10 Most Underrated Trade Jobs—and Why Smart People Are Choosing Them

l electricians install, maintain, and repair complex electrical systems that power high-voltage equipment and automated systems. Their knowledge, skills, and expertise ensure uninterrupted industrial operations. 

Why It’s Underrated: The high-stakes environment in which industrial electricians work means a single error can halt production or result in a major safety hazard. 

Even though the job requires vast experience and deep technical knowledge, it is often lumped with general electrical work in popular perception. This diminishes the specialized nature of a role that is leaps and bounds apart from that of a residential or commercial electrician.  

Salary and Job Growth: Industrial electricians in the US make an average annual salary of $73,826, while those with more experience or specialization earn up to $98,400.

Although the BLS does not offer a job growth projection for industrial electricians in particular, it estimates an 11% growth in the employment of electricians in general from 2023 to 2033. 

4. Water Treatment Plant Operators

These specialized professionals monitor and manage systems to provide clean, safe water for communities. Their scientific knowledge and technical skills are key to safeguarding public health. 

Why It’s Underrated: Water treatment plant operators don’t rank high in the imagination of job seekers or even the public at large because their work, though significant, happens out of sight. 

Operators monitor complex water treatment systems, manage chemical processes, and comply with strict environmental regulations. Despite that, misconceptions abound about this job being low-tech or merely custodial in nature. 

Salary and Job Growth: On average, water treatment plant operators make $57,354 per year. 

Although the BLS projects a negative growth rate for this profession, 10,300 openings are expected every year from 2023 to 2033. 

5. CNC Machinists 

Computer numerical control (CNC) machinists program and operate precision machinery to create parts for a variety of industries, from aerospace and automotive to construction and healthcare. 

Why It’s Underrated: Even though this job blends manual skill with advanced technological expertise, it is often dismissed as ‘factory work’ rather than a high-skill trade. 

The sheer complexity this job entails—in terms of reading blueprints, programming machines, and maintaining tolerances to thousandths of an inch—is grossly underappreciated because of popular misconception. 

Salary and Job Growth: CNC machinists earn an average annual salary of $53,047, with top earners making over $71,000 per year. 

While the BLS foresees little or no change in the employment of machinists between 2023 and 2033, around 35,400 new jobs are estimated each year over the period. 

6. Commercial Drivers

Commercial drivers operate trucks, buses, and heavy vehicles that transport goods and passengers. They are essential to the economy and key to the smooth and timely operation of supply chains and public transit. 

Why It’s Underrated: Even though commercial drivers transport everything from food and fuel to construction materials, their role is often dismissed as ‘just driving’. 

Public perception often overlooks the skill and responsibility involved in this job, which demands strict compliance with safety regulations and the ability to navigate complex routes under tight deadlines.

Salary and Job Growth: Commercial drivers make an average of $93,089 per year, while some with specialized licenses earn as much as $206,275. 

The BLS estimates a 5% growth in the employment of commercial drivers between 2023 and 2033, which translates to an admirable 240,300 new openings each year over that period. 

7. Elevator Installers and Repairers

These specialized professionals install, maintain, repair, and ensure the safe operation of elevators, escalators, and moving walkways across commercial, public, and residential buildings. 

Why It’s Underrated: Mostly because of public ignorance of the training, specialized skills, and precision needed for this job. Because elevators and escalators are taken for granted until they happen to break down, the technical complexity and safety-critical nature of this job are typically overlooked.

Salary and Job Growth: Elevator installers and repairers make an average annual salary of $57,200.

The BLS estimates a 6% growth in the employment of these professionals between 2023 and 2033. 

8. HVAC Technicians

They install, maintain, and repair climate control systems to ensure comfort and safety in public, private, and residential settings. 

Why It’s Underrated: This job is often seen as less skilled than other trades despite the technical skills and knowledge of refrigeration, electrical systems, and energy efficiency standards it requires. 

The commonplace and everyday nature of these professionals adds to this perception. 

Salary and Job Growth: On average, HVAC technicians make $62,400 in annual salary. 

The BLS estimates a job growth rate of 9% for these professionals between 2023 and 2033, which translates to 42,500 new openings each year. 

9. Lineworkers

Lineworkers install, maintain, and repair electrical lines, often in hazardous conditions, to keep power grids working for industries and communities. 

Why It’s Underrated: Even though this job demands highly specialized skills and expertise, it’s often regarded as ‘regular utility work’ in public perception. The potentially hazardous nature of this job is overlooked because lineworkers frequently work out of sight and in remote locations. 

Salary and Job Growth: Although the average annual salary for lineworkers in the US is $41,066, top earners in this field make as much as $92,000.

The BLS estimates a 9% growth in the employment of lineworkers between 2023 and 2033.