The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Several skilled trades combine solid national wages with apprenticeship routes that pay you while you train. But neither a high starting wage nor debt-free training is guaranteed: what you earn and owe depends on the occupation, local labor market, apprenticeship sponsor, and costs such as tuition, fees, and tools.
Five trades to compare for pay and job outlook
The figures below are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) national median annual wages for May 2025, with projected employment growth for 2025–35 from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profiles published in 2026. A median is the midpoint of employed workers’ wages—not an entry-level offer or a promise about what a new apprentice will earn.
| Trade | May 2025 national median wage | Projected growth, 2025–35 | Typical training and considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevator and escalator installers and repairers | $109,910 | 6% | Nearly all learn through apprenticeship; most states require licensure. Work can involve heights, confined spaces, on-call repairs, and overtime. |
| Electrical power-line installers and repairers | $95,320 | 10% | Technical instruction and on-the-job training are typical, and apprenticeships are common. High-voltage work and heights pose serious hazards. |
| Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters | $63,800 | 7% | Most learn through a four- or five-year apprenticeship; most states require plumbers to be licensed. Emergency work can mean nights or weekends. |
| Electricians | $63,190 | 9% | Most learn through apprenticeship, and most states require licensing. Schedules may include evenings, weekends, or overtime. |
| HVAC mechanics and installers | $61,010 | 11% | Typically need a postsecondary nondegree award and lengthy on-the-job training. Licensing or certification may be required; seasonal demand can bring irregular schedules or overtime. |
Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wages Summary, May 2025; BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profiles for electricians, elevator and escalator installers, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, HVAC mechanics and installers, and electrical power-line installers and repairers. National medians can conceal substantial differences by state, metro area, industry, experience, union status, hours worked, and self-employment. For a local comparison, use each profile’s state and area wage links.
How apprenticeships can reduce borrowing—and what they do not guarantee
A registered apprenticeship combines paid on-the-job training and mentorship with classroom instruction. Participants typically progress through wage increases as they gain skills and can earn a Department of Labor credential. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) describes these programs as a way to earn while learning that may help workers avoid student loans, but it does not say every apprenticeship is free or leaves every participant debt-free.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Apprenticeship is not the only route into a trade. HVAC technicians, for example, typically need a postsecondary nondegree award plus on-the-job training. A trade-school program may involve tuition and other expenses, and the available national figures do not establish comparable costs for tuition, fees, tools, or aid across programs. Apprentices also may face classroom costs or need to buy tools. Ask for the full cost and payment schedule before committing.
GAO reported about 940,000 registered-apprenticeship participants across industries in fiscal year 2024. It also reported Department of Labor figures showing average annual wages of about $80,000 in the first year after exit for completers who exited between April 2022 and March 2023. That is an across-program average, not a starting-pay estimate for any one trade. GAO’s April 28, 2025 report, publicly released May 28, 2025, explains the program model and its potential benefits.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Compare the actual route, not just the occupation
Check wages during training
Apprentices earn less than fully trained workers in occupations such as electrician and plumber. Elevator apprentices commonly start at about half of fully trained pay and receive increases as they progress, according to the BLS profiles. Ask each sponsor for the starting rate, scheduled raises, expected weekly hours, and how classroom time is paid. Do not use the national occupation median as a proxy for apprentice wages.
Confirm training length and classroom requirements
Training format differs by trade and sponsor. Most electricians and plumbers learn through apprenticeships; most plumbing apprenticeships take four or five years. Nearly all elevator installers learn through apprenticeship. HVAC technicians typically complete a postsecondary nondegree award and substantial on-the-job training. Ask how long the specific program usually takes, what classroom instruction is required, and what happens if work hours are interrupted.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Verify licenses and credentials where you plan to work
State rules vary. Most states require electricians and plumbers to be licensed, most require elevator installers to be licensed, and HVAC licensing or certification may be required. Confirm current requirements with the licensing office in the state where you expect to work. Ask whether the credential earned through the program is recognized by employers or licensing authorities in other states if portability matters to you.
Weigh conditions and schedule against pay
These jobs are not interchangeable desk-work alternatives. Elevator and power-line work can involve heights, and power-line work includes high-voltage hazards. Plumbing work may include urgent calls at nights or on weekends; electrician and elevator jobs may involve overtime or on-call work. HVAC work can become irregular during seasonal peaks. Ask about protective equipment, safety training, travel, shift expectations, and how often overtime or emergency callouts occur.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
A practical checklist before you enroll or accept an apprenticeship
- Compare local wages: Open the relevant BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile and follow its state and area wage links. Compare places where you could realistically work, not only the national median.
- Find real openings: Search Apprenticeship.gov’s Apprenticeship Job Finder and review the occupations listed on its apprenticeship occupations page. Availability depends on location and sponsor.
- Get the complete cost in writing: Ask about tuition, classroom fees, tools, books, safety gear, travel, and any required exams. Find out what financial aid or employer support is available and whether any costs must be paid before wages begin.
- Ask for the wage schedule: Request the initial hourly rate, progression milestones, raises, expected hours, overtime rules, and whether classroom instruction is paid.
- Check the credential and rules: Verify the credential awarded and confirm state licensing or certification requirements directly with the relevant state agency.
- Inspect the day-to-day job: Ask current workers or the sponsor about physical demands, safety practices, shifts, travel, seasonal swings, and on-call obligations.
The Department of Labor lists electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers and pipefitters, power lineworkers, welders, carpenters, and other occupations among construction apprenticeship fields. It reported 480,399 construction apprentices served in 2025, 28% more than five years earlier. That shows the scale of construction apprenticeships nationally, not that every occupation has openings in every local market. See Apprenticeship.gov’s construction page and its data and statistics for program information.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
