You might want to think about a career in the skilled trades if you’re searching for one that pays well, doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree, and offers good job stability.

According to recent McKinsey & Co. study, the United States is experiencing “record-high pressure” for blue-collar jobs as tradespeople retire or age out of the workforce and fewer young people choose careers in transportation, plumbing, and construction.

Due to increased competition for talent brought on by labor shortages exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic’s interruptions to in-person work and material availability, skilled craft positions have seen a more than 20% increase in wages since 2020, according to McKinsey & Co.

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, skilled crafts account for nearly a third (35%) of the fastest-growing jobs in the United States, with over 1.5 million new positions anticipated between now and 2032.

According to Nathan Soto, a career advisor at Resume Genius, in an email to CNBC Make It, blue-collar positions like manufacturing, aviation, and energy are not only in high demand but also pay competitively with many white-collar occupations.

“Blue-collar jobs have seen a resurgence in interest — especially among Gen Z — as people continue to search for higher-paying jobs with low barriers to entry,” he continued.

The majority of blue-collar occupations require certificates, licenses, and, in certain situations, substantial on-the-job training, even though many do not require a four-year degree.

Based on statistics from Resume Genius and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these five skilled crafts occupations are in high demand, pay over $100,000, and don’t require a bachelor’s degree:

Technician for elevators

These people install, repair, and maintain moving walkways, chairlifts, escalators, elevators, and other lifts.

A high school degree and completion of an apprenticeship program supported by a union, trade association, or independent contractor are prerequisites for becoming an elevator technician. A technician must complete extra on-the-job training and obtain a license in the majority of states.

$102,420 is the median annual wage.

Operators of power plants

In a facility that produces and distributes electricity, these employees operate boilers, turbines, generators, and other equipment.

Although a high school degree is usually sufficient for power plant operators, the position also necessitates substantial on-the-job training. A license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is also required.

$100,890 is the median annual pay.

Controller of air traffic

In addition to providing pilots with instructions for landing and departure, air traffic controllers manage all ground traffic on runways and taxiways.

A minimum of an associate’s degree from the Air Traffic Collegiate Training Initiative program, completion of training at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) academy, and additional on-the-job training are prerequisites for becoming an air traffic controller.

The median yearly wage is $137,380.

A nuclear technician

Nuclear technicians operate and maintain nuclear testing equipment in collaboration with physicists, engineers, and other professionals involved in the generation of nuclear energy. Another part of the work may involve testing samples of soil, water, and air for radioactive contamination.

An associate’s degree in nuclear science or a similar field is required to work as a nuclear technician. Additionally, extensive on-the-job training is necessary.

$101,740 is the median annual wage.

Police and detectives’ first-line supervisors

Managing schedules, training personnel, and organizing investigations are all tasks performed by first-line supervisors of police and detectives. In order to preserve order and communication, supervisors frequently serve as a liaison between police and higher-ranking officials.

At least a high school degree and prior job experience, such as as a detective or police officer, are prerequisites for becoming a supervisor. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice may be required by certain employers.

$101,750 is the median annual wage.