Gen Z Shun White Collar for Skilled Trades—but Which Jobs Pay the Most?
As more young people say college is not worth the investment, blue collar roles are becoming increasingly popular.
A recent survey reveals that 60 percent of Gen Z Americans intend to pursue skilled trades work this year, indicating a shift in attitudes towards college and career paths. The Department of Education has taken notice, highlighting the growing interest in skilled trades, healthcare support jobs, and transportation careers due to concerns over student debt, higher education costs, and labor shortages.
Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data shows that many of these occupations offer salaries comparable to or higher than certain entry-level white-collar positions.
Among the occupations studied, first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers secured the highest median annual wage, $76,760. The role involves overseeing construction crews and managing day-to-day operations on job sites. Healthcare support occupations also rank near the top, with occupational therapy assistants and physical therapist assistants earning median annual wages of $66,050 and $65,510, respectively.
Traditional trades such as plumbing, pipefitting, and steamfitting reported median annual earnings of $62,970, just ahead of electricians at $62,350. Other lucrative options include construction and maintenance trades, where plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and carpenters earn median annual wages approaching or exceeding $60,000.
HVAC and refrigeration technicians earned $59,810, while carpenters reported median earnings of $59,310. Construction laborers earned $46,050. Some skilled careers don't necessitate construction sites or heavy machinery; instead, they can be found in healthcare support roles and transportation careers. Certified occupational therapy assistants earn $66,050, while physical therapist assistants earn $65,510.
Transportation and logistics careers remain competitive, with first-line supervisors of transportation and material-moving workers earning $60,510, and heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers earning $57,440.
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists also enjoy approximately $58,970, while light truck drivers earn $42,470. As demand for skilled workers rises, employers across various sectors warn of workforce shortages. Unlike many professional careers, trade occupations often allow quicker entry through apprenticeships, certificate programs, or community college courses.
Recent research shows that 28 percent of students believe their tuition is not a good investment, while 59 percent of Americans feel that college is no longer worth the cost. Earnings can vary based on location, experience level, and specialty, with higher wages typically found in major metropolitan areas and regions facing skilled-worker shortages.
Training requirements differ by occupation, ranging from short certificate programs to multi-year apprenticeships for trades like electrical work and plumbing. For younger Americans weighing college costs against future earning potential, the wage data indicates several skilled-trade and support occupations present a path to stable, well-paid work without the financial burden of a traditional university education.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
