Find out why the sharp divide between blue-collar and white-collar jobs is blurring—and why either path could be a great choice.
2025 is almost upon us, and in the space of a few short years it feels like everything has changed in the workplace. After decades of college being promoted for every student, employers are now moving toward skills-first hiring that places a premium not on your college degree, but your actual skill set.
Meanwhile, the cost of getting that college degree has risen to a number that is making even diehard collegebound families blink. Higher education’s ROI doesn’t seem to be as big as it used to be, and the majority of young people today think they’ll be just fine without it.
These shifts have left many people asking: What’s the better career path in today’s world, white collar or blue collar? I believe we need more of everything—more college degrees, yes, but also more credentials. More certifications, more licensures, more apprenticeships. More on-the-job learning opportunities. More bootcamps. More of everything, more of all color collars is needed to keep moving the economy forward.
“In today’s evolving workforce, the lines between blue-collar and white-collar jobs are blurring as skill, demand, pay, and values shift,” says Will White, Solar Application Specialist at Fluke. “Historically, white-collar jobs were seen as the path to prestige, stability, and financial success, while blue-collar roles were associated with hands-on, physically demanding work and long hours. But times are changing.
“Skilled trades are now in high demand, with competitive pay and long-term career growth. Meanwhile, many white-collar sectors have experienced waves of layoffs and heightened job insecurity, causing many to reconsider their career choices.”
White, whose career has spanned both the blue- and white-collar worlds, sees value in both pathways and is glad that the next generation will have more choices. It’s an exciting time for Gen Z to be starting their careers, because white collar work is still a great choice—and now, so is a blue-collar position.
A good, hard look at the stereotypes
If we’re honest, we all buy into stereotypes at some level. Stereotypes are a quick way for our brains to make value judgments—a shortcut, if you will. But like many shortcuts, stereotypes often don’t serve us well.
This is particularly true when the prevailing stereotypes are based on outmoded information.
“A common stereotype is that white-collar jobs are more financially rewarding and fulfilling than blue-collar roles,” says White. “However, this isn’t always accurate, particularly in skilled trades.”
White’s personal experience contradicts both those stereotypes. “Starting as a solar installer, I was offered a competitive hourly wage despite having minimal experience,” he says. “Over the course of eight years, I advanced from an entry-level installer to director of operations.”
White notes that skilled trades careers, such as electricians, provide a very stable income, especially in states with high demand like Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. “While college and white-collar jobs may be an ideal path for many, trades like electrician, plumber, and HVAC technician offer rewarding work, solid earnings, and the added advantage of avoiding student debt,” he says.
Another stereotype that needs to be set aside is that blue-collar work offers little job security. Today, this is simply untrue, as trade industries can’t keep up with the demand. Instead, it’s white-collar careers that may face a level of instability. “It’s hard to outsource or replace skilled trades with AI,” observes White.
Weighing the benefits
White, who started his career in a blue-collar role and later transitioned to a white-collar position in the same company, has a unique perspective on what makes each type of work rewarding.
“I wanted more leadership responsibility, and that’s what drove my transition from working in the field to working in the office,” he says. “As I grow older, I find the work of installing modules on a roof is more physically demanding than it used to be. I do miss working with my hands and the sense of accomplishment from seeing the progress you made at the end of the day.”
Young people who are weighing the benefits of each pathway should consider their interests, strengths and desired lifestyle, according to White. “They should also weigh the financial and personal investment each path requires,” he says. “Blue-collar careers often offer good pay with hands-on work, direct skill application, and less student debt, but they may be physically demanding.
“White-collar roles typically require a college degree and involve a financial investment, but they can lead to jobs with structured growth opportunities and may be less physically intensive,” he says.
To make the choice that’s right for them, White says that students should explore internships, job shadowing and mentorships in both fields to gain valuable insights and help them make an informed decision.
Expanding education options
Education plays a big role in preparing young people for their future careers, so it’s important that these institutions pivot to meet the demands of the day. So how can educational institutions adapt their offerings to better prepare students for both blue- and white-collar careers?
“Schools could offer more pathways that blend traditional academics with technical training, exposing students to options beyond the four-year college track,” White says. “Technical training programs could offer management skills like project management, finance, and leadership training.
“This would give young people a clearer picture of the wide range of fulfilling, well-paying career paths available to them.”
In some states, this effort is already underway, with an increased demand for higher-ed facilities that can accommodate workforce development programs. One thing is clear: the sharp divide between blue- and white-collar work is blurring fast. We need more of everything, and every path has value—no matter what color collar you wear along the way.