New research reveals UK’s highest-earning trades for 2026, with electricians and welders leading the way

Tadweld has released new research highlighting the UK’s highest-earning trade roles heading into 2026, reinforcing the strength, earning potential and long-term appeal of skilled trade careers across the country.

Drawing on data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Gov.uk, Indeed, and Total Jobs, the analysis shows that skilled trades continue to offer competitive salaries outside traditional university-led careers, alongside strong job security and clear progression routes.

The data also reflects continued interest from young people and career changers, particularly in sectors aligned with infrastructure, construction, manufacturing and clean energy.

Skilled Trades vs UK Average Salary

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

This reinforces that skilled trades offer financially viable, resilient careers without the need for a university degree or student debt, while remaining essential to the UK’s economic growth.

Top Earning Trades Outlook for 2026

Based on 2025 earnings data and sustained demand trends, Tadweld expects electricians, welders, HVAC engineers, lift technicians and renewable-energy installers to remain among the highest-paid trades in 2026.

Demand for specialist roles 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.

Chris Houston, Managing Director of Tadweld, commented on the findings and highlighted the strong performance of electricians and welders, as well as growing interest from young people in hands-on careers.

“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.”

The Importance of Apprenticeships

Chris added that apprenticeships remain central to sustaining growth in the sector.

“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/hour in 2023 to £10/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.”

Skills Shortages and Industry Challenges

While interest in trade careers remains strong, 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.

Conclusion: A Strong Future for Skilled Trades

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 provide high-quality, well-paid careers for young people while supporting long-term economic growth.