Ford CEO Warns America Is in Crisis as 5,000 High-Paying Mechanic Jobs Go Unfilled

The Hidden Opportunities in the U.S. Job Market

Despite the current challenges facing the U.S. job market, there are still high-paying opportunities available that often go unnoticed. Ford CEO Jim Farley recently highlighted this point during an appearance on the Office Hours: Business Edition podcast. He emphasized that while many headlines focus on wage growth cooling and big-tech layoffs, there are still well-paying jobs that remain unfilled.

Farley recalled how his grandfather built a middle-class life through a blue-collar job at Ford. He believes similar opportunities still exist today. For example, he mentioned that Ford dealership mechanics can earn up to $120,000 a year, but it takes five years of training to reach that level. These roles require significant skill, such as working on diesel engines in Superduty trucks.

This contrasts with the broader earnings picture. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median weekly earning for full-time U.S. workers in Q2 2025 was $1,196 — about $62,192 a year. Farley’s numbers suggest that thousands of roles pay nearly double that figure.

Why Are These Jobs Going Unfilled?

Farley points to a systemic shortage of training and education for skilled trades. He mentioned over a million openings in critical jobs, including emergency services, trucking, factory workers, plumbers, electricians, and tradesmen. He argues that the lack of trade schools and investment in educating the next generation is a serious issue.

Farley's grandfather was the 389th employee hired at Ford. Today, the company's workforce stands at roughly 180,000. However, the pipeline feeding those hands-on roles has eroded. Farley warns that without enough skilled workers, the country could face serious consequences, especially in times of war.

A Shift in Career Choices

Despite these concerns, there are signs of a shift. Reports suggest that more young Americans are opting for trade careers instead of traditional college degrees. Enrollment in trade schools rose 4.9% between 2020 and 2023. Meanwhile, U.S. college enrollment fell by roughly 1.4 million students between 2012 and 2024.

Boosting Your Income: Strategies for Financial Stability

With the cost of living climbing and many Americans feeling financially stretched, adding new income streams has become increasingly important. Even small amounts of passive income can help people get ahead of bills and start making real progress toward long-term goals like retirement.

Earn Rental Income Without Becoming a Landlord

One of the most time-tested strategies to generate passive income is through real estate investing. Owning a rental property can generate monthly cash flow through rent while also serving as a hedge against inflation.

However, being a landlord comes with its challenges. You’ll need to find and screen tenants, ensure rent is collected on time, and deal with maintenance and repairs. Fortunately, platforms like Mogul offer fractional ownership in blue-chip rental properties, allowing investors to earn monthly rental income without the hassle of being a landlord.

Another option is First National Realty Partners (FNRP), which allows accredited investors to diversify their portfolio through grocery-anchored commercial properties. With a minimum investment of $50,000, investors can own a share of properties leased by national brands like Whole Foods, Kroger, and Walmart.

Collect Dividends

Another straightforward way to generate recurring income is through dividend-paying stocks. Companies with a strong track record of paying and growing dividends offer investors a steady cash flow. For example, SoFi offers a self-directed trading account with no commission fees, allowing investors to explore dividend stocks easily.

Let Your Cash Hatch Its Own Income

Even your spare cash can work harder for you. High-yield accounts, such as a Wealthfront Cash Account, can provide competitive interest rates. With an exclusive boost for The News Pulse readers, you can earn a total APY of 4.15%, which is significantly higher than the national deposit savings rate.

Conclusion

While the U.S. job market faces challenges, there are still high-paying opportunities available in skilled trades. Addressing the shortage of training and education for these roles is crucial for the country's future. Additionally, exploring ways to boost income through real estate, dividends, and high-yield accounts can help individuals achieve financial stability and long-term goals.