Mechanics don’t qualify as unskilled either, since they require education and certification. They fall under “skilled trades”. My brother is a mechanic (a master tech), and he’s done probably 10+ years of schooling, and has more certifications than I can recall. He’s one of like 3 people across 4 counties that is qualified to do everything he does.

But yeah, I don’t like the term “unskilled labor” in any context, even if it’s technically accurate in some cases. It feels dismissive, and many of the jobs it’s used to describe are the backbone of a functioning society. Honestly, I think we need to just do away with the value judgment terms like “skilled” versus “unskilled”, which only perpetuate the division of the working class.

What if we categorized all labor on a tier system with no implied superiority of one tier over another, just clarity on pathways to move from one tier to the next? Here’s a rough idea:

Tier 1: Specialized Service & Essential Labor

• Jobs that require training, adaptability, and situational skills but not formal education.
• Examples: Waitstaff, retail workers, janitorial staff, delivery drivers, housekeepers.

Tier 2: Technical & Trade-Based Roles

• Jobs requiring certifications, apprenticeships, or vocational training (but not necessarily a degree).
• Examples: Electricians, plumbers, EMTs, pharmacy techs, truck drivers (CDL).

Tier 3: Associate Professional & Supervisory Roles

• Jobs that may require some college, specialized training, or years of experience in Tier 1 and/or Tier 2 roles.
• Examples: Restaurant managers, IT support, paralegals, bookkeepers.

Tier 4: Degree-Dependent Professions

• Jobs requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher, often with licensure.
• Examples: Nurses, teachers, engineers, accountants.

Tier 5: Highly Specialized & Advanced Credential Roles

• Jobs requiring advanced degrees, residencies, or elite training.
• Examples: Surgeons, research scientists, professors, aerospace engineers.