???
What do you notice about the change in U.S. blue-collar employment, beginning in early 2025?
Following the boom in manufacturing and construction in 2022/2023, employment levels in these key blue-collar industries had stabilized. But starting in 2025, we've seen a collapse in manufacturing, construction and transport/warehousing employment.
Credit: @josephpolitano
Following the boom in manufacturing and construction in 2022/2023, employment levels in these key blue-collar industries had stabilized. But starting in 2025, we've seen a collapse in manufacturing, construction and transport/warehousing employment.
Credit: @josephpolitano
FT Working It
Working It is the FT's workplace video channel. It offers expert analysis and key takeaways to help leaders and managers make sense of the big news stories and trends shaping the world of work. This FT channel series has been produced by independent reporting from Financial Times journalists
Series one
Drivers of the Revival
- Infrastructure Investment: Significant government and private sector investment in areas like renewable energy, smart cities, and aging infrastructure (e.g., water systems, roads, and bridges) is fueling demand for qualified workers.
- Talent Shortage & Retirements: A large wave of current tradespeople is nearing retirement—over 40% of U.S. tradespeople are expected to retire by 2030—creating a significant vacuum of skilled labor and driving up wages for those entering the field.
- Technological Integration: Modern blue-collar jobs are increasingly "tech-infused," requiring digital literacy to work with advanced tools, smart systems, and automation-support technologies, rather than being "low-skill".
- Changing Perceptions: Traditional stigmas around trade work are dissolving. Gen Z, in particular, is increasingly considering blue-collar careers due to concerns about student debt, job security against AI displacement, and a desire for hands-on, entrepreneurial work.
High-Demand and High-Paying Jobs
The resurgence is creating strong demand in a variety of fields, with some roles offering salaries competitive with or exceeding many white-collar jobs.
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers: Median salary around $106,580, often accessible through apprenticeships.
- Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers: These critical roles for grid stability can have median salaries over $100,000 and offer extensive internal training.
- Construction Managers: Often rising from the trades, these professionals can manage large projects and earn a median salary of approximately $106,980.
- Electricians: The rise of smart homes, EV charging stations, and renewable energy ensures a high, long-term demand for certified electricians.
- Welders and HVAC Technicians: A resurgence in domestic manufacturing and evolving climate systems are increasing the need for these specialists.
Many of these jobs are accessible via apprenticeships or trade schools, allowing individuals to "earn while they learn" and avoid significant student debt.
No comments:
Post a Comment