Elevator and escalator installation and electrical power-line work are two higher-paying trade paths worth investigating. But national median wages are not entry-level offers, and the highest number should not decide your career by itself. BLS reports May 2025 medians for the four occupations below. Elevator profile · Power-line profile
Four trades to compare
| Occupation | National median annual wage, May 2025 | Training route described by BLS |
|---|---|---|
| Elevator/escalator installers and repairers | $109,910 | Nearly all learn through apprenticeships |
| Electrical power-line installers and repairers | $95,320 | Technical instruction and on-the-job training; apprenticeships common |
| Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters | $63,800 | Most learn through apprenticeships |
| Electricians | $63,190 | Most learn through apprenticeships; some begin at technical school |
Official profiles: elevators, power lines, plumbing, electricians. This is a selected comparison, not an exhaustive national ranking.
Median does not mean starting salary
The median divides the measured workers into two halves; it is not what every new worker earns. BLS explicitly says electrician and plumbing apprentices earn less than fully trained workers. Electrician pay · Plumbing pay
Ask a specific apprenticeship or employer for its starting wage, progression rules, benefits, expected hours and any costs you must pay. Compare a real entry offer with another real offer, not with the national median for experienced and inexperienced workers together.
Look beyond annual pay
BLS describes elevator work in confined spaces and at heights, with possible emergency calls. It notes power-line workers may travel after storms and work long hours. Electrician schedules can include evenings, weekends and overtime. Elevators · Power lines · Electricians
Use those descriptions to prepare questions: What does a normal week look like? How often does travel occur? Which tasks would I do during training? What safety preparation is required? Do not confuse willingness to learn with a reason to ignore working conditions.
Compare the training offer in writing
For each route, record entry requirements, application dates, training location, compensation, instruction costs, tools and travel. Ask how completion is documented and which state authorization is needed for the work you intend to do.
BLS says most states require licensing for electricians, plumbers and elevator workers. That is a reason to check your state’s actual requirements, not a substitute for them. Electricians · Plumbing · Elevators
A useful decision example
Imagine one student has a local apprenticeship offer and another option requiring relocation. Compare the actual starting pay against housing, transportation and required costs in each location. A higher national median cannot tell you which first-year arrangement is affordable.
This is a hypothetical decision method, not a promise that either student will be accepted or earn a particular amount.
What to do next
Choose two occupations, read the official profiles, identify actual local training opportunities and request written terms. Then compare the first stage of each path, not only the earnings number you hope to reach later.
