More than one-third of Generation Z college graduates are now working in or pursuing blue-collar and skilled trade jobs, according to new survey data that highlights a significant shift in career preferences among young workers.
The trend represents a departure from traditional expectations that college degrees lead to white-collar careers, with 37% of Gen Z bachelor’s degree holders either currently working in trades or planning to enter the field, according to a May 2025 survey by Resume Builder.
The shift is particularly pronounced among men, with 46% of degree-holding Gen Z men working in or pursuing trades compared to 27% of women with degrees.
Economic pressures drive career decisions
Financial considerations appear to be the primary factor behind the career pivot. Among college graduates who chose blue-collar work over careers aligned with their degrees, 30% said trade jobs offer better long-term prospects, while 19% couldn’t find employment in their field of study.
Another 16% reported insufficient earnings with their degree, and an equal percentage said their degree didn’t lead to the career they expected.
Beyond immediate job market concerns, Gen Z workers cite additional motivations for choosing trades. Nearly half (45%) want more flexibility or independence, while 32% prefer hands-on work to desk jobs. Another 29% believe trade careers are in high demand, and 27% think they can earn more in a trade.
Concerns about job security in an automated economy also influence decisions, with 25% saying trade jobs are less likely to be replaced by artificial intelligence.
Student debt avoidance motivates degree-free workers
For Gen Z workers without bachelor’s degrees, blue-collar careers offer a path to financial independence without student loan burdens. Among this group, 60% want to earn income sooner, while 40% specifically want to avoid student loan debt.
More than one-third (36%) believe trade jobs offer better long-term security, and an equal percentage prefer hands-on work. Nearly one-third (31%) believe they can earn more without a degree.
“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,” said Stacie Haller, Resume Builder’s chief career advisor.
Gender gap emerges in trade career choices
The survey reveals significant gender differences in blue-collar career preferences. Overall, 48% of Gen Z men are working in or planning to enter trades, compared to 30% of women.
Among all Gen Z workers surveyed, 30% currently work in blue-collar or skilled trade jobs, with another 11% planning to enter the field.
The educational backgrounds of those pursuing trades vary widely. Among Gen Z workers in or planning blue-collar careers, 28% have bachelor’s degrees, 18% have associate’s degrees, and 13% are currently attending two-year colleges. Another 19% are attending four-year colleges, while 15% never attended college.
Industry implications for employers
The career shift has implications for both traditional white-collar employers and trade industries. Companies that typically recruit college graduates may need to adjust hiring strategies as more degree holders choose alternative career paths.
“More Gen Z college graduates are turning to trade careers and for good reason,” Haller said. “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.”
The trend also presents opportunities for trade industries facing worker shortages as older employees retire.
“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,” Haller said.
The survey, conducted online by Pollfish, included 1,434 U.S. residents ages 18 to 28 and was launched on May 14, 2025.
