A rising wave of Generation Z workers is rejecting the traditional 9-to-5 office route and embracing skilled trades — and the shift is more than just a passing trend.
A recent May 2025 survey by Resume Builder reveals that 42% of Gen Z are either working in or actively training for blue-collar careers, a startling departure from decades of college-bound convention. And in a surprising twist, many already hold university degrees.
This trend reflects a broader cultural and economic shift, driven by rising tuition costs, concerns about artificial intelligence, and a desire for more tangible, hands-on work.
Degree Holders Rethink Their Career Paths
Of those Gen Zers pursuing trades, 37% already have bachelor’s degrees, underscoring a growing frustration with the return on investment in traditional education.
According to this survey by Resume Builder, 37 per cent of Gen Zers in trade careers already hold a bachelor’s degree, suggesting that even university graduates are reconsidering the value of their academic investment.
Stacie Haller, chief career advisor at Resume Builder, explained:
‘Many grads find their degrees don’t lead to careers in their field, prompting them to explore more practical, in-demand alternatives.’
Instead of climbing the corporate ladder, these young professionals are reaching for welding torches, hammers and high-vis gear — trading boardrooms for building sites.
Why Trades Are Winning
Photo Credit: Freepik
Several factors are fuelling this migration to the trades:
- Economic pressures: Gen Z faces mounting student debt and stagnant entry-level salaries. The average student loan debt for Gen Z is around $23,000.
- AI disruption: Many young workers fear that white-collar roles are more vulnerable to automation. In contrast, skilled trades, such as plumbing or electrical work, require physical presence and problem-solving skills that machines can’t replicate.
- Job security and demand: Over 90% of construction firms report difficulty filling skilled trade roles, meaning job seekers often have multiple offers upon graduation from trade programmes.
- Entrepreneurial freedom: Trades offer flexibility and the potential to start independent businesses, appealing to Gen Z’s desire for autonomy.
10 Blue-Collar Jobs That Pay Six Figures
Here are ten skilled trade roles that offer six-figure salaries according to Resume Genius, proving that you don’t need a university degree to earn a lucrative living:
| Job Title | Median Annual Salary (USD) | Education Required | Number of Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevator Technician | $102,420 | High school diploma (or equivalent) | 24,400 |
| Power Plant Operator | $100,890 | High school diploma (or equivalent) | 47,400 |
| Electrical Power-Line Installer & Repairer | $85,420 | High school diploma (or equivalent) | 123,400 |
| Aircraft & Avionics Equipment Mechanic/Technician | $75,400 | Postsecondary non-degree award | 163,300 |
| Railroad Worker | $73,580 | High school diploma (or equivalent) | 83,000 |
| Boilermaker | $71,140 | High school diploma (or equivalent) | 11,300 |
| Construction & Building Inspector | $67,700 | High school diploma (or equivalent) | 142,600 |
| Stationary Engineer & Boiler Operator | $67,640 | High school diploma (or equivalent) | 35,500 |
| Electrical & Electronics Installer/Repairer | $67,220 | High school diploma (or equivalent) | 119,600 |
| Wind Turbine Technician | $61,770 | Postsecondary non-degree award | 11,400 |
These roles often require apprenticeships or certifications rather than university degrees, making them more accessible and cost-effective for young workers.
What This Means for Employers
The shift is forcing businesses — particularly those in tech, finance, and consulting — to rethink how they attract and retain Gen Z talent. Rigid hierarchies, lack of flexibility, and corporate detachment are no longer tolerated.
Conversely, trade careers are gaining prestige, social media attention, and in some regions, even government subsidies aimed at addressing labour shortages.
A Generational Recalibration
Gen Z is rewriting the career playbook, trading corporate ladders for tool belts and autonomy.
Faced with student debt, stagnant salaries, and the disruption of AI, young professionals are gravitating toward skilled trades that offer job security, hands-on impact, and entrepreneurial freedom.
These roles are resistant to automation and offer multiple job opportunities immediately after training. More than a trend, it’s a generational recalibration, where financial independence, purpose, and flexibility take precedence over prestige.
The trades aren’t just surviving. They’re thriving as the new gold standard for ambitious, future-focused workers.
A New Definition of Success?
Whether this movement marks a temporary reaction or a permanent transformation remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Generation Z isn’t afraid to get its hands dirty if it means building a future with greater fulfilment and stability.
With a generation that values authenticity over image, and real-world skills over PowerPoint decks, the workplace of tomorrow may look a lot more like a jobsite than a corner office.
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