Imagine being in your 20s, making six figures, driving a car you bought outright, saving for a house, and supporting a family—all with zero student debt. Now imagine the alternative: drowning in $30,000 of loans, struggling to land a $50,000-a-year job in today’s cutthroat tech market, and constantly worrying if artificial intelligence will make your role obsolete.
Which sounds cooler? For Gen Z, the answer is clear: the trades.
As highlighted in a recent New York Post article, young adults are trading in degrees for toolbelts—and it’s a move that’s turning heads.
Six Figures in Your 20s—No Debt Required
When you choose a trade, you’re not just picking a job—you’re picking financial freedom. Skilled trades like HVAC repair, plumbing, welding, and solar panel installation offer salaries that climb into six figures within just a few years.
Think about it: While your college-bound friends are barely scraping by on entry-level salaries—if they’re lucky enough to land a job at all—you’re buying a new truck, putting a down payment on a house, or investing in your future.
According to the New York Post, trades are a low-cost, high-reward option. Forget the $38,000-per-year college tuition. With trade school, you’ll be out in the field earning money in no time—and with no debt hanging over your head.
The Harsh Reality of College
College was once seen as the golden ticket to a successful life. But times have changed.
According to Statista, the average bachelor’s degree holder earns around $52,000 per year—a far cry from the six-figure potential many hope for. Compounding the issue, graduates from the class of 2023 left school with an average debt of $29,374 (US News).
Even worse, these expensive degrees don’t guarantee jobs. Most entry-level tech positions pay less than $50,000 a year—if you can land one. And with artificial intelligence automating many roles, the competition is only getting fiercer. It’s no wonder that nearly half of Gen Z sees more value in trade jobs than corporate roles.
Why the Trades Are Winning
1. Reliable Income, Real SecurityTrades offer something that tech jobs can’t: stability. AI might write code or crunch data, but it can’t fix your AC or install solar panels. In the trades, your skills will always be in demand. According to the New York Post, 66% of Americans believe trade professionals have more job security than corporate workers.
2. A Life Without LimitsWhat could you do with six figures in your 20s? You could travel the world, start your own business, or take care of your family. The trades don’t just offer jobs—they offer freedom and independence.
3. Pride in Your WorkLet’s face it: there’s something special about working with your hands, solving problems, and building something that lasts. When you’re a tradesperson, your work matters—and you see the results every day.
The Trades ARE Cool Again
For too long, the trades were seen as second best—but not anymore. Gen Z is flipping the script, making the trades smarter, cooler, and undeniably the better choice. This generation is proving that you don’t need a degree to thrive—you just need the right skills and a willingness to get to work.
Don’t let others get ahead while you’re stuck playing catch-up. The trades offer a chance to skip the debt, start earning big, and build a life you can be proud of—all while your college friends are still paying off their loans.
The trades are where it’s at. Pick up a toolbelt, join the movement, and start building your future—today.
Cited sources:
Herzlich, T. (2024, October 1). Gen Z workers training to become plumbers, electricians as they lose faith in college degrees. New York Post.
Average wages of U.S. college graduates. Statista.
Average student loan debt for class of 2023 graduates. US News.