Skilled trades on the rise: high pay without a four-year degree
The piece uses Bureau of Labor Statistics data to highlight fast-growing, high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree. Notable roles include transportation, storage and distribution managers (about $100k median; ~5–6% growth 2025–2035) and first-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers (roughly $75k–$100k). It also notes high-earning trades like elevator/escalator installers and repairers (median $100k+) and electrical power-line installers (7%+ growth; $75k–$100k). Nuclear/power-plant operators pay well but are expected to decline, while some positions demand extensive training or apprenticeships. The article also discusses ongoing societal bias toward college and the value of non-degree pathways.