Alot of job opportunities are opening up for hands-on careers. Commonly known as blue-collared jobs, these careers may be a lot of hard work but it pays good money. Are you planning to have a career change? You may want to go into the best trades in the industry. Here is a list of the top 10 highest paying trades in the world:

10. Sheet Metal Workers

Sheet metal works work in the construction and manufacturing industry as makers and installers of duct systems for ventilation, outdoor signs, roofs and sidings. To become a sheet metal worker, one can either complete a four to five year apprenticeship or partake in on-the-job training. Taking mechanical drawing and general shop courses is an advantage.

Sheet metal workers are paid with an average of $41.710 per year.

9. Structural Iron and Steel Workers

Structural iron and steel workers also work in the construction industry. They set up iron or steel girders used for the construction of bridges, buildings and other infrastructures. They also place mesh or steel bars in concretes. To become a structural iron and steel worker, one can complete a three to four year apprenticeship program, but other employers offer trainings and courses. Since the job entails construction, one must be physically fit to become a structural iron and steel worker.

Structural iron and steel workers are paid with an average of $44,450 annually.

8. Plumbers

When we speak of plumber, it always involves water. Plumbers specialize in working on drainage, gas and water systems in houses and buildings. Plumbers are also trained to install water heaters, dishwashers, disposal units and fixtures such as bathtubs and sinks. To become a plumber, one has to complete a four to five year apprenticeship program that includes on-the-job trainings plus 144 hours classroom teaching each year.

Plumbers are paid with an average of $46,660 annually.

7. Brickmasons and Blockmasons

Brickmasons and blockmasons are also called bricklayers. They are also working in the construction industry as wall builders. They also build and repair walls, walkways, floors, chimneys and fences. They are skillful with concrete blocks, bricks and other materials used for building. Many bricklayers start as laborers and get on-the-job trainings. However, there are technical schools now offering courses for this job as well as apprenticeship programs. They study blueprint reading, mathematics, layout and sketching for a minimum of 144 hours. But the training, specifically practical courses, for the apprenticeship lasts three to four years.

Brickmasons and blockmasons are paid with an average of $46,930 per year.

6. Pile-Driver Operators

Pile-driver operators operate and control construction machineries used for pushing concrete, wooden or steel posts for building support. Many of them are employed in big construction companies. The International Union of Operating Engineers offers three-year apprenticeship program for pile-driver operators but there are those who join programs and courses in trade schools to master operating skills.

Pile-driver operators are paid with an average of $47,860 annually.

5. Electricians

As plumbers are for water, electricians are for electricity. They maintain and install electrical systems in different types of buildings and in homes. Electricians are skillful in blueprint reading and using tools such as knives, pliers, wire strippers and screwdrivers for their line of work. Most electricians complete a four year apprenticeship program and have gained their skills on on-the-job trainings and classrooms. Practical training in apprenticeships takes 2000 hours while classroom teaching takes 144 hours.

Electricians are paid with an average of $48,250 per year.

4. Construction and building inspectors

Construction and building inspectors are known to be detailed and keen observers since they examine various structures and ensure that these buildings comply with the zoning and local building regulations. Building inspectors regularly visit job sites like bridges, buildings, highways and dams for monitoring. Construction and building inspectors are mostly degree holders in the field of engineering and architecture. Some of them complete a course in building inspection training from community colleges.

Construction and building inspectors are paid with an average of $52,360 annually.

3. Boilermakers

The job of a boilermaker is to repair and create boilers, containers and closed vats that are used for holding gases and liquids. They also put up blast furnaces, smokestacks, storage tanks, process tanks and equipments used for air pollution. Training for boilermakers is through apprenticeship programs or trade school courses, followed by on-the-job trainings.

Boilermakers are paid with an average of $54,640 per year.

2. Electrical and Electronics Repairers

Electrical and electronics repairers should not be confused with electricians since they specialize in electronics repair. They are trained to install, repair and replace electronics used for telecommunications, utilities and transportation. Electrical and electronics repairers are usually Associate degree-holders or trade school graduates in electrical equipment and electronics. However, there are employers who hire high school graduates with on-the-job trainings from experienced technicians.

Electrical and electronics repairers are paid with an average of $65,230 annually.

1. Elevator Installers and Repairers

As the first on the list of top ten highest paying trades in the world, elevator installers and repairers assemble, install and maintain elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, walkways and chairlifts. Elevator installers and repairers complete a four-year apprenticeship program, together with on-the-job trainings and courses in math, reading blueprints, different theories and electrical and electronics safety.

Elevator Installers are paid with an average of $70,910 annually.

If you are interested in joining the bandwagon on the top 10 highest paying trades in the world, here is a list of different schools for trade and technical careers:

1. Lincoln Technical Institute, Philadelphia

2. Everest University, Tampa

3. Everest Institute, Houston

4. Penn Foster Schools

5. Everest College, Arlington

6. Kaplan Career Institute, Cleveland

7. IntelliTec College, Grand Junction

8. Kaplan College - KHE, Dayton

9. Porter and Chester Institute, Stratford

10. Lincoln College of Technology, West Palm Beach

These schools also offer degree programs and training courses in other fields such as business, computers, tourism and medical services. Their programs include classroom teaching, hands-on trainings and on-the-job trainings. You can also check on community colleges and training schools in your area for short courses and apprenticeship programs on these careers.

Whatever career you choose, always remember to work hard and earn a lot.