Apprenticeships
In an apprenticeship you get hired, earn a paycheck and learn the job from experienced workers, usually with some classroom training on the side. Here are 29 jobs people commonly learn this way, with what they pay nationally and how many openings are expected each year.
- Automotive service technicianMedian pay: $50,620 a year
- BoilermakerApprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $76,410 a year
- Bricklayer and blockmasonApprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $62,120 a year
- CarpenterApprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $60,580 a year
- Cement mason and concrete finisherMedian pay: $57,020 a year
- Chef and head cookMedian pay: $62,470 a year
- Construction laborerMedian pay: $47,120 a year
- Construction painterMedian pay: $49,400 a year
- Drywall installerMedian pay: $58,930 a year
- Electrical lineworkerMedian pay: $95,320 a year
- ElectricianApprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $63,190 a year
- Elevator and escalator installerApprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $109,910 a year
- GlazierApprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $57,080 a year
- HVAC technicianMedian pay: $61,010 a year
- Ironworker (structural iron and steel)Apprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $62,780 a year
- MachinistMedian pay: $58,750 a year
- Mechanical insulation workerApprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $58,340 a year
- Medical assistantMedian pay: $45,690 a year
- MillwrightApprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $65,700 a year
- Operating engineer (heavy equipment)Median pay: $59,850 a year
- Plumber, pipefitter or steamfitterApprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $63,800 a year
- Rebar workerApprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $58,970 a year
- RooferMedian pay: $55,440 a year
- Sheet metal workerApprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $61,800 a year
- Solar panel installerMedian pay: $53,140 a year
- StonemasonApprenticeship is the usual pathMedian pay: $57,390 a year
- Tile and stone setterMedian pay: $55,690 a year
- Tool and die makerMedian pay: $64,050 a year
- WelderMedian pay: $53,750 a year
Pay is the national median for all workers in the job (BLS wage data, May 2025); openings are the projected yearly average (BLS employment projections). Updated November 5, 2026.