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Apprenticeships · 3 min read

Apprenticeships that pay while you train, by trade

Registered apprenticeships in the trades and in tech, with the pay each source reports.

By Working Wikily Newsroom Updated Sources listed on the page

This list covers 15 occupations, mostly skilled trades, plus computer support and medical assisting, where workers commonly learn the job through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. It is for people choosing a trade or a first career move who want to see what the work pays once you are trained.

Each item gives the median annual wage for the occupation in May 2025 and, where the source page says so, how people get into the work. The wage is the middle pay for everyone in the occupation. It is not what an apprentice earns while in training.

We built the list from published labor data. Every figure was read on its source page on October 2, 2026, and an item whose page could not be read, or did not match, was dropped. The pages are listed under Sources at the end.

The bls.gov page for Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers, saved 2026-10-02
The bls.gov page for Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers, saved 2026-10-02

How we check

  • Every figure comes from a source named in the list at the end of the page.
  • Every figure in an item is checked against the source page named in that item, saved on the day of writing. An item that fails the check is dropped.

1. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers

Pay
$109,910 in May 2025
Entry
Nearly all learn how to do the work through an apprenticeship

The median annual wage for elevator and escalator installers and repairers was $109,910 in May 2025. Nearly all learn how to do the work through an apprenticeship.

2. Boilermakers

Pay
$76,410 in May 2025
Entry
Typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship

The median annual wage for boilermakers was $76,410 in May 2025. Boilermakers typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship.

3. Electricians

Pay
$63,190 in May 2025
Entry
Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship
Training
2,000 hours of paid on-the-job training

The median annual wage for electricians was $63,190 in May 2025. Most electricians learn through an apprenticeship, and apprentices receive paid on-the-job training.

4. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Pay
$63,800 in May 2025
Entry
Most learn their trade through an apprenticeship

The median annual wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters was $63,800 in May 2025. Most learn their trade through an apprenticeship.

5. Carpenters

Pay
$60,580 in May 2025
Entry
Typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training

The median annual wage for carpenters was $60,580 in May 2025. Carpenters typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.

6. Sheet Metal Workers

Pay
$61,800 in May 2025
Entry
Typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship

The median annual wage for sheet metal workers was $61,800 in May 2025. Sheet metal workers typically learn their trade through an apprenticeship.

7. General Maintenance and Repair Workers

Pay
$49,590 in May 2025
Entry
Some may enter the occupation through apprenticeships or training programs

The median annual wage for general maintenance and repair workers was $49,590 in May 2025. Some may enter the occupation through apprenticeships or training programs.

8. Masonry Workers

Pay
$58,270 per year $28.02 per hour (median, May 2025)
Entry
Apprenticeship or on-the-job training

Masons typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and learn the trade either through an apprenticeship or on the job. The median annual wage for masonry workers was $58,270 in May 2025.

9. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

2025 Median Pay
$61,010 per year
Typical Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
On-the-job Training
Long-term on-the-job training

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers work on heating, ventilation, cooling, and refrigeration systems. They typically need a postsecondary nondegree award, and once hired, they typically have a lengthy period of on-the-job training to attain competency.

10. Computer Support Specialists

Pay
$62,890 per year $30.24 per hour (median, May 2025)
Entry
Moderate-term on-the-job training

Computer support specialists typically receive moderate-term on-the-job training. The median annual wage for computer support specialists was $62,890 in May 2025.

11. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

2025 Median Pay
$50,620 per year $24.34 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
On-the-job Training
Short-term on-the-job training

Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks. They typically complete a program in automotive service technology or a related field, although some workers enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn on the job.

12. Construction Laborers and Helpers

Pay
$46,680 per year $22.44 per hour (median, May 2025)
Entry
On-the-job training

Construction laborers and helpers perform tasks on construction sites and can enter through on-the-job training. The median annual wage for construction laborers and helpers was $46,680 in May 2025.

13. Medical Assistants

Typical Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
On-the-job Training
None
2025 Median Pay
$45,690 per year $21.97 per hour

Medical assistants typically need postsecondary education, such as a certificate. Some workers enter the occupation with a high school diploma and learn through on-the-job training.

14. Machinists

Pay
$58,750 per year (median, May 2025)

The median annual wage for machinists was $58,750 in May 2025. Machinists typically are trained on the job, and some learn through training or apprenticeship programs.

15. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

2025 Median Pay
$53,750 per year
Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
On-the-job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training

Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, combined with technical and on-the-job training, to enter the occupation. The median annual wage for welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers was $53,750 in May 2025.

Sources

  1. Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  2. Boilermakers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  3. Electricians, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  4. Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  5. Carpenters, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  6. Sheet Metal Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  7. General Maintenance and Repair Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  8. Masonry Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  9. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  10. Computer Support Specialists, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  11. Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  12. Construction Laborers and Helpers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  13. Medical Assistants, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  14. Machinists and Tool and Die Makers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2
  15. Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers, Occupational Outlook Handbook, BLS, read Oct 2

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