Call it AI insurance, but there’s clearly a rising interest in professional careers across the U.S.
Data from the U.S. Department of Labor shows that enrollment in trade schools and apprenticeships has jumped by 19% over the last three years.
Job openings in fields such as plumbing, electrical work, welding, HVAC, and auto repair are growing quickly. Although the demand for trade skills is acknowledged, it’s not the only reason for this heightened interest.
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The traditional path of earning a four-year degree, long seen as a pathway to solid careers, is shifting. The financial burden of obtaining a bachelor’s degree has become a serious concern for many.
According to Bankrate’s data, the average annual tuition and fees for out-of-state undergraduates at public four-year colleges is $30,780 for the 2024-2025 academic year. This does not account for additional costs like housing, books, and transportation. Private institutions are even pricier, with students paying an average of $62,990.
Not everyone believes it’s worth it. Recent findings from the Pew Research Center indicate that 49% of Americans feel that acquiring a four-year degree for a high-paying job is less crucial than before.
Right now, only 4 in 10 people think that obtaining a bachelor’s degree is very important for landing a well-paying job in today’s market.
This mindset contributes to the growing attraction to manual labor jobs. Blue-collar roles typically require hands-on skills and are often less likely to be automated, making them more secure compared to office jobs.
Gen Z shifts to blue-collar jobs
What’s really driving the change in how white-collar and blue-collar careers are viewed is Gen Z. This generation already comprises about 50 million workers in the U.S., and they’re expected to make up around 30% of the workforce by 2030.
According to recent research, 42% of Gen Z adults are currently involved in or pursuing blue-collar or skilled trade fields. Factors like job availability, security, and the potential for high salaries are drawing them away from the traditional career paths of their parents and opting for trade jobs instead.
Another study highlights that roles such as elevator and escalator installers, power line technicians, aircraft mechanics, and railway workers are among the highest-paying blue-collar jobs available.
There are a total of 10 lucrative roles highlighted, all of which not only promise growth in earnings but also in opportunities for advancement. Interestingly, many of these careers require just a high school diploma or some form of practical training.
A notable 76% of Americans believe that trade professionals are more likely to become entrepreneurs compared to those in business sectors, and the data supports this claim. Research indicates that self-employment rates are nearly double among trade workers compared to office employees.
Moreover, amid the rise of AI, 66% of people feel that trade professionals have greater job security than their office-based counterparts.
10 Highest Paying Job Titles
So, what are the top 10 highest-paying blue-collar jobs?
- Elevator and escalator technicians can earn a median annual salary of $106,580, with top earners making around $149,250. Job growth is expected to be around 5% by 2035.
- Power line installers and repairers also do well, with high earners making $126,610 and an average salary of $92,560. Job growth is projected at 7%, and a high school diploma or equivalent is needed.
- Amid rising travel interests, avionics technicians are in demand and score well financially, with the top 10% earning $120,080 and median incomes at $79,140. Job growth is estimated at 5% through 2034, requiring an FAA-approved certification.
- Railway workers earn well too, with top salaries around $100,130, although job growth may slow to about 1%.
- Stationary engineers can earn approximately $121,200, maintaining vital systems. There are around 33,300 roles available, requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
- The average annual salary for industrial mechanics stands at $63,510, with experienced workers making $85,970. This field is expected to grow by 13% through 2034, requiring relevant education and training.
- Plumbers and pipe fitters, also in demand, can earn up to $105,150, with average salaries at about $62,970. There are roughly 504,500 such jobs, with a growth rate of about 4%.
- With a focus on renewable energy, wind turbine engineers see job growth projected at 50% by 2034, with top earners at $88,090, although the median salary is lower at $62,580.
- Electricians remain in high demand, with an estimated job growth rate of 9%. Their maximum salary can reach $106,030, requiring a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Finally, solar photovoltaic (PV) installers work in a rapidly growing field, with the top 10% earning around $80,150 annually.
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