New research has revealed the UK’s highest-earning trades heading into 2026, with electricians and welders leading the rankings.

Yorkshire-based steelwork manufacturing and coded welding specialist Tadweld has today released new analysis highlighting the earning power, resilience and long-term appeal of skilled trade careers across the UK.

Drawing on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Gov.uk, Indeed and Total Jobs, the research shows that skilled trades continue to deliver some of the most competitive salaries outside traditional university-led career paths. These roles also offer strong job security and clear progression routes.

The findings reflect sustained interest from young people and career-changers alike, particularly in sectors aligned with infrastructure, construction, manufacturing and clean energy.

Across the top 20 trade roles analysed, the average salary stands at £38,925, placing skilled trades firmly in line with the UK median annual salary of £39,039 for full-time employees (ONS, April 2025).

This comparison reinforces the position of skilled trades as financially viable and resilient career options, offering strong earning potential without the need for a university degree or student debt, while remaining essential to the UK’s economic growth.

Based on 2025 earnings data and sustained demand trends, Tadweld expects the following trades to remain among the highest-paid in 2026. The figures place many skilled trade roles at or above the UK’s median full-time earnings, underlining trades as respected, well-paid and future-proof career choices.

Demand for specialist roles – including electricians, welders, HVAC engineers, lift technicians and renewable-energy installers – continues to rise as the UK invests in housing delivery, infrastructure upgrades and the transition to clean energy. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the sector will require more than 250,000 additional workers by 2028 to meet demand.

Commenting on the findings, Chris Houston, Managing Director of Tadweld, acknowledged the strong performance of skilled trades – particularly electricians and welders – and the continued appetite among young people to pursue hands-on careers.

He said:

“It’s great to see electricians and welders leading the rankings. These roles offer excellent pay, long-term security and a genuinely positive working environment where young adults can thrive, develop specialist skills and build meaningful careers.

Modern trades are highly technical, safety-led and professional – and they play a critical role in everything from clean energy projects to national infrastructure.”

Chris added that apprenticeships remain central to sustaining this success:

“Apprenticeships are a hugely positive pathway into the trades. They allow people to earn while they learn, gain real-world experience and progress quickly in industries that genuinely value skill and commitment.

However, challenges with the cost of apprenticeship are increasingly constraining manufacturers’ ability to offer competitive wages to skilled tradespeople. With the apprentice National Living Wage (NLW) rising 66% over just two years – from £6 per hour in 2023 to £10 per hour in 2025 – small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are facing exceptionally high training costs, and it’s vital that the government recognises the impact of this inflation to maintain a nation of skilled workers.”

While interest in trade careers remains strong, industry data shows apprenticeship starts remain below historic levels. The Department for Education reports that there were around 170,000 fewer apprenticeship starts in 2024 than a decade earlier.

Industry bodies including CITB, Make UK and The Federation of Small Businesses have repeatedly highlighted that sustained support for apprenticeships is essential to addressing skills shortages, maintaining wage growth and supporting regional economies.

Tadweld’s 2026 outlook concludes that skilled trades remain among the most attractive and resilient career options in the UK, offering:

• Competitive pay aligned with national averages

• Clear progression without university debt

• Strong demand across construction, energy and manufacturing

• Opportunities to work on nationally significant projects

With continued support for apprenticeships and skills training, the UK’s trade sector is well positioned to deliver high-quality, well-paid careers for young people while supporting long-term economic growth.

For the full research and the top 20 highest-paying trades of 2026, visit:
https://tadweld.co.uk/break-the-degree-debt-cycle-lead-the-uks-39k-trade-revolution/

Average salary data sourced from ONS, Total Jobs and Gov.uk.