Transcription
Right now, some of the highest paying careers don't even require a four-year degree. They just require a specific set of skills. And the people who are willing to go out and learn those skills, they're going to be the ones winning.
Now, you've probably heard the usual advice of plumbing, electrician, all solid paths, but nobody's really talking about those newer trade jobs being created right now by major tech shifts. I'm talking about jobs that didn't exist just 5 years ago. Companies paying people from scratch and paying up to six figures without a four-year degree. So, for every single one, I'm going to show you exactly how to get certified, what it costs, and how fast you can start earning. Let's get into it.
If you haven't been paying attention, the world is building data centers at a massive scale right now, and I'm not just talking about tech growth, I'm talking about an entire infrastructure boom being driven by AI. So, every time you use AI, stream Netflix, or scroll on your phone, that data is stored in physical buildings full of servers, and those buildings require constant power, cooling, and monitoring to stay online. And that's where this first role comes in of a data center critical facilities technician. And this is one of those careers that most people really don't even realize exist.
Right now, companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google are pouring hundreds of billions into building out AI infrastructure. But, here's the problem, they don't have enough people to actually run these facilities. In fact, recent data shows over 60% of data center operators say finding skilled workers is their biggest challenge. And that means that job postings for roles like electrical technicians and power-related positions have surged, in some cases by over 180% in just the past few years. So, this is not a saturated space, this is a shortage. And these jobs are hands-on, so you're managing power systems, cooling systems, backup generators, the physical infrastructure that keeps the internet running.
And now, let's talk money. Entry-level roles can start at around $45,000 to $60,000, but once you gain that experience, it's very common to see $80,000 to $110,000, and even higher at major tech companies. And in certain areas where AI data centers are booming, skilled workers are already earning higher than average wages due to demand.
Now, here's how you actually get into this. Most people start with basic certifications like CompTIA A+ or Network Plus, but what really matters in 2026 is understanding power and cooling systems. So, that means HVAC certifications like EPA 608, electrical or mechanical training, or data center specific certifications like CDCP. This is because with AI systems generating massive amounts of heat, cooling is becoming one of the most critical skills in the entire industry.
Now, the timeline you can realistically get job ready in about 3 to 6 months, depending on how fast you move. Now, here's the part that most people overlook, you don't always have to pay for this training. Programs like Scholas offer free training that includes certifications like CompTIA A+ and OSHA, and Microsoft has a data center academy that partners with community colleges to train people specifically for these roles. So, this is one of those rare opportunities where you don't need a degree, you don't need a huge upfront investment, and you're stepping into an industry that's being built in real time. So, with AI pushing this growth even faster, the demand for people who can actually run these facilities is only going to increase.
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Now, companies hiring right now for this position that I personally found, Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Equinix, Digital Realty, and QTS. Also, you guys, I've placed a free certification guide in the description. It has full step-by-step for this job and the five others that I'm going to be talking about, and every link, every website, every certification that you need is all listed there. It's literally free, you can go ahead and click it and download it for your own personal use.
Now, really quickly, learning a new trade is one of the best moves that you can make for your career, but here's something that a lot of people miss, knowing what to do is only half the equation. And that's exactly why I'm partnering with today's sponsor, strawberry.me. So, Strawberry matches you with a certified career coach who helps you build a real, personalized strategy for your career, not just generic advice. So, it's giving you a structured plan built around your specific goals.
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I understand the struggle and how frustrating it is to remain stagnant in your job, to be overlooked for promotions you know you deserve, or one of the biggest ones right now, even searching for the right job altogether. The best part about Strawberry is that it is completely accessible, it's virtual, it's flexible, and way more affordable than most people might think. And right now, you can get 50% off your first coaching session at strawberry.me/financiallypowerful, here on screen, and that link is also in the description box down below. If you're serious about leveling up in trades or anywhere else, go claim that deal.
Okay, let's keep moving. Let me show you one that most people still aren't paying attention to yet, but it's growing fast, and this is called a battery energy storage system technician, or BESS technician. And the easiest way to understand this job is to picture this. So, these are basically massive shipping containers filled with lithium-ion batteries sitting next to solar and wind farms. Their job is to store energy and release it when the grid actually needs it, because solar and wind don't run 24/7. So, without storage, the grid becomes unstable, and that's where this role comes in.
A BESS technician installs, maintains, and troubleshoots these systems, everything from electrical components to battery management systems, cooling systems, and the safety protocols. Now, here's why this matters, according to the US Energy Information Administration, battery storage in the US is expected to grow from about 17 gigawatts in 2023 to over 40 gigawatts by this time, so more than doubling in just a couple of years. This means the workforce to support it has to grow. So, companies like NextEra Energy, Generac, Terrajoule, and Salt Energy are already hiring for these roles.
Most BESS technician positions pay between around $80 to $120,000 per year, with higher earning potential in senior or travel-based roles. What's interesting is you don't need a four-year degree to get into this. So, if you already have an electrical or an HVAC background, a lot of your skills transfer directly. If you're starting from zero, one of the most recognized certifications is the NABCEP Energy Storage Credential. That path usually costs around $2,000 to $3,000 total, including training and OSHA certification, but a lot of people are also getting into this through apprenticeships or utility companies, where you can actually get trained on the job.
Okay, let me show you another one that's growing fast, and this one is directly tied to something that you are seeing every single day, electrical vehicles. Because here's what's happening, more EVs are hitting the road every year, and all of them need somewhere to charge. But, the infrastructure hasn't fully caught up yet, and that's creating and growing a demand for people who specifically know how to install, maintain, and troubleshoot EV charging stations. So, this isn't just basic electrical work, either. These systems involve high-voltage power, networking connections, software diagnostics, and communication with the grid. So, companies are starting to look for specialists, not just general electricians, and the scale of this opportunity is massive.
According to the US Department of Transportation, the US is working toward building 500,000 public EV chargers by 2030, backed by $5 billion in federal funding through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which means thousands of installations and ongoing maintenance for years. So, companies like Rivian, ChargerHelp, Pierce Renewables, ABM Industries, [music] and Highland Electric are already hiring for these roles right now.
So, when it comes to pay, entry-level roles typically start at around $50 to $70K. With experience, many technicians move into the $80K range to $100K range and higher if you're traveling or working on larger-scale projects. Now, here's where this path really gets interesting, if you're already a licensed electrician, you can specialize pretty quickly. One of the most recognized certifications is the EVITP, that is the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program. So, that costs around $275, it takes about 20 hours, and it adds a highly in-demand skill set to what you already know. But, it is important to understand this is typically for electricians or people with electrical experience.
Okay, our next one is the Robotics and Automation Technician. Think about this, many Amazon warehouses, automotive plants, food processing facilities, they're all being automated, and these robots don't maintain themselves. Someone has to install them, troubleshoot them, and keep the entire production lines running. That is what this role is for. So, a Robotics and Automation Technician works on industrial robots, PLC systems, which are basically the computers that control machines, sensors, and automated systems that keep operations moving. So, this is a mix of mechanical work, electrical knowledge, and basic programming, and here is why this matters.
According to the International Federation of Robotics, global installations of industrial robots reached over 500,000 units in a single year, showing continued rapid growth as companies automate those operations. And this all is being driven by labor shortages, rising costs, and companies bringing more production back to the US, which means they need people who know how to run and maintain these systems. So, companies like Tesla, Amazon, and major manufacturing firms are hiring for these roles right now.
When it comes to pay, many positions fall into the $70 to $95,000 range. With experience or specialization that can move into six figures, especially in advanced manufacturing or robotics-heavy environments. The barrier to entry is also lower than most people think. A lot of these roles can be accessed with an associate's degree in mechatronics or industrial automation, which typically costs between $5,000 and $15,000 at a community college. But, there are also faster paths. So, if you're already a mechanical or electrical trade, you can cross-train by learning PLC programming and automation systems. There are affordable online courses that get started with, but hands-on experience is what's really going to make you valuable. So, you can get certified through manufacturers like Fanuc or ABB [music] or even enter through paid apprenticeship programs. Amazon, for example, offers a mechatronics and robotics apprenticeship where you get paid while learning these exact skills.
Moving on, let me show you one that most people overlook, but it's becoming one of the most important trades in the entire country right now, and that's fiber optic splicing. Now, this is not old-school telecom work anymore. This is critical infrastructure because right now fiber demand is being driven by three major things. So, data centers powering AI and cloud computing, massive broadband expansion across the entire country, and the infrastructure behind that 5G network. So, all of that runs on fiber and someone has to physically install it, connect it, and fix it when it breaks. That's what a fiber optic splicer does. So, they use precision equipment to fuse fiber lines together, and then they test those connections using tools like the OTDR, which can literally detect a break in a line from miles away.
According to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the US government has committed $42.5 billion through the BEAD program to expand broadband access nationwide. This means thousands of miles of fiber still need to be installed. Not only installed, but also maintained, and that's why skilled splicers are in high demand.
Now, when it comes to pay, many roles fall between about $60,000 and $90,000 per year. That's what I found. With experience, especially if you're working on large projects or you're traveling, that can move well into six figures. And one of the biggest advantages of this path is how fast you can get started. The industry standard certification is the Certified Fiber Optic Technician through the Fiber Optic Association. So, it typically takes about 3 to 5 days to complete and does cost around $1,000 to $1,500, but no degree is required, no prior experience is required, and if you already have field experience, you may be able to test out at a lower cost.
Okay, number six and the very last one on this list is a UAV drone technician. Now, this isn't about hobby drones. This is about drones being used in real industries. So, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, construction, search and rescue, and even delivery. Utility companies use them to inspect power lines. Construction companies use them to survey job sites. Farmers use them for crop monitoring and precision spraying. And all of those drones need people who know how to operate them, maintain them, and troubleshoot when something goes wrong.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there are already over 850,000 registered drones in the United States with hundreds of thousands approved for commercial use, and that number just continues to grow year over year, which means more equipment in the field and more demand for skilled operators and technicians.
When it comes to pay, many commercial drone operators start in the $40,000 to $70,000 range. With experience or specialization like infrastructure inspection or mapping, that can move into the $80 to $100K plus range. And in defense or highly technical roles, it can even go higher. What I like best about this role is that it's one of the lowest cost entry points on this entire list. To legally operate drones commercially, you need the FAA Part 107 remote pilot certificate. That exam costs around $175, and a prep course is usually around $100 to $150, or you can just self-study using free FAA materials. So, you can realistically get certified for around $300 bucks, and most people will also invest in like a drone, basic insurance, depending on the type of work that they want to do. But, if you want to move into higher-paying maintenance or repair roles, there is a more advanced path through FAA airframe and power plant certification, which is used across aviation and defense. At the end of the day, this is a field that's expanding alongside technology. So, more drones, more use cases, and more industries relying on them every single year.
Okay, these aren't just trends that are going away. These all are accelerating, and the trades are where the rubber meets the road because AI can't install a cooling system in a data center. A robot can't splice fiber optic cable 30 feet underground. Software can't maintain a grid-scale battery system in the desert. And nearly 1/3 of America's skilled workforce is over 50 and heading toward retirement. The US faces a potential shortfall of 1.9 million manufacturing workers by 2033. That means wages are going up, not down.
So again, don't forget to check out that free guide of all that information jam-packed. It's in the description box down below for you guys if you're interested. It is free. Also, don't forget to check out strawberry.me for career coaching. The link is down below. As always, thank you all so much for all of your continuous support on this channel, and I do look forward to seeing you with my next business tool or business ideas in my next video. Bye-bye.