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Blue-collar jobs are surging in appeal, with two in five Gen Z adults pursuing trades, a Resume Builder survey of 1,434 young adults in May 2025 finds. Vocational programs are booming as many see strong pay and rising college costs. Resume Genius released a list of the 10 highest-paying roles, defined by Investopedia as work done outside offices. Author Nathan Soto says many jobs are in energy and transportation and are “safe from automation, for now.” Examples include elevator and escalator technicians and powerline workers.

Prepared by Christopher Adams and reviewed by editorial team.