NEW YORK, March 3: A new trend is emerging as Gen Z men increasingly choose trade jobs over traditional college degrees, with a focus on physical labor roles that can offer six-figure salaries. The trend, driven by the rising costs of higher education and student debt, sees men in particular pursuing careers such as chefs, truck drivers, and construction workers, with the potential to earn substantial income without the burden of a college degree.

According to a recent study by The Pew Research Center, men aged 25 to 34 without a degree are taking on physically demanding jobs traditionally associated with higher pay. For instance, truck drivers can earn anywhere from $62,000 to $101,000 a year, while construction laborers can make up to $62,000 annually. The most lucrative job, however, is working as a chef, where professionals can make up to $173,000 annually, with many starting in kitchen roles earning around $47,000 a year.

Top occupations for Gen Z men without college degrees, according to Pew, include:

Construction laborers

Laborers and freight workers

First-line supervisors of sales employees

Chefs and cooks

Meanwhile, young women without degrees are focusing more on roles that involve communication and caregiving, such as nursing and customer service. Nurses, psychiatric aides, and home health aides can earn salaries ranging from $66,000 to $119,000 annually, and customer service representatives can make up to $56,000. Women are also finding success in the service industry, with roles like waitressing offering earnings of up to $66,000 annually.

Top occupations for Gen Z women without college degrees include:

Nursing, psychiatric and home health aides

First-line supervisors of sales workers

Cashiers

Waitresses

While men are gravitating toward the physically demanding roles of the back-of-house, women are focusing more on positions that emphasize social, empathetic, and communicative skills. These roles, which have historically been dominated by women, are often paid less compared to men’s top roles. However, the nursing field in particular has become a popular and lucrative career path for women, offering competitive salaries without the need for a bachelor’s degree.

The shift in career paths can be attributed to the growing disillusionment with the high costs of college education and the burden of student loans. Many young people are opting out of higher education, with trade school enrollment rising by 16% in 2023, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. Fields like construction, plumbing, and welding have become appealing options, with many young workers seeking to avoid the financial strain of college while securing well-paying, stable jobs.

In addition, the rise of AI and automation in the workforce has made trade jobs more attractive. As white-collar workers face job uncertainty due to AI-driven layoffs, trade jobs offer greater job security and work-life balance. According to a 2024 study from Deloitte, work-life balance is a top priority for Gen Z when choosing an employer, and trade jobs often offer better flexibility and stability.

As trade work becomes more popular among Gen Z, the rising interest in these professions is helping reshape the future of the workforce, providing an alternative path to financial success without the need for a four-year degree.