Lucrative Trade School Careers: The 10 Best-Paying Jobs With a 2-Year Degree
College isn’t the only pathway to a fulfilling, high-paying career. In fact, trade school careers are some of the most rewarding, stable, and lucrative options out there today. With hands-on training, quicker entry into the workforce, and lower education costs, jobs with a 2-year degree are more appealing than ever.
Whether you’re fresh out of high school, considering a career change, or simply looking for a job with long-term potential, these careers offer more than just a paycheck—they offer purpose. And good news: many of these are also ideal trade school careers for women, with growing demand, strong support systems, and clear paths for advancement.
Let’s explore ten of the best-paying jobs with a 2-year degree (according to Glassdoor salary estimates in the United States) and why they’re worth considering.
1. Electrician
Avg. Starting Salary: $46K – $71K
Electricians are the unsung heroes powering modern life. They install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in everything from smart homes to sprawling industrial sites. What makes this one of the best-paying jobs with a 2-year degree is its long-term stability and strong union support. With the increasing focus on green energy, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and residential upgrades, electricians are more in demand now than ever.
At Polar, we employ several full-time electricians. If you’re interested in applying for this role, please visit our job listings page to explore our current openings.
2. HVAC Technician
Avg. Starting Salary: $59K – $90K
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians ensure our indoor environments remain comfortable year-round. Whether it’s sweltering summers or freezing winters, HVAC pros are there to install and maintain climate control systems. If you enjoy problem-solving, customer interaction, and working with your hands, this could be the trade school career for you. And as building codes evolve and energy efficiency becomes a bigger priority, this job continues to grow in value.
3. Welder
Avg. Starting Salary: $50K – $69K
Welders use extreme heat and precision to fuse metal parts in construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and beyond. It’s a job that rewards focus, technical skill, and craftsmanship. With aging infrastructure, new green energy projects, and a strong need for fabrication across industries, welders are a hot commodity. And if you’re willing to travel or work in specialized fields like underwater welding, your earning potential skyrockets.
4. Semiconductor Equipment Maintenance Technician
Avg. Starting Salary: $61K – $93K
In high-tech semiconductor foundry environments, these technicians ensure critical equipment runs smoothly 24/7. You’ll troubleshoot, repair, and perform preventative maintenance on advanced machinery used to create microchips that power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. This is a standout among trade school careers because it combines technical training with a clean, collaborative work environment. Plus, with the U.S. investing heavily in semiconductor manufacturing, it’s one of the most stable and future-proof jobs with a 2-year degree.
At Polar, we employ several full-time electricians. If you’re interested in applying for this role, please visit our job listings page to explore our current openings. If you want to learn more, explore our article that dives into a day in the life of an equipment maintenance technician.
5. Automotive Service Technician
Avg. Starting Salary: $57K – $84K
Think beyond oil changes—today’s auto techs are diagnosing complex electrical systems, servicing hybrid drivetrains, and using high-tech tools to keep vehicles safe and efficient. Whether you’re working at a dealership, specialty shop, or opening your own garage, this career offers stability and growth. And with the EV market booming, specialized technicians are increasingly in demand.
6. Radiologic Technologist (X-ray Tech)
Avg. Starting Salary: $72K – $107K
If you want to work in healthcare without going through years of medical school, this might be the perfect path. Radiologic technologists operate imaging equipment to help doctors diagnose injuries and illnesses. It’s one of the most fulfilling trade school careers for women and men alike, combining patient care with advanced technology.
7. Semiconductor Process Technician
Avg. Starting Salary: $53K – $84K
Process technicians at semiconductor facilities like Polar help optimize chip production, monitor wafer quality, and ensure manufacturing excellence. It’s a detail-oriented role that sits at the crossroads of engineering and operations. This job offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology, frequent problem-solving opportunities, and direct involvement in global innovation.
At Polar, we proudly employ semiconductor process technicians of all skill levels and backgrounds. If you’re interested in applying for this role, please visit our job listings page to explore our current openings.
8. Dental Hygienist
Avg. Starting Salary: $95K – $137K
Dental hygienists do more than clean teeth—they educate patients, spot potential health issues, and make a real difference in people’s lives. With flexible hours and high demand, it’s a fantastic option for those who enjoy healthcare and one-on-one interaction. It’s also one of the top trade school careers for women, offering great work-life balance, competitive salaries, and career mobility.
9. Computer Support Specialist
Avg. Starting Salary: $53K – $88K
With the growing reliance on technology in every industry, skilled IT support is more essential than ever. Computer support specialists provide technical assistance to users experiencing issues with software, hardware, or networks. They can work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, education, finance, and tech. This is one of the most accessible tech-focused jobs with a 2-year degree and offers both remote and in-person work opportunities.
At Polar, we have a wide range of IT specialists on staff, responsible for maintaining our complex systems and specialized semiconductor software. If you’re interested in applying for this role, please visit our job listings page to explore our current openings.
10. Semiconductor Facility Maintenance Technician
Avg. Starting Salary: $56K – 83K
These technicians support semiconductor cleanroom operations by ensuring utilities, HVAC systems, and production environments are running optimally. They handle repairs, upgrades, and safety inspections. This is a reliable, essential role within semiconductor foundries like Polar. It’s one of the most rewarding jobs with a 2-year degree for those who enjoy variety, autonomy, and a feeling of purpose.
At Polar, our semiconductor foundry is constantly expanding and evolving—which means we need plenty of skilled facility maintenance technicians to keep it operating at peak performance. If you’re interested in applying for this role, please visit our job listings page to explore our current openings.
Start Your Career with Confidence
As industries evolve, so do the opportunities for skilled workers. Trade school careers are leading the charge in sectors like healthcare, construction, and technology. If you’re looking for the best-paying jobs with a 2-year degree, this list is a great place to start.
Whether you’re seeking a hands-on technical role, a job that gives back to the community, or a stable career with growth potential, there’s a trade school path for you. If you’re interested in a rewarding position in the fast-growing semiconductor industry, visit our Careers page to explore exciting roles at Polar Semiconductor.
Great pay. Big impact. Real growth. Find your path at Polar.