37% of Gen Z college grads are now pursuing blue-collar work

New data shows that Gen Z are leading a shift from traditional post-college career paths to trade jobs, and apprenticeships.

That’s according to a May 2025 Resume Builder survey of 1,434 Gen Z adults, which set out to understand how economic pressures, rising education costs, and concerns about AI are shaping career paths.

It found that 42 percent of Gen Z are working in or pursuing a blue-collar or skilled trade job, including 37 percent of those with a bachelor’s degree.

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And that Gen Z men, regardless of education level, are significantly more likely than women to move to blue-collar careers. Some 46 percent of men with degrees are working in or pursuing trades, compared to 27 percent of women with degrees.

Practical concerns

For many respondents, practical concerns were cited as the reason behind their decision.

“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.”

Specifically, 19 percent said they couldn’t find a job in their field post-education, while 16 percent reported they weren’t earning enough with their degree, and 16 percent also said their degree didn’t lead to the career they expected.

However, it was flexibility or independence that topped the list of reasons; 45 per cent wanted more of these, while 32 percent simply preferred hands-on work to desk jobs, and 30 percent said trade jobs offer better long-term prospects.

AI fears

Looking forward, a quarter of respondents said blue-collar jobs are less likely to be replaced by AI.

And this survey was conducted before Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei told Axios’ Jim Vandehei and Mike Allen that AI could wipe out half of all entry-level white-collar jobs, and spike unemployment to 10-20 percent in the next one to five years.

In an interview that’s been dubbed a “white-collar bloodbath”, Amodei urged AI companies and the government to stop "sugar-coating" what's coming.

And according to Amodei, what’s coming is the possible mass elimination of jobs across technology, finance, law, consulting and other white-collar professions, especially entry-level gigs.

But back to the Resume Builder survey. On a more optimistic note, 20 percent of Gen Z surveyed have seen others succeed in trades, and 11 percent believe Trump’s tariffs will bring more blue-collar jobs.

Avoiding debt and earning sooner

Earnings come into it too, of course. Some 29 percent believe trade careers are in high demand, and a similar 27 percent believe they can earn more in a trade.

Perhaps with an eye on older generations and endless rounds of layoffs at large corporations, Gen Z sees blue-collar careers as a chance to earn income sooner (60 percent), avoid student loan debt (40 percent), and have better long-term security (38 per cent).

Since the average cost of college in the United States has more than doubled over the past 24 years to $38,270 per student per year, including books, supplies, and daily living expenses, according to the Education Data Initiative, this decision is well-informed.

This survey’s release also coincides with the World Economic Forum’s latest round-up on the gig economy, which noted that as the cost of living continues to rise, more and more individuals are looking for extra work to get by.

It cited a survey from BankNote, which found that over a third of side hustlers in America believe they will always need a side hustle to make ends meet, and 26 million more Americans are expected to join the side-hustle economy by 2027.

This generational pivot also aligns with a looming skilled trades shortage. As veteran tradespeople age out of the workforce, the U.S. faces a critical deficit in plumbers, electricians, and other skilled workers.

As Haller explains, “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.”

Formal education deemed less important

Among Gen Zers already pursuing or working in blue-collar careers, 15 per cent never attended college at all, 8 percent dropped out, 19 percent are attending a four-year college, and 13 percent are currently attending a two-year college.

Of graduates pursuing blue-collar jobs, 29 percent have a bachelor’s degree, and 18 percent have an associate’s degree.

“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,” says Haller.

“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.”

For policymakers, this shift signals the need to support vocational education, and apprenticeship programs. It also highlights the importance of addressing gender disparities in trade careers, as women remain underrepresented despite growing opportunities.

Overall, Gen Z’s turn to blue-collar jobs reflects a pragmatic response to economic pressures, technological disruption, and the rising cost of higher education.

Whether you’re considering a career change yourself, advising younger family members, or seeking to understand the shifting job market, visit The Hill’s Job Board to find trusted listings for roles that offer competitive pay, and benefits.

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