Your Career Starts in High School
Skilled trades offer high wages, job security, and zero college debt. Explore five career paths you can start today through Marin County's CAPP and CTE programs.
$65K+
Avg. starting salary
5
Career pathways
0
College debt required
2–5 yrs
To full journeyman wage
Automotive Technology
Diagnose, repair, and restore vehicles of every era
$55,000–$85,000
+5% (2022–2032)
Entry in 6–12 months
Automotive technicians diagnose and repair cars, trucks, and specialty vehicles. From classic car restoration to cutting-edge EV diagnostics, this field blends mechanical intuition with modern computer skills. Marin County's CAPP program at Terra Linda High School gives students a head start with hands-on shop experience.
Key Skills
Welding
Fuse metal, build infrastructure, and earn top wages fast
$50,000–$90,000
+3% (2022–2032)
Entry in 3–6 months
Welders join metal components for bridges, pipelines, ships, and buildings. Skilled welders are in high demand across construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and energy. With the right certifications, welders can earn six figures on specialized projects.
Key Skills
Construction
Build homes, schools, and the infrastructure of tomorrow
$55,000–$95,000
+5% (2022–2032)
Entry in 3–12 months
Construction workers build and renovate residential and commercial structures. Specialties include carpentry, concrete, masonry, and project management. California's housing shortage makes skilled construction workers among the most in-demand tradespeople in the state.
Key Skills
Plumbing
Master the systems that keep homes and buildings running
$60,000–$100,000
+6% (2022–2032)
Entry in 6–12 months
Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and drainage systems in homes and commercial buildings. It's one of the most recession-proof trades — everyone needs running water. California plumbers earn some of the highest wages in the country, especially in the Bay Area.
Key Skills
Electrical
Power the future — from solar panels to smart buildings
$65,000–$110,000
+11% (2022–2032)
Entry in 6–12 months
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. With California's push toward solar energy, EV charging infrastructure, and smart buildings, electricians are among the fastest-growing and highest-paid tradespeople in the state.
Key Skills
Mike Rowe on Skilled Trades & Hard Work
The host of "Dirty Jobs" shares why skilled trades are the path to economic freedom — and why young people should take them seriously.
Courtesy of The Wall Street Journal