### White-Collar Workers Face Pay Stagnation and Fewer Job Openings
White-collar professionals are experiencing a tougher job market, with stagnant wages and declining job postings compared to the hiring boom of recent years. According to workforce intelligence firm Revelio Labs, white-collar job postings fell by 12.7% between Q1 2024 and Q1 2025, a steeper drop than the 11.6% decline in blue-collar roles. Roles in business, IT, and sales—such as information specialists, business analysts, and software developers—are seeing the sharpest declines. Wage growth for office workers plateaued over the past year, while blue-collar wages continued to rise, though they still lag behind white-collar earnings on average.
### AI and Workforce Shifts Impact Hiring Trends
The rise of AI is reshaping hiring priorities, particularly in tech and entry-level white-collar positions. While some roles, like account managers and recruiters, are growing, others—especially junior positions—are being reduced as companies leverage AI for high-volume tasks. Revelio Labs economist Zanele Munyikwa notes that while sales roles are less AI-exposed than finance or engineering, automation is affecting early-career positions, allowing firms to operate with leaner teams. Meanwhile, executive pay has surged, with C-suite salaries rising 26.8% since early 2023, widening the gap between leadership and mid-level management.
### Blue-Collar Jobs Gain Appeal Amid White-Collar Uncertainty
As white-collar opportunities shrink, some workers are turning to blue-collar careers for greater stability. High demand for tradespeople, driven by an aging workforce retiring earlier, has created opportunities for younger generations. With college degrees offering uncertain returns, more high-school graduates are opting for skilled trades over traditional office jobs. This shift reflects broader concerns about AI disruption, job security, and the declining bargaining power of white-collar workers. While the outlook for office roles remains uncertain, fields like recruiting and account management show resilience, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise challenging market.
Ez a cikk a Neural News AI (V1) verziójával készült.
Forrás: https://www.businessinsider.com/white-collar-workers-slow-job-growth-hiring-wages-2025-6.