You might hear a lot of people say college is the only way to have a successful life and career - but that is not true! For those who prefer to explore other paths after high school, we want to give you the inside scoop on trade jobs that you might not learn in traditional colleges, require less time in school, and can pay really well! Check out our list of the top 10 trade jobs right now.

Dental Assistant

Average Time in School: 1-2 years

Median Pay: $38,000 - $44,999

Projected Number of Jobs in 10 years: 367,000

Dental Assistants are often the first person you interact with when entering a dentist’s office. They prepare the patient before the dentist or dental hygienist arrives, including preparing patient rooms, processing x-rays, and preparing medical instruments and equipment. Dental Assistants also schedule follow-up appointments and handle billing and payment requests. You would be good as a Dental Assistant if: you are interested in medicine and dentistry, have active listening and communication skills, and are customer-service oriented.

Medical Assistant

Average Time in School: 9 months - 2 years

Median Pay: $31,000 to $38,999

Projected Number of Jobs in 10 years: 853,000

Medical Assistants record patient vitals (body temperature, blood pressure) and prepare patient rooms. They also have administrative responsibilities, like gathering the patient’s medical history, scheduling appointments, and preparing insurance paperwork. You would be good as a Medical Assistant if: you are interested in medicine, comfortable with word processing and forms, and are customer service oriented with active listening skills.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Average Time in School: 4-12 weeks

Median Pay: $29,000 to $37,999

Projected Number of Jobs in 10 years: More than 1 million

CNAs assist patients with their daily activities such as hygiene and grooming. They help feed and dress patients, and adjust patient beds and rooms. They can also record vitals. You would be good as a Certified Nursing Assistant if: you are interested in the medical field, are customer service oriented, and have great active listening skills.

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

Average Time in School: 1-2 years

Median Pay: $44,000 to $51,999

Projected Number of Jobs in 10 years: 750,000

LPNs provide patient care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) and/or doctor. They record patient medical histories, and give basic health care such as checking blood pressure and vitals. They can also give patients medication and set up intravenous meds (IVs). You would be good as a Licensed Practical Nurse if: you are interested in medicine or psychology, have great time management skills, and are customer service oriented with active listening skills.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic

Average Time in School: 6 months - 2 years

Median Pay: $34,000 to $38,999

Projected Number of Jobs in 10 years: 289,000

EMTs and Paramedics respond to medical emergencies. They examine the patient’s injuries at the scene of the emergency and while taking patients by ambulance to the hospital. They also operate medical instruments and give patients medication in a fast-paced environment. You would be good as an EMT or Paramedic if: you are interested in medicine and public safety, a great critical thinker, can stay calm in intense situations, and are able to coordinate in tight spaces.

Medical Records and Information Technician

Average Time in School: 2 years

Median Pay: $39,000 to $54,999

Projected Number of Jobs in 10 years: 363,000

Medical Records and Information Technicians process and maintain healthcare paperwork. They do data entry of patient/treatment records and monitor the activity in the office. They also work with insurance companies to report the patient’s medical conditions and treatments. You would be good as a Medical Records Technician if: you are interested in clerical work, you are detail-oriented, and have great communication skills.

Electrician

Average Time in School: 9 months - 2 years

Median Pay: $50,000 to $64,999

Projected Number of Jobs in 10 years: 795,000

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and products that are used in homes, businesses, and factories. They repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures and identify any electrical problems. Electricians can also work with construction workers, engineers, and architects to help design electrical systems for new buildings. You would be good as an Electrician if: you are good at problem solving, you have an interest in working with power tools, and you have great math skills.

Barber, Hairdresser, and Cosmetologist

Average Time in School: 6 months - 2 years

Median Pay: $25,000 - $27,999

Projected Number of Jobs in 10 years: 742,000

Barbers, Hairdressers, and Cosmetologists shampoo, cut, and color hair. They can also apply makeup or provide nail and skin care services. They work mostly in a barbershop or salon, and advise clients on how to care for their hair, skin, and nails at home. You would be good as a Barber/Hairdresser/Cosmetologist if: you have great hand dexterity to manipulate scissors, hair, and brushes, are interested in sales and marketing for promoting products and services, are social and outgoing, and like to solve problems.

Manicurist and Pedicurist

Average Time in School: 3-9 months

Median Pay: $25,000-$27,999

Projected Number of Jobs in 10 years: 163,000

Manicurists and Pedicurists, polish, and shape nails. They clean the equipment and tools used (nail files, nail clippers, foot baths) and teach clients about how to care for their nails at home. They also schedule appointments, sell nail care products, and can also own and operate their own nail salon. You would be good as a Manicurist/Pedicurist if: you are detail-oriented, customer service oriented, and have great hand dexterity.

Massage Therapist

Average Time in School: 5-12 months

Median Pay: $30,000-$55,999

Projected Number of Jobs in 10 years: 191,000

Massage Therapists give therapy treatments to relieve pain, rehabilitate injuries, and to reduce stress. They interview clients on their medical history and document their progress. They also give clients guidance on proper stretching, and how to improve their posture. You would be good as a Massage Therapist if: you are interested in human anatomy and physiology, have great hand dexterity, and are customer service oriented.