Chart of the Day: The Battle Between College vs. Skilled Trades Salaries

Contact Your Elected Officials
Right Wire Report Header

We have heard it many times – is a college degree worth it? A recent report has shown that many of the youth now regret running out and spending thousands of dollars on a college degree. Let’s take a quick analysis of whether this is true.

A whopping 87% of Journalism majors say they regret their decision and would pick a different major if they could, according to CNBC, citing a ZipRecruiter survey of more than 1,500 college graduates who were looking for a job. See the details of other college majors in the chart below.

Notice that most of the regrets are from non-STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) degrees. On average, 44% of all job seekers with college degrees regret their field of study. But let’s look at Skilled trades salaries vs. college degreed salaries.

College degree salaries – The college degree you choose will partially dictate your future earning potential – especially in the first decade after school. If jobs in your field are in high demand, it can even set you up for long-term financial success, enabling you to pay off costly student loans and build up savings potential. See a detailed chart below that shows this, and learn more here.

Skill trades salaries – The  Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational employment statistics survey data reveals that US skilled labor in the construction trades has quite elevated salaries. See this in the chart below, and learn more here.

If you are one that wants to run with the sharks and have the money and connections, you will need to buy your way into a valued “name” university to join the club. This is another calculation that often is not available for many. See this effect in the chart below and learn more here and here.

What are some takeaways from these charts and potential advice on could give to someone starting off with their career?

  • Skilled Trades vs. a College Degree are today on par in terms of salaries unless you target your career in higher levels of STEM.
  • Though not discussed in this post, the cost of college and the time to become productive in your career should be factored into your decisions.
  • However, choose a career that you will enjoy doing for the long term – not just a knee-jerk reaction to the latest “new thing” you see on a college campus or a “quick buck” in the trades.
  • Don’t waste too much time to get your career started, or you will fall behind later in life.
  • Getting a college degree is still better than not in terms of future financial gains. However, this advantage relative to college degree costs is increasingly being challenged.

So what advice would you give to the youth of America? Give us your thoughts in the comment section of this post.

By Tom Williams

Right Wire Report
Right Wire Reporthttps://rightwirereport.com/
Right Wire Report was a group of concerned citizens who took action to promote traditional values and work for a better America.

Truth & Treason

World War II has long served as a compelling...

Is an American confusing England for Britain a problem?

The difficulty is when Americans try to engage with British politics, where they keep saying "England" rather than "Britain."

Charlie Kirk Assassination Links Back to Israel

Those who really know how to use the tools...

Lessons from the Cleavers: “Leave it to Beaver” Can Teach Us A Lot

A Gen-Zer reflects on growing up watching Leave It to Beaver, grateful for the shows timeless lessons and and the values it taught.

Why Democracy, not Caesar, is the answer to our problems

Caesar-style leadership wins quick public support but inevitably sparks passionate resistance, conflict, bloodshed, and lasting social destabilization.

Judge Widens Block on Shutdown-Related Layoffs to Cover More Federal Workers

Judge expanded her order blocking Trump admin mass layoffs during the govt shutdown, extending job protections to more workers.

When Government Could Reopen–Key Dates to Watch

Federal govt shutdown enters third week with Congress deadlocked and no negotiations in sight as key deadlines loom to test lawmakers’ resolve.

Reader Poll: Hold Financers, Organizers Accountable for Political Violence

Respondents to our reader poll think authorities should examine the funding and coordination behind political protests that turn violent.

‘No Kings’ Protests Kick Off Across US as GOP Denounces Rallies as ’Hate America’

Large-scale events, as part of the “No Kings” protests, are taking place in cities including Washington, New York, Boston, New Orleans, and Atlanta.

Army Corps of Engineers to Pause $11 Billion in Projects During Shutdown: Vought

Russ Vought, director of the White House’s OMB, has added to the growing pile of federal projects paused during the government shutdown.

Trump Signs Executive Order Putting New Restrictions on Federal Hiring

Trump signed an executive order directing federal agencies to restrict hiring, with exceptions for immigration, security, and political appointees.

Trump Says He Has Authorized Covert CIA Operations in Venezuela

President Trump authorized covert CIA operations in Venezuela, expanding U.S. assets there to increase pressure on President Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

Trump Posthumously Awards Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom

President Trump posthumously awarded Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom in the White House Rose Garden on Oct 14, Charlie's birthday.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central