As the labor market grows increasingly unpredictable and white-collar roles face growing threats from automation, many Gen Z workers are embracing blue-collar and skilled trade careers in search of greater job security, better pay, and long-term viability.

According to a new report released May 20 by Resume Builder, 42% of Gen Z adults are either working in or actively pursuing careers in the skilled trades. Surprisingly, this shift toward traditionally hands-on professions cuts across education levels—37% of these individuals already hold a bachelor’s degree.

“More Gen Z college graduates are turning to trade careers and for good reason,” said Stacie Haller, chief career advisor for Resume Builder. “Many are concerned about AI replacing traditional white-collar roles, while trade jobs offer hands-on work that’s difficult to automate. Additionally, many grads find their degrees don’t lead to careers in their field, prompting them to explore more practical, in-demand alternatives.”

The Resume Builder survey, which gathered responses from more than 1,400 Gen Z adults, also highlighted a gender gap in this trend. Among degree-holding respondents, 46% of men reported working in or aiming for trade jobs, compared with just 27% of women. This disparity suggests cultural or systemic differences in how young men and women perceive the value and viability of blue-collar careers.

Many degree-holding Gen Z respondents cited tangible and immediate concerns as reasons for transitioning into blue-collar fields. Better long-term prospects were mentioned by 30% of those surveyed, while 19% said they couldn’t find jobs in their field. An additional 16% noted they weren’t earning enough with their degree, and another 16% said their degree had not led to the career they had envisioned.

Even for Gen Zers who haven't pursued college, blue-collar work is increasingly seen as a viable and attractive option. The report shows that those without degrees are gravitating toward trades to start earning income faster (60%), avoid student debt (40%), and secure financial independence without traditional higher education pathways. A substantial 36% cited better long-term job security, 31% said they could earn more without a degree, and 28% expressed confidence that these roles are less susceptible to AI disruption.

This trend comes amid broader concerns about the future of white-collar employment. A separate analysis by Employ Inc. warned of a potential “white-collar recession,” citing a year-over-year decline in job postings for certain office-based roles. The U.S. labor market, the report concluded, is fragmenting, with traditional desk jobs increasingly vulnerable to automation and outsourcing.

Additional labor research underscores the changing preferences of today’s workers. A recent Randstad report found that employees are increasingly willing to trade higher salaries or remote work for more job security, flexibility, and overall well-being. Faced with an uncertain employment landscape, many workers are prioritizing roles that offer stability—even if that means relocating or accepting lower initial pay.

The growing anxiety is palpable. According to a BambooHR survey, many workers feel they’re operating in a fragile job environment with limited bargaining power. “Walking on eggshells” was a sentiment shared by many respondents, and low turnover rates may signal a workforce reluctant to take risks amid fears of job loss and economic instability.

Against this backdrop, the rising interest in blue-collar careers among Gen Z reflects not only a generational shift but a broader realignment of the labor market itself. As industries evolve and automation expands, hands-on jobs in fields like construction, manufacturing, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work may offer a sense of grounding and resilience that office-based roles can no longer guarantee.

Originally reported by Carolyn Crist in Construction Dive.