Best Trade Jobs for Introverts

5 Trade Jobs that Introverts Shine In 

To be clear, these five are not the only trade jobs that are a good fit for introverted minds. There are countless others.

Our selection is based on current demand trends, projected employment growth, and overall job viability for introverts. 

With that in mind, let’s dive right in. 

1. Maintenance Technician

Maintenance technicians are specialized professionals in charge of keeping elaborate industrial processes and critical equipment running smoothly and efficiently. 

They are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining complex machinery, equipment, and systems across homes, public and commercial buildings, factories, and work sites. 

They are also in charge of performing inspections, diagnostics, and preventive maintenance to increase productivity and minimize downtimes.  

The significance of the maintenance technician’s role comes down to two factors: 

• Technological advancements have led industries to rely on increasingly complex machinery and systems that require a specialized workforce to maintain. 
• Increasing use of robotics and automation across various sectors requires a skilled workforce to ensure seamless operations and prevent disruptions. 

Employment Growth and Salaries

The occupation of maintenance technicians has one of the highest job growth rates in the US. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 17.2% growth for industrial machinery mechanics (of which maintenance technicians are a part) between 2023 and 2033. 

This line of work is hugely attractive in terms of salaries as well. 

The average annual salary for a maintenance technician in the US is $65,662, with top earners making well in excess of $100,000. 

Actual salaries for all trade jobs in this list can vary widely based on skill level, years of experience, and location. 

Education and Training

As with the other trade jobs on this list, a maintenance technician’s role does not demand a traditional four-year college degree. 

Instead, there are three pathways to entering this job: 

• Online Courses: Platforms like Unmudl offer specialized online courses that give you the key skills necessary for this job in as little as 10 weeks. 
• Trade School & Community College: They focus on the specific skills needed for maintenance technician roles and validate them with a diploma or associate’s degree.
• Practical Training: You can complete an apprenticeship under a senior technician or take up vocational training through an industry-partnered program.
      

2. Wind Turbine Technician

This is one trade job that offers introverts the chance to get out of crowded urban spaces and work outdoors, usually in remote and sometimes offshore locations.

Wind turbine technicians are skilled professionals tasked with installing, inspecting, repairing, maintaining, and monitoring power-generating wind turbines. 

This trade job offers multiple specialized roles such as blade repair specialists, control systems technicians, and high voltage electrician technicians.

Wind turbine technicians must have a combination of mechanical aptitude, strong problem-solving skills, physical stamina, and the ability to work at great heights, sometimes under harsh weather conditions. 

They must also be adept at diagnosing problems with a turbine’s mechanical, electrical, and computer systems. 

Employment Growth and Salaries

The growing demand for clean energy is driving worldwide demand for wind turbine technicians. 

In the US, employment of these skilled professionals is projected to grow 60% between 2023 and 2033. That translates to an average of 2,100 new wind turbine technician roles each year over the same decade. 

Salary prospects for this profession are equally upbeat. 

The average annual salary for a wind turbine technician in the US is $54,230, with more experienced and specialized workers earning up to $79,000.

Education and Training

The wind turbine technician’s role calls for a combination of skills-based education, training, and certification. 

• Online Courses: Unmudl offers a range of courses on wind turbine technology, from introductory to advanced level.
• Technical Schools: They offer postsecondary certificates and associate’s degrees in wind energy tech through a mix of classroom teaching and hands-on training.
• On-the-Job Training: It typically lasts for 12 months and is designed to familiarize candidates with specific tasks, work standards, and safety protocols. 

Continuous education and additional certifications are key to staying abreast of the latest technical developments in this field. 

3. Plumber, Electrician, and HVAC Technician

Clubbing these three distinct trades together makes sense because of their similarities in terms of skills, educational requirements, and training pathways. 

All three professions also represent essential services with consistently high demand.

Let’s briefly understand the significance of each role: 

• Plumber: A skilled tradesman responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining water, sewage, and drainage systems in residential, commercial, and industrial sites. 
• Electrician: In charge of safety and efficiency of electrical components and systems at homes, offices, factories, and vital public and private facilities. 
• HVAC Technician: Designs, installs, and maintains heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems that keep buildings comfortable and healthy.   

Employment Growth and Salaries

The BLS estimates healthy job growth rates for plumbers, electricians, and HVAC technicians at 6%, 11%, and 9% respectively from 2023 to 2033. 

This is how they compare in terms of average annual salaries:

• Plumbers: $63,215.
• Electricians: $61,391.
• HVAC Technicians: $58,782.

All three trades also enjoy strong job security, a wide variety of industries and work environments, and the ability to work independently. 

That also makes them ideal for anybody looking to switch careers. 

Education and Training

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the only educational requirement for these three occupations. 

Pathways to employment involve:

• Trade-Specific Education: A mix of classroom training and hands-on work on relevant systems and protocols. 
• Practical Training: 4 to 5 years of paid apprenticeship under the supervision of an experienced tradesman. 
• Licensing: Passing applicable licensing exams to obtain a journeyman or master’s license.  

State-based licensing requirements may apply to each of these three trades depending on your location. 

4. Biomedical Equipment Technician

A biomedical equipment technician is responsible for the maintenance and repair of diagnostic, treatment, and therapeutic medical devices. 

That includes X-ray machines, patient monitors, ultrasound equipment, and ventilators, among others. 

These technicians are responsible for keeping such medical equipment in top working condition across a variety of settings, from hospitals and specialized clinics to research labs. 

The key functions of a biomedical equipment technician include: 

• Installing, testing, and calibrating medical equipment. 
• Troubleshooting issues and preventive maintenance.  

• Disassembling, repairing, and reassembling equipment.
• Ensuring patient and staff safety during equipment use. 
• Keeping up to date with evolving medical technologies. 

Employment Growth and Salaries

The employment of medical equipment repairers and technicians is expected to grow at a robust rate of 18% from 2023 to 2033. 

That is much faster than the average for all other occupations. 

This growth is fuelled by an aging population, new advances in medical technology, and continuously higher standards of medical service delivery.

The job involves attractive compensation and benefits as well, with the average annual salary for biomedical equipment technicians at $$64,982. 

The advanced level of specialization required in this field means top earners can make over $100,000 a year. 

Education and Training

The basic educational requirement for this field is an associate’s degree in biomedical equipment technology, engineering technology, or a related field. 

Here’s what you must keep in mind: 

• Online Programs: Enrol in accredited online courses on platforms Unmudl that are certified by the American Board of Engineering and Technology.  
• Internships: Often a mandatory requirement, internships provide critical hands-on training in handling advanced medical equipment.  
• Certifications: Completion of a US military program is a must to become a Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET).
  

5. Diesel Mechanics

A diesel mechanic is a trained professional specialized in the repair, maintenance, and servicing of diesel-powered engines, vehicles, and heavy machinery. 

They must work on all components of diesel-powered engines and equipment, including hydraulic and mechanical parts, drivelines, and electrical systems. 

They are responsible for everything from routine maintenance and minor fixes to extensive rebuilds and full-scale overhauls. 

Here’s what a diesel mechanic’s workday involves: 

• Inspection: Detecting warning signs and potential issues early on. 
• Diagnosis: Identifying the source of breakdowns and malfunctions.
• Repair: Repairing damaged parts and restoring equipment to working order. 
• Routine maintenance: For instance, regular oil changes and part replacements. 
• Reporting: Keeping detailed logs on inspection reports and repair work. 

Employment Growth and Salaries

Demand for professionals in this line of work has continued to hold steady over recent decades. 

Although the estimated job growth for diesel mechanics between 2023 and 2033 is only 3%, it translates to 25,600 new openings each year over the decade. 

The dirt, grime, and sweat that usually come with this job are well compensated for. 

On average, diesel mechanics in the US earn an annual salary of $58,798. Those with specialized skills or extensive experience can look to earn as much as $80,500 per annum.  

Education and Training

While some diesel mechanics still go straight to on-the-job training, most employers insist on candidates completing a structured training program before they can be hired. 

A high school diploma or GED is typically mandatory. 

• High School: Classes in mathematics, computers, automotive, and shop are relevant to this career. 
• Formal Training: Follow it up with a diploma in diesel mechanics from a recognized institute. 
• Certification: Hands-on skills are key for those aspiring for initial, mid, and advanced-level certifications.