In May 2025, Resume Builder surveyed 1,434 Gen Z adults to understand how economic pressures, rising education costs, and concerns about AI are shaping their career paths. The data reveals a shift from traditional college to trade jobs and apprenticeships.
Key findings:
- 42% of Gen Zers are currently working in or pursuing a blue-collar or skilled trade job, including 37% of those with a bachelor’s degree
- Gen Z men, regardless of education level, are significantly more likely than women to choose blue-collar careers
- Top motivations for choosing blue-collar work include avoiding student debt and reducing the risk of being replaced by AI
37% of Gen Z College Grads Are Now Pursuing Blue-Collar Work
Among Gen Zers who’ve earned a bachelor’s degree, 34% say they are currently working in a blue-collar or skilled trade job, and another 3% plan to pursue one. This shift is especially pronounced among Gen Z men with degrees: 46% are working in or pursuing trades, compared to 27% of women with degrees.
For many, the decision is driven by practical concerns. When asked why they chose blue-collar work over a career aligned with their degree:
- 30% said trade jobs offer better long-term prospects
- 19% couldn’t find a job in their field
- 16% reported they weren’t earning enough with their degree
- 16% said their degree didn’t lead to the career they expected
Other reasons included:
- 45% want more flexibility or independence
- 32% prefer hands-on work to desk jobs
- 29% believe trade careers are in high demand
- 27% believe they can earn more in a trade
- 25% say these jobs are less likely to be replaced by AI
- 20% have seen others succeed in trades
- 11% believe Trump’s tariffs will bring more blue-collar jobs back to the U.S.
“More Gen Z college graduates are turning to trade careers and for good reason,” says Resume Builder’s Chief Career Advisor Stacie Haller. “Many are concerned about AI replacing traditional white-collar roles, while trade jobs offer hands-on work that’s difficult to automate. Additionally, many grads find their degrees don’t lead to careers in their field, prompting them to explore more practical, in-demand alternatives.”
Gen Zers without degrees want to earn income sooner and avoid debt
For Gen Zers who have not pursued a bachelor’s degree, blue-collar work offers a path to financial independence without the burden of student loans. Their top motivations include:
- 60% want to earn income sooner
- 40% want to avoid student loan debt
- 36% believe trade jobs offer better long-term security
- 36% prefer hands-on work
- 31% believe they can earn more without a degree
- 29% have seen others succeed in blue-collar jobs
- 28% believe these jobs are less likely to be replaced by AI
“As many tradespeople retire, there’s a growing labor shortage. Unlike traditional degrees, trade certifications are faster and more affordable, helping workers avoid long-term debt while entering the workforce quickly. Additionally, these jobs are difficult to automate, making them less likely to be replaced by AI,” says Haller.
Overall, 2 in 5 Gen Zers Are Pursuing Blue Collar Careers
In total, 30% of Gen Zers are currently working in a blue-collar or skilled trade job, and another 11% plan to enter the field.
Among Gen Zers pursuing or working in these roles:
- 28% have a bachelor’s degree
- 18% have an associate’s degree
- 13% are currently attending a two-year college
- 19% are attending a four-year college
- 5% dropped out of a two-year college
- 3% dropped out of a four-year college
- 15% never attended college at all
Gender differences are also significant: 48% of Gen Z men are working in or planning to enter the trades, compared to 30% of women.
“Trade jobs offer a smart and rewarding path for many, especially those who prefer hands-on work and practical learning over traditional classroom settings. They provide faster entry into the workforce, often without the burden of student debt, and also offer strong job security, with less risk of automation or outsourcing. These jobs often begin with apprenticeships and can lead to career growth through specialization, supervisory roles, or even business ownership, making trades a viable and stable long-term career option,” says Haller.
Methodology
This survey was commissioned by ResumeBuilder.com and conducted online by the survey platform Pollfish. It was launched on May 14, 2025. Overall, 1,434 U.S. residents ages 18 to 28 were surveyed.
For all media inquiries, contact [email protected].
