A growing number of Gen Z young adults are opting for careers in blue-collar fields like welding, plumbing, and electrical work, as faith in the value of a traditional college degree declines, according to a study by The Harris Poll conducted for Intuit Credit Karma.
The study found that 23 percent of Americans not currently working in a trade field expressed an intention to transition into blue-collar work. For Gen Z—those born between 1997 and 2012—that number rises to a striking 50 percent. This growing trend has prompted Gen Z to be referred to as the “toolbelt generation.”
Many Gen Zers are turning away from college due to rising tuition costs and the perception that a degree no longer guarantees a stable career. The study revealed that 77 percent of respondents believe the assumption that a college degree is essential for a good career is “outdated,” with only half stating that pursuing higher education is still worth it.
“As the promise of a four-year degree falls short, and the cost to receive a college degree continues to climb, young Americans are making blue-collar jobs cool again,” Credit Karma said in a statement.
Additionally, the study found that 23 percent of Gen Z respondents view trade jobs more positively than corporate roles, while 78 percent of Americans overall noted an increase in interest among young adults in pursuing careers in trades like electricians, plumbers, and mechanics.
“The traditional four-year college path isn’t one-size-fits-all, and vocational and trade schools may offer an affordable path to well-paying, skilled trade jobs,” said Courtney Alev, a consumer financial advocate at Credit Karma. “It’s refreshing to see young adults taking notice and interest in these lines of work, especially considering how challenging it’s been for new grads to find white-collar jobs.”
The growing interest in blue-collar careers is also influenced by advancements in artificial intelligence. The survey showed that 66 percent of Americans believe trade jobs offer more career security than corporate positions. Blue-collar jobs tend to be more affordable in terms of training costs and can offer a more appealing lifestyle for those who do not want to work in corporate offices. Salaries for trades such as welding, plumbing, and machine tooling have also seen significant increases in recent years.
