A skilled worker is any worker who has special skills, training, and knowledge that they can then apply to their work. A skilled worker may have attended a college, university, or technical school.

Alternatively, a skilled worker may have learned their skills on the job. Skilled labour includes engineers, scientists, doctors, and teachers, while examples of vocationally educated workers include crane operators, CDL truck drivers, machinists, drafters, plumbers, craftsmen, cooks and accountants.