Today is Day 65 of the Papa’s Walk Challenge. Only 300 more days to go! 🙂
As I started my walk today, I noticed a plumbing truck parked in front of a house. Papa was a plumber (see picture of him at right) 
and I recognized the plumbing snake in the back of the truck used to clear a stoppage. (Watch this video tutorial on how to snake your own drain.)
As I continued walking, I saw a real estate associate setting up a sign announcing a broker tour of a home that was just listed for sale. Then, I saw a Fed Ex delivery person.
I began to think about the different jobs people have and kept my eyes open for other workers. Over the next two miles I saw a variety of people doing jobs and marveled at the fact that none of the positions required a college degree.
Having recently read an article in Rolling Stone magazine by Matt Taibbi about The College Loan Scandal, making a living without the “benefit” of a college degree was on my mind.
When I got home, I decided to visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website to look up the annual mean wage (in the San Francisco Bay Area) for each of the jobs I identified on my walk. I found most of them, but not all. Here they are:
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Plumber $66,000
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Real Estate Sales Agent $52,280
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Delivery Truck Driver $45,000
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Tree Trimmer $45,000
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Waste Collector (aka garbage man) $58,620
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Gardener $42,000
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U.S. Post Office Mail Carrier $52,920
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Brick Mason $97,580
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EMT (Emergency Medical Technician/Ambulance Driver) $66,460
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Day Care Provider $30,560
I couldn’t find information for these occupations:
- Parks Department Maintenance Worker
- Furniture Mover
- Junk Hauler
None of the jobs above require a college degree, although some require trade school or extensive training and experience. If you’re interested in this topic, you’ll enjoy reading Blake Boles’ book, Better Than College: How To Build a Successful Life Without a Four Year Degree.
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