Mid-Level

Tradesman

A Tradesman typically provides skilled trade services within a buying or business operations context — assessing quality, sourcing materials, or coordinating skilled labor — depending on the trade and industry.

Career Level
Junior
Mid
Senior
Director
VP
Executive
Work Personality
E
C
R
S
I
A
Enterprisingleading, persuading
Conventionalorganizing, detail-oriented
Based on Holland Code framework
What it's like

What it's like to be a Tradesman

Daily rhythm involves assessment and inspection work, sourcing decisions, and coordination with suppliers, contractors, or end users. You'll often work across multiple projects or vendors simultaneously, with the specific mix depending on industry and tradesman scope. Pacing follows project cycles and seasonal demands.

The trade expertise requirement can surprise newcomers — being effective requires deep familiarity with the materials, methods, and quality standards of the trade. Coordination with suppliers, contractors, and end users is constant. Documentation discipline shapes how transactions are tracked.

People who thrive here typically have strong technical instincts, comfort with quality assessment, and reliable judgment under varied conditions. Curiosity about trade craft and patient relationship-building usually matter more than any specific prior path.

AchievementModerate
RelationshipsModerate
SupportModerate
IndependenceModerate
RecognitionLower
Working ConditionsLower
O*NET Work Values survey
✦ Editorial — written by Truest from industry research and career patterns
Career Paths

Where this role sits in the broader career landscape — and where it can take you.

$239K$179K$119K$60K$0KLower paying387 metro areas, sorted by salary level
All experience levels1
This level's estimated range
INDUSTRIES PAYING ABOVE AVERAGE
1 BLS OEWS May 2024 covers all Tradesmans (SOC 13-1022.00), not just this title · BEA RPP 2023
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.
Exploring the Tradesman career path? Truest helps you figure out if it's the right fit — and plan your path forward.
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✦ Editorial — career progression and interview guidance based on industry patterns
The Broader Landscape

Roles like this one sit within a broader occupational category. The numbers below reflect that full landscape — helpful for context, but your specific experience will depend on level, specialty, and where you work.

$46K–$128K
Salary Range
10th – 90th percentile
974K
U.S. Employment

How this category is changing

$74K$71K$68K$65K$62K201920202021202220232024$62K$74K
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034

Skills & Requirements

NegotiationPersuasionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive LearningJudgment and Decision MakingComplex Problem SolvingSocial PerceptivenessReading Comprehension
O*NET OnLine · Bureau of Labor Statistics
13-1022.00

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Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS Employment Projections · O*NET OnLine
Truest editorial: Fit check, role profile, things that vary, advancement analysis, lateral moves, interview questions.