10 Essential U.S. Jobs That Cannot Be Outsourced – And How High Schools Can Train the Next Generation to Fill Them

Link for CBS4 Interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByIqp9RSkBo&authuser=0

In an age of remote work, artificial intelligence, and offshoring, the U.S. economy still depends heavily on a core set of essential jobs—professions that must be done in person, by skilled hands, and within local communities. These are roles that can’t be replaced by an app or sent overseas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many of these careers offer stability, income potential, and an alternative to the crushing burden of student loan debt.

This article explores 10 such essential jobs and outlines a high school education model that empowers students to graduate with both a diploma and an employable skill. It’s a blueprint for building an American workforce that is self-reliant, entrepreneurial, and recession-resilient.

🔧 10 Essential U.S. Jobs That Cannot Be Outsourced

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics — bls.gov

1. Plumbers

   • Median Pay: $61,550

   • Job Outlook: 2% growth (42,600 jobs/year)

   • Why Not Outsourced: Requires on-site diagnostics and compliance with local codes.

2. Electricians

   • Median Pay: $60,240

   • Job Outlook: 6% growth

   • Why Not Outsourced: Local regulations and physical system work demand in-person labor.

3. HVAC Technicians

   • Median Pay: $51,390

   • Job Outlook: 6% growth

   • Why Not Outsourced: Equipment installation and maintenance is site-specific.

4. Auto Mechanics

   • Median Pay: $47,770

   • Job Outlook: Stable (67,000 annual openings due to retirements)

   • Why Not Outsourced: Direct interaction with the vehicle is required.

5. Carpenters

   • Median Pay: $51,390

   • Job Outlook: 0% growth (79,500 annual openings)

   • Why Not Outsourced: On-site construction and remodeling can’t be automated.

6. Welders

   • Median Pay: $48,940

   • Job Outlook: 2% growth

   • Why Not Outsourced: On-site fabrication, construction, and repairs are manual by nature.

7. Roofers

   • Median Pay: $48,890

   • Job Outlook: 1% growth

   • Why Not Outsourced: Local installation requires physical access and safety compliance.

8. Masons

   • Median Pay: $59,340

   • Job Outlook: -2% (specialized demand remains strong)

   • Why Not Outsourced: Skilled, location-bound work using physical materials.

9. Elevator Installers & Repairers

   • Median Pay: $100,390

   • Job Outlook: 3% growth

   • Why Not Outsourced: Regulated infrastructure requires certified, on-site labor.

10. Barbers & Hairstylists

11. Median Pay: $29,490–$38,910

12. Job Outlook: 8% growth

13. Why Not Outsourced: Personal care requires in-person trust and interaction.

    
    

🎓 High School CTE Programs: The Alternative to Student Loan Debt

For students not pursuing a traditional college path—or those seeking to avoid the weight of student loan debt—there’s a powerful alternative: Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs embedded into high school curriculum.

Watch this short video to learn more:📺 The Skilled Trades Pathway

🛠️ High School Program Design: “Graduate With a Skill”

Program Goal: Enable students to earn a diploma and an industry-recognized certification in one of these essential trades.

🧱 Phase 1: 9th–10th Grade

• Intro to Trades & Career Exploration

• CTE Electives (Construction, Auto Tech, Cosmetology)

• Guest Speakers from Local Industry

• Hands-on School-Based Labs

🔩 Phase 2: 11th–12th Grade

• Trade-Specific Training (e.g., pipefitting, welding, HVAC systems)

• Dual Enrollment with Local Technical Colleges

• Off-Site Internships & Pre-Apprenticeships

• Industry Certification Exams (NCCER, ASE, EPA 608, OSHA, etc.)

🔧 Trade Pathway Examples

🤝 Partnering for Success

Partner schools with:

• Local Businesses for internships and job shadowing

• Trade Unions & Associations like IBEW, UA, ABC

• Technical Colleges like Atlantic Technical or McFatter

• State Licensing Boards for exam prep and certification pathways

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💼 Career Launch at Graduation

Students graduate with:

• A high school diploma

• An industry-recognized trade certification

• A job offer, apprenticeship, or business plan

Plus: financial literacy training, resume prep, and entrepreneurship coaching.

📊 Why This Works

• High Demand: 50K–100K+ openings annually per trade

• High Pay: Up to $100K/year without a college degree

• Low Risk: No student loan debt

• Local Impact: Strengthens communities and the economy

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📌 Final Thoughts

We must restore dignity to the trades and offer real economic mobility without chaining young people to decades of debt. A strong trades-based CTE program in high school isn’t just workforce development—it’s American renewal. These essential jobs can’t be outsourced, can’t be automated, and can’t be replaced. They are the backbone of local economies and the blueprint for financial independence.

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