Plumbing is one of the most well-known high paying trade jobs in 2025, but it's not the only high paying trade job. There are a variety of high paying trade careers for you to choose from, because tradespeople are very in-demand. In the UK, there are an abundance of trade jobs available that offer rewarding salaries. Some even pay up to £45,355 per year!
In this blog, we've put together 10 high paying trade jobs so you can start a career you love without worrying about your financial income. The Uk Trade Skills Index suggests that 1.3 million new skilled tradespeople will be needed to deliver on net zero targets, so now is the perfect time to choose a high-paying trade job.
Construction Site Manager
National Average Salary: £44,000 per year
This list is full of high-paying trade jobs, but none of them have a higher average salary than a Construction Site Manager at £44,000. A construction site manager, also known as a construction manager, is in charge of ensuring all construction builds are completed in time and on budget for any particular project.
The role is perfectly suited for those who enjoy working with others in a collaborative environment, as you will act as the go-between for clients and construction professionals.
Ultimately, they ensure that everything gets done in line with the proposed specifications and safety regulations, and they will also deal with any issues that may arise throughout the process.
There are no specific qualifications needed to become a construction site manager, as many in the construction industry work their way up to the role through job progression.
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Plumber
National Average Salary: £36,140 per year
There's currently a national shortage of plumbers due to a skills shortage, so now really is the best time to learn to be a plumber. Due to the demand, employers are offering rewarding salaries to encourage workers to learn the plumbing trade. Indeed's most recent list of high paying trade jobs lists plumber as the second highest paying trade job. So, if you're looking for a high paying trade job, you really can't go wrong with plumbing.
Plumbers usually charge between £40 to £60 per hour. At an office job, you could be making minimum wage, which is just £10.00 an hour for workers between 18 and 20. That's a quarter of what a plumber usually charges! If the high pay has you interesting in plumbing, there's an easy way to get started. Even if you have no prior plumbing experience, we offer paid plumbing apprenticeships. It's hand-on, intensive, and much faster than a traditional apprenticeship. Plus, you can start earning money straight away!
Electrician
National Average Salary: £38,648 per year
The pay for a UK electrician is much higher than the UK's national average wage. An electrician is faced with challenging and varied work on a daily basis, so the high-pay reflects this.
To be an electrician, you need a wide variety of practical skills and knowledge surrounding health and safety. It's a very intense and detailed career, which is why it's such a high paying trade job! This is one of those jobs where you have to work hard to make your money, but it can be very rewarding and worth it for the right person.
Enrol onto our Essential Electricial Course with no prior experience to kickstart your career today.
Building Inspector
National Average Salary: £38,525 per year
When you think of trade jobs, you likely think of plumbers and electricians, but there are also construction options like building inspectors. A building inspector's role involves managing a team and making sure that construction projects adhere to regulations, specifications and standards. As a building inspector, you'll also be handling specialised testing equipment on a daily basis to test and review systems for potential safety risks. And, of course, it's a high-paying trade job with a considerable salary.
Power Plant Operator
National Average Salary: £30,388 per year
While you may only know one power plant operator (the well-known Homer Simpson) this exciting role is integral to the smooth running of our society.
As a power plant operator, your responsibilities include maintaining and managing the equipment fuelled by either gas, solar, wind, nuclear or hydroelectric energy for electricity.
A lot of the role is ensuring that everything is securely maintained, tested and running while adhering to government regulations and standards.
To get into this field, you will need qualifications in electrical engineering which can be achieved through the various electrical courses that we have to offer.
Carpenter
National Average Salary: £36,000 per year
If you're looking for a practical, hands-on trade job then the role of a carpenter may be perfect for you. From repairing timber building structures to building doors and window frames, there's never a dull moment in the day of a carpenter.
Carpenters are in incredibly high demand, and qualified carpenters can earn an extremely rewarding salary due to their skill.
Roofer
National Average Salary: £31,181 per year
As a roofer, you'll be an expert in removals, repairs, fitting and sealing. Your working day could be spent at a construction site, a business or at a customer's home.
One of the most important things in this role is the ability to work safely and effectively at height, as this is something you'll be doing on a daily basis!
There are plenty of career progression opportunities for this high-paying trade job, including becoming a roofing surveyor and even a site manager.
Structural Engineer
National Average Salary: £35,000 per year
A structural engineer focuses on the design and construction of new buildings, and improving the existing structural elements of older buildings.
They usually work in cahoots with a site manager, but their expertise lies in the technical elements of a building such as preparing designs and plans.
Plasterer
National Average Salary: £33,000 per year
Plasterers are incredibly skilled tradesmen that apply plaster and decorative finishes to interior and exterior walls and ceilings. Working as part of a building team, your job may involve addiing plaster to wooden timbers or dry lining plasterboards for construction projects.
Kitchen Fitter
National Average Salary: £34,568 per year
Kitchen Fitters install kitchens in home and workplaces. This involves measuring and assembling kitchen units and worktops according to plans. You'll also need to navigate other pipes and appliances throughout the installation process.
It's the perfect mix of carpentry and electrical skill, and it's very easy to pursue a career in this particular niche.
Start a High Paying Trade Career with Access Training
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Last Edited 06/04/25