8 High-Paying Trade Jobs That Truly Require No Experience

Mass layoffs across multiple industries have left millions of workers searching for stable careers. Many are looking for positions in new fields that can provide a way to get ahead financially, but they keep encountering conflicting job postings for "entry-level" positions that demand years of experience.

Trade careers, however, offer genuine opportunities for workers without previous experience to build reliable pay and do better financially.

Here are a few of the well-paying trade jobs that usually really mean "no experience necessary."

1. Solar Panel Installation Technician

Median annual salary: $51,860

Getting started in the photovoltaic installation sector is often as easy as applying to your local solar company. Employers are often looking for desire and initiative because much of the training is done on the job. Solar energy is expected to grow significantly (42%) over the next 10 years. Companies like Solar Energy International offer free and paid training courses.

2. Flight Attendant

Median annual salary: $67,130

If you love to travel, getting hired as a flight attendant doesn't require much experience; it requires meeting basic yet stringent requirements, such as a background check, a valid passport, and passing physical tests to comply with FAA requirements. Airlines are transparent about how to get started.

3. Wind Turbine Technician

Median annual salary: $62,580

The green energy sector is projected to grow 50% for wind turbine technicians. The main qualification is safety. Rigorous safety tests for OSHA standards need to be passed during training, so convincing companies that you operate safely can land you a job with paid training.

4. Veterinary Assistant and Laboratory Animal Caretaker

Median annual salary: $37,320

This role is an easy way to get your foot in the door towards becoming a veterinary technician without paying for certification yourself, which bumps up the pay to $45,980 per year. Depending on your state, you may start as a tech with no formal experience beyond being good with animals.

5. Electrician

Median annual salary: $62,350

The barrier to entry varies by locale. Some areas have a shortage of apprentices, making it easy to join the IBEW without experience. Training is on-the-job or through classes. The first step is reaching out to your local IBEW.

6. Welder, Cutter, Solderer, or Brazer

Median annual salary: $51,000

Local community colleges offer inexpensive welding classes, and many employers (like shipyards) will pay for classes and then hire graduates. This is an excellent option for those who are money tight when it comes to sponsoring their own training.

7. Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator

Median annual salary: $58,260

Most entry-level workers obtain a state license through on-the-job training. Request a tour of your local water and wastewater plants and ask about entry-level positions. Your local town or city authority can provide contact information and job postings.

8. Material Moving Machine Operator

Median annual salary: $46,620

Many forklift operators say to skip paid courses and apply directly for open positions. Employers will train and certify you while you get paid, provided there is demand. From there, it's easy to transition to other material-moving positions that pay more.

Bottom Line

If layoffs have you rethinking your career path, there are still entry-level positions that don't require experience and train you after hiring. Many of these trade positions are economically situated to withstand economic downturns and are likely to put extra cash in your pocket in the coming years.