Vocational Index

Trades & 2-year · Certificate

Certificates and short programs

A postsecondary certificate or license program, often under a year, is the typical way in.

CareerMedian yearly payAll workers · May 2025Top 10% earn overMay 2025Projected growth2025–35Openings per yearprojected, 2025–35
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers $58,640 $79,380 +3.8% 214,500
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses $64,400 $83,440 +3.0% 51,800
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers $61,010 $95,210 +10.9% 40,600
Firefighters $59,280 $101,040 +3.7% 26,800
Massage therapists $58,450 $100,200 +15.3% 20,400
Medical records specialists $51,140 $81,150 +7.8% 14,000
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians $79,870 $128,890 +5.4% 11,400
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers $63,890 $96,730 -3.3% 11,300
Surgical technologists $64,650 $96,940 +5.0% 7,100
Audio and video technicians $58,100 $100,650 +3.9% 6,600
First-line supervisors of firefighting and prevention workers $93,530 $140,010 +3.7% 6,600
Commercial pilots $123,220 $266,620 +5.2% 5,200
Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment $74,090 $105,590 +0.3% 4,700
Paramedics $60,600 $84,850 +5.7% 4,300
Tool and die makers $64,050 $92,680 -9.2% 4,300
Captains, mates, and pilots of water vessels $92,460 $170,640 +4.0% 3,800
Computer numerically controlled tool programmers $68,120 $100,320 +5.9% 2,700
Audiovisual equipment installers and repairers $52,600 $84,190 +4.8% 2,200
Healthcare practitioners and technical workers, all other $65,790 $129,830 +5.1% 2,200
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners $72,420 $130,560 -0.1% 1,800
Electrical and electronics repairers, powerhouse, substation, and relay $103,020 $129,920 +9.7% 1,800
Avionics technicians $82,280 $113,680 +9.4% 1,700
Fire inspectors and investigators $75,920 $118,750 +4.2% 1,600
Wind turbine service technicians $64,120 $92,460 +29.5% 1,500
Surgical assistants $66,800 $107,610 +6.1% 1,400
Sound engineering technicians $73,130 $137,370 -3.1% 1,000
Ship engineers $109,530 $165,490 +2.7% 900
Insurance appraisers, auto damage $78,240 $101,590 -8.7% 700
Lighting technicians $68,060 $130,760 -4.8% 600
Makeup artists, theatrical and performance $97,150 $167,470 +6.1% 600
Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment $84,890 $116,810 +5.4% 500
Commercial divers $72,990 $157,790 +4.8% 400