"Making 73 Million Won Annually Just by Grocery Checkout"... Changing Views of US Gen Z on 'Why Go to College'

Truck Drivers and Chefs in High Demand
Women Prefer Jobs in Caregiving and Service Industries

A survey has revealed that Generation Z in the United States is turning to skilled trades instead of 'white-collar' jobs due to the burden of college tuition and employment difficulties.

On the 2nd (local time), the American business magazine Fortune reported that a survey conducted by Harris Poll for Intuit Credit Karma found that about 78% of the younger generation showed more interest in skilled trades involving physical work. Foreign media added that skilled trades such as carpenters and electricians not only offer high incomes but also allow individuals to run their own businesses and avoid student loan debt.

For women, it was found that they are seeking jobs centered on communication skills and caregiving. According to research by the Pew Research Center, the top five preferred jobs for young women without a college degree are ▲customer service representatives ▲nursing assistants, mental health and home health aides ▲field supervisors in sales roles ▲cashiers ▲waitresses. Customer service representatives can earn up to $56,000 annually (approximately 81.88 million KRW), cashiers $50,000 (approximately 73 million KRW), and waitresses $66,000 (approximately 96.5 million KRW).

In the case of women, it was found that they are seeking jobs centered around communication skills and caregiving. Customer service employees can earn up to $56,000 per year (approximately 81.88 million KRW), cashiers $50,000 (approximately 73 million KRW), and waitresses $66,000 (approximately 96.5 million KRW). Getty Images

It was reported that young men aged 25 to 34 without a college degree tend to choose physically demanding jobs. In the U.S., truck drivers can earn between $62,000 and $101,000 annually (approximately 86 million to 140 million KRW). Construction laborers can earn up to $62,000, and field supervisors can receive up to $94,000 (approximately 137.45 million KRW) per year.

A notable point is that chefs are gaining attention. Professional chefs can earn up to $173,000 annually (approximately 240 million KRW) without needing a degree. They typically start in restaurant kitchens and build their careers, earning about $47,000 (approximately 68.7 million KRW) initially. The Pew Research Center stated that the five most popular jobs for men working without a college degree are ▲drivers, sales workers, and truck drivers ▲construction laborers ▲freight, stock, and material movers ▲field supervisors in sales roles ▲chefs and cooks.

There is also a trend among Generation Z in the United States to turn to vocational schools due to rising college tuition fees and student loan debt. Pixabay

Generation Z in the U.S. is developing a negative perception of college due to rising tuition fees and student loan debt. For this reason, young people are also turning their attention to vocational schools. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that enrollment in community colleges focused on vocational education increased by 16% in 2023. Enrollment in construction-related majors rose by 23%, and HVAC program enrollment increased by 7%. Additionally, the fastest-growing occupation in the U.S. in 2023 was wind turbine technician, with a salary reaching up to $103,000 (approximately 150.56 million KRW).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.