Trade Jobs That Don't Require College
None of the trades below list a college degree as the typical entry-level education. What they do require is a diploma or GED, a clean driving record in most cases, and a willingness to start at the bottom of the wage scale while you train. The licensing column is the part people miss — it is what separates a helper from a licensed tradesperson.
| Trade | Typical entry education | Licensing | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricians | High school diploma or equivalent | Most states license electricians. In Texas, licensing runs through TDLR. | $62,350 / year |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters | High school diploma or equivalent | Most states license plumbers. Texas licenses through the TSBPE. | $62,970 / year |
| Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics and installers | Postsecondary certificate or apprenticeship after high school | EPA Section 608 certification is required by federal law to handle refrigerants. | $59,810 / year |
| Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers | High school diploma plus a welding certificate or on-the-job training | No state license; you qualify by passing weld tests to a code such as AWS D1.1 or ASME Section IX. | $51,000 / year |
| Sheet metal workers | High school diploma or equivalent | No state license required; skill is proven through a 4–5 year apprenticeship and certifications. | $60,850 / year |
| Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians | High school diploma plus a diesel/heavy equipment program or on-the-job training | No license required; ASE certifications and a CDL are the differentiators. | $62,740 / year |
| Solar photovoltaic installers | High school diploma plus moderate-term on-the-job training | No dedicated license; electrical work on the system side requires an electrician license, and NABCEP certification is the industry standard. | $51,860 / year |
Wage figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook national data for May 2024. Job-opening and growth figures are BLS projections for 2024–2034. Pay in the Dallas–Fort Worth market varies by employer, union agreement and overtime.