Gen Z is ditching college for ‘more secure’ trade jobs—but building inspectors, electricians and plumbers actually have the worst unemployment

[RageKage]

( this was news to me )

Gen Z is ditching college for ‘more secure’ trade jobs—but building inspectors, electricians and plumbers actually have the worst unemployment rate

Trade jobs have been rebranded as a shortcut to six-figure salaries, without student debt, and immunity from automation. But Gen Z could be walking into a trap.

fortune.com

• With AI coming for white collar work, Gen Z have been ditching college and corner office ambitions, in favor of taking up traditional trades like welding, plumbing, and carpentry. But they’re in for a rude awakening: high unemployment rates, unhappiness and automation risks.

Trade jobs are having a moment. Touted as the smarter, safer alternative to “irrelevant” overpriced degrees and entry-level white-collar jobs (which tech CEOs warn could soon be swallowed by AI), traditional manual work is experiencing a resurgence among Gen Z.

Around 78% of Americans say they’ve noticed a spike in young people turning to jobs like carpentry, electrical work and welding, according to a 2024 Harris Poll for Intuit Credit Karma. They’re not wrong. Trade school enrollment really has been surging post-pandemic, even outpacing university enrollment.

And it makes sense: six-figure salaries without student loans, the freedom to work for yourself, and hands-on, real-world skills that can’t be outsourced to a chatbot. But new research suggests that the reality isn’t as stable—or as future-proof—as it’s being pitched.
According to a new WalletHub study ranking the best and worst entry-level U.S. jobs in 2025, trade roles dominate the bottom of the list. Welders, automotive mechanics, boilermakers, and drafters all rank among the least promising career starters.

Worse still, jobs like building inspectors, electricians, and plumbers are tied to the highest unemployment rate in the entire study at 7.2%—more than three times that of entry-level office jobs like budget analysts or financial analysts, which sit closer to 2.0%.

The 10 worst entry-level jobs​

1. Welder
2. Computer Numeric Control Machine Programmer
3. Mechanical Drafter
4. Automotive Mechanic
5. Boilermaker
6. Emergency Dispatcher
7. Architectural Drafter
8. Telecommunications Technician
9. Benefits Administrator
10. Tool and Die Maker

According to the researchers, these roles scored poorly due to limited job availability and weak growth potential, as well as their potentially hazardous nature.

Plus, while you’d assume the physical nature of trade work makes them immune to automation, WalletHub’s analyst Chip Lupo tells Fortune that the data shows they’re also vulnerable

 

[RageKage]

New technologies like prefabrication and robotics are starting to take over parts of the workload, which can reduce demand,” Lupo explained.

Just like office workers who are experiencing mass layoffs and are at the mercy of recessions, rate hikes, and demand, so too are tradies.

“Trade jobs are closely tied to industries like construction and manufacturing, which means they are sensitive to changes in the economy. When these industries slow down, projects often get delayed or canceled, which can lead to job losses,” Lupo added.



“On top of that, some trade jobs are seasonal, which means that bad weather or off-peak months can dry up construction and maintenance work for several weeks.”
Of course, not everyone is becoming a tradie for the money. Gen Zers previously told Fortune that a key element is having the freedom to be their own boss and not be chained to a desk.

 

[RageKage]

Of course, not everyone is becoming a tradie for the money. Gen Zers previously told Fortune that a key element is having the freedom to be their own boss and not be chained to a desk.

But in reality, it might not actually make them happier than a nine-to-five office job. That’s because those freedoms come at a cost: long hours and manual work.

Another study ranked electricians as the least happy workers of all. According to the research, the physically demanding nature of the job and 40-plus hour workweeks weren’t made up for by the just “decent” salary.

Construction workers, warehouse managers, and construction project managers also made the list of unhappiest jobs for having “unpredictable hours,” topped with their roles being stressful and taxing. Alarmingly, not a single trade job made the list of happiest jobs.

 

[JNew]

Engineering is the way.

 

[RageKage]

Engineering is the way.

Yep, that's my field. There are many kinds and its definitely going to be changed by AI rapidly. Some of work I am doing this week is for learning and leveraging to make me more productive

 

[ba'al]

And it makes sense: six-figure salaries without student loans, the freedom to work for yourself, and hands-on, real-world skills that can’t be outsourced to a chatbot. But new research suggests that the reality isn’t as stable—or as future-proof—as it’s being pitched.

This is a big one. No student loans. Having a mortgage/rent, student loans, living expenses then being expected to take care of older parents and young children. All that will eat at your pockets.

 

[RageKage]

Ill say what I experienced, I went to university, didn't know what I was doing and left, then went into a highly specialized adventurous trade ( completed schooling for this ) worked it for a bit in my 20s but ultimately decided it wasn't a long term plan I wanted to pursue. Went back to school and finished once I finally got my shyt sorted out what I wanted to do. I'm what u call a late bloomer but I was always working towards something and wouldn't change things despite my plans not always working out

 

[BeeCityRoller]

I'm not even sure why they would make the claim that "trades have the worst unemployment". Thats inherently a lie, another editor completely out of touch with reality. Out of that list, automotive is the only one the average Gen-Z would even look into and half of those professions sound like something that peaked in the 90's.

HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing is year-round, where the demand is going and not falling off anytime soon. You're only unemployed in those fields if you can't pass drug and background tests, or straight up lazy. Even Painting and Drywall will be decent. Although they're probably still not going to be making 6-Figures working under a company, the hard part is getting those learning hours for Master Licensing under your belt, resisting the urge to buy a $60k truck over a used work van, and getting your business licensing in order.

 

[Clayton Endicott]

even look into and half of those professions sound like something that peaked in the 90's.

Yep. CNC jobs have been trash for over 20 years now. It was a good job when I entered the market in the late nineties, but their wages have stagnated and haven’t gone up much since.

 

[Yaboysix]

What! Electricians and plumbers ain't getting jobs! The Fck!


Granted, I've never called an electrician or plumber in my life, now that I think about it ..but still...A.I could NEVER replace those jobs..

 

[djthegreat88]

My mom talked me into to going to Nursing school. Probably one of best decisions I ever made. I originally was just gonna try to be a barber or truck driver.

Healthcare only truly safe field. If anyone ask me about what career to get into it’ll always be healthcare. Nurses, Respiratory therapist, speech therapist, PT/OT. Nurses and orher staff in hospitals can’t be replaced by AI. Nursing school competitive to get into but you shouldn’t be buried in debt paying for that degree. Been an RN for 7 years make $120,000 a year in Houston. Living comfortably

Education also has alot of opportunities if you’re good/can tolerate kids. The entry to being a teacher is pretty low. Literally a certificate program and you can be a full time teacher. Wont ever be rich but solid long term career

 

[Anerdyblackguy]

My mom talked me into to going to Nursing school. Probably one of best decisions I ever made. I originally was just gonna try to be a barber or truck driver.

Healthcare only truly safe field. If anyone ask me about what career to get into it’ll always be healthcare. Nurses, Respiratory therapist, speech therapist, PT/OT. Nurses and orher staff in hospitals can’t be replaced by AI. Nursing school competitive to get into but you shouldn’t be buried in debt paying for that degree. Been an RN for 7 years make $120,000 a year in Houston. Living comfortably

Education also has alot of opportunities if you’re good/can tolerate kids. The entry to being a teacher is pretty low. Literally a certificate program and you can be a full time teacher. Wont ever be rich but solid long term career

You have a smart mother. Great post