10 Trades Jobs Where You Can Work Indoors

Have you ever considered a career in the trades but hesitated at the thought of working long hours outside in the heat, rain, or snow? 

If that’s the case, we have great news! 

There are no downsides if you prefer working indoors in a more controlled environment.

While many trade jobs involve outdoor work, there's a whole world of opportunities in the trades that let you stay comfortably indoors while earning a competitive salary.

The demand for skilled trades workers is rising, and indoor trades jobs, in particular, are gaining a lot of traction. 

Industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and technology are looking for skilled tradespeople who can maintain and repair complex systems. 

Whether you like the precision of machining, the problem-solving aspect of electronics, or the innovation of mechatronics, there’s an indoor trade job that fits your interests and skills.

In this guide, we explore 10 rewarding indoor trades jobs, detailing their responsibilities, work environment, salary potential, and growth outlook. 

Stick around till the end for tips on preparing for these careers without spending years in traditional education programs!

5. Elevator Technician

Elevator technicians are some of the highest-paid indoor tradespeople. 

These professionals work almost exclusively indoors, maintaining and repairing elevators, escalators, and other people-moving systems.

That includes offices, hotels, hospitals, and other public and private spaces.

As modern elevator systems become increasingly sophisticated, the work of an elevator technician calls for advanced electronic and mechanical expertise. 

This field of work involves troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems, performing safety inspections, and upgrading older equipment to meet modern standards.

• Salary: Elevator and escalator installers and repairers make an impressive median annual wage of $102,420. Top earners in the field net more than $138,000 every year. Elevator technicians earn the most in Nevada, Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, and New Jersey.

• Job Outlook: According to the BLS, the projected job growth from 2023 to 2033 is 6%. This is faster than the average for all occupations.

Since the work is physically demanding, elevator technicians receive:

• Comprehensive training programs.
• Strong union representation.
• Regular safety certifications.
• Stable, long-term employment.

6. Laboratory Technicians 

Laboratory technicians are professionals working behind the scenes in scientific research and healthcare. 

They work in pristine environments to support research, manufacturing, and quality control operations. This role combines technical skills with precision work, making it ideal for detail-oriented individuals who prefer clean, organized workspaces.

Daily responsibilities of a laboratory technician may include:

• Operating sophisticated testing equipment.
• Conducting quality control tests.
• Maintaining laboratory instruments.
• Recording and analyzing test results.

They earn competitive salaries while enjoying stable employment in industrial, medical, or research laboratories. The work environment is typically quiet and well-organized, with strict protocols to ensure safety and accuracy.

• Salary: Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians earn a median pay of $60,780 per year. 

• Job Outlook: The job outlook for this skilled trade is about 5% from 2023 to 2033. 

Modern laboratories come with advanced ventilation systems, appropriate lighting, and ergonomic workstations that create the perfect working conditions for focused technical work.

7. Mechatronics Technician

Mechatronics technicians combine their knowledge of mechanics, electronics, and computer control systems to work in some of the most advanced manufacturing environments. 

They install, maintain, operate, and repair automated systems, robots, and smart manufacturing equipment. These systems have a wide array of applications across the manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, aerospace, and food production industries.

• Salary: According to the BLS, the mean annual pay for electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians is $72,430.

Those in the top-paying industries, such as electric power generation, oil and gas extraction, and petroleum production, earn an average of over $100,000 per year. In Illinois, Washington, California, Connecticut, and Nevada, you can earn an average of over $80,000 annually as a mechatronics technician, regardless of the industry.

• Job Outlook: Recruiter.com expects mechatronic technician jobs to go up, with 19,920 new jobs by 2029. The BLS is slightly more conservative in its estimate of about 1,300 job openings per year over the next decade.

Mechatronics technicians work in factories, plants, automated warehouses, research centers, and other high-tech production facilities, usually in clean, climate-controlled environments. 

Some of the equipment they routinely work with includes:

• Industrial robotics systems.
• Programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
• Automated manufacturing equipment.
• Smart sensors and control systems.

Most mechatronics technicians work full-time, with opportunities for overtime during system upgrades or maintenance projects. 

The job offers a mix of technical challenges and hands-on work, making it ideal for ambitious problem-solvers who enjoy working with advanced technology.

8. Quality Control Inspector

Quality control inspectors ensure products meet strict industry standards and specifications. They conduct tests, inspections, and audits to identify defects and maintain consistency in manufacturing processes.

• Salary: The average median pay for quality control inspectors is $45,850 per year, according to the BLS.

• Job Outlook: Although the job growth rate in this industry is declining, 65,200 quality control inspector openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. 

Quality control inspectors typically work indoors in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and laboratories. They may also have to work on-site at supplier locations to inspect incoming materials.

9. Medical Equipment Repairer

Medical equipment repairers keep life-saving devices like MRI machines, X-ray machines, surgical equipment, and patient monitors in working order. Their work is crucial for healthcare facilities to continue providing safe and effective care.

• Salary: The median annual salary for medical equipment repairers is $60,670 per year.

• Job Outlook: The BLS expects job growth in this industry to be at 18% from 2023 to 2033. This is more than 4 times the average job growth rate for all occupations.

Medical equipment repairers work in hospitals, clinics, medical laboratories, and repair shops. Their work environment prioritizes cleanliness and precision,

As a result, medical equipment repairers enjoy: 

• Sterile working conditions.
• Access to advanced technology.
• Regular business hours.
• Stable, long-term employment prospects.

10. CNC Operator

Computer numerical control (CNC) operators work in modern indoor facilities where they are in charge of sophisticated machinery. 

Like machinists, these professionals produce parts and components for a multitude of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing. 

The difference lies in the type of equipment they use, the high level of specialization required, and the precise quality of the final products.

• Salary: CNC tool operators make $51,030 annually on average. The top paying industries for this career include advertising, iron and steel mills, and furniture and home furnishings. The average salary for CNC operators in these industries is close to $70,000 a year.

• Job Outlook: While there are no official BLS figures on job growth for CNC operators, the growth of the manufacturing industry is likely to keep demand for these professionals generally high in coming years. 

CNC operators usually work in climate-controlled machine shops and manufacturing facilities. Their tasks include installing machines, monitoring production, and inspecting finished parts.

Getting Started in Indoor Trades Jobs

Breaking into indoor trades requires a strategic approach to education and training. 

The good news is that many of these careers offer multiple entry paths, allowing you to choose the route that best fits your circumstances.

Essential First Steps

Before pursuing specific training programs, research which indoor trade aligns with your interests and abilities and find out about their specific requirements, job duties, and career paths.

Next, talk to people working in the trades you're interested in. Ask about their experiences, challenges, and rewards. If a professional is willing to accommodate you, consider shadowing them on the job.

Such firsthand exposure will provide valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of the work.

Training Options

Different indoor trades require varying levels of education and certification:

• Online Certification Courses: For some roles, particularly in emerging fields like mechatronics, online courses can provide crucial initial training or supplementary education to enhance your qualifications.
• Technical Training Programs: Many community colleges and vocational schools offer specialized programs lasting 6-24 months. These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on practice to provide essential foundational skills.
• Apprenticeships: Traditional apprenticeships are a valuable and sometimes mandatory entry path for many indoor trades. These programs combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, often lasting 2-4 years.

Common Requirements

Most indoor trades do share some basic requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Technical aptitude.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Physical dexterity and attention to detail.
• Safety consciousness.
• Problem-solving abilities.

Many trades also require industry-specific certifications or licenses - credentials that demonstrate competency and often lead to higher earning potential.

Unmudl: Your Gateway to Indoor Trades Careers

Ready to start your journey toward a comfortable, rewarding trades career where you can work indoors? 

Unmudl can help you get there faster. We offer flexible, industry-aligned training programs to help you take that first step or advance your skills.

Our Mechatronics career pathway stands out as the perfect entry point for those interested in indoor trades. This comprehensive program prepares you for roles in advanced manufacturing, automated systems maintenance, robotics, and industrial operations.

What makes Unmudl's approach unique?

• Industry-Aligned Learning: Our courses are developed with leading employers to ensure you learn the skills that matter most in today's job market.
• Flexible Learning Format: Study at your own pace while balancing education with your current personal and professional commitments.
• Hands-On Experience: Virtual labs and practical exercises help you develop real-world skills before entering the workplace.
• Career Support: Direct connections to employers seeking skilled technicians in indoor environments.
• Cost-Effective Training: Achieve your career goals without the burden of extensive student debt.

Whether you're drawn to the precision of quality control, the complexity of medical equipment repair, or the high-tech world of mechatronics, Unmudl helps you build the foundation for a successful indoor trades career.

Start your free trial with Unmudl today!