Two-thirds of Gen Z think becoming a trades person is a quicker way to a $100K salary than going to college.
A poll of 2,000 16- to 28-year-olds in the U.S. found only 32% think opting for university instead of an apprenticeship was a good idea.
Gaining hands-on experience was a major benefit, according to 37% of respondents. Avoiding student debt was cited by 36%. Another 35% valued being able to progress and earn money while learning.
Twenty-three percent of respondents believe they would be able to buy a home more quickly if they become a trades person instead of going to college.
The research was commissioned by Wolverine, as part of its Project Bootstrap initiative.
What Young Workers Want
The study also found that young people want well-paid jobs (29%). They also value work-life balance (20%) and flexibility (18%). However, many have not considered trade jobs, even though these careers can offer those benefits.
Respondents also value job security (18%), hands-on work (10%) and the ability to earn good money without taking on student debt (10%).
However, 31% said they had never considered a career in the skilled trades and 12% didn’t realize that benefits like flexibility, strong pay and long-term stability are a core part of trade work.
Many respondents associated trades with outdated stereotypes. About 28% believed trade roles were physically demanding with little room for progression. Another 25% assumed tradespeople always work in dirty or messy environments.
Twenty-one percent of all respondents said they value personal growth and are always looking to improve their life.
Among 16-year-olds, 38% worry about earning enough money after high school. Another 28% worry about choosing the right career path. Meanwhile, 26% are concerned about finding a job.
When all respondents were asked how much they think a skilled trades person makes in a typical year, the average came out to $57,005.11.
Related Post: As College Graduates Struggle to Find Jobs, a Record Worker Shortage Looms
Apprenticeships Gain Appeal
And 58% believe these types of jobs are becoming more appealing to people their age.
The survey also found that 51% of respondents have been encouraged to consider a career in skilled trades, and 61% feel well informed by their school about a career in this area.
Almost 8 in 10 (76%) think the idea of earning an income while learning through an apprenticeship is very appealing. Forty-eight percent prefer to learn through a mix of both practical and classroom learning.
When it comes to careers, 37% get their information from their parents or family, while 35% equally use social media or their teachers and school.
And despite 73% thinking trade jobs are essential to society, 41% do believe a college degree is the only way to be successful.
But of those who took part in the study by OnePoll.com and are not already in a trade role, 71% would be interested in trying it as their career.
age.
Related Post: Nigerian-Born PhD Student Wins $30K Google Contest With AI Tool for Early Disease Detection
Methodology
Wolverine Worldwide commissioned OnePoll.com to conduct a survey of 2,000 Americans ages 16-28. The survey was conducted June 8-17, 2026.
Top 10 benefits of bypassing college and attending trade school or doing an apprenticeship instead, according to poll respondents (multiple choices were allowed):
- You can gain hands-on experience and sharpen your skills, 37%
- Earning a salary / income right away, 37%
- Avoiding student loan debt, 36%
- Being able to progress and earn money while you learn, 35%
- Gaining real-world industry experience, 34%
- Having a clearer career path from the start, 31%
- Avoiding the cost of living associated with college (e.g., rent, bills), 30%
- Entering the workforce earlier, 29%
- Learning in a more practical, less academic way, 27%
- Feeling more independent sooner, 25%
Main Image: skilled Professional
Written by: Francesca Tuckey for Wolverine
This story was produced by Wolverine and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
