With rising college costs, student loan debt, and uncertain job markets, more people are taking a serious look at the trades—and for good reason. Skilled trades offer strong pay, steady demand, and clear paths to business ownership without requiring a four-year degree.
While many trades are worth considering, two consistently rise to the top: plumbing and general contracting.
Here’s why.
Why the Trades Are a Smart Career Choice
The demand for skilled trades continues to grow due to:
- Aging infrastructure
- Ongoing residential and commercial construction
- A large portion of the workforce nearing retirement
- Increasing regulations and technical complexity
Skilled trades can’t be outsourced, automated away, or replaced by AI—and that makes them future-proof careers.
Plumbing: A Top-Tier Trade With Endless Demand
Plumbing is one of the most reliable and high-earning trades available.
Why Plumbing Is Always in Demand
- Every home and building needs water and drainage
- Repairs are urgent—people can’t wait
- Work exists in residential, commercial, and industrial settings
- Licensing requirements limit competition
From new construction to emergency service calls, plumbers are essential in every community.
Income Potential in Plumbing
- Entry-level plumbers earn solid wages while learning
- Experienced and master plumbers can earn strong five-figure to six-figure incomes
- Plumbers who own their own businesses often earn well into six figures, depending on location and scale
Plumbing also offers opportunities to specialize in areas like gas systems, medical gas, commercial piping, and large infrastructure projects.
General Contractors: The Business Side of the Trades
General contracting is less about a single skill and more about managing projects, people, and systems.
What General Contractors Do
- Oversee residential and commercial construction projects
- Coordinate subcontractors (plumbers, electricians, HVAC, etc.)
- Manage schedules, budgets, permits, and inspections
- Act as the main point of responsibility for clients
This makes general contracting ideal for people who enjoy leadership, organization, and big-picture thinking.
Why General Contracting Is a Powerful Career Path
- Contractors can start from nearly any trade background
- Income scales with project size and efficiency
- Strong demand in residential remodeling and commercial development
- Clear path to building a large, profitable business
Successful general contractors often move beyond hourly pay into project-based profits, creating significant income potential.
Plumbing vs. General Contracting: Which Is Right for You?
| If you like… | Plumbing | General Contracting |
|---|---|---|
| Hands-on technical work | ✅ | ⚪ |
| Emergency and service work | ✅ | ⚪ |
| Running a service business | ✅ | ✅ |
| Managing people and projects | ⚪ | ✅ |
| Scaling into larger companies | ⚪ | ✅ |
Many professionals start in plumbing or another trade and later move into general contracting as they gain experience and business skills.
Other Strong Trades Worth Considering
While plumbing and general contracting stand out, other high-value trades include:
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Welding
- Carpentry
- Heavy equipment operation
Each offers solid pay and long-term stability when approached professionally.
The Common Thread: Skill, Consistency, and Ownership
The best trades to go into all share the same qualities:
- Essential services people can’t live without
- Skills that improve with experience
- Opportunities to move from employee to owner
Plumbing and general contracting check all those boxes—and then some.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a trade isn’t about settling—it’s about choosing a career with real demand, real pay, and real opportunity.
Whether you prefer the technical mastery of plumbing or the leadership and scale of general contracting, both paths offer something increasingly rare in today’s world: control over your future.
For those willing to learn, work, and grow, the trades remain one of the smartest career choices available.
