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Crunching ROI data
Crunching ROI data
This page explains exactly how the earnings and cost information displayed on TradePath is calculated, sourced, and presented. No black boxes.
All earnings figures shown on TradePath cards are based on publicly available U.S. government labor data, specifically:
We use percentiles to show the "Reality vs. Potential" of a career path. We do not use simple averages, which can be misleading.
The midpoint. Half of workers earn more, half earn less. We use this as the primary anchor.
Earnings at the lower end. We use this as a proxy for "Starting Salary" or early-career wages.
Earnings among the highest-paid workers. Represents long-term potential for master tradespeople.
Schools teach Programs (e.g., "Welding Technology"). The Government tracks Occupations (e.g., "Welders, Cutters, Solderers").
We use the CIP-to-SOC Crosswalk to bridge this gap. This mapping is used solely to provide a reference point for national earnings data.
Data is provided for informational purposes only. For official statistics, visit: