"'35,000 Won per Hour' Jobs Drawn as Livelihood Means... 'I Want to Do Physical Work That Earns a Lot First' [SegyeneunZgeum]"

Changing Perceptions of 'Blue-Collar' Jobs
Attracting Attention for High Income and Job Security

Editor's NoteGeneration Z (those born from the late 1990s to the early 2010s) is gaining attention as a generation that leads culture and trends in a rapidly changing era, setting new standards across society. In [The World is Z Gold], we aim to shed light on the lives and values of Generation Z worldwide and explore how they are transforming society.

Globally, there is a shift in perception toward blue-collar (field) jobs among Generation Z. Blue-collar occupations, once avoided, are emerging as attractive options due to job security and compensation. As employment instability in white-collar (office) jobs becomes more apparent, the preference for blue-collar work among younger generations is expected to continue for the foreseeable future.

Why Choose 'Blue-Collar' Jobs Despite Low Satisfaction

A survey conducted last month by the U.S. polling organization Pew Research Center, targeting 5,273 employed individuals in the United States, found that 35% of blue-collar respondents felt their jobs were not respected by society. This rate of feeling disrespected is nearly twice as high as that of workers in other occupations (19%).

Notably, younger age groups tended to view blue-collar jobs as a short-term means to earn living expenses. Among Generation Z (ages 18?29) blue-collar workers, 65% regarded their current job as a "means of livelihood," and the intention to change jobs within the next six months was highest among Generation Z at 44%. The Pew Research Center analyzed in its report that "blue-collar workers tend to have less attachment to their work and are more likely to view their jobs as a means of making a living rather than a 'career.'" This perception is especially pronounced among younger generations and female workers.

However, despite low job satisfaction, the number of Generation Z individuals choosing blue-collar occupations is increasing. This is because these jobs are being reevaluated as "high-paying positions." According to an analysis of U.S. Department of Labor statistics by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) last year, the average hourly wage for machinists and carpenters, who must undergo apprenticeship training, was $23.32 (approximately 33,000 KRW) and $24.71 (approximately 35,000 KRW), respectively. These rates exceed the average hourly wage of $20 (about 28,000 KRW) for entry-level white-collar college graduates.

The U.S. economic media Forbes stated, "The acceptance of blue-collar jobs by Generation Z reflects a shift in traditional career perceptions," adding, "For those entering the labor market without student loans and seeking to earn a certain level of income, blue-collar jobs are becoming increasingly attractive options." It further noted, "These jobs can be entered without a college degree, and apprenticeships or vocational training are much less costly compared to traditional degree programs."

Growing Preference for Field Jobs in Korea as Well

Among Generation Z in the United States, there is a noticeable tendency to avoid blue-collar (field) jobs. Photo unrelated to specific expressions in the article. Pixabay

In Korea, the perception of blue-collar jobs is also changing significantly. Although these jobs were once avoided due to the reputation of being "3D jobs" (difficult, dangerous, dirty), they are now gaining attention among young people for their high salaries and job security. Especially with the full-scale advent of the artificial intelligence (AI) era, there is growing expectation that blue-collar jobs requiring skilled labor will be preferable to simple office jobs that are easier to replace.

According to a survey conducted last October by the job platform Byeolgok Market targeting 1,348 blue-collar and office workers, 61.1% of office workers responded positively toward blue-collar jobs. Additionally, 51.5% expressed willingness to work in such occupations. The reasons cited included ▲the belief that they can earn money proportional to their effort (33.7%), ▲the possibility of working long-term without mandatory retirement age (27.0%), and ▲less stress related to promotions and performance in organizational life (14.6%).

This perception is also reflected in the actual job market. For example, Hyundai Motor Company's production jobs are so popular among job seekers that they are called "Kingsan-jik (King of Production Jobs)." The starting salary for new hires exceeds 50 million KRW, and including overtime pay and performance bonuses, the annual salary reaches the 70 million KRW range. Additionally, benefits such as guaranteed retirement, vehicle discounts, medical expenses, and support for children's university tuition are abundant. Thanks to these conditions, tens of thousands of applicants flooded the recruitment website during the 2023 hiring period, causing the site to temporarily crash.