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Trades

Eight trades. One mission.

Each of these trades is in heavy demand right now. Each one is essential to America’s defense industrial base. Pick the one that fits the way you want to spend your days.

Electrician

Wire ships, factories, and homes

Pay Range: $40K – $110K

Time to Start: 48 mo

Demand: High

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Welder

Build the steel backbone of America

Pay Range: $33K – $75K

Time to Start: 9 mo

Demand: Very High

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CNC Machinist

Machine the parts that defend America

Pay Range: $34K – $75K

Time to Start: 12 mo

Demand: Very High

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Shipbuilder

Build the Navy's fleet

Pay Range: $32K – $72K

Time to Start: 18 mo

Demand: Critical

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HVAC Technician

Keep the mission running

Pay Range: $36K – $84K

Time to Start: 12 mo

Demand: High

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Pipefitter

Run the pipe that runs the world

Pay Range: $38K – $108K

Time to Start: 60 mo

Demand: Very High

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Diesel Mechanic

Build what defends America

Pay Range: $36K – $80K

Time to Start: 24 mo

Demand: High

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Defense Technician

Move the mission. Sustain the fight.

Pay Range: $42K – $110K

Time to Start: 24 mo

Demand: High

Learn more

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Trade
Pay Range
Time to Start
Demand
Electrician

Wire ships, factories, and homes

Pay Range:

$40K – $110K

Time to Start:

48 mo

Demand:

High

Learn More

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Welder

Build the steel backbone of America

Pay Range:

$33K – $75K

Time to Start:

9 mo

Demand:

Very High

Learn More

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CNC Machinist

Machine the parts that defend America

Pay Range:

$34K – $75K

Time to Start:

12 mo

Demand:

Very High

Learn More

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Shipbuilder

Build the Navy's fleet

Pay Range:

$32K – $72K

Time to Start:

18 mo

Demand:

Critical

Learn More

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HVAC Technician

Keep the mission running

Pay Range:

$36K – $84K

Time to Start:

12 mo

Demand:

High

Learn More

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Pipefitter

Run the pipe that runs the world

Pay Range:

$38K – $108K

Time to Start:

60 mo

Demand:

Very High

Learn More

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Diesel Mechanic

Build what defends America

Pay Range:

$36K – $80K

Time to Start:

24 mo

Demand:

High

Learn More

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Defense Technician

Move the mission. Sustain the fight.

Pay Range:

$42K – $110K

Time to Start:

24 mo

Demand:

High

Learn More

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Why skilled trades?

Real pay. Real demands. Hands on work that AI can’t replace.

$80K+

Median pay for journey-level trades

~18 mo

Time to start in many trades

+6%

Projected job growth through 2034

0

Years of student debt required

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Department of War (DOW) workforce reports.

Get Paid to Train
Find a scholarship for your trade

mikeroweWORKS Foundation and partner programs offer scholarships designed specifically for skilled-trade training.

See Scholarships
EARN WHILE YOU LEARN
Find an apprenticeship

Registered apprenticeships pay you from day one — average 4-year programs end in journey-level wages.

See Apprenticeships

Common Questions (FAQ)

Do I need a four-year degree to enter a skilled trade?

No. Most skilled trades are entered through apprenticeships, certificate programs or trade school – typically 9 months to 4 years depending on the trade.

How much can I realistically earn in a skilled trade?

Median pay across the eight trade on this hub ranges from roughly $40K at entry level to well over $100K for journeyman and master-level roles.

Is the work AI-proof?

Hands-on physical trades – installing, repairing, building – can’t be offshored or automated. Demand grows as the existing skilled workforce retires.

Do I nee to pay for training out of pocket?

Often not. Many apprenticeships pay you while you train, and scholarship programs (e.g., mikeroweWORKS) cover trade school costs.

Where can I find jobs in my state?

Use the “Find a Job in My Area” search, or visit the state landing page for your state to see local employers, programs and scholarships/

Veterans: you already have a head start.

Navy EMs, CEs, ICs. Air Force 3E0s. Army 12Rs. Coast Guard ETs & EMs. Your training, your work ethic, and your security clearance are exactly what the defense industrial base is hiring for – right now.

Jobs for Veterans
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Our mission is simple: build the workforce that builds and defends America. Our national and economic security depends on it. We will help power our nation’s defense industrial base and revive the skilled trades. We will be connecting the next generation of builders – the welders, machinists, mechanics, electricians, technicians and more – to high-wage, big-impact jobs. You can help us build freedom for generations to come.

Contact us

In partnership with mikeroweWORKS Foundation, National Labor Exchange and the Department of War.

Contact

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