The term “white collar” originated in the early 20th century, derived from the dress shirts that were standard business attire for male office workers. The term was popularized by American writer Upton Sinclair in the 1930s when describing clerical, administrative, and managerial workers. The contrasting “blue collar” was already in use by then, based on the practical, sturdy blue work clothes of manual laborers. 

White-collar

Succeeding in college, graduating and scoring a “white-collar” job, depends on academic ability, school choice, major, affordability, graduating, and luck. Only 30% of high school graduates who matriculate succeed.

W-A-Y too many high school graduates aspire to land a white-collar job and that corner office. With the tightening white-collar market and AI reducing entry level jobs, there are only so many well-paying, professional jobs available for college graduates each year.

College is a trap. The reality is that almost any high school graduate can find a college or university that will accept them because only 8% of four-year institutions are selective to any serious degree. Once you get accepted, your “generous” government is going to offer to lend you money which most of you will never be in a position to repay.

Today. your average high school graduate has a GPA of 3.0. The data shows that half of these mediocre students who matriculate graduate. However, students below the top tier are unlikely to win the competition for the relatively few white-collar jobs available each year.

So, if college looks dicey, what is a newly minted high school graduate supposed to do? There are lots of choices. Here are two of them.

Gray-collar

Many in Gen Z are ditching traditional four-year college degrees for skilled trades. Well, the skilled trades are not your only alternative to college.

There is another path to middleclass prosperity—hidden in plain sight. Dr. Kevin Fleming in his book, (RE)Defining the Goal: The True Path to Career Readiness in the 21st Century, explains where many well-paying jobs are lurking:

“The true ratio of jobs in our economy is 1:2:7. For every occupation that requires a master’s degree or more, two professional jobs require a university degree, and there are over a half a dozen jobs requiring a 1-year certificate or a 2-year degree, and each of these technicians is in very high-skilled areas in high demand.”

Gray-collar jobs fall between blue-collar and white-collar work. They usually involve technical skills, specialized certifications, or moderate formal education, but not a four-year college degree. Many gray-collar workers manage technology or specialized equipment and often bridge the gap between physical labor and administrative work. These jobs tend to pay well, especially with experience or certifications.

Radiologic Technologist – operates X-ray and imaging machines.
Salary: $65,000 – $95,000

Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (Ultrasound Tech) – performs imaging using ultrasound
Salary: $70,000 – $100,000

Respiratory Therapist – assists patients with breathing disorders
Salary: $65,000 – $90,000

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – mid-level nursing role
Salary: $55,000 – $75,000

Surgical Technologist – assists surgeons during procedures
Salary: $50,000 – $80,000

Medical Laboratory Technologist – analyzes samples in labs
Salary: $55,000 – $85,000

IT Support Specialist – maintains and troubleshoots computer systems
Salary: $55,000 – $85,000

Industrial Automation Technician – manages robotics in factories
Salary: $60,000 – $90,000

Telecommunications Technician – installs and repairs telecom systems
Salary: $55,000 – $80,000

Robotics Technician – maintains industrial robots
Salary: $65,000 – $95,000

Cybersecurity Technician (entry-level) – protects networks from threats
Salary: $70,000 – $100,000

Firefighter (Senior or Specialized Role) – e.g., hazardous materials or rescue operations
Salary: $65,000 – $100,000

Police Sergeant or Investigator
Salary: $70,000 – $110,000

Correctional Supervisor
Salary: $60,000 – $95,000

Emergency Management Specialist
Salary: $70,000 – $110,000

Air Traffic Controller – monitors flight paths and airspace safety
Salary: $90,000 – $140,000

Aircraft Mechanic (FAA Certified)
Salary: $70,000 – $100,000

Railroad Conductor/Engineer
Salary: $65,000 – $100,000

Commercial Drone Operator (inspection, mapping, delivery)
Salary: $55,000 – $85,000

However, in our society this path is stigmatized. A parent will only rarely suggest community college, and you’ll never hear a high school guidance counselor who is focused on her school’s “college readiness” stats to share this job information.

Read A New U for more ideas. This book uses the term “new-collar” to describe gray-collar jobs.

Blue-collar

Blue-collar jobs, the much maligned trades, are hands-on, labor-intensive occupations that typically involve skilled or unskilled manual work. These jobs are often associated with industries like construction, manufacturing, transportation, maintenance, and utilities. They don’t require a four-year college degree, but many require technical training, apprenticeships, or certifications. Skilled blue-collar jobs pay well, and competition and outsourcing are not likely to be a problem.

• Electrician – installing and maintaining electrical systems
• Plumber – working with pipes, drainage, and water systems
• HVAC Technician – heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems
• Welder – joining metal parts in construction and manufacturing
• Machinist – operating precision tools in manufacturing
• Automotive Technician – diagnosing and repairing vehicles
• Construction Equipment Operator – operating heavy machinery
• Aircraft Mechanic – maintaining and repairing airplanes
• Elevator Installer/Repairer – specialized mechanical work

There are numerous options for learning the skills to score a job in the skilled trades. Start you research by looking for paid apprenticeships.

Notes

Community college can teach you the skills to land a good gray-collar job. An associate in applied science degree is often the ticket to high wages. Most states have some form of a free tuition program for residents. As opposed to majoring in Puppeteering at Big Bucks U, this is a no-brainer.

Blue-collar Boomers are retiring in droves. For every five hanging up their toolbelts, there are only two workers interested in picking up the slack. Obviously, this has implications for wages in the future.

Everyone loves a good story about the underdog athlete who walks on and beats the 1000 to 1 odds to make the team. Do you remember the movie, Invincible? In 1976, Vince Papale, a thirty-year-old bartender from South Philadelphia, overcame those long odds to play three years for the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles. Every year, hundreds of thousands of “academic walk-ons” show up at freshman orientation. The only difference is they must pay tens of thousands of dollars for the privilege. Their chances of success are not much better than Papale’s. There isn’t much downside for a walk-on athlete. Being an academic walk-on is very risky.

As a socialist and “muckraker,” Sinclair wrote extensively about the struggles of the working class. His focus on the aspirations and perceived self-interest of office workers who identified with the “boss” highlighted the divisions within the proletariat.