What is the highest-paying trade job?

Elevator mechanics, linemen, and nuclear power workers earn the most in the trades — often $80,000–$120,000+/year with strong union benefits. Electricians and plumbers working independently can also surpass $100,000 once established, especially running their own businesses.

What tech jobs pay the most without a degree?

Ethical hackers (penetration testers), DevOps engineers, and cloud architects can earn $80,000–$150,000+ with certifications (CompTIA, AWS, CEH) and demonstrated skills rather than a traditional degree. Prompt engineering and AI training roles are newer high-paying fields with accessible entry points.

How much does a financial advisor make?

Financial advisors earn $60,000–$80,000 as salary at a firm, rising to $150,000–$500,000+ for independent fee-only advisors with a strong client book. Income is heavily dependent on AUM (assets under management) — advisors typically earn 0.5–1% of AUM annually.

Job Salaries by Profession – What Do Different Careers Pay?

Wondering what a career actually pays? These aren’t generic BLS averages — our salary guides show entry-level, mid-career, and top-earner pay for over 50 professions, along with what separates high earners from the median. Use these to benchmark your own pay, research career changes, or negotiate a raise with real data.

For a complete overview of all professions, see our Salary by Profession Guide — a comprehensive directory with salary data for 140+ careers across tech, trades, business, creative, and service industries.

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy