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Why These Gen Zers Are Ditching College Degrees For Blue-Collar Careers

A Historic Decline in College Enrollment

Author

Ark
May 07, 2025

The United States is witnessing a significant drop in college freshman enrollment, a trend that has been gaining momentum over the past decade. Many institutions have already felt the impact, with approximately 2 million fewer students enrolled in traditional four-year universities compared to 2011. This decline challenges the long-standing narrative that a college degree is essential for a stable and successful career—a belief heavily promoted since the latter half of the 20th century. For many, the promise of higher education as the definitive path to prosperity is fading, driven by soaring costs and shifting job market dynamics.

The cost of a four-year degree has skyrocketed, with the average annual cost for a private college rising by 42% and public universities by 30% over the past ten years. The total all-in cost for a four-year public school now averages around $110,000, while private schools can reach $225,000. Meanwhile, the job security once associated with college degrees is eroding. Major companies like Google, Amazon, and PayPal have announced significant layoffs, with PayPal recently cutting 9% of its global workforce. The market’s positive response to these layoffs signals a broader shift, prompting many in Gen Z—the youngest generation in the workforce—to question the value of a traditional college education.

The Rise of Skilled Trades

Instead of pursuing four-year degrees, a growing number of Gen Z individuals are opting for blue-collar careers in skilled trades, such as welding, plumbing, and landscaping. These fields offer quicker entry into the workforce, lower educational costs, and the potential for entrepreneurial ventures. Vocational school enrollment has surged by 18% since 2019, compared to a modest 1% increase in undergraduate enrollment over the same period. This shift is partly a response to a market increasingly in need of skilled labor, driven by federal investments like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and the CHIPS and Science Act, which prioritize American infrastructure and manufacturing.

The financial incentives for skilled trades are also compelling. Since 2019, average starting salaries for skilled workers have risen by over 25%, from $18.70 per hour to $23.43 per hour in 2025. Net hiring for blue-collar workers during graduation season has consistently outpaced that for white-collar workers of the same age, with a notable surge starting in 2020. As older workers, particularly baby boomers and Gen X, retire, Gen Z is well-positioned to fill the skilled labor gap, gaining skills that are both in demand and transferable to entrepreneurial pursuits.

Stories of Success in the Trades

Morgan Bradbury: From Eagle Scout to Welder

Morgan Bradbury, a 21-year-old welder in Norfolk, Virginia, exemplifies this trend. Initially set on attending college for engineering or physical therapy, Morgan discovered welding while working toward her Eagle Scout badge. Captivated by the hands-on nature of the craft and its blend of science and engineering, she enrolled in a nine-month welding certification course at Universal Technical Institute. The $22,000 tuition was a fraction of the cost of a four-year degree, and before even completing the program, she landed a job as a third-class welder with BAE Systems, earning $57,000 annually at age 19.

Now a second-class welder working on U.S. Navy ships, Morgan earns a competitive salary and enjoys a dynamic work environment. Her certifications cover multiple welding processes, allowing her to tackle diverse tasks, from high-pressure steam pipes to structural components. Morgan’s story highlights the appeal of skilled trades: rapid entry into a well-paying career, minimal debt, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful, hands-on work. Looking ahead, she aspires to start a nonprofit to encourage more women to enter welding, addressing the need for greater diversity in the trades.

Chase Gallagher: Building a Landscaping Empire

Chase Gallagher, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Westchester, Pennsylvania, took a different path, bypassing college to grow his landscaping business, CMG Landscaping. Starting at age 12 with a handful of lawn-mowing clients, Chase scaled his operation to 75–82 clients by the time he was 18. To balance his business and education, he switched to online high school, working several days a week and completing schoolwork in the evenings. By his senior year, his business generated $125,000 in revenue, and he had saved $120,000.

Rather than spending his savings on college tuition, Chase invested in his business, despite initial resistance from his parents. In 2024, CMG Landscaping brought in over $1 million in sales, with Chase earning approximately $491,000 through his salary and owner’s share. His crews generate $3,000 to $6,000 per day, with peak seasons running from March to July. Chase’s ambitions extend beyond landscaping; he aims to transform his business into a private equity firm, acquiring and growing home service companies. His success underscores the entrepreneurial potential of skilled trades and the financial independence they can offer.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the outlook for skilled trades is promising, challenges loom. Potential tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could strain industries like construction by increasing the cost of materials such as soft lumber. This could limit job opportunities and hinder the growth of skilled labor markets. However, the ongoing retirement of older workers and the persistent high cost of college tuition are likely to drive more Gen Z individuals toward blue-collar careers.

The shift toward skilled trades reflects a broader reevaluation of what constitutes a successful career. For many in Gen Z, the traditional college path no longer guarantees financial stability or personal fulfillment. Instead, they are embracing careers that offer practical skills, competitive salaries, and the flexibility to shape their own futures. As Morgan and Chase demonstrate, these choices are not just viable but can lead to extraordinary success, contributing to the dynamism of the economy and filling critical gaps in the workforce.

By choosing skilled trades over college, Gen Z is redefining the American dream, prioritizing financial independence and hands-on expertise over conventional academic credentials. As the demand for skilled labor continues to grow, these young workers are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the U.S. economy.

#Innovation #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #DigitalMarketing #Technology #Career #Networking #Business #Motivation #FutureOfWork

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