NYC Women Embrace High-Paying Blue-Collar Trades as College Declines
A growing number of women in New York City are pursuing lucrative careers in skilled trades, opting out of traditional college paths that face rising costs and concerns about automation.
New York City is witnessing a surge of women entering traditionally male-dominated blue-collar professions, driven by the potential for significant earnings and a departure from the traditional college route. This trend is particularly pronounced among Generation Z, many of whom are foregoing undergraduate degrees in favor of hands-on trades like plumbing, locksmithing, and auto repair.
Sahar Yona, a 27-year-old locksmith operating as "Locksmith Girl NYC," left the academic path in high school to enter the trade. She now makes a substantial income, with locksmiths in the city reportedly earning between $60,000 and over $100,000 annually. Yona noted that while the work can be demanding, including late-night calls and challenging situations, the financial rewards are significant. She also observed that many of her female clients express feeling safer and more comfortable with a woman providing locksmith services.
This shift is supported by recent data indicating that 60% of Gen Z adults are pursuing blue-collar careers. These fields, including construction, electrical work, HVAC, and automotive repair, are seen as more resistant to AI-driven job displacement compared to many white-collar professions. The rising cost of college, with some institutions now exceeding $100,000 per year, further incentivizes this move toward vocational training and skilled trades.
Judaline Cassidy, a plumber with over three decades of experience in New York City, earns upwards of $120,000 annually. She founded Tools & Tiaras, Inc., a non-profit organization that teaches young girls about plumbing, construction, and engineering, aiming to showcase these trades as viable paths to financial security. Cassidy highlighted that trades offer opportunities beyond fieldwork, including design, engineering, and estimating, often without the burden of student loan debt. Despite facing initial skepticism as a woman in the field, Cassidy became the first woman admitted to Staten Island Plumbers Local Union 371 and is now an executive board member for the merged Plumbers Local Union No. 1.
Audra Fordin, owner of Great Bear Auto Repair & Body Shop and founder of the "Women Auto Know" initiative, commented on the trend among women entering the automotive field, where they currently represent a small percentage of the workforce. Fordin, whose family has owned the shop for four generations, stated that skilled mechanics can earn between $50,000 and $150,000. Through her workshops, Fordin empowers women by teaching them basic car maintenance, aiming to demystify vehicles and prevent them from being overcharged by mechanics. She emphasizes that acquiring skills and confidence can help women excel in these industries.
Career coaches advise individuals considering these trades to thoroughly assess their aptitude and interest, as these professions require physical labor and meticulous attention to detail. While blue-collar jobs are currently considered more resilient to automation, continuous training and specialized certifications are often necessary to stay current with technological advancements and industry standards. Experts recommend shadowing professionals in the field and speaking with them about the realities of the work before committing to a career path.