Back to the Trades

Sheet Metal Workers

Education Required

High school education and on-the-job training.

Median Wage

$37,130/yr

Some workers specialize in a single area such as heating, air conditioning, or refrigeration.

About The Job

Sheet metal workers fabricate, install, and maintain heating and air conditioning systems as well as perform architectural sheet metal work and a variety of other jobs involving sheet metal.

What You'll Do

Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
Adhere to safety standards
Work with customers in the field.

More Info about Sheet Metal Workers

Welders Lineworkers

Back to the Trades

Lineworkers

Education Required

High school education and on-the-job training.

Median Wage

35,920/yr

A lineworker's work often requires working high in the air, occasionally up to 300 feet off the ground, and sometimes requires working in underground vaults or trenches.

About The Job

Lineworkers work on or around high voltage wires and equipment. They respond to and correct problems with the electrical distribution system during any hours and after severe weather. Also, they assist in the daily construction and maintenance of the distribution and transmission systems.

What You'll Do

Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
Adhere to safety standards
Work with customers in the field.

More Info about Lineworkers

Sheet Metal Workers Boilermakers

Back to the Trades

Boilermakers

Education Required

High school education and on-the-job training.

Median Wage

$49,810/yr

The name "boilermaker" originates from the craft of making, installing, and repairing boilers, but that's not all that these tradesmen do.

About The Job

Boilermakers are responsible for more than just boilers. These workers install, maintain and repair a number of systems such as closed vats and other large vessels, air pollution equipment, blast furnaces, water treatment plants, smoke stacks, and hydroelectric power generation turbines.

What You'll Do

Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
Adhere to safety standards
Work with customers in the field.

More Info about Boilermakers

Lineworkers Carpenters

Back to the Trades

Carpenters

Education Required

High school education and on-the-job training.

Median Wage

$33,970/yr

Employment of carpenters is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About The Job

Carpenters work with wood and other materials to construct and maintain buildings, tunnels, bridges and other structures. Their duties can range from erecting scaffolding and constructing tunnel bracing to building concrete forms for tunnels, bridges and other projects.

What You'll Do

Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
Adhere to safety standards
Work with customers in the field.

More Info about Carpenters

Boilermakers Electricians

Back to the Trades

Electricians

Education Required

High school education and on-the-job training.

Median Wage

$43,270/yr

When installing, electricians use hand tools such as screwdrivers, conduit benders, pliers, and wire strippers. Later, they use ohmmeters, ammeters, voltmeters, and other equipment to test connections and ensure that components are compatible and safe.

About The Job

Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.

What You'll Do

Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
Adhere to safety standards
Work with customers in the field.

More Info about Electricians

Carpenters Equipment Operators

Back to the Trades

Equipment Operators

Education Required

High school education and on-the-job training.

Median Wage

$35,770/yr

The equipment they operate may include bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, cranes, rollers, forklifts, air compressors, milling machines, and asphalt spreaders.

About The Job

Equipment Operators are responsible for operating the machinery that is used to pave and surface roads as well as move heavy materials at construction sites.

What You'll Do

Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
Adhere to safety standards
Work with customers in the field.

More Info about Equipment Operators

Electricians Insulation Workers

Back to the Trades

Insulation Workers

Education Required

High school education and on-the-job training.

Median Wage

$30,250/yr

Some types of insulation are fastened with adhesive. staples, or tape. while others, particularly in attics or exterior walls, are blown in using a machine.

About The Job

Insulation workers install the materials used to control and maintain the temperature of buildings and mechanical equipment.

What You'll Do

Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
Adhere to safety standards
Work with customers in the field.

More Info about Insulation Workers

Equipment Operators Masons

Back to the Trades

Masons

Education Required

High school education and on-the-job training.

Median Wage

$33,490/yr

Cement masons work with concrete-one of the most durable materials used in construction - to place and finish concrete walls, foundations, beams, columns, and panels.

About The Job

Brick and blockmasons bind building materials such as brick, concrete block, cinder block, structural tile, and terracotta block with mortar and other substances to construct or repair walls, floors, fireplaces, and other structures.

What You'll Do

Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
Adhere to safety standards
Work with customers in the field.

More Info about Masons

Insulation Workers Painters

Back to the Trades

Painters

Education Required

High school education and on-the-job training.

Median Wage

$24,710/yr

The top skills for painters include active listening, attention to detail, and hand-eye coordination.

About The Job

Paint, coat, or decorate articles such as furniture, glass, plateware, pottery, jewelry, toys, books, or leather.

What You'll Do

Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
Adhere to safety standards
Work with customers in the field.

More Info about Painters

Masons Pipefitters & Plumbers

Back to the Trades

Pipefitters & Plumbers

Education Required

High school education and on-the-job training.

Median Wage

$24,280/yr

Many tradesmen choose to specialize in either pipefitting or plumbing.

About The Job

Pipe systems are used to transport water, steam, gas, waste, and other materials, and pipefitters and plumbers are responsible for keeping these systems maintained according to specifications and codes.

What You'll Do

Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
Adhere to safety standards
Work with customers in the field.

More Info about Pipefitters & Plumbers

Painters Road Builders

Back to the Trades

Road Builders

Education Required

High school education and on-the-job training.

Median Wage

$72,950/yr

The equipment they operate may include bulldozers, trench excavators, road graders, cranes, rollers, forklifts, air compressors, milling machines, and asphalt spreaders.

About The Job

Equipment Operators are responsible for operating the machinery that is used to pave and surface roads as well as move heavy materials at construction sites.

What You'll Do

Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
Adhere to safety standards
Work with customers in the field.

More Info about Road Builders

Pipefitters & Plumbers Welders

Back to the Trades

Welders

Education Required

High school education and on-the-job training.

Median Wage

$42,270/yr

On average most workers make higher wages on the commercial side vs. the residential side.

About The Job

Welding is the process of fastening two pieces of metal together by softening with heat and applying pressure, which can also help to join beams during the construction of buildings, bridges and other structures. This versatile skill can equip welders to work in a number of industries like pipefitting or boilermaking.

What You'll Do

Inspect and test power lines and other equipment using special reading and testing devices.
Clean, tin, and splice corresponding conductors by twisting ends together or by joining ends with metal clamps and soldering connections.
Coordinate work assignment preparation and completion with other workers.
Cut and peel lead sheathing and insulation from defective or newly installed cables and conduits prior to splicing.
Cut trenches for laying underground cables, using trenchers and cable plows.
Attach cross-arms, insulators, and auxiliary equipment to poles prior to installing them.
Lay underground cable directly in trenches, or string it through conduit running through the trenches.
Pull up cable by hand from large reels mounted on trucks.
Replace or straighten damaged poles.
Trim trees that could be hazardous to the functioning of cables or wires.
Adhere to safety standards
Work with customers in the field.

More Info about Welders

Road Builders Sheet Metal Workers