The Rise of Trade Careers Among Gen Z Trade Jobs
With rising college tuition, mounting student loan debt, and growing fears of artificial intelligence (AI) replacing white-collar jobs, many members of Gen Z are turning away from traditional degrees and embracing skilled trades. From welding and plumbing to electrical work and mechanical drafting, these hands-on professions promise high wages and seemingly stable futures.
A 2024 Harris Poll conducted for Intuit Credit Karma found that 78% of Americans have noticed this shift among Gen Z—young people eager to take control of their futures without being tied down by college debt or the corporate grind.
But is this pivot to the trades really the answer Gen Z is looking for?
The Promises: Why Trade Jobs Are Gaining Popularity
For many in Gen Z, trade careers offer three big appeals:
No college degree required, which means no debt.
Practical, hands-on work that can feel more rewarding than desk jobs.
High earning potential, with some trades boasting six-figure salaries.
On paper, this sounds ideal. AI doesn’t weld pipes or fix electrical wiring (yet), so these roles are often seen as “safe” from automation.
The Reality Check: New Data Reveals Hidden Challenges
While the narrative around trade jobs is often positive, recent research paints a more complicated picture. According to a 2025 WalletHub study, many entry-level trade roles ranked among the worst career starting points in the United States.
🔻 The 10 Worst Entry-Level Jobs (WalletHub, 2025):
Welder
CNC Machine Programmer
Mechanical Drafter
Automotive Mechanic
Boilermaker
Emergency Dispatcher
Architectural Drafter
Telecommunications Technician
Die Maker
Building Inspector
These jobs ranked low due to:
Limited job opportunities
Low long-term growth
High physical risk and stress
This data challenges the assumption that trade careers are always more stable or rewarding than office jobs.
Unemployment Concerns: Higher Than You Might Expect
While many see trade jobs as “recession-proof,” they can actually be more vulnerable during economic downturns. The unemployment rate for trades like electricians, plumbers, and building inspectors is currently around 7.2%—more than three times higher than office-based roles like budget analysts or financial planners, who face an unemployment rate closer to 2.0%.
Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, explains this trend:
“Trade jobs are tightly linked to sectors like construction and manufacturing. When those slow down, jobs in the trades often vanish quickly.”
The Automation Threat: Even Trade Jobs Aren’t Safe
Although many see trades as AI-resistant, automation is slowly creeping in. Robotics, prefabrication, and new smart tools are starting to take over repetitive or dangerous tasks. This means that even highly skilled tradespeople may face shrinking job markets in the coming decade.
Jobs like CNC machine operators and some drafting roles are already being impacted by automation and digital tools.
Well-Being Matters: Stress and Job Satisfaction Issues
Trade jobs are not just physically demanding—they can also take a mental toll.
A separate study found that electricians rank among the least happy workers in the country. Why? Long hours, unpredictable schedules, and physically exhausting work all contribute to burnout and low job satisfaction.
Other trade workers like construction laborers and warehouse supervisors also report high levels of stress, injuries, and emotional exhaustion.
Interestingly, roles in engineering specialties—such as geotechnical or drilling engineering—show much higher job tenure and satisfaction, suggesting that not all trade paths are equally rewarding.
The Takeaway: Informed Choices Over Idealized Careers
While the idea of skipping college and jumping into a well-paying trade sounds great, Gen Z must look beyond the surface.
Yes, trade jobs offer:
Less student debt
Fast entry into the workforce
High earning potential
But they also carry:
Higher unemployment rates
Physical strain and injury risks
Low job satisfaction for many
Uncertain future due to automation
Conclusion: Is a Trade Job Right for You?
Trade careers are not one-size-fits-all. For some Gen Z workers, they may be the perfect fit—rewarding, practical, and empowering. But for others, they could lead to unexpected stress, limited growth, or long-term instability.
Before jumping into a trade job, young workers should do their research, understand the economic trends, and think carefully about their long-term goals and personal well-being.
The goal isn’t to discourage Gen Z from choosing skilled trades—but to encourage informed decision-making in a world where the reality is often more complex than the hype.