Workers in skilled trades and technical fields are now experiencing lower unemployment than some college-educated professionals, signaling a shift in the U.S. labor market that carries implications for industrial states such as Ohio, according to a new analysis from The Washington Post.

The report found demand for workers with associate degrees or technical training has strengthened as hiring for certain white-collar occupations has slowed, reflecting the impact of automation, artificial intelligence and changing business needs. Jobs tied to construction, manufacturing and infrastructure have remained comparatively resilient.

Economists cited in the report said the trend challenges long-held assumptions that four-year degrees provide the most reliable path to job security, pointing instead to growing returns for workers with specialized skills.

For Ohio, where manufacturing remains a major employer, the findings underscore the importance of aligning education and training systems with labor-market demand. Analysts said states with large trade and technical workforces may be better positioned as employers continue to seek workers with practical, job-ready skills. 2/2/2026