by-step guides for each trade:
FAQ: Fastest Rising Trade Salaries
Are these wage numbers exact?
No. They’re rounded national estimates built from public wage data and typical industry ranges. Local pay can be higher or lower depending on your state, union status, experience, specialization, and employer.
Can I really earn more as a lineman or aviation mechanic than with some college degrees?
Yes, especially when you factor in lower debt and earlier entry into the workforce. Many linemen and aviation mechanics reach pay levels that rival or exceed common non-STEM bachelor’s degrees by their 30s.
Why do classic trades like electrician or plumber lag inflation here?
They’re still strong careers, but their median national wages haven’t climbed as fast as some niche or higher-risk roles. In specific cities or union shops, electricians and plumbers can still beat these averages by a wide margin.
Should I pick a trade only based on 10-year wage growth?
No. Wage growth is important, but you should also weigh daily work, physical demands, schedule, safety, and long-term fit. A slightly slower-growing trade you enjoy is better than burning out in a higher-paying one.
How do I check wage trends for my exact area?
Use a mix of tools: BLS regional data, state labor department reports, local job boards, union pay scales, and employer job postings. That will give you a much sharper picture of current offers and future potential where you actually plan to work.
Data Sources & Methodology
All wage figures in this guide are simplified national medians built from public BLS data, historical wage ranges, and related trade-industry datasets. We round to the nearest thousand and focus on directional 10-year changes rather than exact year-by-year medians. Inflation estimates use standard CPI-style measures over roughly 2014–2024/25. Actual pay varies by state, union status, overtime, specialization, and employer.
